Graduate studies is an exciting step forward in your education and life – one that gives you the opportunity to further your research, develop your skills, positively impact your career path, and increase your earning potential.
It’s important to have a clear understanding of the costs and expenses associated with graduate studies so that you’re ready to make the commitment.
Estimated living costs
The amounts in the charts below are approximate and should be used only as a guide. The amounts reflect estimated living costs for a single person living in Waterloo (lower amount is based on shared accommodation), and show the amounts by month, academic term (four months), and year (three academic terms).
| Expense | Estimated costs (monthly) | Estimated cost (one term) | Estimated cost (one year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off campus housing (shared), including utilities* | $950-$1,900* | $3,800-$7,900* | $11,400-$22,800* |
| Food (groceries) | $385 | $1,540 | $4,620 |
| Telephone | $106 | $425 | $1,272 |
| Entertainment / Recreation (doing fun stuff!) | $150 | $600 | $1,800 |
| Personal care (think hair cuts) | $80 | $320 | $960 |
| Clothing | $132 | $530 | $1,584 |
| Laundry (typically not part of housing costs) | $43 | $170 | $516 |
| Transportation (additional costs over and above free UPass) | $28 | $111 | $336 |
| Books and supplies | $247 | $988 | $2,964 |
| Total | $2,121 - $3,071 | $8,484 - $12,584 | $25,452 - $36,852 |
*This represents the wide range of rental costs depending on the type of housing (e.g., a room in a shared house vs. a one-bedroom condo/apartment) and the proximity to campus.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Computer | $2,000 |
| Security deposit for housing/rental unit (last month's rent) | $950 - $1,900 |
| Home décor/furniture | $500 |
| Winter clothing (winter coat, boots, etc.) | $300 |
Living costs vary depending on several factors
- Living on-campus in residence
Please note that Waterloo's graduate student housing is always in high demand and spaces are not guaranteed. We encourage those who are interested to apply early as offers are sent on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Living off-campus and the type of housing.
For example, living alone in an apartment or condo will cost more than living in a shared house with roommates. Proximity to campus also affects rental costs. If you are considering living further away from campus to reduce costs, choose somewhere close to the ION light rail line for easy access to campus.- For more information on rental costs for different types of housing, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website.
- Once there, scroll down and click on the “Primary Rental Market” tab to expand it. Then click on the “Full Report” button and look at the “Private Apartment Average Rents” table. This includes rental data from the whole Region rather than just Waterloo.
- A crowd-sourced resource is also available for more approximate costs, specifically in Waterloo.
- Check out our Top 10 tips when searching for off-campus housing.
- For more information on rental costs for different types of housing, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website.
- Your lifestyle
Do you prefer to cook your own meals or eat out at restaurants? Do your recreational activities cost money or are they free? Lifestyle choices will impact your overall budget.
Webinar recording: At Home at UWaterloo - Addressing your Graduate Housing Questions
You've received an offer to UWaterloo and one of the big questions on your mind might be “Where am I going to live?”. This webinar addresses your housing options as a graduate student, both on- and off-campus. Learn about the different types of graduate student housing we offer, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and resources and supports for your off-campus housing search. The Q&A in the second half of the webinar with our campus housing experts (starting at the 49 minute mark) also provides lots of great information.
Top 10 tips when searching for off-campus housing
#1: Learn about the area
Familiarize yourself with the area online and check to see where the rental is located in relation to campus. If you’re considering living further away from campus to reduce costs, choose somewhere close to the ION light rail line for easy access to campus.
#2: Start looking early
Don’t leave housing to the last minute. Note that availability can vary depending on the season.
#3: Know the types of housing available
Know what type of housing you’re looking for: apartment, shared house, etc.
#4: Understand the differences in costs
Understand the difference in costs between types of housing: shared housing will cost less than a one-bedroom apartment, sometimes significantly so.
#5: Know the average costs
Along with the resources provided here, you can also consult data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation or crowd-sourced data and living costs for Waterloo.
#6: Use the available tools
Visit the Off-Campus Housing page and take advantage of our partnership with Places4Students, or check out other listing services like rentals.ca and kijiji.ca.
#7: Check for legitimacy of the listing
Make sure to double check the legitimacy of online ads by searching the rental address in Google maps, or image search the online photos. If you live too far away to view the unit in person, we recommend requesting a live video tour.
#8: Understand what's included
Understand the cost of utilities and if they’re included in the monthly rent or not. You can also ask about what else is included in the rent like parking, snow removal, internet, etc. Visit Waterloo North Hydro for more info if utilities are not included.
#9: Read everything
Read your lease and all documents before you sign.
#10: Access important tips
See the bottom of our Off-campus housing page for more important tips, your tenant rights, information on leases, dealing with problems, safety tips, and more.
Bonus Tip: Stay organized!
You might view multiple listings and apply for a few rental units before you find the best spot to live; after visiting a few places (in-person or virtually), it might be hard to keep track of different units. So, be sure to track which housing units you're interested in, any notes from your visits, what is required for each rental application, and where you are in the rental application process.