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This checklist will help you ensure that you have everything you need for your first apartment. Adulting can be hard, so we’re here to make sure you’re fully stocked up and ready to make the most of your experience as a uni student.
This checklist tells you what items are not included in your University Apartments student apartment, so make sure to stock up on these before you move in! We’ve included items that’ll help you make your place as cozy as possible, as well as some more functional stuff that often goes forgotten.
If you’re looking to move out but aren’t ready to live on your own, finding roommates can turn into an incredibly daunting task. Where can I find someone who would want to live with me? 🤷♂️ Or, more importantly, who would I want to live with? How can I be sure we have similar living styles and needs? How do I find someone who’s looking for the same kind of living situation as I am?
The fact of the matter is, there’s really no need to stress over this! There are so many great resources online to help you find the perfect roomie, and so many opportunities to meet new people when you’re at university. Here are 10 places you could meet your future roommate(s)…
1. Social media
Social media is an amazing way to connect with people with similar interests. You can use it in endless ways to find a potential roomie:
- See someone that looks cool and lives in your city? Maybe send them a follow request and slide in their DM’s
- Make a wanted ad on TikTok – chances are other users who have a ton in common with you will come across your video on their FYP (thanks TikTok algorithm), so why not give it a shot!
2. Student housing & roommate finding groups
There are loads of housing groups on Facebook and run through universities that are meant to facilitate your search for roommates and apartments. Just type in [Your city] Housing in the Facebook group search bar and you’re bound to find a group. Here are just a few of the Facebook housing groups out there for both Montreal and Hali students…
Montreal housing groups:
- Chez Queer Montreal
- McGill Off-Campus Housing
- Appartement à Louer Montreal – Apartment For Rent Montreal
Halifax housing groups:
- Homes for Queers Halifax
- For Rent in HRM
- Newcomers Halifax
Pro tip: always make sure to join your uni graduating class Facebook group to connect with other students in your year.
3. In class
See someone who matches your vibe and seems approachable? Strike up a conversation and see what happens. The possibilities are endless; they might end up being a study buddy, a friend you can hang with during breaks, or even a potential roommate!
4. Part-time jobs
There’s nothing that brings two people together more than a crazy shift at work. Tons of part-time jobs are available on campus or across the city that could connect you to some great future roommates.
5. Residence
Residence is the ideal place to meet future roommates. Typically everyone moves in solo and is eager to meet new friends. Once lease signing time comes around, they’ll be the first people you reach out to since you’ve basically lived together already!
6. School clubs and societies
School clubs are a great way to meet new people with the same interests and hobbies as you. Harry Potter Fan? Join the Quidditch team! Passionate about charity work? Join a society that volunteers on weekends! Living with people who you share interests with is a great way to make sure your apartment is a fun space as well as a safe one.
7. University athletics and intramurals
Early morning practices and games are so much more bearable when your roommate is getting up at the same time as you. Whether it’s varsity athletics or casual volleyball intramurals, someone that’s passionate about the same sport as you will probably make a great roommate.
8. Working out
Friends who sweat together stay together, right? Once those endorphins start flowing, strike up a conversation with someone in your workout class or at the gym. Having a roommate who has the same workout routine as you or who is just as passionate about going to the gym as you are is a surefire way to keep yourself consistent and accountable.
9. General interest Facebook groups
Love plants? Pets? Geology? Ghost hunting? Whatever it is, there is likely a local facebook group for it. Join the conversations and you may meet some awesome people!
10. Bars, clubs, and events
Alcohol really gets the conversation going, so if you’re in need of new friends who could be your future roommates, heading out to a favourite pub or club could be a great place to start! Plus if it’s your favourite bar, maybe it’s theirs too and you can claim that corner booth for the rest of the school year.
No matter where you choose to go to find your future roommates, make sure to look for someone whose lifestyle is compatible with yours and who has similar living expectations as you do.
