A simple primary alert—check it out!

FP Foundation Theme - ( Bootstrap )

Once you’ve narrowed down your top apartment choices near MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada, it’s time to schedule a viewing. This is your opportunity to see the unit up close – either in person or virtually – and make sure it checks all your boxes before signing a lease.

Here’s how to approach your apartment viewing with confidence, and what to ask so there are no surprises after move-in day.

Don’t Skip the Viewing (Seriously)

Whether it’s a 10-minute walk to MUN or a quick bus ride to other colleges, always try to visit the apartment in person before signing a lease. If you’re not in St. John’s yet, request a virtual tour or video walkthrough. Photos rarely tell the full story, and a proper viewing lets you get a feel for the space, the building, and the landlord.

Ask These Questions Every Time

Bring a list or keep these in your notes app – these questions will help you compare units and avoid unexpected costs:

How much is the rent, and what’s included? (Electricity, heat, Wi-Fi, furniture?)
How long is the lease term?
When does the lease start?
When is the latest I can sign the lease by?
Can I take photos or videos during the tour?
What type of heating system is used?

These might seem like obvious questions, but they’ll help you stay organized and informed as you move through your search.

Talk to the Current Tenants (If You Can)

If the current tenants are there during the viewing, this is a great chance to get honest answers. Ask things like:

How bright is it during the day?
Are there enough lights at night?
How loud is the building?
Are the neighbors respectful?

You’re not just renting a space – you’re moving into your new home. Ask about what day-to-day life in the unit is really like.

Don’t Forget the Logistics

Some questions don’t seem important – until they are. These are small things that can make a big difference in how smoothly your apartment runs:

Is there a secure entrance (keypad, fob, or key)?
Where is the laundry, and how much does it cost?
How do you take out the garbage, and when?
Is tenant insurance required?
How do you pay rent – portal, e-transfer, or cheque?
Who do I contact for repairs or emergencies?
Is there a mailbox or intercom system?
Who is responsible for damages inside the unit?

The goal is to leave the viewing with a full picture – not just of the unit, but of how things are managed and maintained.

One More Thing: Trust Your Gut

If something feels off – ask more questions. If the space feels right and you’ve got all the details you need, trust that too. There’s no perfect apartment, but there is a right fit for your student lifestyle. Prioritize what matters most to you, stay organized, and don’t rush the process.

So, you’ve picked your roommates and decided to live off campus in St. John’s – now comes the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part: finding your apartment. Whether you’re attending MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to find a place that fits your budget, your schedule, and your lifestyle.

Start With A Shortlist: Set Your Base Criteria

Before you fall in love with a listing, know what you’re looking for. Base criteria will help you quickly filter out apartments that won’t work. Ask yourself:

What’s my monthly budget? Consider rent, utilities, transportation, and food
How many bedrooms do we need? Factor in the size, layout, and storage
Is the location right? Think beyond price – sure, a cheaper place 30 minutes away may look great on paper, but how often will you ski class? For students, your education is the biggest investment you’ll make over the next 4+ years – where you live should reflect that.
Do I want it furnished? Some student apartments in St. John’s come fully furnished, saving you the stress (and cost) of moving furniture

Time to Dive In: Where to Search for Student Apartments

There’s no single “best” website or resource for student housing – every platform has hidden gems. Use multiple sources to maximize your options:

Pro Tip: Join Facebook groups like “St. Johns Apartments/Houses 4 Rent” or “Wester-Land Roommates” to catch listings before they hit the main sites.

Don’t Just Look – Reach Out

Once you’ve found a few solid listings, it’s time to contact landlords. Use a simple message like:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a student at [MUN/CNA/Academy Canada]. I’m interested in your apartment at [Address], and I’d like to know if it’s available for a lease starting [Date]. I’d also love to schedule a viewing or virtual tour. Thanks!”

Don’t overthink it – send messages in batches to boost your chances. The more you inquire, the more likely you’ll find a great fit.

Virtual Tours and Red Flags

Never agree to a lease without seeing the apartment. If you’re not in Newfoundland yet, request a virtual tour or video walkthrough. This also gives you a chance to assess:

Landlord responsiveness
Building condition
Realistic size and layout of the apartment

Some listings might look perfect on paper but feel totally different once you see them in real life (or on screen).

