McGill University Campus Reviews and What They Reveal
McGill University sits at 845 Rue Sherbrooke O in Montreal, Quebec. With a global rank of 27, it attracts students from across Canada and around the world. The campus itself gets a 4.5 Google rating from 1,519 reviews. Current and former visitors often mention the quality of education and the building architecture. One reviewer, Mia Kan, wrote: “Quality academic studies offered to our future generations. I have been impressed by the quality of the graduates I have met, from several fields of studies. Well done McGill University!” Another reviewer, Alaric Boyle-Poirier, noted: “I’m not in the habit of reviewing universities, especially not universities which I have never attended…however I have passed through it’s campus countless times in my lifetime. Therefore I will give mcgill university a 5-star rating based on any knowledge of it as an institution but rather as a …” A third review, from Nabil Mazeghrane, focused on the Redpath Museum: “love this place! It’s a boutique museum, but it’s packed with so much to see. The building itself is stunning, with gorgeous Gothic Revival architecture. I’ve visited the Redpath Museum many times now, and it never gets old.”
These reviews hint at what matters to people connected to McGill: academic reputation, campus beauty, and a welcoming public space. For students looking for housing near the university, understanding the city context and the realities of Montreal’s rental market is essential.
City Context: Montreal and the McGill Neighbourhood
McGill University is located in downtown Montreal, in the borough of Ville-Marie. The campus is bordered by Sherbrooke Street to the south, Peel Street to the west, and University Street to the east. This area is a mix of academic buildings, hospitals, parks, and commercial streets. Students have easy access to Mount Royal Park, the Sainte-Catherine Street shopping corridor, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district.
Montreal is a bilingual city where both French and English are commonly used. The cost of living is generally lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, but rent has been rising in recent years. The city has an extensive public transit system operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), which includes four metro lines and a network of bus routes. Many McGill students choose to live within walking distance of campus, while others rely on the metro or buses.
Budget Bands for Student Housing
Rental prices in Montreal vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood, building age, and whether the unit is furnished. All figures below are indicative — confirm with the operator before committing.
Low Budget (Shared Accommodation)
- Estimated monthly rent per person: 500–800 CAD
- Typical setup: Shared apartment or house with 2–4 roommates, often in older walk-up buildings.
- Common areas: Mile End, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Villeray.
- Trade-off: Longer commute (20–40 minutes by transit or bike) but lower rent and lively neighbourhoods.
Medium Budget (Studio or One-Bedroom)
- Estimated monthly rent: 900–1,400 CAD
- Typical setup: Studio or one-bedroom apartment, often in a mid-rise building with no elevator.
- Common areas: Downtown (around McGill), Milton-Parc (the “McGill Ghetto”), and parts of the Plateau.
- Trade-off: Reasonable rent for a private unit, usually within a 15–30 minute walk or short transit ride.
High Budget (Modern One-Bedroom or Larger)
- Estimated monthly rent: 1,500–2,200+ CAD
- Typical setup: Newer building with amenities (gym, elevator, laundry in-unit), often in downtown condos or high-rises.
- Common areas: Downtown core, near Place-des-Arts, or along Sherbrooke Street.
- Trade-off: Higher cost but shorter walk to campus and premium finishes.
Walk vs. Transit Trade-off
McGill University’s downtown location means many students can live within a 15-minute walk. The most popular walking neighbourhoods are:
- Milton-Parc (The “McGill Ghetto”): Directly east of campus, bounded by Sherbrooke, University, Pine, and Saint-Denis. Older apartments, many students.
- Downtown (South of Sherbrooke): Newer condos and older apartments, close to shops and metro stations.
- Plateau-Mont-Royal (East of Saint-Denis): Trendy area with cafes and parks, about a 20–25 minute walk or short bus ride.
For those who prefer transit, the McGill metro station (Green Line) is right on campus, and Peel station (Green Line) is a few blocks away. The Sherbrooke bus (24, 144) runs east–west along the northern edge of campus. Students living further out in Mile End, Villeray, or even Rosemont can take the Orange Line metro to Sherbrooke or Berri-UQAM and transfer to the Green Line. Typical commute times:
- Mile End to McGill: 15–25 minutes by metro or bus
- Plateau (east) to McGill: 20–30 minutes by bus or bike
- Villeray to McGill: 25–35 minutes by metro (Orange Line to Lionel-Groulx, then Green Line to McGill)
Walking is convenient for first-year students or those without a car. Transit becomes more attractive when you want lower rent or a quieter neighbourhood.
Shortlist Logic: How to Choose Housing Near McGill
Because no single residence fits all students, a shortlist depends on personal priorities. Here is a step-by-step logic to narrow down options. (Note: The following approach uses general criteria rather than specific building names, as no list of nearby residences was provided in the data.)
Step 1: Define Your Maximum Walking Time
- Less than 10 minutes: Limited supply, higher rent. Ideal if you have early classes or limited mobility.
- 10–20 minutes: Many options in Milton-Parc, downtown, and parts of the Plateau.
- 20–30 minutes: Broader options, lower rent, but you need transit or a bike.
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget
Use the budget bands above. Remember that utilities (electricity, heat, water) are sometimes included in rent in older buildings, but not always. Indicative — confirm with the operator.
Step 3: Choose a Neighbourhood Based on Lifestyle
- Quiet study area: Look at Milton-Parc (east of campus) or parts of the Plateau away from main streets.
- Social scene: Downtown near Sainte-Catherine or the Plateau around Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
- Nature access: Along the edge of Mount Royal (west of campus) – higher rent but trails and parks.
Step 4: Check Transit Connections
If you choose a neighbourhood outside walking distance, verify that a metro station or frequent bus line is within a 5–10 minute walk. The Green Line (stations: McGill, Peel, Place-des-Arts, and Guy-Concordia) and Orange Line (stations: Sherbrooke, Berri-UQAM) are most relevant.
Step 5: Verify Lease Terms and Rental Licences
Montreal has specific rules about lease transfers and rent increases for new tenants. Always ask for a written lease and confirm that the rental is legal (appartement légal). Subletting from a current student is common but requires the landlord’s approval.
Example Shortlist Logic for a Second-Year Student
- Priority: Balance of cost and commute.
- Max rent: 800 CAD (shared) or 1,100 CAD (studio).
- Max walk: 25 minutes.
- Result: Search first in Milton-Parc (shared apartments) and the Plateau (shared or small studios). If nothing suitable, extend search to Mile End (metro commute 15–20 minutes).
- Check: Verify that the apartment has a functional kitchen and that utilities are included (typical for older buildings). Indicative — confirm with the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I start looking for housing near McGill?
Most leases in Montreal start on July 1 (moving day for the whole city). For September entry, you should begin searching by February to April. You can also find sublets from May to August. Indicative — confirm with the operator as availability changes.
2. Is it better to live in the “McGill Ghetto” (Milton-Parc) or off the Plateau?
The Ghetto offers the shortest walk (5–10 minutes) and a dense student community, but apartments can be older and noisier. The Plateau has more character, parks, and a slightly longer walk (15–25 minutes) but often higher rent. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise convenience or neighbourhood ambiance.
3. Are utilities included in rent for student housing?
It varies. Many older buildings include heating (electric baseboard or gas) and hot water, but you may need to pay for electricity and internet separately. Always read the lease carefully and ask the landlord. Indicative — confirm with the operator before signing.
Data as of 2026 (indicative — confirm with the operator). All figures are based on publicly available information and may change. For the most current rental listings, consult a housing platform or contact property managers directly.
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