Are you planning to travel to Canada to school? Or maybe you are already in Canada. Gaining admission into a Canadian university is great, but after gaining admission comes the accommodation. There are tons of factors to consider when finding the right student accommodation for you. Lucky for you, you made it to this blog post and in this article, I’ll be teaching you how to find students accommodation in Canada.
When it comes to schooling or studying in Canada or any other foreign country, securing a house before or after your arrival is one in the top things to do on every student’s checklist. However, getting a house is not as easy as most people might think it is because there are several factors to consider before you’ll be able to find the perfect house for you such as your budget, proximity to the school, etc. Here is a guide to finding the best Students Accommodation in Canada.
To find a new home in Canada, you can do it independently (which is often more difficult) or connect with your academic institution for guidance. In Canada, one of the things you’ll have to decide is whether you’d like to live in an on-campus residence, off-campus, or with a host family. In reality, there are lots of housing or accommodation options available for you in Canada and in this guide we’ll be taking a detailed look at all of them to help you make the right choice.
Without further ado, let’s dive into how to find students accommodation in Canada.
What are the different housing options available in Canada?
There are numerous housing options for students looking to study in Canada, and the section below summarizes them all. All housing options are classified as either on-campus or off-campus.
On-Campus
The majority of Canadian universities and colleges provide residences for students, particularly those in their first year. On-campus housing can be a great option for international students because the paperwork involved in arranging your lease from abroad can be handled efficiently.
You’ll have a place to call home as soon as you arrive if you rent on-campus student housing, which is usually furnished. Rent is often less expensive than its alternatives (though this is not always the case), and residences are usually conveniently located to enable you can get to that 8:00 a.m. class on time.
On-campus housing typically consists of single- or double-occupancy ‘dorm rooms’ (short for ‘dormitory’) with shared living spaces such as kitchens, lounges, or games rooms. There are restaurants in many on-campus residences, and rent may also include a meal plan.
Beyond the generalizations, the characteristics of residences can vary greatly between – and even within – institutions, providing a variety of options to suit different lifestyles. Each institution’s website will provide an overview of their residences, including photos, virtual tours, and student testimonials, so there is plenty of information available to help you decide.
Benefits of on-campus housing
- You’ll be closer to your classes
- Save money on transportation that would otherwise be spent on trips to and from college
- Survive in the student community and gain access to the network
- On-campus living costs are lower, but not with all types of housing
- Overall access to the institution’s amenities and support services
Off-campus
Some institutions may provide student housing beyond the first year, but many students prefer, or are required to find ‘off-campus’ housing nearby. Apartment hunting can be an exciting opportunity to discover a new neighbourhood, meet new people, and find a place to call home, so seize the opportunity.
Finding an apartment off campus can be difficult, but rewarding.Cities in Canada typically have active rental markets, with new listings appearing on a regular basis. In many cases, supply and demand vary seasonally, with summer seeing higher demand.
Smaller towns may have a more limited market, but if you live in a university or college town, no matter how small, you can expect places to become available for rent as other students leave or graduate.
Most universities and colleges provide student advice and may have their own internal listings, so contact the student housing or welfare office if you have any questions.
Benefits of off-campus housing
- The city offers a wide range of options
- Students can choose their own housing and pay less than they would with an on-campus arrangement
- Off-campus Student Accommodation in Canada can relieve the students in terms of living and cooking
- You get to pick your roommates
Because off-campus living has more legal precedents than on-campus living, you should carefully review the terms of the rental agreement before signing. If you have any concerns about living off-campus, always contact your college or university’s international students office.
In addition to renting an apartment with flat mates, you can look into the homestay program, which has become a popular accommodation option in Canada for international students.
Homestay Programs for students in Canada
Students in the homestay program are placed with families in the area where they are studying. Every homestay is unique, and international students are welcome. Typically, the student has a room and shares responsibilities and meals with the family.
Although homestays are more expensive in Canada, you will have ample time to focus on your studies since the host families will do the majority of the cleaning and cooking.
You can use one of the following networks to find a suitable homestay for yourself and arrange your Student Accommodation in Canada:
- YES Canada Homestay
- Canada Homestay Network
The monthly cost of living in a homestay type of Student Accommodation in Canada ranges between 600 and 1100 CAD on average.
Other off-campus housing options for international students in Canada include:
Subletting
Subletting is a specific arrangement in which a tenant temporarily takes over from another tenant named on the lease for an apartment. This is common among students, especially when they graduate or leave while their lease is still in effect. Leases can be sublet, but these arrangements are often casual.
Rental apartments
Students in Canada often rent with roommates because it is less expensive to split bills and rent and can be a lot of fun at the same time. Just make sure to talk with your potential roommates about habit, lifestyle, and pet peeves before moving in together – remember, communication is key in any relationship.
If you’re thinking about renting an apartment before moving to Canada, keep in mind that private landlords, rather than agencies, handle rentals and as such, it can be difficult to arrange from afar. Why? Becauselandlords may be less willing to rent to someone they haven’t met in person, and you should take precautions to ensure that any agreement is legitimate, as scams do exist.
Note: Even though leases can also be arranged fairly quickly and at short notice, it’s preferable to book temporary accommodation in a hotel or Airbnb to give you ample time to look for an apartment when you arrive is another option to consider.
How to find student accommodation in Canada
Finding accommodation in Canada can be difficult if you have not yet arrived and have no resources to assist you. However, many companies can help you find lodging ahead of time and we have already discussed the various types of accommodations available in Canada—so it shouldn’t be as difficult anymore.
While some houses are completely rented, others are divided into units. Here are a few points to consider when looking for student housing in Canada.
Know your right as a tenant
Tenant rights are governed by provincial legislation. As an international student, you should be familiar with this for your destination province. As a tenant, you should be treated and live in the conditions you deserve, and you should have confidence that your landlord is upholding their end of the bargain. As a tenant, you should also be aware of your own responsibilities and duties.
Insurance
While taking out personal contents insurance is not required by law, it may be a good idea. Renter’s insurance policies may also include coverage for accidental property damage.
Inquire about the facilities
Before you decide to rent an apartment, you should inquire about the amenities provided by your rental company or accommodation provider. Television, hot water, internet, and other amenities should be provided.
Be sure about the meals
If you intend to live on campus and use the meal plan, then you should be aware of the meals. Also, you must pay in advance.
Special services for students with disabilities
If you have a disability and require special services, you must notify the college or university. There are places designed specifically for people with special needs.
Arriving early to the campus helps
The earlier you arrive on campus, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with campus life. Also, because most universities operate on a first come, first served basis, it is best to arrive early and secure a room before it fills up.
Cost of student accommodation in Canada
In terms of the cost of student housing in Canada, an on-campus room with meals for eight months can range from CAD 6,000 to CAD 16,000. However, the cost is determined by the university.
If you live off-campus in Canada, especially in a homestay, it will cost you between CAD 700 and CAD 2200 per month. The cost is usually determined by the size and location of the accommodation.