• Study in Canada

Accommodation for Students in Canada

1272 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Apr 30,2024 05:28 PM IST

• Accommodation is an essential thing to consider before applying to study in Canada.

• In Canada, international students can find different types of accommodation according to their needs, such as on-campus -housing (hostels/dormitories), shared apartments, homestay, rented apartments, and cooperative housing/co-ops.

• Read the blog to learn about different housing options and their costs.

Accommodation in Canada for international students.webp

Thousands of students go to Canada every year to pursue higher education. Before going there, one needs to consider various factors, one of which is accommodation. Finding a place to stay in a new country can be difficult, so many international students search for accommodation in Canada.

In this blog, aspiring students will learn about different housing options and the cost of living in different cities in Canada. The write-up also explains how to find accommodation in Canada and the most affordable cities so that students can decide which housing option to go for and choose accordingly.

Accommodation in Canada for International Students

One of the biggest concerns for any international student studying in a foreign country is selecting the right accommodation type. Anyone can get stressed by thinking about where they will live in a place where everyone is a stranger. While studying in Canada, students can choose from 2 types of accommodation: on-campus and off-campus.

Let's understand both in the next topic.

Living On-Campus (College or University) in Canada

If students choose to live on the college or university campus, that would be called Living in residence. A room in residence provides students with a bed, desk, and shelves. The cost of living in residence includes the option of adding meals, which means students can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a suitable option for students who come to study in Canada only for 1 or 2 semesters.

benefits of on campus accommodation.webp

Benefits of On-campus Accommodation in Canada

Following are the various benefits Indian students can get while living on-campus in Canada.

Easy access to campus and library	When students live on-campus, they can find the library within campus only.
Less transportation	Students don’t have to travel much as they will find all the facilities on the campus.
Easy to make friends	International students will interact with their classmates while living on-campus and can easily make friends.
More safety	Students living on-campus are safer as the campus will have a proper security system.
Better Academic Performance	Students will perform better academically when university students surround them.

Living Off-Campus (Private Housing) in Canada

If students cannot find on-campus housing, they can choose an off-campus option, which can be more affordable than living in residence. However, students would have to pay for additional items such as:

• Furniture

• Bedding and towels

• Cooking utensils for the kitchen

• Food and cleaning supplies

• Electricity

• Internet connection

• Cable television or streaming service

Benefits of Off-campus Accommodation in Canada

Living in off-campus accommodation in Canada can be beneficial for Indian students in the following ways:

More Freedom and Independence	While living off-campus, students are free from any restriction of the university.
Adult Life Experience	When living outside, students will learn about the nitty gritty of different things, making them mature.
Lower Cost	Students may be able to find accommodation at a lower cost than on-campus. For e.g., while living in a shared apartment, they can reduce costs a lot.
Privacy and Space	Students can have privacy while living off-campus by creating personal spaces and setting clear boundaries.

Types of Accommodation in Canada for Students

Under the on-campus and off-campus housing, students can find different types of accommodation in Canada according to their needs and budget. The following are some of the housing options available to international students in Canada.

On-campus -housing (Hostels/Dormitories)	Many Universities in Canada provide on-campus residence for new international students. This is one of the most preferred options by Indian students. Dormitories are large spaces accommodating many students, while condominiums are small apartments where three to five students can live easily. First-year students usually prefer dormitories. Both types of accommodation offer a cafeteria or food court.
Shared Apartment	A shared apartment is one of the off-campus housing options for accommodation in Canada. In shared apartments, one can live alone or with roommates. Students get a single room in shared apartments but must share a bathroom, kitchen, and living area.
Homestay	Homestay is another off-campus accommodation option for international students. It is a perfect option for those who want to stay with a local family. In this, students get a private room and three meals every day.
Rented Apartment	Private accommodation or a rented apartment is another off-campus option. The good thing is that students can book these apartments online. Here, students can live independently and can learn problem-solving skills.
Cooperative Housing/Co-ops	Cooperative housing is a community-owned housing cooperative where residents collectively maintain the property. It offers affordable housing options for Indian and international students.
Duplexes	A duplex is a building that has two separate units with the same structure. Each unit has an entrance, kitchen, living area, bedroom, bathroom, etc. It provides more privacy compared to dormitories or shared houses.

How to Find Accommodation in Canada for Students?

Now, let's look at the most important part of the blog: finding accommodation in Canada. In the following table, students can see the complete process that they can use to find accommodation in Canada.

