Student Housing Near Ontario Tech University: Your Complete Off-Campus Guide to ALMA @ Oshawa

ALMA @ Oshawa at 161 Athol St E is purpose-built student housing directly across the street from Ontario Tech University’s South Oshawa Campus and a 10-minute drive from the OTU North Campus and Durham College. Fully furnished studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites are all-inclusive, with a fitness centre, games room, outdoor patio, and on-site laundry. Purpose-built. Professionally managed. Steps from OTU South.

Searching for student housing near Ontario Tech University is a different experience depending on when you start. Students who begin in January tend to find options. Students who begin in June find the pickings thin. Students who wait until August tend to find frustration.

The Oshawa student housing market is tighter than it looks from the outside. Durham Region’s average rent hit $1,803 per month for a one-bedroom and $2,114 for a two-bedroom as of early 2024, according to the Durham Region College and University Housing Guide — figures that have surprised students expecting Durham to be dramatically cheaper than Toronto. Purpose-built, professionally managed student housing close to campus has become increasingly valuable as a result.

This guide explains what the OTU and Durham College off-campus housing market actually looks like, what ALMA @ Oshawa offers, and why it stands out in a market where many students are still scrambling.

What Is Ontario Tech University, and Why Is Off-Campus Housing So Important?

Ontario Tech University (OTU) is one of Canada’s fastest-growing research universities, founded in 2002 with a specific focus on technology, engineering, health sciences, and innovation. With just over 14,000 students enrolled, OTU offers more than 50 direct-entry co-op programs, 80+ high-tech labs, and partnerships with over 500 industry employers. Approximately 96 per cent of programs incorporate experiential learning — meaning co-op work terms, industry placements, and hands-on research are built into the academic experience rather than added on as options.

OTU operates two campuses in Oshawa: the main North Campus co-located with Durham College on approximately 400 acres in northern Oshawa, and the Downtown South Campus located in central Oshawa approximately 6.6 kilometres away. ALMA @ Oshawa at 161 Athol St E is directly across the street from the South Campus — making it one of the most proximate off-campus housing options available to students at either location.

Durham College, co-located with OTU on the North Campus, enrolled over 7,100 students at its peak and serves students in business, health, technology, skilled trades, and creative programs. The two institutions share facilities including the campus library, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, and various student services — making housing convenient to either campus a practical advantage.

What Does Off-Campus Housing Cost Near OTU and Durham College?

Durham Region’s rental market has tightened significantly. As of early 2024, the Durham Region College and University Housing Guide reported average monthly rents of $1,803 for a one-bedroom and $2,114 for a two-bedroom in Durham Region. These figures do not include utilities — a meaningful additional cost in an Ontario climate with real winters.

For students comparing private rental housing to purpose-built options like ALMA @ Oshawa, the true cost comparison requires looking beyond the headline rent number:

• Furnished vs. unfurnished: most private rentals near OTU are unfurnished, requiring students to source and move furniture at their own cost
• Utilities included vs. excluded: hydro, heat, and internet are additional in most private Oshawa rentals
• Management quality: private landlords vary significantly; purpose-built student housing provides consistent professional management and maintenance response
• Search time: finding a suitable private rental in Oshawa’s tightening market typically takes weeks and requires early action

ALMA @ Oshawa provides all-inclusive furnished housing — one transparent monthly payment covering rent, utilities, and internet — which simplifies budgeting and removes the variables that make private rental costs difficult to predict.

Where Is ALMA @ Oshawa Located?

ALMA @ Oshawa is located at 161 Athol St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1K2 — directly across the street from Ontario Tech University’s South Oshawa Campus. The South Campus houses OTU’s Downtown location with classrooms, labs, and study spaces serving students in a range of programs. The Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre – UBISC is also within walking distance.

The North Campus — home to the majority of OTU’s academic buildings and co-located with Durham College — is a 10-minute drive or accessible via Oshawa Transit bus routes from the Athol Street location. For students whose programs run across both campuses, ALMA’s central Oshawa location provides practical connectivity to both.

Downtown Oshawa is also within walking distance of 161 Athol St E, placing ALMA residents within easy reach of local eateries, shops, the Oshawa Centre mall, and the city’s core amenities. Church’s Chicken, Subway, and Cork & Bean Café are among the food options steps from the building.

What Suite Types Does ALMA @ Oshawa Offer?

