Community News
Mark Your Calendar: The U/D Night Market is Back!
Our annual event series is back with new vendors and a great lineup of entertainment.
03 Jun 2026
Top Reasons to Rent in U/D as a Student or Young Professional
University District (U/D) offers a vibrant, well-connected community for all ages that also meets the unique needs of students and young professionals. With the University of Calgary (UCalgary) just a 10-minute walk away, and with public transit easily accessible, U/D is an ideal place for students to call home.
Top 5 Reasons for Students to Live in University District
- Easy access to the University of Calgary’s main campus
- Vibrant Retail Main Street with easy access to groceries, everyday essentials and many dining options
- Walkable and close proximity to Calgary Transit (C-Train and Max Stations)
- Diverse student rental opportunities including study spaces, furnished and unfurnished suites and roommate matching options
- Pet friendly parks, pathways and green spaces
Why Students and Young Professionals Love Living in University District
Named Calgary’s best car-free neighbourhood by Avenue Magazine, University District has everything students need just steps away from campus, including grocery stores, cafés, medical providers, restaurants and entertainment.
Whether it’s a quiet study session or a catch-up with friends, U/D offers the ideal space to do both.
U/D’s urban design and focus on walkability allows you to grab your groceries at Save-On-Foods, a coffee at Monogram, your student essentials at Staples and much more with over 50+ shops and services all in one place.
When it’s time to grab a bite or meet up with friends, U/D offers a wide range of quick-serve and dine-in options, such as The Canadian Brewhouse, The Banquet, Native Tongues Taqueria, UNA pizza + wine, HEAL Wellness and Seed N Salt. With so many tasty choices, and more to come, including Jimmy John’s and Analog Coffee, students have a variety of places to unwind after a day of classes.
From everyday essentials to weekend treats, U/D’s Retail Main Street makes errands feel effortless.
When it comes to staying active and entertained, there’s no shortage of options to choose from in University District. Orangetheory Fitness, Lagree YYC and YYC Cycle offer high-energy workouts to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. For a more calming experience, Hot Yoga on University District provides a welcoming space to stretch, recharge, and find your balance. When it’s time to relax, Cineplex VIP Cinemas offers a big screen and dining experience just outside your door.
Learn more about U/D’s Retail Main Street .
Student Discounts That Make Life Even Better
Living in University District doesn’t just mean having everything you need close by; it also means getting more for your money. Many U/D businesses offer exclusive discounts for students, making it easier to enjoy your favourite meals, grab a coffee or pick up essentials without stretching your budget. Just show a valid student ID at participating locations and look for U/D Student Discount signage at storefronts or checkout counters. These deals are great for students who want to stay on top of their spending while still enjoying everything the community has to offer.
Stay tuned for an updated list of student discounts coming August 2026.
Access to Public Transit
Beyond the community itself, University District keeps you connected to the rest of Calgary with convenient access to Calgary Transit and nearby CTrain stations, including Brentwood and University LRT Station. Whether you’re commuting downtown, heading to campus, meeting friends across the city or catching a Calgary Flames game after work or class, getting where you need to go is made easy with transit in close reach.
Diverse Rental Options for Students and Young Professionals
If you’re a student or young professional looking for convenient, high-quality housing, University District offers a variety of purpose-built rental options designed with modern lifestyles in mind.
Academy by Truman
Academy is a rental development currently under construction and anticipated to open in 2027. The building will feature more than 220 rental homes with a mix of one-, two- and three- bedroom layouts designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles. Planned amenities include a resident lounge, fitness centre, pet spa and bike storage.
Construction at Academy as of April 2026. Pre-leasing is expected to begin in Fall 2026
Aria by Harrison Street
Aria is a purpose-built rental building offering one-, two- and three- bedroom suites with open layouts and contemporary finishes. Residents have access to mix of amenities including a fitness centre, yoga studio, games room and social lounges, giving you space to work, relax or hang out without leaving the building. Aria is located directly above Save-On-Foods making grocery shopping as easy as possible. A highlight of Aria is the outdoor courtyard, with BBQ areas, seating and green space that makes it easy to spend time outside close to home.
