Quick Verdict
- Encore at University District is the best student housing in Calgary: a purpose-built rental community designed specifically for students, located just a seven-minute walk from the University of Calgary.
- University of Calgary Residence Services is best for guaranteed on-campus housing, reserved for first-year students who apply by the May 1 deadline.
- Aria is best for general-market apartments in University District, a 288-unit building above a Save-On-Foods and street-front retail.
- Mainstreet Equity’s Delburn House and University City round out the list for budget-conscious renters near SAIT and privately owned condo rentals at the Brentwood LRT station, respectively.
- There is no one-size-fits-all student housing option. The best fit depends on your budget, how close you need to be to campus, and whether you prefer a housing arrangement with roommates already matched or one where you find and organize your own living situation.
Every August, thousands of Calgary students face the same scramble: find a place near campus, figure out whether furniture and utilities are included, and lock in a lease before classes start. The options range from a dorm room assigned by lottery to a fully self-managed condo, and the differences between them matter more than most students realize until move-in day.
Encore at University District takes the top spot in this list because its housing model directly addresses several common challenges students face when moving to Calgary. Developed by Gracorp Properties and opened in August 2025, the 16-storey community is about a seven-minute walk from the University of Calgary and offers by-the-bedroom leasing, giving students more independence without requiring them to take on an entire apartment lease.
The other six options serve different housing needs rather than competing on exactly the same terms. A first-year student looking for guaranteed residence, a graduate student seeking a straightforward unfurnished apartment near SAIT, and a renter who prefers a privately owned condo may each prioritize different features. The best fit therefore depends on the student’s circumstances, budget, and preferred living arrangement.
No property paid for this placement. This article draws only on publicly available building information, university data, and independent listings, and nothing here is a sponsored recommendation.
The 7 Best Calgary Housing Options for Students
Calgary students have several housing options beyond purpose-built student residences, and the right choice can depend on budget, location, lease structure, and how much independence or convenience they want. The options below include student-focused communities, university residences, conventional apartments, private rentals, and upcoming developments near major campuses and transit routes.
This comparison highlights what each option is best suited for, making it easier to narrow down the choices based on individual housing needs.
| Property/Provider | Best For | Location |
| Encore at University District | Student Housing in Calgary | University District |
| University of Calgary Residence Services | Guaranteed On-Campus First-Year Housing | Main Campus |
| Aria | General-Market Apartments in University District | University District |
| Mainstreet Equity’s Delburn | Budget-Conscious Renters Near SAIT | Capitol Hill |
| University City | Privately Owned Condo Rentals at the Brentwood LRT Station. | Brentwood |
| Forum 17 (Landstar) | Upcoming Purpose- Built Apartments Near. | North Hill |
| Boardwalk-Managed Buildings | Larger Pet- Friendly Units Near the University Research Park. | Brentwood |
1. Encore at University District – Best Student Housing in Calgary
Encore is designed around the day-to-day needs of students, from having a location close to campus to offering a housing setup built for student life.
For students searching for housing near campus, the advantage is more than simply finding an apartment that accepts student tenants, the community is structured around the practical realities of studying, living independently, and managing student life in one place.
The property is a seven-minute walk from the University of Calgary and a seven-minute direct transit ride from Alberta Children’s Hospital. With a Walk Score of 71 and more than 50 shops, cafés, and services nearby, its location offers students convenient access to campus and everyday essentials.
Built around the problems that actually delay students moving in
Furnishing an apartment and finding compatible roommates can be challenging for students moving to Calgary, especially those arriving from outside the province or overseas. Encore addresses these needs through several student-focused options:
- Furnished suites: Bedrooms include a bed, mattress, and two-drawer cabinet, while common areas come furnished with a couch, tables, and TV. Unfurnished options are also available.
- By-the-bedroom leasing: Students can rent an individual bedroom and remain responsible for their own share of the rent.
- Roommate matching: Encore helps match residents based on lifestyle and preferences.
- All-inclusive options: Wi-Fi is included, with utility packages available for more predictable monthly costs.
