Overview
Alma @ Oshawa is a student‑housing property located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. The address is Oshawa, ON L1H 0A3. It offers a mix of one‑bedroom, studio, and non‑ensuite (shared bathroom) units. Monthly rents range from CAD 1,360 to CAD 2,085 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The property comes with included bills, a gym, and on‑site laundry facilities. The minimum lease term is 10 months, and the earliest move‑in date is 3 September 2026 (based on the listing date format). On Google, it holds a 3.8‑star rating from 86 reviews.
This article gives a neutral assessment of who this residence fits, what current residents actually say, how its price compares to the city’s baseline, and what you should know before booking.
Who Should Live Here?
Alma @ Oshawa suits residents who value an all‑inclusive rental with amenities. The tagged features — bills included, gym, laundry facility — mean you do not have to arrange separate utility accounts or shop for a separate gym membership. For someone moving to Oshawa for a 10‑month academic term or a co‑op placement, the minimum lease aligns with a typical two‑semester period.
The unit types give flexibility. A studio or one‑bedroom offers privacy, while a non‑ensuite room (shared bathroom and kitchen) is often more affordable and a common setup for residents who want a social environment. Because bills are included, you can budget a single monthly payment without worrying about seasonal heating or electricity spikes.
The location in Oshawa places you within reach of Durham College and Ontario Tech University (neither of these names is used in the data, but the city context is known). However, the listing does not specify distance; you should confirm walking or transit times with the operator.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
If your budget is tight, note that Oshawa’s city‑wide from‑price for student housing is CAD 648 per month. Alma @ Oshawa starts at CAD 1,360 — roughly double the bottom of the market. That is not unusual for a property with included bills and a gym, but if you are seeking the cheapest option in town, look at other listings in the city.
Short‑term stays under 10 months are not possible here. If you need a 4‑ or 6‑month lease, this property will not work.
Some resident reviews (see next section) mention declining management responsiveness and maintenance issues after the first few months. If you are very sensitive to slow email replies or common‑area cleanliness, consider that the experience may vary over time.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews are available for Alma @ Oshawa. They present a mixed picture.
Sophie Scott (rating: 1) — review excerpt:
“I dont know, is it too much to ask for water in my pipe? for the garbage room to have a place to put my garbage (not on the floor)?!. Is it too much to ask for my maintenance requests and follow up emails regarding same to be responded to? For the hallway to be vacuumed? Dont be fooled by any good review here as it cou”
This review is cut off, but the tone is clearly negative — complaints about water supply, garbage disposal, unresponsive maintenance, and hallway cleanliness. The user warns against being fooled by positive reviews.
Carly Tex (rating: 5) — review excerpt:
“I stopped by for a residence tour and ended up having a really great experience. Makayla was the one who walked me through the building, and she made everything super easy to follow. She was friendly, straightforward, and explained things in a way that actually helped me understand what living here would be like. She s”
A positive tour experience. The reviewer highlights a helpful staff member and clear communication during the viewing.
Arista (rating: 2) — review excerpt:
“My honest opinion: The first months were great! Management was always available the building was always clean. I really enjoyed being here! I’ve been here for 8 months now. A few months ago I really started noticing a change. There’s no staff around and it takes long to get an email reply back or call unlike before and”
This reviewer enjoyed the first few months but saw a deterioration in management presence and response times after about five months. The word “and” at the end suggests the review continues, but the text in the dataset is cut off.
Overall, the Google rating of 3.8 (out of 5) across 86 reviews suggests most residents are reasonably satisfied, but the specific reviews indicate that property management can become inconsistent over time. The initial positive experience from a tour does not guarantee the same level of service throughout a 10‑month stay.
Price Positioning Versus the City’s From‑Price
Oshawa’s lowest advertised student‑housing price is CAD 648 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). Alma @ Oshawa starts at CAD 1,360, which is 2.1 times that baseline. The top end of CAD 2,085 is more than three times the city minimum.
This price range positions the property in the mid‑to‑upper tier. The inclusion of bills (electricity, water, gas, internet – confirm scope with operator) and the gym partially justify the premium, but the value depends on how much you use those amenities. For comparison, the city has only two student‑housing properties tracked (based on the data), so competition is limited. If you want a gym and bundled bills under one roof, you may pay a premium for convenience.
All prices here are indicative — always confirm the current rate and what is included with the operator before signing.
Room Type Guidance
Three unit types are available:
- Studio: A self‑contained unit with kitchenette and private bathroom. Highest price range but full privacy. Good for someone who cooks and wants minimal shared space.
- One‑bedroom (1b): Separate bedroom and living area, private bathroom. Similar privacy to a studio but with a dedicated sleeping space. Often slightly larger.
- Non‑ensuite: A single bedroom in a shared apartment. You will share a bathroom and, usually, a kitchen and living area with other residents. This is the most affordable option within the property and suits those who prefer a social living arrangement and do not mind sharing.
If you are on a tighter budget but want the amenities, the non‑ensuite room is the logical choice. If you value privacy above all, a studio or one‑bedroom is better.
Booking Timing
The earliest move‑in date is 3 September 2026. The minimum lease is 10 months, meaning the lease would end around late June or early July 2027 (exact date depends on the operator’s schedule). With only two tracked properties in Oshawa, availability may be limited, especially if many students target the same move‑in period.
It is advisable to start inquiring at least 4–6 months before your intended move‑in (e.g., by March–April 2026 for a September start). This gives you time to compare the non‑ensuite and private options and to secure a unit before the fall semester fills up. Because the property has a 3.8 rating and mixed reviews, a thorough pre‑booking tour (in person or virtual) is recommended.
FAQ
H3: Are bills included in the rent?
Yes. The property is tagged with “bills_included”. This typically covers water, electricity, heating, and internet, but you should confirm the exact scope with the operator before committing.
H3: What is the minimum lease term?
The minimum lease is 10 months. Shorter stays are not available at this property.
H3: Does the residence have a gym?
Yes. A gym is listed among the tags. The reviews do not mention the quality or equipment, so you may want to ask about it during a tour.
Sources & Data Date
Data used in this article is sourced from the listing “Alma @ Oshawa” (amber ID: 1599786), Google reviews (86 reviews, rating 3.8), and city price reference (from‑price CAD 648). All data cited is as of the snapshot date: July 2026.
For the most up‑to‑date room availability and to schedule a viewing, use the on‑site assistant on this page.
See also: listing details · browse more