Finding the right student housing in Scarborough has become increasingly competitive in 2026. With Centennial College’s student population growing—particularly at the Progress and Morningside campuses—demand for quality accommodation often outstrips supply.
For students navigating the 2026 housing market, the choice typically narrows down to three distinct options: living on-campus at Centennial Place, renting a private off-campus basement or house, or choosing modern Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) like The Els, which bridges the gap between campus life and independent living.
This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of these options, analyzing commute times, costs, and amenities to help you decide whether to live steps from class or in a lifestyle-focused student community.
What are the Student Housing Options for Centennial College?
The student housing landscape in Scarborough is defined by three primary categories. Understanding the differences between these is crucial for making an informed decision.
On-Campus Residence: Dormitory-style living managed directly by or in partnership with the college (e.g., Centennial Place).
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): Privately owned apartment complexes designed specifically for students, offering all-inclusive amenities and individual leases (e.g., The Els).
Private Off-Campus Rentals: Traditional basement apartments, condos, or shared houses rented from private landlords.
On-Campus Residence: Centennial Place (Progress Campus)
Centennial Place is the official residence for Centennial College, located directly at the Progress Campus. It is a convenient option for first-year students who want to be in the centre of campus activity.
Key Features and Costs (2026)
Location: Directly on Progress Campus.
Capacity: Approximately 740 beds. Due to high demand, waitlists are common by early summer.
Cost: As of the 2025-2026 academic year, rates range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month depending on the suite configuration (4-bedroom vs. 2-bedroom).
Lease Terms: Typically 8-month (academic year) or 12-month leases.
While Centennial Place offers unmatched proximity for Progress Campus students, it is less convenient for those studying at the Morningside Campus (Health Sciences and Engineering Technology), requiring a transit commute to get to class. Additionally, the mandatory meal plans required for some residents can increase the overall cost of living.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation: The Els (Near UTSC & Morningside)
As the student housing market matures, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) has emerged as a preferred alternative for students seeking a balance of independence and community. The Els is a prime example of this shift, offering a premium living experience located strategically near the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) and Centennial’s Morningside Campus.
Why Choose PBSA Over Traditional Rentals?
According to 2026 market trends, students are increasingly prioritizing “lifestyle-centric” housing. The Els caters to this by providing:
Secure Environments: Professional management, fob access, and 24-hour surveillance replace the uncertainty of private landlord security measures.
All-Inclusive Living: Utilities, high-speed student Wi-Fi, and furniture are included in the rent, eliminating setup costs.
Individual Liability Leases: Unlike renting a house with friends where you might be liable for the total rent, The Els offers individual leases. You are only responsible for your share.
The “Dual-Campus” Advantage
For Centennial students, The Els offers a unique geographic advantage:
Morningside Campus: Located just a 2 minute walk away
Progress Campus: Accessible via a direct link on the TTC 905 Eglinton East Express, connecting the residence to the campus in approximately 20–25 minutes.
Off-Campus Rentals: Basements and Shared Houses
The traditional off-campus market in Scarborough consists largely of basement apartments and shared houses in neighbourhoods like Malvern and Highland Creek. While this sector provides the bulk of housing stock, it comes with specific challenges in 2026.
Market Data and Risks
Average Costs: A private room in a shared house averages $950 – $1,200, while a one-bedroom basement apartment ranges from $1,600 – $2,000 (Rentals.ca 2026 Data).
Vacancy Rates: With vacancy rates for affordable units in Scarborough hovering below 1.5%, competition is fierce.
Tenant Risks: The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) notes that students in informal rentals often face issues with fire code compliance and illegal lease terms. Unlike PBSA, these units rarely offer study spaces or social programming.
Commute Analysis: Living Near UTSC vs. Progress Campus
For Centennial students, the “Golden Triangle” of transit connects Progress Campus, Morningside Campus, and the UTSC/The Els area. Here is a breakdown of the commute times:
Expert Insight: Urban planning studies on Toronto Transit-Oriented Communities highlight that express bus routes have effectively turned the UTSC/Morningside corridor into a viable “student village” for Centennial students who previously felt tethered to the Progress area.
Comparison: Which Housing Type is Right for You?
To help you decide, we have compared the three main housing options across key decision factors.
Emerging Trends in Student Housing (2026)
Recent data from CBRE Canada indicates that investment in Canadian PBSA has grown by 15% year-over-year as of 2026. This shift is driven by student preferences; 72% of international students cite security and all-inclusive pricing as their top priorities (ICEF Monitor).
Students are moving away from the isolation of basement apartments toward communities that offer social infrastructure—gyms, study pods, and communal lounges—that support mental well-being and academic success.
Conclusion
Choosing where to live while attending Centennial College depends on your campus and your lifestyle priorities.
Choose Centennial Place if you are a first-year student at Progress Campus and want the shortest possible commute.
Choose a Private Rental if you are on a strict budget and are willing to navigate the complexities of the private rental market.
Choose The Els if you are a Morningside student, an upper-year Progress student, or an international student seeking a secure, premium living environment. With its proximity to Morningside Campus and express transit links to Progress, The Els offers a sophisticated alternative that connects you to the broader Scarborough academic community.
For more information on housing rights and market reports, resources like CMHC and Centennial College Housing Services remain valuable tools for students.
