Finding high-quality student housing in Calgary has become increasingly competitive, with on-campus waitlists stretching into the hundreds. For those seeking brand-new apartments near the University of Calgary, Encore at University District stands out as one of the strongest options. With modern amenities, flexible leasing, and a location just steps from campus, Encore is built around how students actually live day to day.
What Is Encore at University District?
Encore at University District is a brand-new, purpose-built student rental community located at 4055 Kovitz Ave NW, designed specifically to meet the needs of students. Encore provides residents fully furnished suites, all-inclusive rent, individual bedroom leasing, and roommate matching services.
It sits inside the LEED-ND Platinum certified University District, directly next to the University of Calgary and the Alberta Children’s Hospital. That proximity makes Encore especially practical for students, medical residents, and researchers.
Why Choose Encore for Student Housing?
When evaluating student apartments for rent in Calgary, location and lifestyle integration are critical factors. Encore’s strengths come down to three things: walkability, student-focused amenities, and flexible lease options.
1. Unmatched Proximity and Walkability
A short, predictable commute can make a noticeable difference to a student’s day. Encore is just a 7 minute walk to the University of Calgary and 7 minute direct transit ride to Alberta Children’s Hospital, thanks to its location in the heart of the University District.
- Walk Score of 71: Zillow categorizes the location as very walkable, meaning daily errands—from grocery shopping to attending lectures—can be accomplished on foot.
- Transit Connectivity: The area is designed with connected streets and direct access to transit, allowing for hassle-free commuting to downtown Calgary or other parts of the city.
- Neighborhood Design: As part of a master-planned community, residents have immediate access to 40 acres of green space, parks, and a retail main street.
That kind of proximity matters even more in Calgary’s current housing market, where on-campus spots are limited and waitlists are long. In recent academic years, the University of Calgary reported on-campus housing waitlists of nearly 750 students, driving high demand for walkable off-campus alternatives.
2. Amenities Designed for Academic Success
Modern student housing has to be more than a place to sleep; it should support focused study and day-to-day wellbeing. Encore includes amenities you’d expect in a high-end condo building, but they’re planned around the way students actually use them:
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- Co-Working and Study Lounges: Quiet, Wi-Fi-enabled spaces designed for solo study or group projects, eliminating the need to hunt for library seats on campus.
- State-of-the-Art Fitness Centre: A fully equipped gym allows residents to maintain their wellness routines without paying for external memberships or commuting to the campus gym.
- Rooftop Courtyard: A social space featuring fire pits and city views, providing a safe environment for community building.
- Pet-Friendly Features: Includes a pet wash station, acknowledging the growing number of students with pets.
3. Furnished Suites, Roommate Matching and 3-Year Rent Guarantee
One of the biggest hurdles for students—especially those from out of province or overseas—is figuring out furniture, finding reliable roommates, and committing to a lease long term. Encore tackles this with a student-housing style model that’s still relatively rare in Calgary:
- Furnished Options: Move-in ready suites. Each bedroom includes a bed, mattress, and a two-drawer cabinet. Common areas are furnished with a couch, coffee table, end table, TV, and TV stand. Barstools are included in select unit types.
- By-the-Bedroom Leasing: Residents can lease an individual bedroom within a larger suite. This means you are only responsible for your share of the rent, not your roommates’.
- Roommate Matching: Encore offers a service to pair residents with compatible roommates based on lifestyle and preferences, reducing the friction of finding housemates.
- 3-Year Rent Guarantee (with an Easy Out): Encore offers a 3-year rent guarantee with 0% increases, plus the freedom to move out after one year without penalty if your plans change—ideal if you like the security of predictable rent but don’t want to feel locked in.
Cost Analysis: Value vs. Traditional Rentals
When comparing apartments for rent near UCalgary, monthly cost is usually one of the first things students look at. While brand-new builds like Encore may carry a premium over older basement suites, the all-inclusive pricing model often bridges the gap when total monthly costs are calculated.
The All-Inclusive Advantage
Many older rentals in communities like Varsity or Brentwood advertise lower base rents but exclude essential utilities. In contrast, Encore’s pricing includes:
- Heat, Water, and Electricity
- High-Speed Internet
- Furniture
- In-Suite Laundry
- Central Air Conditioning (a rarity in older Calgary rentals)
- Access to all building amenities
Encore’s inclusion of these utilities simplifies budgeting, providing a predictable monthly cost. Additionally, residents in the University District often qualify for 10% student discounts at local retailers like Save-On-Foods, OEB Breakfast, and Una Pizza & Wings, further offsetting living costs.
Market Context
As of late 2025 and entering 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary hovered around C$1,692. Encore’s starting rates for brand-new, amenity-rich units are competitively positioned relative to this average, especially when factoring in the value of included internet and utilities, which can cost upwards of $150-$200 per month in other properties.
Who Is Encore Best Suited For?
Encore tends to work best for a few specific groups of people around the university:
- Focused Undergraduates: The study lounges and proximity to campus libraries support high academic performance.
- Medical and Nursing Students: The building is adjacent to the Alberta Children’s Hospital and Foothills Medical Centre, making it perfect for those with clinical rotations.
- International Students: The furnished options, all-inclusive rent and roommate matching remove the complexity of setting up a new home from abroad.
Conclusion
For students seeking housing off campus, Encore at University District brings together a walkable location, new construction, and student-focused services in one place.
As Calgary’s population continues to grow—adding more than 144,000 people year over year—competition for well-located rentals near campus will stay high. In that context, Encore’s mix of brand-new suites, all-inclusive rent, and easy access to the University of Calgary and Alberta Children’s Hospital makes it a strong option to put at the top of a student’s shortlist.