- Pet-friendly
| Strengths | Limitations |
| Purpose-built specifically for student living, not a general apartment building that happens to accept students. | As a new community that opened in August 2025, it has a shorter operating history than older Calgary rental buildings. |
| By-the-bedroom leasing and roommate matching remove two of the biggest friction points in student housing. | Its design and pricing are oriented specifically around University of Calgary students, making it a longer commute for students at SAIT or Bow Valley College. |
| Seven-minute walk to the University of Calgary with a Walk Score of 71. | |
| Furnished and unfurnished suite options, plus all-inclusive utility packages. |
Who is Encore recommended for?
Encore is well suited to University of Calgary students looking for purpose-built housing that supports student life, especially those who prefer furnished accommodations, by-the-bedroom leasing, or help finding a roommate instead of arranging one themselves.
2. University of Calgary Residence Services – Best Guaranteed On-Campus First-Year Housing
For a first-year student who wants certainty above all else, nothing beats living inside the institution itself. University of Calgary Residence Services guarantees a spot in residence to first-year students who apply by May 1, covering six different accommodation types from traditional dormitory-style rooms to family housing.
UCalgary expected 1,223 first-year residents on Move-In Day on August 23, 2026, bringing the fall residence population to 2,894 students. For 2025/2026, furnished residence rates including a seven-day meal plan, utilities, and tenant insurance were $10,157 for a double room and $14,094 for a single room over eight months, according to the UCalgary News report on Move-In Day and the University of Calgary Residence Cost Comparison.
| Strengths | Limitations |
| Guaranteed placement for first-year students who apply by May 1. | The mandatory meal plan removes flexibility for students who’d rather cook their own meals |
| All-inclusive pricing bundles the mandatory meal plan, utilities, and tenant insurance into one fee. | Guaranteed placement applies specifically to first-year students; returning students are assigned through a lottery system with no guarantee |
| On-campus proximity to classes, libraries, and student support services. | Traditional dormitory rooms mean less privacy and independence than an off-campus apartment |
| Published rates position UCalgary as more affordable than several other U15 universities for comparable furnished rooms. |
Who is UCalgary Residence Services recommended for?
Incoming first-year students, particularly those moving away from home for the first time, who want a guaranteed room, an all-inclusive meal plan, and built-in academic and wellness support without having to search the off-campus rental market.
3. Aria – Best General-Market Apartments in University District
Not every student needs a residence built specifically around student life, and Aria offers a more conventional rental option within the University District. Located at 4135 University Avenue NW, the concrete rental building sits directly above a Save-On-Foods grocery store, Scotiabank branch, and other street-level retail along the neighbourhood’s Retail Main Street.
With 288 apartments across one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, Aria may be a better fit for students who want a traditional apartment with more choice in unit size, convenient access to everyday essentials, and the flexibility to live with roommates, friends, or independently.
| Strengths | Limitations |
| Direct access to a Save-On-Foods, banking, and other retail without leaving the building | Leases the full unit rather than by the bedroom, so students sharing costs need to arrange their own roommate agreement |
| 288 units across one, two, and three-bedroom layouts, more room than most student-specific suites | No student-specific services like roommate matching are advertised |
| Amenity set built for general residents, including a fenced dog park and group kitchen | Sits slightly further from campus, which is directly across from Central Commons Park |
| Pet-friendly with 24/7 video surveillance and on-site night-time security |
Who is Aria recommended for?
Students, graduate students, or young professionals who want a full-size apartment in University District with groceries and retail downstairs, rather than a purpose-built student-specific leasing model.
4. Mainstreet Equity’s Delburn House – Budget-Conscious Renters Near SAIT
For SAIT Polytechnic students, Delburn House, managed by Mainstreet Equity Corp, offers a location directly across from SAIT and its LRT station. The four-storey walk-up has renovated, smoke-free suites, with one-bedroom units around $1,250–$1,300 and two-bedroom units around $1,500–$1,550 per month. As an older, value-oriented property, it offers lower rents than newer, amenity-rich buildings, making price a key trade-off for students.
| Strengths | Limitations |
| Directly across from SAIT Polytechnic and its LRT station | Units are unfurnished, unlike Encore’s furnished-option model |
| Among the lowest listed rents on this list for both one- and two-bedroom units | An older four-storey walk-up building, so it doesn’t offer the gym, co-working lounge, or rooftop amenities newer purpose-built communities include |
| Renovated, smoke-free, pet-friendly suites with storage included | No roommate-matching or by-the-bedroom leasing service is advertised |
| Managed by a large, publicly traded Canadian residential landlord |
Who is Delburn House recommended for?