Consider needs	Before finding a house, students must consider various factors, such as whether they want a house as a temporary or permanent home, how much budget they can allocate every month, the location, and what type of accommodation they are looking for.
Search Online	Students can use online listing websites and social media platforms such as Facebook groups to look for a To-Let Ad. Some popular Canadian platforms they can use are Kijiji, Rentfaster, PadMapper, etc.
Use your Network	To find accommodation, students can also ask their faculty and friend circle who may know a good and affordable place to live.
Be prepared to act Quickly	Students must understand Canada’s rental market is competitive and act as fast as possible. They must keep some documents handy, such as proof of income and other required documents.

Cost of Accommodation in Canada for Students

Now, students might be wondering how much it will cost them to get accommodation because it is one of the significant factors that will impact their decision. The on-campus accommodation in Canada with meals will cost around CAD 750 to CAD 2,000 per month. However, the cost will depend on the university.

On the other hand, when students live off-campus for homestay, it will cost them around CAD 650 to CAD 2,300 per month. This cost may vary depending on the size and location of the accommodation.

Most Affordable Cities for Accommodation in Canada

To lower the cost of accommodation, students must choose a city where the cost of housing is low. Here is a list of the most affordable cities in Canada where students can find accommodation at a lower price.

• Saskatoon

• Regina

• Winnipeg

• Edmonton

• Montreal

• Halifax

• Windsor

• Calgary

• Ottawa

• Kingston

City-Wise Cost Comparison in Canada

The cost of housing adds to the cost of living in Canada for Indian students. Therefore, comparing the cost of living in Canada in different cities is essential to finding the most affordable option. Here is the list of rooms at homestays in various cities, housing options, and costs. Students must note that the cost is an estimated range and can vary.

City & Room Description	Price Per Month (CAD)
Toronto - Private room in a home (Meal plan Full Board)	1,300-1,500
Vancouver - Private room in a home (Mebal plan Full Board)	1,200-1,400
Kitchener - Private room in a home (Meal plan Full Board)	1,000-1,100
Winnipeg - Private room in a home (Meal plan Full Board)	900-1,000
Windsor - Private room in a home (Meal plan Half Board)	800-900
York Regional District - Private room in a home (Meal plan Full Board)	1,400-1,500
Thunder Bay - Private room in a home (Meal plan Half Board)	1,400-1,500
Lethbridge - Private room in a home (Meal plan Full Board)	900-1000
London - Private room in a home (Meal plan Half Board)	1,000-1,100
Victoria - Private room in a home (Meal plan Full Board)	1,000-1,100

Conclusion

A student who wants to study in Canada has to take care of many things before starting their studies. One such concern is accommodation. There are two types of accommodation students can choose from - on-campus and off-campus. Both accommodation types have pros and cons, which students need to consider before finalizing anything. To find suitable accommodation in Canada, students should do proper research. To learn more about accommodation in Canada, they can also connect with Study abroad consultants at Canam.

FAQ

How much will accommodation cost in Canada?

On average, accommodation in Canada can cost approximately between 14,400 CAD to 23,000 CAD per year.

What are the types of accommodation in Canada?

Students can find different types of accommodation in Canada, such as apartments, duplexes, single-detached houses, private rooms, etc.

How to get cheap accommodation in Canada?

Students can use online platforms to find affordable accommodation in Canada and network with Indian students.

How do international students get accommodation in Canada?

University authorities, rental websites & groups, and student unions or student associations on campus are the best sources to find accommodation in Canada.

Which cities are the cheapest for international students in Canada?

Montreal, Sherbrooke, Laval, Calgary, and Ottawa are some of Canada’s cheapest cities for accommodation for international students.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Canada?

Finding accommodation in Canada can be tricky as there are so many options one can choose from, such as shared apartments, duplexes, rented apartment

homestay, cooperative housing, etc.

What are the important factors in choosing an accommodation?

Students can choose accommodation after considering factors such as location, reviews, facilities, price, etc.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

EDUCO - Radford University

Virginia, USA • 93 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 24000-25000 / year

Oxford Brookes University - Wheatley Campus

England, UK • 33 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 14000-17000 / year

EDUCO - Merritt College

California, USA • 20 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 10000-11000 / year

Keele University

England, UK • 347 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 16000-30000 / year

Trent University - Durham GTA Campus

Ontario, Canada • 103 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 28500-29500 / year

EDUCO - New England College

New Hampshire, USA • 43 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 40000-41000 / year

EDUCO - Rivier University

New Hampshire, USA • 45 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 35000-36000 / year

EDUCO - University of the Incarnate Word

Texas, USA • 124 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 31000-44000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Dubai

5th June to 15th June • 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In-Person Event

Final Call For Fall 2024

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland • Application Days

All Canam Offices, India • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

University Visits - Vancouver Film School

Study in Canada • University Visit

kochi2 • 01:00PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Minimum IELTS Score for USA

The USA is considered to be one of the best study-abroad destinations in the world. It offers high-quality education, a diverse environment, and infin...

