Why Calgary is an Excellent Choice for Students

Calgary is more than just Alberta’s largest city—it’s one of Canada’s most student-friendly urban hubs. With world-class institutions like the University of Calgary, SAIT, and Bow Valley College, it attracts a diverse and growing student population.

From the energy of downtown to the quiet charm of neighborhoods like Kensington or Brentwood, Calgary blends academic opportunity with lifestyle quality. But while education is top-tier, student housing in Calgary can be competitive, fragmented, and stressful to secure—especially for newcomers.

This guide helps you navigate the best ways to rent a student room or co-living space in Calgary—especially if you're looking for furnished, affordable, move-in-ready housing.

 

What Housing Options Do Students Have in Calgary?

Let’s break down the common options and compare what works best—particularly for international or first-year students.

1. On-Campus Residences

Pros:

  • Located right on school grounds

  • Good community life

  • Safe and reliable

Cons:

  • Limited availability

  • Higher costs during peak periods

  • Less flexibility in lease terms

2. Traditional Apartment Rentals

Pros:

  • Independent living

  • More control over space

Cons:

  • Typically unfurnished

  • Long-term lease required

  • Utilities may not be included

  • Require strong credit or local references

3. Furnished Co-Living Spaces (e.g., Harrington)

Pros:

  • Fully furnished

  • Utilities and Wi-Fi included

  • Flexible lease durations

  • Online booking, no Canadian guarantor required

  • Built-in community environment

Cons:

  • Shared common areas (though private rooms are standard)

For most students—especially international students—co-living hits the sweet spot between independence and simplicity.

 

Harrington Housing in Calgary: Modern Student Living, Simplified

Harrington offers private, furnished rooms in co-living units designed for students. With locations near transit, campus, and downtown Calgary, it’s a seamless solution for anyone who wants stress-free housing without compromising comfort.

What’s Included with Harrington?

  •  Fully furnished rooms (bed, desk, chair, storage)

  •  High-speed internet

  •  Heating, electricity, water—all included in rent

  •  Safe, modern buildings in student-friendly areas

  •  Flexible leases: semester-based, short-term, long-term

  •  Instant online booking & support before and after move-in

Harrington eliminates the biggest stressors of renting in a new city:
No brokers. No surprises. No furniture shopping. No complicated paperwork.

 

Top Neighborhoods for Students in Calgary

Here are the most popular (and practical) neighborhoods for student renters:

 Brentwood

  • Close to University of Calgary

  • Affordable food options and quiet streets

  • Great access to the LRT (Calgary’s metro)

 Downtown Calgary

  • Ideal for SAIT and Bow Valley College students

  • High walkability, cafes, libraries, and co-working spaces

  • More urban vibe and connected lifestyle

 Kensington

  • A trendy, student-popular neighborhood

  • Excellent access to transit, restaurants, and green spaces

  • Perfect mix of quiet and social energy

 Capitol Hill / Banff Trail

  • Ideal for those who want to live near parks

  • Excellent for students who want to bike or walk to class

 

What to Consider When Renting a Student Room

Whether with Harrington or another provider, these key factors can shape your student living experience:

  • Furnished vs. Unfurnished → Can you move in immediately?

  • Included Utilities → No hidden monthly charges

  • Lease Lengths → Are flexible terms available?

  • Location → How long is the commute to your campus?

  • Roommate Matching → Do you get to choose?

  • Support Access → Is there someone to help if you have issues?

 

 Common Housing Mistakes First-Time Students Make

  • Trusting unverified online ads

  • Paying cash deposits without legal contracts

  • Overcommitting to year-long leases

  • Underestimating setup costs (furniture, internet, etc.)

That’s exactly why many students are switching to co-living solutions like Harrington.

 

Why Co-Living is the Smart Student Housing Model for 2025

The way students rent rooms is changing. Static, one-year leases and unfurnished basements are becoming outdated. Students today want:

  • Flexibility

  • Speed

  • Clean design

  • Social connections

  • Zero guesswork

Co-living meets those needs head-on.

 

Move In, Unpack, Start Living

Harrington’s model means you don’t need to spend the first week of school buying a bed, calling the internet provider, or trying to understand Alberta’s rental laws. You show up. You unpack. You’re home.

 

Final Thoughts: Start Your Calgary Student Life With Confidence

Whether you're arriving in Calgary from across the country or across the world, your living space should be a source of comfort—not stress. Harrington makes student living simple, safe, and fully supported.

From booking to move-in, from roommates to resources, it’s all built to support your academic success and personal well-being.

 

Ready to find your student room in Calgary?
Explore Harrington Rooms in Calgary