Our Student Services Department maintains a Housing Registry that will assist you in locating apartments and rooms in the vicinity of the college. The facilities in the Registry are not inspected by Student Services nor the college. Be sure to read all the tips before you go apartment or room hunting. The lease that you sign or the arrangement that you undertake in the case of a private home is your responsibility. Your comments on the facilities listed in the Housing Registry are always welcome.
Types of Housing
- Apartments
Most apartments are not furnished, but they will often have a refrigerator and stove. However, utility costs (e.g. heat and electricity, etc.) may or may not be included in the rent. Students should be very cautious before signing any lease and inquire about any “extras” that may cost more.In the newspaper, an apartment will be described as 1-1/2, 2-1/2 etc. The “1/2″ usually refers to the bathroom. For example, a 2-1/2 room apartment may include a separate bedroom, a combined living room and kitchenette area, and bathroom. A 3-1/2 would be the same, but may have a separate kitchen. The rent will vary according to the size of the apartment, the building, the area it is located in and the facilities offered.Rent & Prices
Prices vary according to location, demand and facilities offered (e.g furnished or not). Approximate costs vary between $400 a month to $750 a month depending on the size of the apartment (1-1/2 to 4-1/2).
- Private HomesRoom with Kitchen Privileges
This type of accommodation has proven to be popular and is most affordable. The student prepares his or her meals in the home at a lower cost than restaurant or cafeteria dining.Rooms with Meals Provided
Depending on the arrangements made with the family, this type of accommodation allows for two or three meals a day included in the rent. This can be quite a handy situation providing that it is convenient for you to be home for all of your meals. If not, perhaps you should stick to a room with kitchen privileges.Costs
Room with kitchen privileges
$100 – $150 per week (room and board)With meals
$125 – $175 per week (room and board)
Tips & Pointers
Looking for a place to stay?
- Owners of a private home are reluctant to rent early because a student may not pass his or her final high school exams, might not be accepted to the College, might change his or her mind, etc.
- August is usually the best month to look for a place to stay because, by then, most of the above facts are known.
- Neat appearance helps to make a good impression.
- Use the Student Services Housing Registry, but remember that there are other resources available.
- Speak to other students. Remember, word of mouth can get you a great apartment or room.
- Check the classified ads in the Montreal and South Shore newspapers. The Courier du Sud is a good source of information.
- Check the bulletin boards in the local shopping centres, grocery stores, etc.
- Sharing an apartment with another student can be cheaper than renting on your own. If you are interested, stop by Student Services and place an announcement in the Housing Registry.
Found a place to stay? Ask youself the following:
- Do your appliances work? Nothing can be as frustrating as a stove that does not work, clogged drains, leaky faucets, etc.
- Are the rooms well heated? How?
- How clean is your building? This will give you a clue as to the type of service that you will receive.
- Is your room soundproof? Remember, living near a noisy area can be irritating and can cut into sleep and study time.
- Is there enough storage space and closet space? (For example, where will you put your bike for the winter?)
- How big will your apartment be after you move in your furniture if it is not furnished?
- How many electrical outlets are there?
- Are they located in convenient places?
- Are there any laundry facilities in the building? If not, how far away is the nearest laundromat?
- How far away are you from shopping centres, grocery stores, banks or a credit union?
- What is the route to school? To downtown? Will you have to pay two or more fares to get to your destination?
- Is there access to a telephone? To Internet?
- Are pets allowed?
- If you own a car, are there proper parking facilities? Do you pay extra?
- Are blankets and linen provided with your room rental?
- Is there a secure lock leading into your apartment or room?
- If you rent a room, what are the expectations about having friends visit, the sound level of your music, etc.?
Living Expenses
Food
On average, a student who cooks his/her own meals can expect to spend $350 per month on food, just for the basics. However, this does depend on the individual and on budget planning. Meals are available in the campus cafeteria: The following are approximate prices per meal:
- Breakfast: $4.00 – $6.00
- Lunch: $5.00 – $7.50
- Dinner: $5.00 – $7.50
Telephone, Internet and Television
Before shopping for these types of services, be sure to verify if any of these are included in your rental. If not, you may like to check with the various local service providers such as Videotron, Bell, Rogers, etc. Bundle packages are usually available and vary in price depending on the types of services you want. You will find all of the information on the providers’ websites.
Transportation
Public transportation is an economical way to travel. See Student Services about bus routes and fares and whether you are eligible for a student pass. Information on the local South Shore bus routes, fares, etc. is available on the Réseau de transport de Longueuil web site http://www.rtl-longueuil.qc.ca/english/index_ag.asp. Students who choose to drive to school can park their vehicles at the college. Parking fees: Annual Pass $125, Semester Pass $75, Monthly Pass $30, Booklet (10 tickets) $30, Daily $5.00 (Parking fees are subject to change without notice).
Incidentals
Do you need pots and pans, dishes, towels, blankets, sheets or small appliances…? Do you need services such as Internet or cable TV? These are extra costs to be considered when budgeting.
Housing Registry
Looking for a place to stay? Search and browse through the Housing Board listings that we have received through Student Services. Stop by Student Services and check it out for a comprehensive listing of what’s available.
Also, be sure to check out the local newspapers including the Courrier du Sud which also has an extensive listing of available lodgings.
Important Note:
Before signing a lease, you should consider important information which is available from Student Services at (450) 672-7360, extension 355. If you encounter problems with your lease, you can contact:
Régie du logement / Rental Board
201 Place Charles Lemoyne, 6th floor, Longueuil
(514) 873-2245 or
www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca
There is no charge for this service. If you have a room in a private home where three or more rooms are rented out, or if your room has its own bathroom and a separate entrance, you are eligible for assistance from the Rental Board. Student Services is also available to give you a hand with any housing difficulties.
The housing information is general and subject to change. Statements concerning rights obligations, deadlines, etc. should be carefully reviewed with the Rental Board before taking any action.
To Place a Housing Ad
If you would like to place a housing ad, please contact Céline Bourgeois in Student Services.