To market, to market
The CCE did a little apartment hunting to see how far your money actually gets you in the Waterloo rental market.
$613.47-$675
Luxe Waterloo
Who says living like a student means you can’t do it in style? Luxe Waterloo is part of a new wave of high-end student residences that come equipped with flat screen TVs, brand new appliances, granite counters and ensuite bathrooms. You still have to have roommates, but for $675 a month you only have to share with three other people as opposed to four or five. (luxewaterloo.com).
PROS: Has basically everything you ever need.
CONS: Might be difficult to leave your house and actually go to class. Plus that price point isn’t necessarily friendly to the budget-conscious person.
$530-$560
One bed in an apartment building
The mid-range gets you into an apartment unit that you’ll share. Several listed are nice, though not quite as high-end as Luxe. In some you’ll also be sharing a bathroom or other amenities with your new flatmates.
PROS: Easier to find availability in these due to the number built in the area for the student market.
CONS: For slightly more, you get the added perks that a high-end building has to offer, and for slightly less you save some money without giving up much.
$485-$495
A cozy bedroom in a house
In the $495 range, bedrooms in shared houses are the norm. On inwaterloo.com, the home of VIP Student Housing, one unit on Hickory St. included laundry, parking and internet — but you still have to pay your water bill, and have up to four other roommates.
PROS: Cheaper, for a start. Plus you get some of the amenities promised by the higher end facilities.
CONS: It’s a student house which can be a pro depending on how you look at it. Regardless, expect to be cleaning up a lot after parties and your roomies 2 a.m. munchies attack.
$400
Shared apartments further afield
There is a place where the rent is reasonable and — shocker — you could even afford an apartment all on your very own. Kitchener gets a bad rap, but venture out of the bubble and you’ll find a revitalized downtown that the hipsters haven’t quite yet discovered, which means rents are still on the reasonable side.
PROS: More bang for your buck
CONS: The distance will be frustrating for people who like going out in their PJs — but keep in mind, the area is well served by the GRT.
