TRU Housing vs Off-Campus Studio Apartment Rentals – Comparing the Benefits
If you’ll be attending TRU and need housing, this post will help you determine whether TRU housing or an off-campus studio apartment is more suitable for you. Affordability, convenience, personal freedom, and privacy are often the main considerations when weighing the options.
Affordability of TRU Housing vs. Kamloops Studio Apartment Rentals
TRU offers several on-campus housing options.
| Residence | Amenities | Common Areas |
|---|---|---|
| North Tower | 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, 2 bedroom deluxe, 4 bedroom. Shared kitchenette (microwave, fridge, sink and counter) with dining area, shared washroom. | Kitchen, TV lounge, study lounge, cardio room, laundry room, patio and barbecue. |
| McGill Residences | 4-room quads with microwave, small fridge and sink per room. | Kitchen, entertainment centre with TV, study room, barbecue and sun deck. |
| East Village | 2-4 bedroom suites with in-suite kitchen (stove, fridge, sink, microwave), 2 shared washrooms. | Laundry room, recreation area with seating lounge, TV, and pool table; study space. |
| West Gate Dorms | Rooms with private washroom (toilet, sink, shower), mini fridge and microwave. | No shared common areas. |
| Coyote Den | 1 or 2 bedroom suites with microwave, two-burner cooktop, small fridge, washroom. | Kitchen, TV room, study room, laundry room. |
For details view TRU residences and pricing.
Coyote Den is the newest TRU residence with 1 bedroom units that are most comparable to a studio apartment except that there is no living room and fewer in-suite amenities.
Coyote Den vs. Studio Apartment Rental Costs
At this time, a 1 bedroom at Coyote Den costs $10,000 for the academic year (8 months from Sept. 1 to April 24, 2024). Rent averages out to $1,250/month.
By comparison, a studio apartment for rent at Summit Village Residences costs $1,600/month but include many amenities such as a living room, bed/sitting area, kitchen with stainless steel stove and fridge, washroom with tub and shower, in-suite washer-dryer, storage locker, and air conditioning. The building also has a fitness centre and outdoor picnic area with barbecue.
Convenience
Living on campus provides students with convenient access to classes, school amenities and resources, and social activities.
Summit Village Residences is about a 20-minute walk to campus, 5-minutes by car and 10-minutes by bike (view Google Map). Shopping and services are all close by.
Personal Freedom
When you live in TRU housing, you can’t come and go as you please, host guests whenever you want, or enjoy entertainment any time you like. TRU also has residence community living standards (PDF) that all students must follow. You may be sanctioned for violations.
When living in an off-campus studio apartment, you can come and go as you please; watch TV, listen to music (with reasonable volume), or cook whenever you like. Although you’ll still have to be considerate of neighbours, you can live your life with far fewer restrictions.
Privacy
In university housing, your bedroom may be the only option for privacy. Living in on-campus housing always means less privacy, more distraction and noise compared to living in an off-campus studio apartment.
Studio Apartments for Rent at Summit Village Residences
If you’re a TRU student interested in renting at Summit Village Residences in Kamloops, view studio apartment rental floor plans and complete our preferred unit form. A representative will contact you within a few business days.
