Accepting a co‑op job in a new location is an exciting chance to learn, grow and experience something new. While housing can be one of the more challenging parts of relocating, especially with costs and availability to consider, there are supports and resources available to help you navigate the process.
It’s helpful to start thinking about housing early, even as you begin your job search. Waterloo co-op students work across Ontario, Canada, and around the world! Being open to different work locations can expand your job opportunities. You can lean on your networks, including peers, family, and other co-op students along the way. Be sure to make use of the available resources to help secure a living situation that works for you.
When should I start looking?
For co-op students, housing timelines can feel tight. It's helpful to stay flexible and start exploring your options early. While many housing resources will encourage renters to start looking 6-8 months in advance, as a co-op student, you may not have that much time.
Rather than waiting until you have a job offer, try to build your awareness of housing throughout the entire recruiting process. Whether you’re browsing job postings, preparing applications, interviewing or accepting a role, this early research can help you feel more prepared and confident when opportunities come up. However, we strongly recommend that you only sign a lease after you’ve accepted a job offer.
Questions to consider during your housing research:
Costs
- What is the average monthly cost of accommodation in the area?
- What is the cost of living in the area?
- What is my budget?
- What salary do I expect and will this cover my expenses, including accommodation?
Is housing accessible from my workplace?
- If I’m required to work in-person or hybrid, how will I commute to work?
- How long will the commute take?
- Is there public transit to my work location? How much does it cost?
- Can I carpool with other co-op students living in my area?
Availability
- What type of housing is available in the area?
- Can I stay in my current rental or live at home?
- Can I find a short-term lease?
- Can I live with roommates?
Supports
- Who can help me find housing?
- Do I have connections in the area?
- Am I connected to other students on Co-op Connection Discord server?
- Am I part of local housing social media pages?
Join our Co-op Connection Discord
- The Co-op Connection Discord server connects co-op students with other students living and working in the same area during a work term.
- The channels are arranged by geographical region.
- Each region has a dedicated forum for students to post about housing.
- Students use the housing channels to advertise sublets or lease opportunities for other students, find roommates, organize carpools and ask questions to students currently living in other regions.
External housing resources
We’ve gathered a range of housing resources to support you during your co-op work term, whether you're looking for rental listings, tips on finding roommates or advice for your housing search.
This page includes commonly used third-party websites, but it’s not a complete list. The University of Waterloo does not endorse, inspect or verify these websites, listings or properties. It’s important to do your own research and make sure any housing option meets your needs.
Be aware of rental fraud:If you're concerned that the housing you're considering may be a scam, the UWaterloo Special Constable Service resource has tips to help you identify if it is safe. Contact Special Constable Services for more information.