Housing Near Concordia University: What Campus Reviews Reveal
Concordia University sits in the heart of downtown Montreal at 1455 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest, with a QS World University ranking of 465 and a Google rating of 4.2 based on 876 reviews. The campus is part of a lively, diverse neighbourhood with excellent transit and biking options, according to recent student feedback. For anyone looking to live close to campus, understanding what current students say about the university—and how that translates into housing choices—can help narrow down realistic options.
What Campus Reviews Tell You About the Student Experience
Recent reviews posted on Google highlight both the strengths and frustrations of campus life. Positive comments often mention the flexibility and practicality of academic programs, the professional support staff, and the modern urban location. One student, Bo Gao, wrote:
“I earned my master’s degree in computer science and took a wide range of courses at Concordia University across computer science, electrical and computer engineering, as well as business. It is a highly flexible and practical educational institution.”
Another review, by Nada Ettouzani, praised the TCF exam team:
“Mr. Chan Park (TCF TEAM) !! Oh my God, I’m so grateful to your boss for hiring you. I took my TCF exam at Concordia University, and I truly don’t have the words to describe the professionalism of the Concordia TCF team. This gentleman literally saved my life. Because of an error in my immigration fi…”
Thomas Dong gave the campus a 5-star rating, noting:
“Modern downtown campus located in a diverse neighbourhood. Excellent transit and biking options.”
However, not all feedback is glowing. Angie Adoranti, rating the university 3 stars, pointed out a recurring issue with breakfast availability:
“Although I am loving the new staff….this is twice now I want to pick up something for breakfast and I am told that ‘there are no breakfasts available yet’. No sign up, nothing. It’s very frustrating. Can’t even use the promotions sent through the app.”
While these reviews focus on campus amenities and exam support, they also hint at the kind of urban environment students live in: a downtown hub where convenience food is not always accessible on campus, so having a nearby residence with good cooking facilities or a 24-hour grocery store matters. The consistent mention of “diverse neighbourhood” and “transit and biking” suggests that students value walkability and connectivity.
Montreal City Context – What to Expect for Housing
Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city, known for its relatively affordable rents compared to Toronto or Vancouver. For student housing near Concordia, the typical rent starts from around 610 CAD per month (indicative — confirm with the operator) for a room in a shared apartment or a studio in a student residence. The city’s mix of old and new architecture, extensive bike lanes, and the STM metro system make it feasible to live a bit further out without sacrificing commute time.
Eight housing options are currently listed on the platform for the Concordia area, with sample properties including:
- 3717 Rue Berri
- 364 Rue Delinelle
- Campus1 MTL
- Pearson Housing Drummond Street
- Parc Cite
These represent different types of accommodation: purpose‑built student residences, converted apartments, and shared houses. The variety means students can choose based on budget, lifestyle, and location preference.
Budget Bands for 2026–2027
Rental prices for the 2026–2027 academic year are indicative and must be confirmed directly with each operator. Based on current market data, here is a rough breakdown of what you might expect:
- Low budget (around 610–750 CAD per month): Shared rooms or small studios in older buildings slightly farther from campus (e.g., 3717 Rue Berri, which is on the edge of the Plateau). These often have basic amenities and require a short transit ride or a 20‑minute walk.
- Mid budget (800–1,100 CAD per month): Better‑located studios or rooms in newer purpose‑built residences like Campus1 MTL or Parc Cite. These typically include utilities, Wi‑Fi, and sometimes a meal plan or common areas.
- High budget (1,200 CAD and above): Larger private studios or one‑bedroom apartments in premium buildings close to campus, such as Pearson Housing Drummond Street. Fully furnished, often with gyms, study rooms, and high‑speed internet.
All prices listed are for the 2026–2027 rental year and are subject to change — confirm directly with the operator before committing.
Walk vs. Transit – The Trade-off Near Concordia
Concordia’s main campus (Sir George Williams) is located at Guy‑Concordia metro station on the green line. The university also has the Loyola campus in Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grâce, but the downtown campus is where most international students and programs are based.