ALMA @ Oshawa delivers over 200 beds in newly renovated, fully furnished suites across three configurations:

Studio Apartments

Self-contained micro-units with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, ample storage, and smart layouts designed for independent student living. Fully furnished. All utilities and internet included. Ideal for students who prefer complete privacy and a compact, efficient space.

1-Bedroom Suites

Fully furnished 1-bedroom layouts with modern finishes, stainless steel kitchen appliances including dishwasher, and all-inclusive billing. A step up in space from the studio, suited for students who want a dedicated bedroom separate from their living and study area.

2-Bedroom Suites

Two-bedroom layouts ideal for students who want to share costs with a friend or roommate. Shared living and kitchen space with separate private bedrooms. ALMA’s roommate matching service is available for students arriving without an established housing partner.

All suite types are newly renovated (2024 redesign), fully furnished, and all-inclusive. The building also offers shared room options for students who want a cost-effective configuration that balances connection with personal space.

What Amenities Does ALMA @ Oshawa Have?

ALMA @ Oshawa’s amenities package is designed specifically for student life — active, social, academic, and health-conscious:

• Newly renovated fitness centre: modern cardio equipment, free weights, and dedicated training areas for all fitness levels. No gym membership needed.
• Games room / arcade: purpose-built decompression space with arcade games and entertainment options for between-lecture breaks and evening wind-downs
• Outdoor patio: communal open-air space for studying, socialising, and relaxing — a rare feature in Oshawa student housing
• Study and work rooms: quiet, dedicated academic spaces separate from residential areas
• On-site laundry facilities: in-building washer/dryer access
• Bike storage: secure on-site storage for students commuting to campus by bicycle
• Coffee counter and vending machines: on-site food and drink convenience
• Storage lockers: secure personal storage for items beyond suite capacity
• Professional on-site management: maintenance requests handled promptly; building staff available for resident support

Is ALMA @ Oshawa Right for International Students at OTU?

Ontario Tech University’s student body includes over 3,000 international students from more than 60 countries — representing approximately 20 to 25 per cent of total enrolment. For international students arriving in Oshawa for the first time, ALMA @ Oshawa removes every friction point that makes the private rental market challenging from overseas: no sourcing of furniture, no separate utility accounts to set up, no unreliable landlords to navigate, and no uncertainty about what the monthly cost will be.

Fully furnished suites with all-inclusive pricing mean an international student can land in Oshawa, move directly into a ready home, and begin their OTU program without a week of logistical scrambling. ALMA’s on-site management provides a consistent support point for any building needs during the transition period.

How Do I Apply or Book a Tour at ALMA @ Oshawa?

Contact ALMA @ Oshawa directly at oshawa@thisismyalma.ca or call +1-289-918-0700. The property is located at 161 Athol St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1K2. Visit thisismyalma.ca/oshawa to view current floor plans, pricing, and availability. Apply early — the most desirable suites in Oshawa’s purpose-built student housing market are leased well ahead of September availability.

Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing Near Ontario Tech University

How close is ALMA @ Oshawa to Ontario Tech University?

ALMA @ Oshawa at 161 Athol St E is directly across the street from Ontario Tech University’s South Oshawa Campus. The OTU North Campus and Durham College are a 10-minute drive or accessible by Oshawa Transit bus.

Is ALMA @ Oshawa fully furnished?

Yes. All studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites at ALMA @ Oshawa are fully furnished with modern finishes, stainless steel appliances, and a dishwasher. No additional furniture is required.

What does all-inclusive cover at ALMA @ Oshawa?

All-inclusive pricing at ALMA @ Oshawa covers utilities and high-speed internet. All suites are fully furnished. On-site laundry, fitness centre, outdoor patio, games room, and common areas are all included at no additional amenity fee.

Does ALMA @ Oshawa offer roommate matching?

Yes. ALMA @ Oshawa offers roommate matching for students who want to share a 2-bedroom suite but don’t have an established roommate. Contact the leasing team for details.

Is ALMA @ Oshawa suitable for Durham College students?

Yes. Durham College’s main campus is a 10-minute drive from 161 Athol St E, accessible by Oshawa Transit. ALMA @ Oshawa is designed for students at both OTU and Durham College.

Your OTU chapter starts here. Book your tour at ALMA @ Oshawa — 161 Athol St E. Directly across from OTU South. Fully furnished. All-inclusive. Limited suites available.