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Off-campus

Finding housing in a new area that suits your needs is not always easy. Follow the steps below and review the additional resources for support. Before anything else:

Take a look at the Durham Region College and University Housing Guide

If you have any additional questions after reviewing this webpage, please contact ocl@ontariotechu.ca.

To begin planning your off-campus housing search, you first have to determine where the majority of your classes will take place: the North Campus or the Downtown Campus. Then using the Durham Region Transit Trip Planner or Google Maps determine commute times from potential housing locations to determine the feasibility. 

Eligible students receive a U-Pass for unlimited travel on Durham Region Transit during the academic term. Information about accessing your U-Pass can be found through the Ontario Tech University U-Pass webpage.

Students should consider Oshawa, Whitby, and other communities along direct Durham Region transit routes. Each area offers different combinations of rental availability, family amenities, community times, and cost, so it is important to look at the required amenities (childcare, groceries, parks, transit, etc.).

Some areas to consider include:

Ontario Tech University has a partnership with Places4Students, a website made to find available rentals in the school’s vicinity that suit your personal needs. While we recommend starting there, there are countless other sites to help you find suitable accommodations:

Additionally, there are buildings near Ontario Tech that offer rentals to students:

  • Foundry 1805 (Located on Simcoe Street, just a short walk from the Oshawa campus. These are un-furnished or furnished units, with laundry located on every floor, and group or quiet study spaces.) *Requires a 12-month lease

  • Foundry Simcoe (Directly across the street from the Oshawa campus. There are three-bedroom and five-bedroom suites available. Each room has its own bathroom. Kitchen and living space is shared. Bi-monthly cleaning service. Utilities are extra – automatically split between tenants and bill sent directly by Varsity.) *Requires a lease term of September to August.
  • 17Hundred (Five-minute walk from the Oshawa campus on Simcoe Street. There are two- to five-bedroom apartments available.)

Another option for International Students to find housing is through the Canada Homestay Network. Through this organization, there are a range of housing options from just a room, to a room with 3 meals a day, and furnished or unfurnished. 

The above listed platforms are NOT affiliated with or endorsed by Ontario Tech, and listings have NOT been inspected by the university. Please be cautious when communicating with landlords, avoid sending money before confirming that a listing and landlord are legitimate, and arrange to view the property whenever possible. If you cannot attend in person, consider requesting a live video tour and having someone you trust view the unit on your behalf. 

Ontario landlords may request rental history, credit references or permission to conduct a credit check. Some landlords may be willing to consider international financial documentation or references when Canadian credit history is unavailable, but this is determined by the individual landlord. Since rental requirements vary depending on the landlord. It is helpful to prepare a package containing:

  • Passports or other identification for the adults who will be named on the lease
  • Your Ontario Tech offer or enrolment letter
  • Proof of available funds, such as recent bank statements
  • Proof of employment or income for you or your spouse, where applicable
  • Previous landlord, employer or personal references
  • Immigration or study-permit documentation, once available
  • A brief letter explaining that you are newly arriving in Canada and therefore do not yet have Canadian credit history

Most residential tenancies in Ontario should use the Ontario Standard Lease Agreement. Ontario rules also distinguish a last-month’s-rent deposit from a damage or security deposit; the standard lease guide explains what deposits may legally be requested.

Once you are enrolled, the Ontario Tech Student Union Legal Support Program may also be able to help with questions about a lease or housing-related legal concerns.

Over the years, there has been an increase in housing rental scams, particularly targeting university students. Rental scams involve a landlord, property manager, or agent using various tactics to trick potential renters into sending additional money than required by legal requirements, providing more personal information than needed, or listing a property that isn’t actually for rent. 

To avoid falling to rental scams, it is important to review the resources listed on this website, learn more about housing rental scams, and stay vigilant throughout the rental process.


International students

All international students are strongly encouraged to connect with International Student Advising at iss@ontariotechu.ca. The advisors can support you with pre-arrival and settlement questions. They can also help you understand healthcare coverage for you and your family. 

International students are covered through UHIP, while the Ontario Tech Student Union's health and dental plan provides complementary coverage for services such as prescriptions, dental, and vision care. Please connect directly with International Student Services about coverage and enrolment requirements for your spouse, and child.

Another option for international students to find housing is through the Canada Homestay Network. Through this organization, there are a range of housing options, from just a room, to a room with three meals a day, and furnished or unfurnished. 

Students with families

When considering where to live, it is important to look into the availability of childcare, health care and family services, as these vary by area.

The Region of Durham website is a helpful starting point for local information, including:

  • Childcare fee assistance and eligibility information. 

  • Community health centres, recreation programs and family supports.

  • EarlyON Child and Family Centres.

  • Public health and parenting resources.

  • The Licensed Childcare Directory and Children’s Program Locator

Please note: Childcare availability can be limited, so we encourage parents to begin contacting providers as early as possible. 

Additionally, you can find the City of Oshawa’s Living Here website useful for information about neighbourhood services, waste collection, recreation, parking and other information.

Legal and financial support

For legal information, you can visit information provided by the Landlord and Tenant Board. You can also consult the Durham Community Legal Clinic.

Once you are enrolled, the Ontario Tech Student Union Legal Support Program may also be able to help with questions about a lease or housing-related legal concerns.

For more information about budgeting for housing and living costs, you are welcome to speak with a Student Awards and Financial Aid advisor. In addition to rent, plan for utilities, tenant insurance, internet, laundry, transportation and childcare. 

Financial support options can be limited for international students, but an advisor can help you understand the resources that may be available.

Emergency housing

You can look for information about emergency housing and shelters through the Durham Region website.