How to find a roommate in Winnipeg as a student
Winnipeg is one of the cheapest big cities in Canada to be a student, and you can still find a good room without much drama. Most of the challenge is deciding which side of the city to live on, since the U of M and UWinnipeg are on opposite ends, and finding a roommate who can handle a real prairie winter with you.
Pick your side of the city
The University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus is in the south end. UWinnipeg and RRC Polytech's Exchange District campus are downtown. Living near the wrong one can add a long bus ride to every day, so start there.
- Fort Garry and Fort Richmond. The U of M areas. Lots of house shares, basement suites and student apartments, plus the Southwest Transitway.
- Osborne Village. Dense, walkable, lots of older apartment blocks. Popular with UWinnipeg students and close enough to downtown.
- Wolseley and the West End. Right near UWinnipeg. Older houses, cheaper rooms, and a neighbourhood feel.
- The Exchange and Downtown. Best for RRC Polytech's downtown campus, with more apartments and lofts.
What a room costs
As a rough ballpark for fall 2026, a room in a shared house or apartment runs about $550 to $850 a month. Osborne Village and newer buildings near the U of M sit higher. Check current listings before you agree on a budget.
Manitoba rules worth knowing
In Manitoba, a security deposit can't be more than half a month's rent, and most rent increases are capped by a yearly provincial guideline. The Residential Tenancies Branch handles disputes. Get the lease in writing, do a move in inspection, and take photos of everything.
Winter is part of the deal
Winnipeg winters are serious. Ask whether heat is included, how old the windows are, and who's shovelling. If someone has a car, talk about the plug in and the parking spot. These are the things roommates end up arguing about in February, so sort them out in September. Our guide to splitting bills helps with the money side.
Finding a roommate who fits
On SubSwap, everyone verifies with a school email, so you're matched with real students from the U of M, UWinnipeg, RRC Polytech, CMU and Université de Saint Boniface. You're matched on sleep, cleanliness, guests and budget, and chat only opens after you both swipe right. Before you sign, go through our roommate questions together.
Find your people in Winnipeg.
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 Winnipeg?
As a rough fall 2026 ballpark, a room in a shared house or apartment is about $550 to $850 a month, with Osborne Village and newer buildings near the U of M at the higher end.
Where do University of Manitoba students live?
Most live in Fort Garry or Fort Richmond near the south end campus, with easy access to the Southwest Transitway.
Where do UWinnipeg students live?
Wolseley, the West End and Osborne Village are the most common, all close to the downtown campus.
What's the maximum security deposit in Manitoba?
Half a month's rent. The landlord has to return it at the end of the tenancy, minus any lawful deductions.