Accommodation in Canada For International Student.
Accommodation is one of the needs students put into consideration while preparing for travelling especially for international students. It is very challenging and most stressful aspects of studying in Canada for many international Students.
There is some student who would prefer to live on campus close to their classes while some others would prefer to live off – campus and go to and from school through by driving or by public transport.
The worry of accommodation in Canada for students starts much before one takes admission to a college or university in the country. Visiting a new country without knowing much about the kind of accommodation you are going to get can be taxing. Sometimes you will find people from your country in Canada yet finding accommodation can still be a problem.
Canada has a gamut of options that prospective international students can choose from. If you are attending a college or language school, it’s less likely there will be a residence on campus. Many Canadian universities offer student housing recommendations and suggestions for accommodation in the city of study. But the purpose is to find a budget-friendly place that matches the student’s requirements. In that case, you’ll have to look for off-campus housing. As an international student, you may even find an on-campus housing option in the country.
Firstly, you can look for accommodation by paying a visit to the international student office. You can also use the website of the college or the university that you are going to attend.
As a student, you might face a few challenges while scouting for accommodation. Some of the primary factors are a lack of knowledge about the area and vulnerability to rental scams, along with an unwelcoming cultural environment. This article would help you to make a prudent decision on Student Accommodation in Canada.
If you’re coming as an international student in Canada, there are many accommodation options to consider. Where you live will depend on your budget for your stay in Canada. Learning institutions or private landlords can help you find the best place for you. Here’s everything you need to know about accommodation in Canada for international students.
Types of Accommodation in Canada for international student.
There are many options to choose from regarding accommodation for international students in Canada and the section below highlights them all. All the housing options are categorized as on-campus and off-campus accommodations.
Dormitories and Townhouses
Some schools provide student residence on-campus or nearby the campus. Dormitories are usually larger buildings housing many students, while townhouses are detached, housing usually three to six students.
Dormitories have common areas for entertainment, cooking, and exercise, as well as shared bathrooms and shower facilities. These dormitories sleep one or more person per room, and are managed directly by the school. Dormitories are often a suggested housing choice for first-year college and university students.
Townhouses usually contain three to six bedrooms with single occupancy rooms (no roommates) and a main floor containing kitchen and living room area. This style of accommodation is usually reserved for second – fourth-year university students and graduate students.
In both cases, these styles of accommodation may include a nearby cafeteria or food court where you can eat daily, or are situated in close proximity to eating establishments on or off-campus. Both options might include utilities such as heat, hot water, and internet, or offer them at a reduced fee.
Average cost: The average cost of dormitories and townhouses in Canada is between $3,000 – $7,500 CDN per school year.
Homestay for Students
Under the homestay program, students are placed with families in the area they are studying. Each homestay is unique and welcomes international students. The student typically has a room and shares meals and responsibilities with the family. Although homestays are more expensive in Canada, you will have more time to focus on your studies because most of the cooking and cleaning will be taken care of by host families.
A host family can also answer questions about the city, introduce you to Canadian culture and customs and share mealtimes with you. Shared accommodation may be an option, and also room-only options (without meals) may be possible. Students living in homestay accommodation should expect to travel 30 – 50 minutes by bus or train in order to reach the school. This is a normal commute time in Canada.
On average, the cost of living in a homestay type of Student Accommodation in Canada is between 600 and 1100 CAD per month. Other off-campus accommodation options an international student can consider in Canada include:
Average cost: The average cost of homestays in Canada is between $400 – $800 CDN per month.
Private Renting: This is an option for students, but the rents can be high, especially in major cities. To keep the prices down, you can choose to share your accommodation. Your school or college can help you by offering an off-campus housing service that enables you to find affordable accommodation and roommates nearby.
You should also factor utilities into your budget if you’re looking for private renting. Off-campus accommodation saves you money by picking cheaper accommodation, gives you more freedom and independence in your daily life, and you can choose your roommates.
Average cost: The average cost of private renting in Canada is between $400 – $1,500 CDN monthly.
Subletting
Subletting is another form of arrangement whereby a tenant takes over temporarily from a tenant named on the lease for an apartment. This is common among students, particularly when a student graduates or leaves while their lease is still active. Subletting leases exist, although these arrangements are often casual.
Students in Canada usually find themselves renting with roommates at some point, as it is cheaper to split rent and bills and can be great fun at the same time. Just make sure that you talk with your potential roommates about lifestyle, habits, and pet peeves before you move in together – remember, as with any relationship, communication is key.
Accommodation Cost in Canada for International Students
Generally, Universities in Canada offer different room types in their student residences, which vary in cost and amenities. For example:
The cost of living in Canada can vary across the provinces. The cost of living in Edmonton will be different from Ottawa, Ontario, Alberta, and so on. To give you an example, living in Toronto means spending 900 to 1900 CAD per month on rent. The same cost in Montreal ranges from 850 to 1500 CAD.
The cost of living in Canada for off-campus accommodation is between $3,000 and $7,500 per year, and on-campus accommodation is $8,000 to $10,000 per year.
Here are some of the top Canadian universities and their accommodation costs:
| University | Average Cost |
| University of Toronto | $14,081 – $17,252 per year |
| University of British Columbia | $12,000 – $14,500 per year |
| McGill University | $9,000 to $18,000 per year |
| University of Montreal | Up to $1,200 per month |
| McMaster University | Up to $12,260 per year |
Taxes and utilities
Paying of Taxes are generally covered in your rent. Utilities – gas, electricity, and water – may or may not be included If utilities are not included, you will likely need to set up an account with the provincial utility’s provider. Ask the landlord about these requirements when you’re looking at apartments.
Lists of things to Consider
Going to study has never been easy, but it’s an experience of a lifetime. It takes a lot of planning and preparing yourself mentally and physically. To help ease the process of moving, here’s a list of things to consider:
- A safe and comfortable place. Make sure that the house you are renting is safe for learning.
- Be careful of scams. Never pay before seeing the apartment or meeting the owner.
- Check what’s provided. Ask about repair, internet, hot water, and electricity.
- Ask your school for assistance. You can tell your school about your preferences, and they will help you find the right accommodation.
In conclusion, getting access to student accommodation in Canada inside the university or college you are attending is the best option and a cost-effective one. Besides the on-campus dormitories and residences, you can take up a rental apartment in the city or even opt for a homestay. Make sure to consider every type of expense besides the accommodation charges to know the exact cost of living in Canada. Choose an area where you feel safe and can get easy transportation to and from the institution. Focus on saving time rather than money because that will enable you to focus on your studies.
