Moving Near Concordia: Downtown Student Living

Two Campuses, Two Neighborhoods: SGW vs. Loyola

Concordia is unique among Montreal universities — it has two campuses separated by a 30-minute bus ride. The Sir George Williams (SGW) campus sits in the heart of downtown at Guy-Concordia metro, while the Loyola campus is tucked into the residential streets of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG). Your choice of campus will shape your apartment search entirely.

SGW students tend to live downtown, in the surrounding blocks along Sainte-Catherine, de Maisonneuve, or in the adjacent neighborhoods of Shaughnessy Village and the lower Plateau. Loyola students often choose NDG or nearby Côte-des-Neiges for more affordable rent and a quieter atmosphere. The 105 bus connects both campuses, but factor in commute time if your classes are split.

Downtown Housing Near the SGW Campus

Living downtown means being steps from class, but it also means higher rent. Expect $1,000–$1,500 for a 3½ near Guy-Concordia. The towers along Lincoln, Tupper, and Lambert-Closse have purpose-built student rentals with amenities like gyms and study lounges. Older buildings on Mackay and Bishop offer cheaper rent with more character — and more stairs.

Shaughnessy Village (west of Guy between Sherbrooke and René-Lévesque) is a sweet spot: close to campus, reasonably priced, and packed with depanneurs and affordable restaurants. The area is rapidly developing, so you may find newer buildings alongside heritage triplexes.

For a bit more space and lower rent, consider the eastern edge of NDG near Vendôme metro — a quick ride to SGW on the orange line.

NDG and Loyola Campus Housing Options

NDG is one of Montreal's most livable neighborhoods for students. Tree-lined streets, Monkland Avenue's cafés and shops, and a strong community feel make it a favorite. Rent is notably lower: $800–$1,200 for a 3½ is common on streets like Girouard, Old Orchard, and Marcil.

The area immediately around Loyola (Sherbrooke West near West Broadway) has several apartment buildings catering to students. NDG's housing stock is mostly duplexes and triplexes — charming but often without elevators or in-unit laundry. Budget for a nearby laundromat visit.

Moving Logistics for Concordia Students

Downtown moves require careful planning. Many high-rise buildings near SGW have strict moving rules: reserved elevator time, mandatory insurance certificates, and loading-dock bookings. Check with your building manager at least two weeks before your move date.

For NDG moves, the main challenge is narrow one-way streets and limited parking. Get a city parking permit and communicate with your movers about access. A small- to medium-sized truck is often better than a large one for NDG's side streets.

Up & Out handles student moves near both Concordia campuses regularly. We know which buildings need elevator bookings, which streets are tricky for parking, and how to get a couch up a Shaughnessy Village walk-up without denting the walls.