What is it like living at co-op?

Our co-op is run by students, for students – meaning members work together to complete communal tasks and make decisions for their households. Not only is this a more affordable option than renting on your own, but the experience you’ll get in co-op is unlike any other. All of our houses are located in the University district so you’re just a quick walk away from campus for class, and right in the heart of the action on weekends. Co-op means you don’t have to stress about dealing with sketchy landlords, fight over chores, or worry about having to cook all your meals on your own!

If you’re looking for stress-free accomodations, where you can live comfortably and be part of a community, then living in co-op is the perfect solution for you! Convinced? Apply here. Have questions? Get in touch.

What does co-op entail?

In co-operative housing, the residents are the owners. The members make decisions about their individual house and the organization as a whole that best suit their needs. One member from each house is nominated by the house to be the house manager. Members are responsible for their individual house. They also decorate their houses, organize their cleaning schedules and plan events. There are full-time staff who work for KSHC, but no landlord. The Board of Directors is made up of elected members of the co-operative, and they are responsible for the direction and overall management of the organization. Want to learn more about co-op? Get in touch.

The Meal Plan

There is also a meal plan program, in which participating co-op members complete three hours each week of scheduled kitchen duties. The meal plan program provides a great opportunity to meet other co-op members and to practice your cooking skills, without having to cook meals daily! 16 meals are provided each week including brunch on Saturday and Sunday. See what a typical meal plan looks like here.

Our Community

Kingston Student Housing Co-operative (KSHC), has been providing affordable housing to students in Kingston since 1941. It started on Earl Street with 1 house for 7 students, and today, it has grown to accommodate 171 students in 21 houses near the Queen’s University campus. The diversity of our members fuels this unique service.

Living at KSHC, you will get to meet (and party with!) fellow students in many different programs, from all around the world! We host tons of events for co-opers to socialize, but we also have membership rules (including noise levels and cleanliness) to promote a positive living space. Read more about our history here.