Calgary Universities & Colleges: Where to Live Near Campus
Calgary's post-secondary schools draw tens of thousands of students, faculty, and staff — and where each campus sits shapes the neighbourhoods around it. This guide covers Calgary's universities and colleges, plus the best nearby areas to buy or rent, whether you're a student, an investor, or relocating faculty.
On this page
- University of Calgary
- Mount Royal University
- SAIT
- Bow Valley College
- Alberta University of the Arts
- St. Mary's University
- Ambrose University
- Where to live near each campus
- FAQs
University of Calgary (NW)
Calgary's largest university sits in the northwest, west of Crowchild Trail, with strengths in business, engineering, and medicine (tied to the nearby Foothills Medical Centre). The campus is right on the CTrain line, making it commutable from across the NW. Nearby neighbourhoods — Brentwood, Varsity, Dalhousie, Edgemont — are perennial favourites for student rentals, faculty buyers, and investors alike, thanks to transit access and established amenities.
Mount Royal University (SW)
Located in the southwest, Mount Royal offers undergraduate degrees with a teaching-focused reputation, particularly strong in business, nursing, and education. The surrounding SW neighbourhoods are quieter and more residential — a good fit for faculty and staff buyers who want suburban calm with a short commute.
SAIT — Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (NW)
Canada's first publicly funded technical institute, on 16 Ave NW with its own CTrain station. SAIT's 100+ career programs in trades, technology, and business draw students nationally. The adjacent NW communities offer affordable condos and townhomes popular with students and young professionals.
Bow Valley College (Downtown)
Downtown's career college, specializing in career certificates, diplomas, and English-language programs for newcomers. Living downtown or along the CTrain lines (Sunnyside, Bridgeland, Victoria Park) puts campus within an easy transit ride — and downtown condos double as strong rental investments.
Alberta University of the Arts (NW)
Calgary's dedicated art and design university, located next to SAIT in the NW. Fine arts and design programs give the area a creative edge, and the same NW neighbourhoods that serve SAIT work well here.
St. Mary's University (SE)
A small private Catholic liberal arts university in the SE community of Midnapore, across from the Fish Creek CTrain station. The surrounding SE neighbourhoods offer some of Calgary's most affordable family housing with easy transit access.
Ambrose University (SW)
A private Christian liberal arts university in SW Calgary. The nearby SW communities offer established suburban housing with good value relative to inner-city prices.
Where to Live Near Each Campus
| Campus | Best nearby areas | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| University of Calgary | Brentwood, Varsity, Dalhousie, Edgemont | Student rentals, faculty buyers, investors |
| Mount Royal University | Surrounding SW neighbourhoods | Faculty & staff, quiet suburban living |
| SAIT / AUArts | NW communities along the CTrain | Students, young professionals |
| Bow Valley College | Downtown, Bridgeland, Sunnyside, Victoria Park | Downtown condo buyers, investors |
| St. Mary's University | Midnapore & nearby SE neighbourhoods | Affordable family housing, transit commuters |
| Ambrose University | SW suburban neighbourhoods | Value-focused suburban buyers |
Browse all Calgary communities to compare areas near your campus.
FAQs
Is buying near a university a good investment in Calgary?
Historically, yes — CTrain-adjacent neighbourhoods near the University of Calgary and SAIT see steady rental demand from students and staff, which supports both rents and resale values. Run the numbers for any specific property rather than assuming.
Which Calgary university area is most affordable?
Neighbourhoods around St. Mary's in the SE and the NW communities near SAIT tend to offer the lowest entry prices. Downtown condos near Bow Valley College vary widely — older buildings can be affordable, new towers less so.
Can I buy a student rental as an out-of-town investor?
Yes. Many investors buy near Calgary campuses remotely. Talk to a buyer's specialist about rental-grade condos and townhomes near transit.
Buying Near a Calgary Campus?
Whether it's a student condo, a faculty home, or an investment property, location relative to campus and transit drives the return. Talk to Ray about the neighbourhoods that fit your budget and goals.