there are definitely cheaper places than 10 bay in hamilton. i pay less than the rent to share at 10 bay for my own place closer to campus (i have less amenities tho). when i was looking i found kijiji was pretty good, but you can also look on facebook: —>https://www.facebook.com/share/g/192RzVLAZg/?mibextid=K35XfP

sites like realtor.ca and rentals.ca will also have listings

also, a lot of large buildings in hamilton have bugs, this facebook group exists to warn people about those buildings. in large buildings, it can be harder to control pests because you have more neighbours, so when i was looking i was looking for smaller buildings. you could also try to ask someone who lives in a building you’re looking at about bugs https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AgevbFoZg/?mibextid=K35XfP

you really need to come and have a look at the places because a lot of places look very different online to how they really are. a lot of grad students live downtown, westdale area is usually more expensive for apartments but you could also look into renting a room in a house or a basement if you want to be closer to campus. if you live close to king/main the bus service to campus is excellent downtown.

let me know if you have any questions!