253 Lester St, Waterloo – A Decision Review
Located at 253 Lester Street in Waterloo, Ontario, this purpose-built student residence sits within walking distance of the area’s main campuses and amenities. It offers five‑bedroom apartments with shared living spaces, and rents fall between CAD 800 and CAD 850 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). All units come fully furnished, include internet, and have on‑site laundry facilities. The building also provides a TV room, a small gym, a large study area, and a game room. With a Google rating of 3.9 from 176 reviews, the property generally receives positive feedback for its comfort and location.
Who This Residence Suits
Students who value proximity to campuses and parks will find the location convenient. The residence is a short walk from the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, and Waterloo Park is right next door — a popular spot for walks or studying outdoors. Public‑transport stops are very close, making it easy to get around the region.
Groups of five who want an established group‑living arrangement will appreciate the 5‑bedroom, 3‑bathroom layout. Each tenant shares common areas but has their own bedroom. The unit type is consistent and well‑tested for student life.
Residents who prefer a quiet, comfortable environment are likely to be satisfied. One reviewer (Young Kwon) noted that the room was “very quiet” and that their son “stayed here comfortably without any issues until his graduation.” The building’s design and management seem to support a calm study atmosphere.
Those who want ready‑to‑move‑in accommodation benefit from the fully furnished units, included internet, and on‑site laundry. There is no need to buy a bed, desk, or washer/dryer — just bring personal items.
Students who appreciate social and study facilities can use the TV room, game room, and a sizable study area. Another reviewer (Vedant Gharat) mentioned “huge study area” and “lot of vending machines,” indicating the building offers more than just bedrooms.
Who Might Look Elsewhere
Budget‑conscious students should note that the city’s base price for student accommodation is CAD 583 per month, meaning 253 Lester St starts about CAD 217 above that minimum. While the price is still moderate for a fully furnished, all‑inclusive unit, it is not the cheapest option in Kitchener‑Waterloo.
Solo tenants or those seeking a studio will not find a suitable unit here — all apartments are 5‑bedroom. If you prefer living alone or in a smaller group, look for studios or 2‑bedroom properties.
Students who want a private bathroom should check with the operator. The layout is 5 bedrooms sharing 3 bathrooms, so two residents may share a bathroom in some units. Individual en‑suite rooms are not available.
Those with a very short‑term need (e.g., one month) may find limited flexibility. The data does not specify a minimum lease term, so confirming tenancy length directly with the operator is recommended.
What Residents Actually Say
Below are verbatim quotes from three Google reviews. They reflect common points about comfort, location, and amenities.
Young Kwon (5 stars):
“My son lived in this apartment for four years while attending school, and it was a fantastic experience. The location is perfect—close to the campus, many great restaurants, and the market. The room was very quiet, and he stayed here comfortably without any issues until his graduation. Highly recommended!”
Vedant Gharat (4 stars):
“A really nice place for students to live. It’s basically 5 bed 3 bath layout. It has good amenities, there is a TV room, small gym, huge study area and game room. Also has lot of vending machines. The place is super close to Waterloo park so you can take stroll anytime and it’s very close to all public transport.”
Vaneet Rakhra (5 stars):
“I have been a resident at 181 Lester for the past 3 years and I have genuinely had a great experience throughout my time here. The unit was overall comfortable, spacious, and well suited for student living, and the amenities upstairs have always been a big bonus. As a student at the University of Waterloo I have always…”
(Note: Vaneet’s review refers to “181 Lester” — likely a nearby building with similar management. The sentiment about comfort and amenities echoes what others report for the 253 Lester property.)
Overall, the reviews highlight quietness, convenience, and a positive student experience. No negative or critical reviews were provided in the dataset, but the 3.9 rating suggests a generally satisfied resident base.
Price Positioning vs. City Average
The city’s lowest listed monthly rent among student properties on the platform is CAD 583. At CAD 800–CAD 850, 253 Lester St sits roughly 30–40% above that floor. Considering it includes furniture, internet, laundry, and common facilities, the premium is moderate for a well‑equipped, centrally located residence.
- City from‑price: CAD 583/month
- 253 Lester St minimum: CAD 800/month
- 253 Lester St maximum: CAD 850/month
All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator before committing. The residence seems positioned as a mid‑range option that balances comfort with cost.
Room‑Type Guidance
Only one unit type is listed: 5‑bedroom apartment. Each apartment has three bathrooms, a shared kitchen and living area. The building contains multiple such units.
- If you are a group of five friends planning to live together, you can try to secure a whole unit.
- If you are an individual looking for a room in a shared apartment, you will be matched with four other tenants (unless you bring your own group).
- Availability is not shown in the dataset, and no minimum lease is stated. Contact the operator directly to ask about single‑room bookings vs. whole‑unit leases.
Because the residence is located near two major universities, demand is highest for the fall semester (September). If you intend to move in around late August or September, start inquiring in early spring to secure a spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 253 Lester St close to the universities?
Yes. The residence is within a 10‑minute walk to the main campuses of both major universities in Waterloo. It is also next to Waterloo Park and near bus stops serving the wider region. Reviewers consistently mention the location as “perfect” and “super close” to campus and public transport.
What is included in the monthly rent?
The rent covers a fully furnished bedroom and shared spaces, a laundry facility in the building, and internet access. The exact list of utilities (electricity, water, heating) is not specified in the data, so you should ask the operator whether they are included. The building offers a TV room, small gym, study area, game room, and vending machines — these are common amenities for all residents.
When should I book a room?
Given the competition for student housing near the universities, the best time to book is during spring (March–May) for a September move‑in. If you need a room for the winter term (January), start looking in October. Data does not show a minimum lease, so confirm the contract length before signing. For immediate availability, check with the operator directly.
Sources & Data Date
Property information sourced from the Amber platform. Google rating and reviews retrieved from public Google listings. City price reference reflects the lowest‑priced student property in Kitchener‑Waterloo on the platform.
Data accurate as of July 2026.
For live availability and to confirm current terms, you can use the on‑site assistant on this platform — it will help you check real‑time options and connect with the operator.
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