Summit Village Kamlooops studio apartment floor plan

Why U.S. Students Choose Studio Apartments Over TRU Housing

U.S. students attending Thompson Rivers University often prefer Kamloops studio apartment rentals over TRU housing. Availability, affordability, and independent living are among the main reasons.

Studio Apartment Costs vs. TRU Housing Costs

While you might assume that TRU housing is less costly than renting a studio apartment, an apples-to-apples comparison reveals the reality. Currently, the only TRU housing that somewhat approximates living in a studio apartment is a “one bedroom suite” at Coyote Den, which costs $10,000 for the 8-month academic year –  an average of $1,250/month. For that price, you get a very small suite furnished with a bed, desk, chair, closet, dresser, kitchenette with two-burner cooktop, apartment-sized fridge, sink and microwave. You’ll have to share a full kitchen, TV room and laundry room. Using the phrase “one bedroom suite” is a little misleading as the suites are usually much smaller than an off-campus studio apartment in Kamloops.

By comparison, a studio apartment for rent at Summit Village Residences costs $1,600 CAD/month. For just $350 more per month than a Coyote Den “1 Bedroom”, you’ll enjoy many more amenities such as:

  • Living space and eating area
  • Kitchen with stainless steel stove and fridge
  • Your own washroom with tub and shower
  • In-suite washer-dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Personal storage locker
  • Free use of a fitness room

Attractive Exchange Rate

The exchange rate between the USD and CAD currency makes renting a studio apartment off-campus very affordable for US students.

USD to CAD Annual Averages for Past Five Years
Average 5-year exchange rate $1 USD = $1.34 CAD
December 31, 2021 $1 USD = $1.25 CAD
December 31, 2022 $1 USD = $1.30 CAD
December 31, 2023 $1 USD = $1.35 CAD
December 31, 2024 $1 USD = $1.37 CAD
January 7, 2025 $1 USD = $1.43 CAD

Source: https://www.ofx.com/en-ca/forex-news/historical-exchange-rates/usd/cad/

This highly favorable exchange rate means U.S. students can get significantly more value for their money. As we’ve mentioned, a studio apartment rental at Summit Village Residences rents for $1,600 CAD/month, which converts to $1,119 USD/month (as of January 7, 2025).

TRU Housing Crisis

Competition for TRU housing spots is fierce. According to the article “On-Campus Student Housing”, in the fall of 2022, “2,500 students applied for on-campus housing and perhaps 1,000 students did not make it off the waitlist.” The article also mentions that gender plays a role in availability because there are currently no co-ed or gender-inclusive dorms. Dorms have either all male or all female tenants.

Independent Living

When you rent a studio apartment off-campus, you live independently and are not constrained by TRU housing rules. You may come and go as you please, host guests, furnish the suite to your liking and live life as an adult. Although you’ll have to be considerate of neighbours, there are far fewer restrictions when you rent a studio apartment than when living in university housing.

Rent a Studio Apartment at Summit Village Residences

If you’re an American student planning to attend TRU who would like to rent a studio apartment, consider Summit Village Residences. Our modern apartments have many amenities, are near shopping and services, and are just a 10-minute bus ride to TRU. Check our studio apartment availability to get started.