Moving into Newfoundland student apartments or your first off-campus housing near MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada? Welcome to the era of new people, awkward introductions, and figuring out who your people are. If you’re nervous about making friends—or just want to avoid being stuck with no one to sit next to in class — this one’s for you.
Join a Club. No, Seriously.
Yes, it looks great on a resume. But more importantly, clubs are where you find real friends. I used to think I was “too cool” to join a club in university (translation: I thought it was lame), and I genuinely regret it. Sure, you might have to do a few things you’d rather not, but most of it? It’s fun.
Clubs bring together every type of person — bookworms, extroverts, introverts, and the “too cool to be here” crowd. You’ll meet people you wouldn’t cross paths with otherwise, and that’s what makes it work. Not in a group project kind of way — actually on your own terms.
If you’re going to MUN, check out this list of clubs and societies. There’s really something for everyone.
Pick a Seat With Potential
On the first day of class, sit next to someone you think looks like a future friend. Yes — judge the book by its cover. In most lecture halls, where you sit on Day One ends up being your spot for the next four months. So why not sit beside someone who gives “future friend” vibes?
Not sure how to start the convo? Go with, “Did you buy the textbook yet?” or “Have you taken a class with this prof before?”— literally anything works. No one thinks it’s weird. Everyone around you is just as nervous. Be the person who says hi first. Wouldn’t you rather be nervous with someone else?
Always Say Yes
Okay, maybe not always, but in Week One? Say yes to as much as possible. Go to the soccer game, even if it’s not your thing. Say yes to that ice cream run you didn’t really feel like going on (liar). It’s not about the activity — it’s about becoming familiar, fast. Show up and you’ll stay top of mind for other people. They’ll become top of mind for you too.
Bonus Tip
Also? Hang out on campus. I know, ew. But hear me out — you’re paying a lot for your school, so why not at least exist there? A big bonus of meeting people on campus is that they usually turn into “study friends.” And that means actual productivity. It’s a win-win.
Friends for the Phases (but Maybe More?)
If there’s one thing university is really good for, it’s giving you friends for the moment — people who show up exactly when you need them. I mean this in the most genuine way possible: your party friend, your study buddy, your “we met during Frosh Week and trauma bonded” friend. Not every friendship needs to last forever to matter.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being friends with Jenny for one semester because you two have the best time together every Friday. You might only hear from her on Thursdays to see what your plans are — but hey, for the plot, right? These people — the weekend friends, the library regulars, the roommates who become like family — all of them shape your university experience in different ways.
Whether you meet your soulmate roommate in your shared student apartment or someone who just makes your Mondays a little easier, it all counts. And it’s all worth it. So keep calm… and text your random lab partner from first year. You never know…
Having a balanced life in university might be one of the only times in your life when you can actually pull it off. Why? Because you’re surrounded by people going through the exact same chaos — and you’re expected to be a little wild, a little free, and a little all over the place.
This time in your life isn’t just about nose-in-a-book or bottoms-up at the bar. It’s about both. And honestly? St. John’s is the perfect place to figure that out — you can study all day and hit George Street with your friends at night. That kind of balance? You won’t find it forever. So here’s how to make the most of it while you can.
First Year Freefall
If you’re moving into shared student apartments or settling into off-campus housing near MUN or CNA, chances are you’re living on your own for the first time. And for a while, it’s euphoric. You can skip class, order pizza at 3AM, and say yes to everything without anyone stopping you.
And that’s the problem.
At first, university feels like parties and light lectures. But October hits, and suddenly there are midterms. November rolls around, and you’re exhausted, behind, and overwhelmed.
How to Sort Of Get Your Life Together
Here’s the truth: say yes to going out. Seriously. Go when your friends ask — even if you have something due. No, you don’t need to get wrecked every time, but you do need to be young while you’re allowed to be.
But come Monday, lock in. Get up, have a routine, and treat the week like a job. Do your readings. Go to class. Knock out your work by Friday so your weekend’s free. And most importantly, study where you focus best — not just where your friends go. You’ll see them Saturday night anyway.
