Living in Calgary

Accommodations

Campus residency and rental units in Calgary are in high demand. If you’d like to live on campus, it is essential that you submit your residence application early. Acceptance into graduate school does not include acceptance into University residence. Current university residence information can be found on the Residence Services site.

Temporary accommodation in residence is usually available until shortly before term begins. Call University Housing during business hours at 220-3210. If you have not reserved permanent accommodation in residence, check newspaper ads (Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun) and Off-Campus Housing Listings.

Other students are often your best source of assistance and information about many aspects of campus life, including how to get along on a limited budget.

Transportation

Calgary Transit is an important resource for those living off campus. The “C-Train”, or Light Rail Transit (LRT) system has a University station on the east side of campus, and various buses stop at the south entrance and north end of campus. All full-time students are given a “U-Pass” upon registration, which entitles you to free access to the city transit system. At the start of each fall and winter session, students need to get a validation sticker on their student ID card to activate the U-Pass. Graduate Students pay $192 for the U-Pass, which is valid for the period from September 1 to August 31.

The campus map shows the location of LRT and bus stops. For more information on Calgary’s transit services, including routes and schedules, visit the Calgary Transit site.

Cost of Living

A single student living economically can manage on approximately $18,000 Cdn per year. This estimate includes tuition, living expenses, and miscellaneous costs. It does not include transportation costs to and from Canada.

Normally single students need approximately $800-$1,100 Cdn per month for living costs. Married students with children will need more: approximately $1,500-$2,500 Cdn per month. See a sample budget here.

In calculating monthly living expenses, it is important to keep in mind that there are many options available. Costs will vary considerably depending on how you choose to live. Some students prefer to live on campus in traditional residences with meals provided; others prefer to live off campus and do their own cooking. Some students depend on public transportation while others want a car. Major savings on food are also possible depending on where you shop (see University of Calgary International Centre).