Accommodation for Students in Canada

Based on your budget, situation, and various other factors, academic institutions of Canada can connect you to a large number of on and off-campus accommodation options.

If you are an international student, you should begin looking for accommodation by visiting the international student office or by using the website of the college or university which you will be attending.

Primary types of accommodation are:

Dormitories and Condominiums

Universities and colleges offer residencies to students on campus or near the campus. Dormitories are generally larger accommodation types that can house many students, whereas condominiums are usually smaller independent apartments that can accommodate 3 to 5 students at a time.

It has shared entertainment, exercising, cooking, and shared bathrooms and showers. The dormitories are sufficient for one or more persons per room and are taken care of directly. Dormitories are a popular choice amongst first-year college and university students.

A condominium generally consists of three to six bedrooms with single capacity rooms, a kitchen and living room area, and the main floor. This type of accommodation has been kept aside for second-fourth year students and students who have completed their graduation.

In both scenarios, this kind of accommodation includes a cafeteria or a food court to eat in daily. Both accommodations can consist of necessary facilities such as hot water and the internet.

Off-Campus Shared Apartments

These provide students with a living space having one or more roommates. They are similar to townhouses because they have a single-occupancy or living room and have a shared kitchen, bathroom, living room, and dining room area.

It is important to note that not all universities in Canada will aid you in looking for off-campus housing. In such cases, they might refer you to specific agencies or require you to do your independent research and get in touch with services in the neighbouring communities.

Rental charges can differ significantly, especially in bigger cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

Homestay Option

Staying with a host family can offer you security and a feeling of belonging, which other accommodations won't. Homestays usually provide a private single room and three meals per day.

It also helps the student acclimatize with Canadian culture and customs more quickly. According to their requirements, shared accommodation or single stay options are available to the students. Students staying in homestay accommodations should be prepared to travel 30-50 minutes in public transport to reach the school.

Apartment Rentals

There are many ways for students to look for a temporary apartment rental before arriving in Canada through websites such as Airbnb, Wimdu, or Housetrip. These apartments are usually fully furnished private rentals. Do read the reviews of all the rentals and see the feedback of the people who have stayed there.

Finding unfurnished can also be done, but it's not very easy for first-time international students.

Things to consider while looking for accommodation

Start searching for your accommodation in Canada ahead of time.

Once you get your acceptance letter, most institutes will give a pre-departure orientation package, including accommodation options. You should thoroughly research these accommodation choices before making any formal application to study presented to the school.

Once you are prepared to register and have paid for the accommodation, be fully committed to the provided service. Most of the homestay options start decreasing four to eight weeks before the beginning of the academic session.

• Decide on your meal plans

Students staying within the campus can go for the meal plan program. The meal plans are paid for in advance and allow a dynamic and affordable way to eat in cafeterias and restaurants.

• Infrastructure

Inquire about the facilities (internet, hot water, television, etc.) offered by your accommodation provider. It would help if you decided on your accommodation after knowing about the unforeseen costs involved.

• Disability needs infrastructure

Students with disability needs should get in touch with the school at the earliest. In some instances, one should register for special services and accommodation.

• Arrive early to your campus

Give yourself enough time to get used to your campus and neighbourhood facilities. If you are reaching during summer, one must be careful that many universities and utilities are closed until the first week of September. For the following reason, it is better to arrive early so that you can adjust to your new surroundings with ease.

• Leases and deposits

You might be told to sign a contract while renting a shared apartment. Also, you might be asked to pay instead of rent, utilities (electricity, water), internet in addition to a deposit equivalent to one month's rent.

Important pointers

• Always ask your university or college whether they will be helping you with booking your accommodation in Canada.

• Be aware of the scams on certain websites such as Craigslist and never make any advance payment without meeting the owner in person or looking at the apartment.

• The academic institution you will be studying in may provide you with accommodation services in house, may refer you to a placement agency or expect you to look for a residency on your own. Gather information regarding practices your university is employing and be proactive regarding the same.

Whatever you decide on, always be sure to look for accommodation where you will be feeling secure and comfortable and where you can study and be successful during your time in Canada.