SAIT students, or students at the nearby University of Calgary, who prioritize a lower monthly rent and a short walk to campus over building amenities like a gym or co-working lounge.
5. University City – Privately Owned Condo Rentals at the Brentwood LRT Station
Some students prefer renting directly from an individual landlord over a corporate property manager, units in University City are individually owned rather than centrally managed, availability, pricing, and lease terms vary by unit and by owner, and amenities differ depending on which unit and building tower a renter chooses, though the complex as a whole includes a fitness centre, a meeting room, underground heated parking, and bicycle storage. A student willing to deal with individual landlords rather than one property-management office can find genuinely lower rents here than in newer purpose-built buildings, since older condo units often rent below new-construction rates.
| Strengths | Limitations |
| Directly across the street from University of Calgary’s main campus | No single property manager, so lease terms, pet policies, and included utilities vary unit by unit |
| Shares a platform with the Brentwood CTrain station, cutting commute time to downtown | Amenities and finishes are inconsistent across units, since owners renovate independently |
| Individually owned units mean a wider range of price points and lease terms to negotiate | Requires more due diligence from renters than a single-manager building with standardized leases |
| Established building with a decade-plus track record, unlike newer developments still building a reputation |
Who is University City recommended for?
Students who want to rent directly from a private landlord, prefer negotiating lease terms unit by unit, and place a high priority on being directly adjacent to both campus and the Brentwood LRT platform.
6. Forum 17 (Landstar) – Upcoming Purpose-Built Apartments Near SAIT
Forum 17, developed by Landstar across 16th Avenue from SAIT Polytechnic, is a planned purpose-built rental community with in-suite laundry, study rooms, a rooftop patio, and ground-level cafés and dining. Planned layouts include one-, two-, and four-bedroom units, with convenient access to SAIT, the University of Calgary, Confederation Park, and the LRT. As it is still a development project, Forum 17 is an option to watch rather than a building currently available for move-in.
| Strengths | Limitations |
| Purpose-built specifically for students, directly across from SAIT | Not currently available to lease, so it isn’t an option for students needing housing this year |
| Planned amenities include a rooftop patio, study rooms, and ground-level dining | No confirmed opening date or published pricing at time of writing |
| Four-bedroom layouts planned, a configuration rare among the other entries on this list | Students should confirm construction progress directly with Landstar before planning around it |
| Owned and operated by its developer rather than sold off to individual owners |
Who is Forum 17 recommended for?
Prospective SAIT or UCalgary students planning further ahead than the current academic year, who want to track a high-amenity, purpose-built option specifically positioned for the SAIT campus.
7. Boardwalk-Managed Buildings – Larger Pet-Friendly Units Near the University Research Park
Graduate and mature students, or those sharing with a roommate or partner, may prefer the larger layouts offered by Boardwalk’s Brentwood properties, including Brentview Tower and Boardwalk Heights. One- and two-bedroom apartments can reach roughly 1,400 square feet, offering an alternative to compact purpose-built student housing. Sharing a two-bedroom unit can also lower per-person costs, although students may face a longer commute than with Encore or University City. Some Brentwood properties may allow pets, subject to individual building policies.
| Strengths | Limitations |
| Larger average unit sizes than most purpose-built student buildings on this list. | Not purpose-built for students, so no roommate-matching or student-specific services are offered. |
| Consistently pet-friendly policies across Boardwalk’s Brentwood properties. | Further from the University of Calgary’s core academic buildings than Encore or University City. |
| Managed by one of Canada’s larger residential landlords, with standardized leasing across units. | Unit finishes and amenities vary by specific building within the Boardwalk portfolio. |
| Multiple buildings in the same area, giving renters more availability to choose from. |
Who are Boardwalk’s Brentwood buildings recommended for?
