Moving to Montreal for school is exciting, but finding somewhere to live can take a little planning.

Your first instinct might be to choose a place based on rent alone. While your budget obviously matters, there are other things that can make a big difference once classes begin.

Think about where you’ll spend most of your time. If you’re going to campus several days a week, living somewhere with an easy commute can save you a lot of time. Being close to groceries, cafés and public transportation can also make everyday life much easier.

For students who don’t want to deal with buying furniture immediately after arriving, exploring furnished options can be a practical place to start.

A good student home should give you somewhere comfortable to sleep and study, but you should also think about the shared spaces and the neighbourhood.

Will you have enough room to work on assignments? Is the kitchen practical? If you’re sharing with other students, is there enough space for everyone?

Location matters too.

Students who enjoy being close to restaurants, shops and entertainment may prefer checking out rental options closer to downtown.

Take your time when comparing places. The cheapest option isn’t always the one that works best, and paying a little more for convenience may be worthwhile if it makes your daily routine easier.