⚠️ Important Notes
- Most McMaster graduate students live off-campus! On-campus housing is mainly for first-year undergraduates, and graduate students are not eligible for those traditional dorms.
- However, McMaster now offers a few options for graduate student housing, the most notable being the 10 Bay Graduate Residence. There are also short-term summer accommodations available on campus.
🏨 Official McMaster Housing Options
1. 10 Bay Graduate Residence
- Address: 10 Bay St S, Hamilton, ON
- Description: McMaster's newest residence, opened in 2023, designed specifically for graduate and upper-year students.
- Highlights:
- Studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom furnished suites
- Fully furnished: bed, desk, wardrobe, kitchen appliances
- All-inclusive rent (utilities, internet, heating)
- Modern amenities: gym, study rooms, lounges, BBQ area, movie theatre
- 15-minute bus to campus + shuttle service available
- How to apply: https://housing.mcmaster.ca/10bay-apply/
2. McMaster Summer Accommodations
- Address: Dorms on the main campus, like Brandon Hall, Wallingford Hall, etc.
- Dates: Typically mid-May to mid-August
- Highlights:
- Short-term accommodation, ideal for new arrivals waiting for long-term housing
- Single or double rooms with private bathrooms
- Rates: ~\$50/night for shared room, ~\$70/night for single
- Fully furnished, air-conditioned, safe environment
- Website: https://stay.mcmaster.ca/summer-accommodations/
🏡 Types of Housing
House
- Located further from campus, usually cheaper
- Ground-floor and basement rooms, generally fully renovated
- Bedrooms are furnished, shared kitchens and bathrooms
- Common for students to rent individually by room
Apartment
- Typically rented as a whole unit, need to find roommates
- Layouts include 1/2/3-bedroom units and bachelor suites
- Many apartments are unfurnished; some offer optional furniture rentals
Condo
- High-end residential buildings, often with extra amenities (gym, pool, etc.)
- Usually furnished, quiet environment
- More expensive, suited for families or students with higher budgets
đź“… Rental Periods & Estimated Rent
Short-Term
- Peak period: May to August
- Sublease from senior students: ~\$20–35/day
- On-campus summer housing is a reliable option for new arrivals
Long-Term
- House: 8 to 12-month leases typical
- Apartments/Condos: Usually require a 12-month contract, plus proof of insurance and utility setup
- Average prices in 2024–2025:
- House: Basement \$650–800, Ground \$750–950/month
- Apartment:
- 1 Bedroom: \$1400–1800/month
- 2 Bedroom: \$1700–2100/month
- 3 Bedroom: \$2100–2500/month
- Bachelor: \$1300–1600/month
đź’ˇ Tip: Renting with roommates helps lower costs. Plan based on your budget.
đź“Š Housing Tips
- Always arrange short-term housing before arriving in Canada!
- The neighborhoods directly surrounding McMaster campus are safe, walkable, and filled with rental options—making them the most convenient and student-friendly areas to live in.
- Avoid downtown areas unless you have a car; it’s not ideal for walking late at night.
- Student apartments like West Village Suites are convenient but expensive
- Ask for room photos or have a friend in Hamilton visit the place for you
- For shared housing, sign leases together so responsibilities are clear
Feel free to ask questions or share your experiences—let’s support each other!
Wishing everyone a safe, cozy, and smooth start to your life in Hamilton! 🧳