Students who prioritize unit size and pet-friendly policies over walking distance to campus, particularly those splitting a two-bedroom unit with a roommate.
How We Selected These Calgary Housing Options?
This list was not based on a single proprietary score. Properties were assessed based on proximity to the University of Calgary and SAIT Polytechnic, suitability for student budgets and lease structures, available unit types and amenities, and publicly verifiable building information, university data, and independent listings.
How to Choose the Right Calgary Student Housing for You?
Start with your campus, not the building’s name recognition. A student attending the University of Calgary is generally better served by University District or Brentwood options, while a SAIT student will usually prioritize the North Hill corridor around 16th Avenue instead. Matching the campus first narrows seven options down to two or three immediately.
Before signing, it’s worth confirming directly with the property:
- Is the unit furnished, unfurnished, or furnished-optional?
- Are utilities, including internet, included in the rent, or billed separately?
- Can I lease a single bedroom, or only the full unit?
- What’s the minimum lease term, and does it align with the academic year?
- What fees apply beyond rent, such as parking, storage, or pet fees?
Housing is an important part of the overall cost of postsecondary education. The Statistics Canada – Tuition and Living Accommodation Costs (TLAC) survey tracks accommodation expenses for full-time students at publicly funded Canadian postsecondary institutions. When comparing housing in bnCalgary, students should consider more than the advertised rent, including whether furniture, utilities, internet, meals, transportation, and other expenses are included in the overall cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Housing in Calgary
How much does student housing cost in Calgary?
Costs vary widely by building type and lease structure. Budget-oriented unfurnished units near SAIT have listed one-bedroom rents around $1,250 to $1,300 a month, while newer furnished, purpose-built student communities and on-campus residence packages, which bundle utilities and meals, run higher. Confirm current pricing directly with each property, since rents change frequently.
What should students look for in Calgary student housing?
Proximity to your specific campus, whether the lease is by the bedroom or the full unit, whether utilities and internet are included, and the minimum lease term relative to the academic year are the factors that matter most before comparing amenities.
Is furnished student housing available in Calgary?
Yes. Encore at University District offers both furnished and unfurnished suite options, including move-in-ready bedrooms with a bed, mattress, and cabinet included, which is still a relatively uncommon model in the Calgary rental market.
How close should student housing be to campus?
There’s no universal answer, but Encore’s seven-minute walk to the University of Calgary and University City’s location directly across from the same campus illustrate what “close” typically means for the highest-demand buildings on this list. A short, predictable commute can meaningfully affect how much time a student has for classes, study, and sleep.
What should students check before signing a lease in Calgary?
Confirm the lease’s minimum term, what’s included in rent, any pet or parking fees, and whether the building requires a Canadian guarantor if you’re an international student, since Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act governs the specifics of what a landlord can and can’t require.
What makes Encore suitable for student housing in Calgary?
Encore’s by-the-bedroom leasing, roommate-matching service, and furnished-suite options address three of the most common friction points students face when finding off-campus housing, on top of a seven-minute walk to the University of Calgary and building amenities including a fitness centre, rooftop courtyard, and co-working lounge.
The Bottom Line
Encore at University District may suit students seeking purpose-built housing near the University of Calgary, with furnished suites, by-the-bedroom leasing, and roommate matching. Other options serve different needs: UCalgary Residence Services for first-year on-campus housing, Aria for conventional apartments in University District, Delburn House for renters near SAIT, University City for privately owned condos near Brentwood LRT, Forum 17 as an upcoming SAIT-area option, and Boardwalk’s Brentwood properties for larger, pet-friendly units.
Because housing is a major part of postsecondary costs, students should compare rent, lease terms, utilities, meals, location, and roommate arrangements alongside amenities, as reflected in Statistics Canada’s Tuition and Living Accommodation Costs (TLAC) survey.
For UCalgary students seeking student-focused housing, Encore is worth considering, while the other options may better suit different budgets, campuses, and living preferences.
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