Final Notes (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Eat real meals. Sleep when you can. Say yes to weird plans. Because when you think back on your time in college in Newfoundland, you’ll remember your GPA or that one group project that made you want to drop out — but more importantly you’ll remember being on George Street until sunrise, cheering at that basketball game, getting a sweet treat when you should’ve been study, and the people who turned your apartment into something that felt like home.
Live your life. Because now, it really is yours.
So you landed a furnished apartment near MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada — congrats! That’s a huge step, and it’ll save you from lugging a couch up three flights of stairs. But “furnished” doesn’t mean move-in ready. There’s still a bunch of stuff you’ll need to do to make the space feel like home.
Bedroom Essentials You’ll Actually Use
Let’s start with the basics: bring bedding. Yes, the apartment might have a mattress, but you’ll need your own sheets, duvet, and pillows. Towels, hangers, a laundry hamper, and even a small rug go a long way in making your space feel more like your space. I also suggest a full-length mirror and a small desk lamp – and you’ll thank yourself when you’re doing 10PM study sessions.
Something you won’t realize until you move in: you’ll miss seeing the people you love. Pack a few printed photos. Trust me—you appreciate seeing their faces more when you’re not around them every day. And while you’re unpacking, make sure you’ve got your speaker, charger, and headphones. Unpacking is boring. At least make it boring with good music.
School Supplies (But Only What You Need)
School supply-wise, don’t go overboard. Grab 3–5 loose-leaf notebooks and a notepad or two. And here’s a solid grad tip: do NOT buy your textbooks until your professor tells you to — in class. Half of them won’t be used. Save your money. Thank me later.
Shared Space Strategy: Kitchen, Living Room, and Bathroom
Now if you’re living in a shared space, the kitchen and bathroom get trickier. My advice? Bring a throw blanket and extra pillow for the living room, dishcloths, dish soap, hand soap, and a basic cutlery set (knives, forks, spoons).
Controversial opinion here, but I don’t think you need a full plate, pot, and glassware set. If you’re living with friends, you’ll probably share. If you’re with people you don’t know, bring 2–3 plates, a couple of bowls, and one big and small pot or pan. That’s all you need — and less stuff means fewer dishes to clean.
Cleaning Supplies You’ll Thank Yourself For
Speaking of cleaning… bring everything. A small vacuum (grab one from Canadian Tire or Walmart), paper towel, cleaning spray, even a Swiffer. You’ll feel way better in a clean space.
For the bathroom, bring toilet paper (yes, even if your roommates do too), extra hand towels, hand soap, a bathroom mat or two, and either Tide pods or detergent. Maybe even a bit of Febreze. You’ll be glad you did.
Don’t Panic Buy – Wait Till You Move In
One more kitchen tip: don’t rush to buy everything. You’re probably not cooking a big meal your first few days. Wait until you get to your apartment and meet your roommates — especially if you don’t know them yet. Chances are, someone already brought a toaster. And while you’re at it, toss in an ice cube tray and a bottle opener. You’ll forget, and then wish you didn’t.
Unpack Like a Pro
Unpacking in a furnished space is easier, but it still sucks. Start with the kitchen, bathroom, and living room — it’s shared space, so it’s easier to get through first. Then move to your room. One last tip: set up your space before you unpack your clothes. It’ll make the process way less chaotic.
Final Advice: Go In With An Open Mind
Whether it’s your first year or your fourth, moving into a student apartment is a fresh start. Keep an open mind, be flexible, and enjoy it. The right space helps get your head in the right place. Good luck — and happy packing!
Living off-campus in St. John’s as a student at MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada means you’re taking on more than just a new address — you’re taking on rent, bills, and monthly responsibilities. Whether it’s your first time living independently or you just need a refresher, here’s what to expect when it comes to paying rent and setting up your utilities.
Paying Your Rent
Rent is typically due on the 1st of every month, and it’s important to understand exactly how your landlord wants to be paid. Here are the most common payment methods:
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E-transfer – Easy, fast, and the most popular option among students.
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Direct deposit – Some landlords may offer automated payments.
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Post-dated cheques – Still used by some landlords, but make sure your lease outlines the schedule.