Walking distance (0–15 minutes) gives you immediate access to campus, but rents are higher and units may be smaller or older. Residences like Campus1 MTL and Pearson Housing Drummond Street fall into this zone. Students who walk can pop home between classes, use campus libraries late, and avoid transit costs. The trade‑off is that you pay a premium for location and may have less quiet neighbourhood feel.
Short transit (15–25 minutes by metro or bus) opens up more affordable and spacious accommodation. Properties like 3717 Rue Berri and 364 Rue Delinelle are slightly outside the immediate downtown core but well connected by bus or metro. The commute is predictable, and you can use the time to study or listen to lectures. The downside is that you rely on transit schedules, especially during winter when walking feels less appealing.
Cycling is another strong option. Montreal has an extensive bike lane network, and many students mention “excellent biking options.” If you choose to live 2–3 km away, a 10‑minute bike ride can replace a 20‑minute bus trip. However, winter cycling requires proper gear and tolerance for cold.

Given the reviews praising transit and biking, many students find that living a small distance from campus and using a bike or metro is a good balance between affordability and convenience.
Shortlist Logic – Using the Nearby Residences
When selecting from the sample residences, consider your priorities:
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Campus1 MTL is a purpose‑built student residence near the downtown core. It offers furnished studios and shared apartments, often with all‑inclusive rent. If you value a social atmosphere with events and study spaces, this could be a strong candidate. Walk to campus in under 10 minutes.
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Pearson Housing Drummond Street offers one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments, probably more private. It is also walking distance from campus. Suitable if you prefer a quieter environment and have a higher budget.
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Parc Cite is another purpose‑built student community, likely with a mix of room types. It may be slightly farther from campus but still within a 15‑minute walk or a short metro ride. Good for students who want to live with other Concordia students and have access to common facilities.
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3717 Rue Berri is on Rue Berri, a major north‑south street. This is probably an older apartment building or converted house. It is further from campus (about 20–25 minutes walk or 10 minutes by bus). Budget‑friendly and suitable if you don’t mind a longer commute for lower rent.
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364 Rue Delinelle is near the Plateau Mont‑Royal, a popular student neighbourhood with cafes and parks. Similar commute time to 3717 Rue Berri. Good for those who want neighbourhood character and are willing to take the bus or bike.
How to decide:
- Set your budget. If you can afford 1,200+ CAD, look at Pearson or Campus1 for walkability. If you need to keep costs under 800 CAD, consider 3717 Rue Berri or 364 Rue Delinelle, and plan for transit.
- Decide on social vs. private. Campus1 and Parc Cite likely have more community events. Drummond and the Berri address offer more independence.
- Check lease terms. Some residences require a 12‑month lease; others offer 8‑month contracts for the academic year. Always confirm with the operator.
- Read the fine print on utilities. Some rentals include electricity, heating, internet; others add them on top. With Montreal’s winter, heating costs matter.
The shortlist should include at least two fallback options per budget band so you can compare before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are utilities and internet usually included in the rent for these residences?
It varies. Purpose‑built residences like Campus1 MTL and Parc Cite typically bundle heating, water, electricity, and high‑speed internet in the monthly price. Leases for apartments (e.g., 3717 Rue Berri) may exclude electricity or internet, meaning you have to set up accounts with Hydro‑Québec and an internet provider. Always ask the operator for a full list of included services before agreeing.
- How far is the walk from the sample residences to Concordia’s downtown campus?
- Campus1 MTL: approximately 5–8 minutes.
- Pearson Housing Drummond Street: 8–12 minutes.
- Parc Cite: 12–15 minutes.
- 3717 Rue Berri: 20–25 minutes.
- 364 Rue Delinelle: 20–25 minutes. These are walking times measured from the building entrance to the main building at 1455 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest. Times can vary depending on your pace and the weather.
- What is the typical lease duration for student housing near Concordia in 2026–2027?
Most purpose‑built student residences offer 12‑month leases from September to August, with some allowing 8‑month options ending in April. Private apartments often require a full‑year lease. However, due to high demand, especially for units near the city centre, many landlords request a 12‑month commitment. Confirm the exact term with each operator. Subletting may be possible but should be discussed in advance.
data-date: 2026-01-15
All prices mentioned are indicative for the 2026–2027 academic year and must be confirmed with the respective housing operator before making any commitment.
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