Most students prefer renting a room in a shared apartment. This option helps them save on rent and enjoy living with roommates from various nationalities, which makes the experience more enjoyable.
Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Montreal
Here are some key aspects of living in shared flats to help you find your ideal accommodation:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Montreal
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- Sharing a flat leaves more room in your budget for enjoying Montreal's leisure options, like nightclubs, bars, museums, theatres, and historical sites.
- You can find a room conveniently located near your institution or the city centre. Popular neighbourhoods among students include Quartier Latin, Plateau-Mont-Royal, Village, Downtown, and Mile End.
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Montreal
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- Winter temperatures can drop below -10°C. Keep this in mind to find accommodation with good heating and reach an agreement with your roommates about its use.
- The cheapest rooms are usually far from the city centre, so pay close attention to the public transport connections available.
Apps for your international exchange programme in Montreal
To make your exchange in Montreal smoother, use apps designed for international students. These apps can help you with different procedures and provide information and advice about life in the city. For example, a handy tip is to learn both English and French to fully embrace the city’s multicultural vibe.
How to meet people in Montreal
Feeling overwhelmed about arriving alone in the city? Don’t worry! Here are some ways to meet people in Montreal, besides bonding with your flatmates:
Student associations in Montreal
There are many associations and sports clubs to join, so find the ones that match your interests. Specific associations for international students, like the “McGill International Student Network”, are also a great place to start.
Facebook groups for international students in Montreal
Many institutions and universities create Facebook groups for international students, so you can search for them and join them. You can also find general groups for students from different parts of the world in Montreal, which makes it easier to connect with other students attending different institutions.
WhatsApp groups for international students in Montreal
You’ll likely find WhatsApp groups to join, as well as Telegram servers and Discord communities. Joining these groups allows you to stay in direct contact with other students and meet people with similar interests to make plans together.
Tips for sharing a student flat in Montreal
Keep these tips in mind when living in a shared flat in this Canadian city:
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- Besides enjoying Montreal, use the money saved on rent to travel to nearby cities, such as Toronto, Ottawa, New York, and Washington D.C, all of which have good connections to Montreal.
- If you enjoy nature, consider finding accommodation with easy access to Mont Royal Park. It offers large green spaces and viewpoints with stunning views of the city.