University Apartments: A Transportation Guide For Waterloo Area Students

One thing that many students fail to consider when searching for a university apartment is proximity to transportation. This is surprising considering that most students do not have a car and are dependent on public transportation to get around the city. Depending on where student housing is located, students can spend a great deal of their time travelling. Consider the following instances:

• Back and forth to school
• Trips to the library
• Grocery shopping, and getting other supplies
• Going out for dinner/entertainment
• Traveling to the bus/train station to go home for a visit

Think about your proximity to the locations you will frequent. For example, if it takes a student 20 minutes (each way) to get to campus, they will be spending more than 3 hours per week travelling back and forth to school. And, that is only going to school. This does not take into account travelling to other locations. Therefore, living close to the locations you frequent while attending school in the Waterloo area is an important consideration.

The best situation is for students to be in walking distance to many of these locations. This will save both time and money. Student focused property management companies can ensure students find a university apartment within close proximity to not only their campus (the University of Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier, or Conestoga) but also, shopping, entertain, and the bus/train station.

Students in the Waterloo area have the following options available:

• City Bus: The city bus is the best option for students that are not within walking distance, especially since a bus pass is included in their tuition fees. The buses run from 6am – Midnight for most routes. For routes, schedules and more information please see the Grand River Transit website at www.grt.ca

• Taxi: Taxi’s are a second option for students to use. They are useful when in a time crunch and if there is a need to transport more than you can carry (i.e. groceries). There are four taxi services in Waterloo to choose from. However, using a taxi too often is costly and will quickly put most students over budget.

• A friend with a car: Any student with a car is a popular one. If you are lucky enough to have a friend with a car, see if you can work out a deal with them to get groceries, etc. Don’t be cheap and at least offer to cook them dinner or chip in a few bucks for gas for their services.
When going back home for a visit:

• Greyhound: This is a cost effective method for students to use when they are travelling home to visit their family. Being on the campus of the University of Waterloo, at the student live center, the Greyhound is also conveniently located. For more information you can contact them at 519-888-4434.

• Via rail: Via is a second, more expensive, however, more comfortable option when travelling home. The closest station is located on Weber St. In Kitchener. For bookings, times, and more information go to the via rail website.

• Car Rentals: A less used method to travel home is by renting a car. If you want to investigate this option there are a number of car rental companies all located on Weber St in Waterloo.

• Car Pool: A great way to travel home is to car pool. If you know of anyone that is traveling to your home town offer then gas money for a ride. Many people use Facebook or Craigslist to find car pools.

Do not underestimate the importance of transportation when search for university apartments. Choosing conveniently located off campus housing will save you both travel time and expenses.

By: Holida T.

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Holida T. is a student housing expert. For more great information on www.domushousing.com/university-apartments.php?site=1">University Apartments, visit www.domushousing.com.