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Off-Campus Housing at Queen's University: A Guide for Students

Looking for student housing near Queen's University? Explore downtown Kingston apartments, rental considerations and student-friendly housing options.

Updated 3 min readBy the Keystone leasing team

TL;DR: Students attending Queen's University have several off-campus housing options throughout Kingston. Downtown Kingston is a convenient choice, with apartments within walking distance of campus, restaurants, grocery stores, and other student essentials. When searching for student housing, consider location, apartment size, lease length, utilities, and transportation. Keystone Property Management offers bachelor through multi-bedroom apartments in downtown Kingston, making it an option for undergraduate students, graduate students, and mature students.

Finding Off-Campus Housing Near Queen's University

Finding the right off-campus apartment is an important part of preparing for university life. Whether you're entering your first year, continuing your studies, or beginning a graduate or professional program, choosing a convenient place to live can make a significant difference in your daily routine.

Many Queen's students choose to live in downtown Kingston because of its proximity to campus and access to local amenities. Living nearby can make it easier to get to lectures, libraries, campus activities, and other university facilities without needing to commute long distances.

Why Live in Downtown Kingston?

Downtown Kingston offers a convenient location for students who want to balance academics with everyday life. The area is home to restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, shopping, and local businesses, providing many of the essentials students need close to home.

Princess Street is a central destination for dining, shopping, and services, while nearby residential streets offer a range of apartment options. Downtown also provides convenient access to Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, and Hotel Dieu Hospital.

For medical, nursing, law, and other professional students, living downtown can be particularly convenient because of the area's proximity to both campus and local healthcare institutions.

Choosing the Right Student Apartment

Before choosing an apartment, think about how much space you need and whether you plan to live alone or with roommates.

Bachelor and one-bedroom apartments can work well for students who prefer their own space, while two-bedroom and larger apartments may offer opportunities for shared living.

Other important considerations include:

  • Location: Look for an apartment within a reasonable walking distance of campus and everyday amenities.
  • Lease length: Understand whether the lease covers the full academic year or requires a twelve-month commitment.
  • Utilities: Confirm which utilities are included and which are the tenant's responsibility.
  • Laundry: Ask whether laundry facilities are available in the building or inside the apartment.
  • Parking: Consider whether you need a parking space and whether it is available separately.
  • Furnishings: Confirm whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished. Keystone apartments are unfurnished.

Understanding Student Rental Leases

One of the most important things students should consider is the lease agreement. Not all rental properties offer the same lease terms, and it is important to understand the length of the commitment before signing.

Keystone Property Management offers twelve-month leases rather than eight-month or short-term student rentals. This is worth considering when planning your housing budget, particularly if you intend to leave Kingston during the summer.

Students should also review their responsibilities regarding rent payments, utilities, maintenance, and any additional rental costs.

Student Apartments with Keystone Property Management

Keystone Property Management offers student-friendly apartments throughout downtown Kingston, with properties located along Princess Street, Sydenham Street, Queen Street, and nearby streets.

Its portfolio includes bachelor, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and larger apartments in established residential buildings. Every Keystone apartment building is within walking distance of Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital.

Keystone is a family-owned rental company that has served downtown Kingston since 1890. Its tenant community includes graduate students, medical and law students, and working professionals.

Looking for off-campus housing near Queen's University? Explore Keystone's downtown Kingston apartment listings to find out about available units and upcoming rental opportunities.

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