Choosing between living alone or with roommates is one of the biggest decisions students face when moving to St. John’s for school – whether you’re attending Memorial University, CNA, or Academy Canada. Both options have unique benefits and challenges, and the choice often depends on your lifestyle, budget, and social needs.

Why Roommates Are Worth Considering

While having your own space might sound appealing – no shared schedules, no competing noise, and complete control over your environment – living entirely alone can limit your opportunities to grow and connect. Your 20s are about meeting new people, pushing past your comfort zone, and creating experiences that shape your future. How will you build those friendships or discover new perspectives if you isolated to your own apartment?

Roommates offer a built-in community. Whether it’s sharing late-night study sessions or spontaneous sweet treat runs, these moments can’t always be replicated when living alone. For students at MUN or CNA who are new to St. John’s, roommates can also help you explore the city, split expenses, and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

What to Keep in Mind with Roommates

Of course, living with roommates isn’t always perfect. The lively social environment can sometimes make it harder to focus on studying. Conflicts can also arise – especially if your roommates have different lifestyles. For example, if you’re an early riser living with someone who stays up late, or if one roommates loves having music on while another prefers quiet. Setting boundaries and finding a compromise that works for everyone – just like you would with family – can help maintain a positive living environment.

When Friendships and Roommates Do Mix

Living with your friends can be amazing – you’re already comfortable with one another, you share interests (duh, that’s why you’re friends), and it can make day-to-day life more fun. However, problems can arise because your friendship hasn’t been tested at the “next level” before. Living with someone full-time if very different from a weekend sleepover – at the end of that sleepover, you both get to go home.

Like with any roommate situation, setting boundaries and maintaining open communication is key. When done right, living with friends can not only preserve your relationship but also deepen it in ways you might not expect.

Looking for more tips?

For a deeper dive into pros and cons of living with roommates, check out these resources from DCMI Homes and The Home Blog

DISCLAIMER: Pictures provided are renderings intended to give a visual representation of the apartment’s design and layout. They are for illustrative purposes only and may not depict the complete and final appearance of the apartment. Actual finishes, fixtures, furniture, and appliances may vary from those shown in the pictures. The design and furniture choices displayed in the renderings are subject to change without prior notice.

Your Own Space, Right by Campus
Looking for your own room near MUN but don’t have roommates yet? We’ve got you.

At Wester-Land, you can lease a private bedroom in one of our fully furnished units – just steps from Memorial University’s St. John’s campus. We’ll set you up with roomies, or help you find your own! All you need to do is relax.

Your private bedroom comes with everything you need to feel at home, while shared spaces are perfect for group hangouts, movie nights, or quiet study sessions.

THE DETAILS

Your Private Bedroom

🛏️ A double bed with enough room to store your luggage underneath

🪑 A desk, and chair

👚 A closet for clothing, shoes and other storage

Shared Bathroom

🛀 One bathroom with a shower

🌟 A large mirror so you can get ready in style

🧻 Extra storage for bathroom items, ‘cos nobody wants to run outta TP…

Shared Kitchen

💎 Stainless steel appliances, including a fridge, stove, AND dishwasher

🔪 Tons of counter space, perfect for cooking by yourself or with your roomies

🍽️ Lots of cabinet space for storing kitchenware

Shared Living Area

🛋️ A cozy couch for chilling, movie watching and hangs

📺 TV stand

🍺 A dining area with a table and chairs for communal meals, studying, or just hanging out…

BUILDING AMENITIES

🧺 Laundry rooms – coin operated ($)

🪑 Exterior seating area

🚴 Outdoor bike parking

DISCLAIMER: Furniture list (“The Details”) and Building Amenities are subject to change without notice. The actual furniture and amenities present in the apartment may vary from the provided list.

Live your uni dream in this charming two bedroom, one bathroom unit that happens to be a stone’s throw away from Memorial Universities St. John’s campus.

The airy common area is furnished with a cozy couch, and TV stand, making it the ideal space for solo reading or late-night hangouts. The kitchen comes fully equipped with essential appliances (fridge, stove, AND dishwasher!) and includes a dining table, and chairs, perfect for a study sesh and dinner with your roomies 👯.

Each bedroom features a comfy double bed, desk, and chair, ensuring you have a cozy and functional space, perfect for unwinding and recharging. You’ll also have a closet for storing your belongings.