1. On-Campus Residence Options
University of Western Ontario (Western University) offers multiple on‑campus residences for first‑year and upper‑year students, such as Saugeen–Maitland Hall, Medway‑Sydenham Hall, and others.
Fanshawe College provides apartment-style and townhouse-style living, accommodating around 1,220 and 396 residents respectively.
2. Off-Campus Rental Landscape
Western’s Off‑Campus Housing Services
Western University runs the premier Off‑Campus Housing Listings, offering ~5,000 rental listings annually, along with lease reviews, mediation, student rentals london ontario and advisors.
International and exchange students receive personalized assistance (even before arrival) and support to avoid scams and understand local laws.
3. Typical Pricing & Rental Formats
Room in shared house: CAD $500–600/month typical; can go as high as $900–1,000.
Single room in a high-rise/shared apartment: around CAD $600–1,000/month.
One-bedroom unit on campus (lottery): about CAD $973/month as of 2018; likely higher now.
Luxury student rentals: rooms in newly built high-end houses can run CAD $800–1,200/month per bedroom, includes utilities, ensuite bathrooms, fully furnished.
4. Popular Student Neighbourhoods
Old North (Broughdale): ~10 min walk to campus, tree-lined streets; considered safe and student-popular.
Downtown & Richmond Row: lively, close to Fanshawe downtown and eateries; active but higher rent.
Masonville / University Heights: quieter, well-connected by transit, slightly pricier but convenient for Fanshawe’s main campus.
Huron Heights: densely populated by students from both universities; convenient but within a lower‑income neighbourhood.
5. Insights from Students on Reddit
“Rent for a one bedroom is anywhere between $900‑1200 CAD/month. A two bedroom will go between $1300‑$1800/month so half that if you can get a roommate.”
“Beware of ppl asking u for a deposit for application… There’s a lot of off campus student housing and a lot of rooms for rent. … And rip for the … bedbug … cockroach issue right now especially with high rises.”
“Some of my friends have used this though and live in super shady places so just beware … I ended up renting a room in a house up Richmond Street … It cost $450 all utilities … You are looking at anywhere from $500 ‑ $1000 a month, depending on amenities.”
“Be very wary of apartment complexes owned by companies like Luxe London or Exclusive Rentals. They’re known to have poorly constructed units, leaks, and bug infestations.”
6. How to Navigate the Rental Process
Start your search early—Western recommends starting in January for September move-in, since options fill quickly.
Use Western’s official listings and resources (including FB groups) to reduce risk of scams and find housing compatible with international students.
View properties in person or ask a trusted person to do so before paying deposits or signing leases.
Know your lease rights:
Ontario landlords cannot charge a security deposit; only first and last month’s rent.
Written leases should be provided within 21 days.
Understand termination notice requirements.
Check for pest issues, building safety (smoke detectors, locks), and utility details before committing.
7. Notable Rental Providers & Listings
Western Pines: student‑oriented rental community bordering campus, offering furnished apartments and common areas.
Oxford Rentals: luxury off‑campus homes within 2 km of campus, licensed by the city; close to downtown and transit routes.
Crown Rentals: landlords offering clean, furnished homes near Western/Fanshawe campuses.
Quick Summary Table
Option | Price (CAD/month) | Features |
Shared Room (house) | 500–600 | Utilities/internet sometimes included |
Studio / Shared Apt | 600–1,000 | Private bathroom or roommates |
One‑Bedroom (solo) | 900+ | More expensive, best for privacy |
Luxury Student Rentals | 800–1,200+ per bedroom | Ensuite, furnished, dedicated amenities |
8. Final Tips for a Safe & Successful Move
Avoid suspicious landlords who pressure for deposits before lease signing (especially for “key fees”).
Join student Facebook groups and the official off‑campus forums to find reliable listings and sublets.
Review listings for pest history or poor reviews—some complexes have been flagged for infestations or poor maintenance.
Understand subletting rules if you plan to rent your unit in summer; a written sublet agreement is a must.
Final Thoughts
Student rentals in London, Ontario offer a range of options—from economy shared rooms to luxury private bedrooms—especially around Western University and Fanshawe College. Leveraging official university services, starting early, staying alert to scams, and choosing vetted landlords ensures a smoother rental experience. If you’d like help exploring listings or neighbourhood matching, feel free to ask!
