[rovyko]

Rent definitely affected my choice of school. With identical offers, I opted for a smaller tech-oriented university over the University of Toronto, which is either the top or one of the top schools in the country. I don't regret it, because rent in Toronto was insane and it's only getting worse. I'd have to commute 90 minutes to my parents' house with no time for a social life, and I'm super lucky to know that I even had that option.

And now rents in the small town are growing. Subdivided houses are torn down for luxury apartments, and with recent cuts to government loans, it might not be affordable for some low-income students.

[eigenvector]

It sounds like you're describing Waterloo. And as a U of T grad I agree, for many years it was a far more affordable option that was every bit as good (arguably better) for engineering and CS. Sadly Waterloo is suffering from the same insane housing cost inflation as the rest of Southern Ontario now.

[rovyko]

You got it. I was lucky to start when it was affordable. The residence fees this year are completely insane. $1000/mo for a single dorm room and even more for a room in a 3-4 bedroom apt. Off-campus housing isn't much better.