Leaving dorm life behind is one of those classic student milestones. Whether you’re moving out of residence after your first year or later in your studies, getting your apartment in Montreal is exciting—but it’s also a big step. You’re trading meal plans for grocery lists and shared bathrooms for (hopefully) your own. But don’t worry; you’re not alone in figuring it all out.

This guide walks you through every part of the transition: from choosing a neighbourhood to budgeting your rent, navigating Quebec lease laws, and making your new place feel like home.

Why Students Leave the Dorms

For many students, dorms are a great starting point. They’re convenient, fully furnished, and designed for first-year students to meet people. Eventually, however, most students start craving more freedom. Dorm rules, like quiet hours, guest policies, and mandatory meal plans, can begin to feel restrictive. Living in a small space with no kitchen isn’t always ideal.

Another big reason students leave the dorms is cost. Dorms at schools like McGill and Concordia can be pricey, especially when you factor in the meal plan. In contrast, renting a shared apartment in a student neighbourhood often becomes cheaper per month, even when utilities are added.

Also, dorms usually come with a time limit. Some schools only guarantee housing for first-year students, which means at some point, you’ll need to venture out on your own.

Choosing the Right Neighbourhood

Montreal is a student city, and lucky for you, it’s packed with cool neighbourhoods—each with its own personality.

• The Plateau is a favourite for artsy students and creatives. It’s packed with parks, indie cafés, and vintage shops and close to downtown. Rent here can be a bit higher, but it might be worth it if you thrive in a vibrant, bohemian atmosphere.
  
  
• Mile End is like the Plateau’s hip sibling. Expect great bagels (hello, St-Viateur and Fairmount), music venues, and artist studios. It’s a hotspot for students from UQAM and McGill.
  
  
• NDG (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce) is more residential and affordable. It’s incredibly convenient for Concordia’s Loyola campus. Think quiet streets, big trees, and more space for your money.
  
  
• Verdun is one of Montreal’s most talked-about areas right now. With affordable rent, riverfront parks, and excellent metro access via the Green Line, it’s perfect for students on a budget.
  
  
• Downtown/Ville-Marie puts you in the middle of the action, steps from Concordia and McGill. It’s ideal for students who want to leave bed and walk to class. But it’s also one of the pricier areas.
  
  

When choosing a place, map out your commute to class using STM’s trip planner. Living farther out might save you money on rent, but cost you more in time.

Apartment Hunting Tips

Montreal’s rental market is unique. One of the biggest things to know? Most leases start on July 1st, or “Moving Day.” Thousands of people move apartments today, so the city gets wild. If you plan to move in the summer, start looking as early as April or May.

Use platforms like PadMapper, Kijiji, and Facebook groups like “Montreal Apartment Rentals” or “McGill Off-Campus Housing” to browse listings. You can also check with your university’s housing resources—they often have vetted listings or lease transfer boards.

Be careful with scams. If a place seems too cheap or the landlord asks for a deposit before you’ve even seen the apartment, red flag. Always visit the place in person or ask a trusted friend to go if you’re moving from abroad.

When viewing apartments, ask questions like:

• Are utilities included?
• Is the internet set up?
• What’s the heating situation (electric or gas)?
• Is it pet-friendly?

Also, familiarize yourself with tenant rights through Quebec’s rental board, the Tribunal administratif du logement.

Budgeting for Independent Living

Living independently comes with a lot of freedom—and new responsibilities. Budgeting is key to making it work. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a student living in a shared apartment:

• Rent: $700 (varies by neighbourhood and apartment size)
• Utilities (Hydro, gas): $50
• Internet: $40
• Groceries: $250
• Transit (OPUS student pass): $57
• Laundry + essentials: $40
• Phone plan: $40

That’s around $1,177/month, not including extras like takeout, going out, or emergencies. Tools like Mint or YNAB can help you keep track and avoid nasty surprises.

Pro tip: Make a spreadsheet with your income (from jobs, loans, or family) and expenses. Seeing it all in one place makes it easier to plan.

Moving Logistics

Planning your move takes more than just calling a friend with a car. Here’s what to expect:

• Booking Services: If you need a truck or movers, book early, especially around July 1. Try U-Haul or local moving companies. Some student Facebook groups even have moving help threads.
  
  
• Elevator Reservations: If your building has one, you’ll likely need to reserve it. Landlords usually require 48 hours’ notice.
  
  
• Furniture: Many Montreal apartments come unfurnished, so you’ll need a bed, desk, and kitchen gear. Facebook Marketplace, IKEA, and thrift shops like Renaissance are excellent sources. Just be cautious with street furniture—Montreal is known for bedbugs.
  
  
• Utility Setup: Call Hydro-Québec to set up electricity and schedule your internet installation with companies like Bell or Videotron in advance. Don’t wait until the move-in day—you might be stuck hot-spotting from your phone.

Settling In and Adjusting

Once the boxes are unpacked, reality sets in. You’ll be learning how to cook for yourself (or how to survive on instant noodles), doing laundry, and remembering to take out the trash.

But beyond logistics, moving out can come with some emotional challenges. Feeling lonely or overwhelmed is normal, especially if you’re far from family or roommates. If you’re struggling, contact your school’s student wellness services. McGill’s Wellness Hub and Concordia’s Health & Wellness services offer mental health support, workshops, and peer connections.

Add small touches to make your space feel like home: string lights, posters, a comfy throw blanket, or a plant (real or fake). And try to explore your neighbourhood! Finding your go-to café or park helps make a new place feel familiar quickly.