The Best Alternative to Thompson Rivers University Housing is a Shared 1 Bedroom Apartment

1 bedroom: living room

The Best Alternative to Thompson Rivers University Housing is a Shared 1 Bedroom Apartment

If you’re considering living in Thompson Rivers University housing while attending TRU and you’re wondering how that compares to renting off campus, read on. On-campus living is a positive experience for many students, although it’s not suitable for everyone. This post will discuss the benefits of living at TRU compared to sharing a 1 bedroom apartment off campus.

Living on Campus

Living on campus works well for students who want to immerse themselves in the student lifestyle, value community, socializing, and proximity to on-campus resources. On-campus living is particularly attractive to students who are new to Kamloops or come from out-of-province or another country.

Pros Cons
  • Close to classes and campus resources
  • Close-knit community
  • Opportunities to make new friends
  • Many social activities
  • Safety and security
  • Immerses you in university life
  • Less travel to and from campus
  • Fewer in-suite amenities
  • Have to share kitchen, laundry room, living areas
  • Less personal living space
  • Lack of privacy
  • Less choice of roommate(s)
  • You’re always at school
  • Strict regulations

Sharing a 1 Bedroom Apartment in Kamloops

Sharing a 1 bedroom apartment is suitable for students who value privacy and independence, while living in a space that has more amenities. You’ll still have to share, but only with one person rather than many.

Pros Cons
  • More privacy
  • Cost efficient to share rent and utilities
  • More personal freedom
  • Location flexibility
  • Furnish your suite as you wish
  • More in-suite amenities
  • Live life on your terms
  • Further from classes
  • Less convenient access to TRU resources
  • Have to travel to school
  • More financial responsibilities
  • Have to find your own roommate
  • You may feel more isolated or lonely
  • You’ll have to buy furniture and furnishings

Thompson Rivers University Housing Rates vs. 1 Bedroom Apartment Rates

It’s difficult to make an “apples to apples” comparison because TRU housing is so varied, and in most cases requires sharing of common spaces such a kitchen, laundry, and TV lounge. Sharing an off-campus 1 bedroom apartment is often less costly per person than Thompson Rivers University housing.

North Tower

1 bedroom suite
$10,000 for the 8-month academic year, which works out to $1,250/month.

2 bedroom suite
$9,100 for the 8-month academic year, which works out to $1,137.50/month.

View all TRU housing options and pricing.

McGill Ridge
1 bedroom apartment: $1,750/month.
Cost when sharing with one person: $875/month per person.
$375 less/month per person than a North Tower 1 bedroom ($1,250 – $875).
$262.5 less/month per person than a North Tower 2 bedroom ($1,137.50 – $875).

View our 1 bedroom apartment floor plans.
Read more about TRU off campus housing.

Share a 1 Bedroom Apartment at McGill Ridge

If you’d like to rent a 1 bedroom apartment in Kamloops just steps from TRU, consider McGill Ridge Apartments. Our apartments offer many amenities including plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, in-suite washer-dryer, Wi-Fi and cable access, building fitness room, and picnic area with barbecue.

To book a viewing, please complete our request apartment availability form. A representative will respond within a few business days.