How to find a roommate in Edmonton as a student
Edmonton is one of the more affordable big cities in Canada for students, and you can actually find a decent room without a bidding war. The catch is winter, distance between campuses, and figuring out which neighbourhoods are worth it. A good roommate makes all of that a lot easier.
Where students live
- Garneau. Right next to the U of A. Old houses split into rooms and lots of walk ups. The default for students who want to walk to class.
- Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue. A few minutes from campus with bars, cafes and a busy weekend scene. Great if you like that. Loud if you don't.
- Windsor Park and Belgravia. Quieter and closer to the river valley, with fewer rentals.
- Oliver and Downtown. Best for MacEwan and NorQuest students, with lots of apartment buildings and easy LRT access.
- Prince Rupert and the area around NAIT. Practical for NAIT students, and the Metro Line connects it.
What a room costs
As a rough ballpark for fall 2026, a room in a shared house or apartment runs about $600 to $900 a month. Garneau and Whyte Avenue sit at the top of that. Check current listings since prices have been creeping up.
Alberta rental basics
A landlord in Alberta can't ask for more than one month's rent as a security deposit, and they have to return it with interest. Do a written move in inspection with photos. Disputes go to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. If you're renting a room in the owner's home, check whether the Residential Tenancies Act covers it, because it often doesn't.
Talk about winter before you move in
Edmonton winters are long and cold. Who shovels? Whose car gets plugged in? Is heat included, and if not, how are you splitting the January bill? Agree on it now. Our roommate agreement guide gives you a simple template.
Finding someone who fits
On SubSwap, everyone verifies with a school email, so you're matched with real students from the U of A, MacEwan, NAIT, NorQuest, Concordia University of Edmonton and more. Matches are based on sleep, cleanliness, guests and budget, and chat opens only after you both swipe right. Not sure how to start? Read how to search for a roommate.
Find your people in Edmonton.
SubSwap matches verified students across Canada with roommates who fit how they live. Free to join with your school email.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a student room in Edmonton?
As a rough fall 2026 ballpark, a room in a shared house or apartment is about $600 to $900 a month, with Garneau and Whyte Avenue at the higher end.
Where do U of A students live?
Most live in Garneau, which is right beside campus, or in Old Strathcona around Whyte Avenue. Windsor Park and Belgravia are quieter options.
Where should MacEwan or NAIT students live?
MacEwan students often live in Oliver or Downtown. NAIT students tend to live nearby in Prince Rupert or along the Metro Line LRT.
What's the maximum security deposit in Alberta?
One month's rent. The landlord has to keep it in trust and return it with interest, minus any lawful deductions.