Above all, it’s crucial that you live with someone with whom you feel comfortable having potentially difficult or uncomfortable conversations, since conflict will inevitably arise when living with another person. Living with roommates who will listen to you, support you, and establish mutual respect is something we can all achieve and something that you should really strive for.
Now that you know *where* to search, check out our article “5 Things to Look for in a Great Roommate” for some tips that’ll help you select the perfect roomie!
The Golden Square Mile, located at the foot of Montréal’s infamous Mount-Royal, is home to some of the most striking architecture and, of course, to McGill University’s downtown campus.
Always guaranteed that something cool is going on (likely multiple cool things) at all times… You’ll find tons of cheap eats, many of which are open 24h or super late (perfect for munchies after a night of partying), as well as high-end restaurants to impress your parents with when they come visit you.
Apart from food, you’ll also find pretty much anything you need or want right round the corner from you. The Golden Square Mile’s reputation as the most happening place in town as our cultural hub is why it’s the perfect spot for our student apartment residence, PALAY.
EXPLORE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
We’ve compiled all the coolest (and most useful) spots in the ‘hood for your convenience…
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon or a cold winter day, either with friends or on your own. They have a permanent exhibition that’s free, as well as seasonal exhibitions that you can buy tickets for online.
Tim Horton’s
It’s rare to find a Montréal student who can go more than a day without their Timmie’s double-double coffee and bagel. Roll up the rim & join the club!
Joe’s Panini
Probs our number one panini shop in MTL. Super cheap, lots of options, great staff, and it’s pretty much THE spot for the after-after-party (open 24h!)
Club Sportif MAA
This gym is on the higher end in terms of fees (do ask about their student rates, though!), but can you really put a price on staying active and feeling good? If you need a bit more than even the state-of-the-art McGill gym facilities offer, this is the place.
McKibbin’s
If you’ve done frosh, you’ve probably been to this Irish pub already. Cheap drinks, awesome people, really fun vibes. Need we say more?
Super Sandwich
Tucked away in the heart of a condo building is this well-kept McGill secret. Super Sandwiches provide quick, cheap sustenance between classes or activities on campus.
SSMU Building
The Students’ Society of McGill University building, lovingly nicknamed Shatner, is home to the university’s club offices, Players’ theatre, hangout spots, the lounge and café.
Boustan
2020 Rue Crescent
Of course we had to include another late-night post-partying munchies spot on our list, since it’ll come in handy. Boustan has some of the best garlic potatoes in the city, take our word for it.
Le Warehouse
Come here for dinner with a group of friends and split a bunch of yummy entrées without denting your wallet too much. It’s worth noting that their drinks menu is also off the charts…
Le Taj
Montréal’s reputation as a cultural mosaic is in part due to its wide array of incredible food options no matter where you are in the city. If you’re on the hunt for amazing Indian food, look no further!
Livia
This matcha bar is just steps away from the building – their drinks, avo toast, and poke bowls are to die for and their interior is 100% Instagram-worthy.
Mandy’s
If you’re new to MTL and have yet to experience a Mandy’s salad and/or chocolate chip cookie, you haven’t really lived yet. They even sell their amazing in-house dressings so you can attempt to replicate the ✨Mandy’s experience✨ right at home.
Studio JenJen
Looking to get your nails done? Well you definitely should, you deserve it. Treat yourself to a fresh set at this chic nail salon (it’s right on the other side of the block from PALAY, how could you not).
Sammi & Soupe Dumpling
This iconic Montreal dumpling staple has two locations – how lucky are you to be a short walk away from one of them?! Delish dumplings at a super reasonable price. A bit further from campus than the other spots, but definitely worth it.
Time Out Market Montreal
Located inside the Eaton Centre, this fun and trendy food hall has tons of incredible food and drink options for you and your friends. They also host pop ups with local vendors every once in a while. Definitely gonna wanna check this one out!
Cafe Olimpico (Downtown)
Of course we had to include one of the city’s all-time favourite coffee shops. With three locations across the city and an impeccably cozy and warm atmosphere in each, this authentic Italian cafe is sure to impress you (make sure you try the Remix, you won’t regret it).