Avoid paying in cash, even if you’re offered a receipt. It’s harder to track and leaves you unprotected if a dispute arises.
Heads up: If you pay late, landlords can charge you—but there are limits. In Newfoundland and Labrador, late fees must be reasonable (e.g. $5 on day one, $2/day after, capped at $75 total). These fees must be clearly stated in your lease.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment?
If you run into financial issues, don’t just skip rent. Talk to your landlord or seek support through student services. Never withhold rent over a maintenance issue—send written notice about the problem, and follow the proper steps. You can always contact the Residential Tenancies Office if things escalate.
And yes — bounced cheques may lead to extra fees if your bank charges the landlord. Another reason to stick with e-transfer!
Can Your Rent Be Increased?
Yes — but only under strict conditions:
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Your rent can’t increase in the first year of a lease.
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You must receive at least six months’ written notice before any increase.
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Fixed-term leases are locked in — no mid-lease hikes.
Setting Up Utilities in St. John’s
If your apartment doesn’t include utilities in the rent, you’ll need to set them up yourself. Here’s how to get started:
Power (Electricity/Heat)
Power in St. John’s is provided by Newfoundland Power. You should set up your account 7–10 days before move-in.
Set yours up here: Newfoundland Power – Start Electricity Service
Once registered, you’ll get monthly email notifications with your bill. If you skip that step, your bill might arrive in the mail instead — easy to miss!
Phone, Internet & TV
St. John’s has a few major providers:
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Bell Aliant
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Eastlink
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Rogers
Most offer student bundles and pre-authorized payment plans, which can help lower your bill and keep things organized.
Tip: Check with your roommates before setting anything up. You don’t want to pay for three different routers!
Final Thoughts of MUN, CNA & Academy Canada Students
Rent and bills are a big part of student life — but they don’t need to be overwhelming. Pay attention to your lease, stay on top of your due dates, and set things up in advance. Once everything’s running smoothly, you can focus more on school and less on stress.
Whether you’re heading to MUN, CNA, Academy Canada, signing a lease for your first off-campus apartment in St. John’s is a major milestone – and a legally binding one. Before you rush to lock in a space near campus, it’s important to understand what’s actually in the lease, and what you’ll need before you can sign.
Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the lease process with confidence.
What You’ll Need Before You Can Sign
Every landlord is different, but most require a few standard things before they’ll hand over the keys:
- Proof of Identity: You’ll be asked to provide government-issued ID. Landlords are allowed to collect this, but only to the extent needed for the lease – and they shouldn’t hand on to it longer than necessary.
- References: You may need a reference from a past landlord, so if you’ve rented before, try to stay on good terms. If not, they might accept a credit report or proof you’ve regularly paid bills on time.
- A Guarantor: Most student tenants don’t have long credit histories, so landlords often require a guarantor—someone who promises to cover the rent if you can’t. This is common, especially for students new to renting.
What to Expect in the Lease
Once you’ve viewed the apartment and feel ready to move forward, you’ll be presented with a rental agreement. Read this carefully—it’s a legally binding contract, and once it’s signed, there’s no backing out unless both parties agree.
Here’s what’s usually included:
- Contact Information: This will outline who manages the building and how to reach them if something goes wrong.
- Type of Rental Agreement: Is it month-to-month, fixed-term, or week-to-week? Each comes with different rules about notice and renewals.
Rent Details
Find out what’s included in your rent:
- Is heat, electricity, or internet covered?
- Are amenities (like gym access or snow removal) part of the deal?
- If hydro isn’t included, ask for an estimate or use Newfoundland Power’s calculator.
Building Policies & Procedures
This could cover:
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Garbage collection schedules
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Laundry setup (and cost)
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Required tenant insurance
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Heating system (electric, oil, etc.)
Statutory Conditions
These outline your legal rights under the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Act. This includes rules around:
You can review a sample of the Standard Rental Agreement here (PDF).
Final Thought: Protect Yourself Before You Sign
A lease isn’t something to take lightly – especially if you’re in your first year at MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t sign anything you haven’t read.
If something feels unclear, reach out to your school’s housing office or check resources like Renting in NL for clarification.
