What is Townhome-Style Student Living?
For upper-year and graduate students at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), “townhome-style” living usually means a setup that balances the social side of residence with the independence of having your own apartment-like space. Typically, this layout features private bedrooms clustered around a shared kitchen and living area, offering more space than traditional corridor-style residences.
While UTSC’s on-campus townhouses have historically been the primary option for this lifestyle, the emergence of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) like The Els introduces a modern alternative. Below, we compare UTSC townhouses and The Els so upper-year and grad students can see how each option lines up with their space, privacy, and budget needs.
At a Glance: UTSC Townhouses vs. The Els
The table below puts UTSC’s North and South townhouses side by side with The Els, a new student community just off campus.
| Feature | UTSC Campus Townhouses | The Els (Off-Campus PBSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Building Type | Low-rise townhomes (Built 1973–1989) | Modern high-rise student community (Opening Sept 2026) |
| Occupancy | 4–6 students per unit | Private or shared suites (various layouts) |
| Bedroom Privacy | Mostly single rooms; some doubles exist | Private bedrooms available in shared suites |
| Bathroom Ratio | 1–1.5 shared baths per 4–6 residents | Modern ratio (typically fewer residents per bath) |
| Lease Structure | 8-month Academic Year (Fall/Winter) | 12-month leases (Year-round stability) |
| Winter Break | Closed (Must vacate or pay extra fee) | Open (Stay year-round with no extra fees) |
| Amenities | Shared Residence Centre & Campus Facilities | In-building Gym, Study Lounges, Social Spaces |
| Furnishings | Basic (Twin bed, desk, chair, dresser) | Fully furnished with modern finishes |
| Target Audience | First-year to Grad (Mixed cohorts) | Upper-year, Grad, and Independent Students |
Detailed Comparison: Layout and Living Space
UTSC Campus Townhouses
UTSC’s townhouses are older buildings, built in phases between 1973 and 1989. They offer a traditional residential feel with a main-floor living/dining area and upper-floor bedrooms.
- Capacity: Units typically house 4 to 6 students.
- Bathrooms: Residents share 1 to 1.5 bathrooms per unit, so in a six-person townhouse several people may be sharing the same shower and sink each morning.
- Condition: While functional, these units reflect the architectural standards of the 1970s and 80s.
The Els
At The Els, townhome-style suites are stacked within a high-rise, with private bedrooms grouped around a shared kitchen and living area. By stacking “townhome-style” suites—private bedrooms centered around a shared living and kitchen space—within a high-rise, it delivers the community feel of a townhouse with modern construction standards.
- Design: Brand-new construction with modern insulation, climate control, and finishes.
- Space: Layouts are planned to give each resident a clearly defined private bedroom, while shared kitchens and living rooms are sized to reduce the morning and evening congestion common in older townhouses.
Privacy and Independence
For many upper-year students, the main reason to leave first-year-style dorms is the search for more privacy.
UTSC Townhouses: While approximately 90% of beds are single rooms, the university notes that students must be “open to the experience of sharing a bedroom” as doubles still exist. Furthermore, the high density of residents per bathroom (4:1 or 6:1.5) can impact daily privacy.
The Els: The Els puts private bedrooms at the centre of its suite layouts. This allows students to socialize in common areas but retreat to a fully private space for study and rest, a critical factor for graduate students and upper-year undergraduates managing heavy workloads.
Amenities and Lifestyle
Campus Amenities (UTSC)
Living in campus townhouses grants access to the Residence Centre and general campus facilities. However, these amenities are often decentralized:
- Gym Access: Requires walking to the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (TPASC) or campus gyms.
- Study Space: Students often leave their townhouse to find quiet study spots in the library or academic buildings.
In-Building Amenities (The Els)
The Els builds key amenities into the residence itself, similar to other new PBSA communities:
- Fitness: On-site fitness spaces eliminate the need for a commute or external gym membership.
- Academic Support: Dedicated study lounges and co-working spaces are available 24/7 within the building.
- Community: Social lounges and outdoor areas facilitate community building without the restrictions of a traditional dorm environment.
Lease Structure and Flexibility
Lease length is one of the biggest practical differences between UTSC townhouses and The Els.
UTSC Academic Contract: Campus housing contracts typically cover the Fall and Winter sessions only (approx. 8 months).
- Winter Closure: Residences close during the Winter Break. Students must vacate or pay an additional fee to stay.
- Summer Gap: Students staying for summer research or co-op must apply separately for summer housing, often moving units.
The Els Year-Round Lease: As a purpose-built residence, The Els is expected to offer 12‑month leases, giving students the option to stay in the same room all year.
- Stability: Students keep their room year-round, ideal for those with summer internships, research positions, or local jobs.
- No Move-Outs: There is no forced move-out during winter holidays, providing true housing security for international and out-of-province students.
Cost and Value Analysis (2025-2026 Context)
When comparing costs, students should calculate the Total Cost of Living rather than just the sticker price.
- UTSC Townhouse (Upper Year): For the 2025-26 academic year, a standard single room costs approximately $11,821 for the 8-month academic session. This does not include food, winter break fees, or summer housing.
- The Els: While specific 2026 rates are released closer to opening, PBSA rates generally bundle utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, furniture, and amenity access into a single monthly fee. For students living in Toronto year-round, a 12-month lease can offer better value than paying for an 8-month residence plus a separate 4-month summer sublet.
Conclusion: Which Option is Right for You?
Choose UTSC Townhouses if:
- You want to live strictly on the academic calendar (8 months).
- You prefer a low-rise, ground-level living environment.
- You are deeply integrated into on-campus residence life programs.
Choose The Els if:
- You need year-round housing stability (12 months).
- You prioritize modern amenities like in-building gyms and study lounges.
- You want the privacy of a guaranteed private bedroom with modern finishes.
- You are an upper-year or grad student seeking a more independent, professional living environment.
For students who want an upgrade from traditional residence life—more privacy, on-site amenities, and year-round stability—The Els delivers townhome-style living in a professionally managed high-rise right next to UTSC.