Encore at University District by Gracorp Properties & Harrison Street
Encore at University District, now leasing, features 303 thoughtfully designed apartment rentals and a wide variety of amenities that make it easy to feel at home from day one. Residents can enjoy a rooftop courtyard with firepits and BBQs, coworking and study lounges, and comfortable social spaces designed for relaxing, connecting, or meeting new people. Encore also brings residents together through regular community events like paint nights, cooking classes, game nights, and group workouts, creating plenty of opportunities to build friendships and feel part of the community. For those moving to Calgary or looking to expand their social circle, Encore’s roommate matching program helps connect residents with like-minded people they’ll enjoy living with, making the transition into a new home and city feel a whole lot easier.
Encore’s amenities go beyond the basics, offering residents flexible spaces to study, unwind and connect with others.
The Forge by Vivenda Group
Now leasing in University District, The Forge offers 92 thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three- bedroom suites in the heart of University Avenue. Each apartment features high-efficiency appliances, private balconies, in-suite laundry, air conditioning, and upscale modern finishes that blend style with everyday comfort. The building is pet-friendly and includes underground parking, secure bike storage and a spacious second-floor outdoor terrace with BBQs, a fireplace and a pergola with lots of seating, perfect for hosting guests.
The Forge offers high-end finishes and thoughtful amenities designed for professionals who value comfort and convenience.
Scholar by Truman and University of Calgary Properties Group
Scholar is a purpose-built rental development from Truman and University of Calgary Properties Group that is currently under construction and expected to welcome residents in 2027. The project will add 203 rental homes with a mix of one- and two- bedroom suites. Residents can look forward to features such as oversized windows, nine-foot ceilings, quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The building will also include a fitness centre and more than 12,000 square feet of ground floor retail.
Thesis by Gracorp Properties
Thesis is a student-focused rental development from Gracorp Properties with occupancy anticipated in 2027. Planned features include furnished suites, roommate matching services, coworking and study lounges, a rooftop courtyard with BBQs and firepits, a fitness facility, parcel storage and shared gathering spaces where residents can connect.
Leasing for Thesis is anticipated to begin in Fall 2026, with the project on track for completion and resident occupancy in Summer 2027.
Off-campus housing at the University of Calgary
For students at the University of Calgary, off-campus housing in University District can offer more independence, flexible lease options and the chance to live in a nearby neighbourhood while staying close to campus.
UCalgary provides helpful resources to support students through the rental process, including guidance on finding housing, understanding leases and navigating the city’s rental market. These tools are especially useful for students who are new to Calgary or may be renting for the first time.
To learn more about resources available to students, please visit UCalgary’s website.
Parks and Pathways
One of the most inviting parts of life in U/D is access to parks, interconnected pathways and green spaces right in the neighbourhood.
For fresh air and outdoor study sessions, U/D offers green spaces like Central Commons Park, Northwest Commons Park and the North Pond. These spots give you room to slow down whether that is enjoying sunshine on a bench between classes, meeting up with friends, or getting some reading done outside.
Throughout the community, a connected network of pathways makes it easy to get around without needing a car or sticking to busy roads. Whether you are heading to class, meeting friends or just taking a break outside, the pathways are designed to make walking the most convenient option.
Community Spirit
University District also brings the community together through a mix of year-round events. The U/D Night Market and U/D Block Party are exciting outdoor events where you can meetup with your classmates and neighbours while discovering local vendors and enjoying live entertainment. At the U/D Night Market – Holiday Edition and Winter Pop-Up events you are invited to enjoy the festivities and the opportunity to skate under twinkling lights at Central Commons Park. These events are a great way to connect with fellow students while enjoying fresh air and everything the neighbourhood has to offer. Learn more about U/D’s events .
