I am first-year, so may I ask, if I am getting an off-campus housing, how exactly does my OSAP money cover my living expenses? Cause while I heard the money is in my hands to distribute, how can they receive my money if I have no personal cheque?

I'm not sure what you mean by "how can they receive my money if I have no personal cheque"...who is "they" exactly? And what does that have to do with you getting OSAP funds?

OSAP is deposited into your bank account for you to use however you please. I think they used to automatically pay off the school first (and give you the rest), but I believe they stopped doing that a year or so ago. I've only had OSAP for a couple of years though and it's always been direct deposit for me.

I think you mean how will you pay for your rent? If so, like starfish mentioned, you get 60% of the OSAP money you're eligible for in September, and 40% in January, so budget accordingly. They don't track how you spend the money or anything.

You call your bank or go on their website and order cheques so you can pay your rent like everyone else does. Or you find a landlord who will accept electronic money transfers.