As the school year comes to an end, many students are left thinking about the year ahead and what they need to do now to prepare for it. One of the most important aspects in getting ready for the next year is securing a place to live. For many students, this experience has been both stressful and challenging.
Not everyone is able to live in residence, so off-campus housing is a popular option for many students who plan on returning to Durham College after the summer. However, finding an available and affordable place to live off-campus has proven difficult.
“Landlords could definitely try to be more accepting or have accommodations for people who can only pay this much,” said Dakota Wilson-Cook, a broadcasting student at Durham College who is currently looking for off-campus housing. “So, they’re still getting their rent, it just might need to be split in half each month to make it easier on students who can’t really pay off all of it at once.”
With housing prices skyrocketing, limited vacancies and affordability becoming a growing issue, students are left with few choices.
According to the Durham Region College and University Housing guide, as of March 2024, the average rent in Durham is $1,803 a month for a one-bedroom and $2,114 a month for a two-bedroom. This makes it harder than ever for students to find budget–friendly landlords who rent for less than $1,000 a month.
“One thing they could do on campus is they could have a booth, or something set up towards the end of the year to help students and show places DC has connections to,” said Wilson-Cook.
Tara Koski, dean of students, said Durham College offers support to those navigating the off-campus housing market.
“The Off-Campus Housing team offers guidance on understanding leases, tenant rights, and budgeting for rent and utilities. Workshops and online resources are also available to help students feel confident in their housing decisions,” said Koski in an email.
For students thinking outside of the box, it’s clear this isn’t just a student housing problem but part of a broader affordability crisis in Oshawa. According to the Cost of Living in Oshawa website, the average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,680 while a three bedroom is $2,837.25.
With the cost of living rising rapidly, Wilson-Cook said having reliable roommates and a team approach can make all the difference.
“Definitely try to find some reliable people, people you can trust to get rent in on time so you can feel a little freer in your house,” he said. “Have everyone searching for places because if it’s only one person it doesn’t really show them that they’re responsible. And ask around, always ask people if they know any places up for rent.”
The realities of pricing and availability are a genuine concern among the student body. While there may not be a quick solution, there are still tools available to help with the search.
Students can explore resources like Places4Students.com, which lists everything from single rooms to full townhouses, and RentSeeker.ca, which offers a variety of rental options in the Durham area.
Koski said students who feel unsafe or are dealing with unhealthy living situations off-campus should contact Student Affairs or DCSA’s Support Hub for help.
“We can help students understand their rights, connect them with legal resources or tenant advocacy services,” she said.