"The Ultimate Guide to Student Housing in London, Ontario"
On‑Campus & University‑Managed Housing
Western University Residence
Western guarantees residence for incoming first-year students. It’s a turnkey option—with furnished rooms, meals, community events, housing london ontario student and student support staff like Dons and residence advisors.
Western Apartments (beaver and Ausable Halls, Platt’s Lane Estates)
These offerings suit mature students and those with families. Rates for 2025‑26:
One-bedroom: from CAD 1,300/month
Two-bedroom: from CAD 1,550/month
Townhouses (2‑bed): from CAD 1,620/month
Three-bedroom townhouse: from CAD 1,770/month (utilities extra)
Off‑Campus Housing for Students
Shared Houses & Apartment Rentals
Western’s Off‑Campus Housing Service lists over 5,000 listings, including shared houses and apartments near both universities. Average rent (June 2025):
Rooms in shared houses: around CAD 830–847/bedroom
One‑bedroom apartments: CAD 1,495–1,574
Two‑bedroom apartments: CAD 1,938–1,997 Rent-included rates vary by furnishing and utilities.
Shared room rates can be as low as CAD 700–900/month with utilities included, depending on location and tenant mix.
Purpose‑Built Student Housing
Developments such as The | W and The Marq offer modern amenities tailored for students. They include study rooms, gyms, shuttle services, and group leases. Prices start at about CAD 646–663 per bedroom in multi-bedroom units (Sept 2025 leases).
Private Property Management Providers
Providers like Strano Properties, JDN Property Management, and Exclusive Rental manage rentals suited to students—ranging from single rooms to full houses, often located near campus and bus routes.
Top Neighbourhoods to Consider
Old North: Just north of Western’s campus. Offers walk-up apartments, shared houses, and easy access to transit and shops.
Whitehills, Near South, Masonville: Popular for larger student houses; utilities are sometimes included. Rents range CAD 750–950 per bedroom.
Sherwood Forest District: Home to student-specific buildings with concierge, gyms, and study spaces (e.g., The | W).
Average Costs & Budget Planning
Rent & Utilities
One-bedroom off-campus apt: CAD 1,500–1,800/month
Shared-room options: CAD 750–900/month incl. utilities
Median rent across all properties: CAD 1,829/month
Cost of Living
Typical student living costs in Canada (excluding rent) range from CAD 1,900–2,200/month—covering groceries, transport, leisure, etc.
Tips for Securing Better Housing Deals
Start your search early—as early as January for second‑year housing—to find competitive rentals (~CAD 500–700/room under ideal conditions).
Pay attention to scams. Use official channels like Off-Campus Housing Services or Places4Students and never pay before verifying ownership and seeing the unit.
Negotiate rent or lease terms—you may save as much as CAD 780/year if you agree to longer leases or give up non-essential amenities.
Opting for rooms in shared houses, especially farther from campus but near LTC bus routes, often lowers rent significantly.
At a Glance: Comparison Table
Housing Option
Monthly Cost (CAD)
Utilities
Furnished?
Proximity to Campus
Western Residence (on‑campus)
Included in fees
Included
Yes
On campus
Western Apartments / Townhouses
1,300–1,770
Extra
Unfurnished
On or near campus
Shared houses / rooms
700–900 per bedroom
Often incl.
Varies
Close or within bus network
1‑Bedroom off‑campus apt
~1,500–1,800
Varies
Varies
Near main campuses
Purpose-built student buildings
~646–1,000 per bedroom
Often incl.
Yes
Within walking distance
How to Start Your Search
Explore Western’s Off‑Campus Housing Service listings.
Use Places4Students.com, especially for Fanshawe students and shared-room listings.
Check offerings from The Marq, The | W, and similar student-focused developments.
Connect with property managers like Strano, JDN, and Exclusive Rental for roommate-matched listings.
In Summary
London, Ontario offers a range of student housing—from guaranteed on‑campus residencies to shared apartments and high-end student developments.
Monthly rent typically ranges from CAD 700 (rooms) to CAD 1,800 (1-bedroom apartments), with off‑campus shared housing offering the most cost-effective rates.
Safety, location, utilities, and lease terms are key factors. Early planning and using trusted listings help avoid scams and secure a solid rental.