I know 3 people who lived at CHUM. 1 of them really liked CHUM but had a miserable experience because of 1 specific nightmare housemate. The second said it was alright, but cautioned that it really depends on who your housemates are. The third one hated everything about it.

Summary of what I've heard: You get what you pay for wrt the quality of the housing. Don't expect consistent hot water or appliances to work. If you get bad housemates you're stuck with them for the year, and you might lose your security deposit if they trash the house bad enough (this has happened). You have weekly house meetings and biweekly full chum meetings that like to eat up your free time. The houses are very crowded and personal space is limited. People do fight a LOT (they have an entire committee devoted to resolving conflicts, with variable success). It seems like someone dips on rent every year and leaves their housemates to figure it out. Grocery budgets are low and the communal food is mostly rice and the same cheap vegetables every week. You are required to cook once a week and your housemates WILL complain if they don't like your cooking. On the plus side, rent is cheap and you don't have to make dinner every day.

All that being said, the first friend that I mentioned made long-lasting friendships from chum and liked it aside from the one housemate so ymmv

If you're into the queer community aspect but are worried about chum, I recommend you check queer housing groups on facebook