Moving to Montreal for university is exciting, but finding somewhere to live can be one of the more stressful parts of the process.

You have to think about rent, location, transportation, furniture and how much space you’ll actually need. It’s easy to focus on the price and forget about how much your living situation can affect your everyday routine.

For students who don’t want to buy furniture immediately after moving, furnished housing options can make the transition much easier.

Having the basics already in place means you can settle in without spending your first few days shopping for a bed, desk or other essentials.

Where you live matters just as much as the apartment itself. If you’re travelling to campus regularly, a convenient commute can save you a surprising amount of time each week. Being close to grocery stores, cafés and public transportation can also make everyday errands much easier.

Some students prefer being closer to the centre of the city because they want easy access to restaurants, entertainment and other activities. Checking out apartments in the downtown area can be useful if that kind of lifestyle appeals to you.

Before signing a lease, take some time to walk around the neighbourhood. It can tell you a lot more than photos on a listing.