Updated on • May 03,2024 04:23 PM IST • USA

Finance Courses & Universities in Canada

Canada is one of the best countries to pursue higher education, as several students want to pursue finance courses in Canada after 12th grade. Finance...

Updated on • May 02,2024 05:16 PM IST • Courses in Canada

Top Colleges & Universities in Christchurch for Indian Students

Christchurch, a city in New Zealand, is the land of dreams for international students who have chosen this city to start their academic journey. It is...

Updated on • May 02,2024 01:55 PM IST • New Zealand

Education loan with Collateral to Study Abroad

Studying abroad requires a lot of money, which is not easy for any middle-class person; therefore, an aspiring Indian student often takes the help of ...

Updated on • May 01,2024 05:37 PM IST • Education Loans

Chevening Scholarships in UK

Chevening Scholarships in the UK help international students study in a stress-free way and focus entirely on their studies. It’s a fully-funded sch...

Updated on • May 01,2024 03:11 PM IST • study in the UK

How Students Can Maintain Mental & Physical Wellbeing While Studying Abroad

Embarking on a study abroad adventure is like diving into a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures, exhilarating experiences, and enriching academ...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 05:30 PM IST • Study Abroad

Accommodation for Students in Canada

Thousands of students go to Canada every year to pursue higher education. Before going there, one needs to consider various factors, one of which is a...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 05:28 PM IST • Study in Canada

Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students in 2024

Canada, one of the most preferred study destination, offers abundant prospects for a student’s career growth. The cost of living in Canada is one of...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 03:21 PM IST • Study Abroad

IELTS Cue Card Sample 559 - Describe your favourite dress

IELTS is one of the most popular English language proficiency exams worldwide. It assesses a student's language proficiency via four major modules: re...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 03:12 PM IST • IELTS

English Language Improvement: Learning Silent Words

Silent letters are one of the most important aspects of the English language. Although they are not usually pronounced, they can make a huge differenc...

Updated on • Apr 29,2024 04:44 PM IST • IELTS

Admission in Canada: UG & PG Application Requirements for Canadian Universities

After getting admission to Canadian institutions, International students have immense personal growth and career enhancement opportunities. These oppo...

Updated on • Apr 29,2024 03:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

LLM in Australia: Top Universities, Eligibility, Courses, Scholarship for Indian Students

Master in Laws (LLM) is a globally recognised postgraduate degree designed to broaden the legal knowledge of students. LLM (Master of Laws) in Austral...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 05:26 PM IST • Australia

Cost of Studying in UK

Did you know Brits drink about 100 million cups of tea daily? That sounds a lot, but that's not the only astounding fact about the UK; apparently, the...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:18 PM IST • UK

SOP for MBA - Format, Samples and Expert Tips

A statement of purpose (SOP) is essential for an MBA application and allows students to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations ...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:11 PM IST • SOP

Why Study in Ireland ?

Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone, which is home to the world's most reputed universities and colleges, famous for their we...

Updated on • Apr 25,2024 03:43 PM IST • Ireland

Why study in Canada?

The thought of international education and studying in Canada go hand in hand, and there’s an interesting reason for this. The thing is, almost 80% ...

Updated on • Apr 23,2024 12:15 PM IST • Study in Canada

Timeline for USA Summer Intake: Deadlines & Universities Requirements

Studying in the USA provides high-quality education with diverse academic programs along with personal and professional growth opportunities. The Unit...

Updated on • Apr 19,2024 03:45 PM IST • USA

Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI

IELTS is one of the most popular language proficiency exams for studying abroad. The test has many versions, such as IELTS Academic, IELTS General Tra...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 05:42 PM IST • IELTS

Study in Canada after 12th

Canada is a popular study abroad destination for international students seeking to study in Canada after 12th due to its world-class education system,...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 01:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Apr 15,2024 01:35 PM IST • IELTS

Accommodation for Students in Canada

Table of Contents

Accommodation in Canada for International Students

Living On-Campus (College or University) in Canada

Benefits of On-campus Accommodation in Canada

Living Off-Campus (Private Housing) in Canada

Benefits of Off-campus Accommodation in Canada

Types of Accommodation in Canada for Students

How to Find Accommodation in Canada for Students?

Cost of Accommodation in Canada for Students

Most Affordable Cities for Accommodation in Canada

City-Wise Cost Comparison in Canada

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams