Lori Meadows
Finding accommodation as an international student in Canada can be a daunting task, with many factors to consider, such as the type of accommodation, the neighbourhood, additional costs, and whether you want roommates. The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city, with metropolis cities having more housing options but at higher costs. Students can choose to live on-campus or off-campus, with the former being more convenient and fostering a sense of community, and the latter providing more freedom and independence. Off-campus rentals are typically cheaper than on-campus housing, but students will need to pay for additional items such as laundry and utilities. University websites often provide detailed information about on-campus housing options, while sites like Craigslist, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace can be used to find off-campus listings. International students can also consider homestay programs, which place students with local host families, or student housing cooperatives that offer affordable and community-oriented housing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of search commencement | At least 3 months before arrival in Canada |
| Housing type | On-campus, off-campus, homestay |
| On-campus accommodation | Accessible, safe, convenient, access to amenities, dormitories, condominiums, apartment-style residences |
| Off-campus accommodation | More freedom, legal precedents, rental agreements, higher costs in some cases |
| Homestay accommodation | Placed with families, shared meals and responsibilities, cost: $600-$1100 per month |
| Rental costs | $500-$2000 per month, $700-$2200 for on-campus/off-campus per month, $6000-$16000 for on-campus/off-campus per annum |
| Rental process | Private landlords, short notice, temporary accommodation recommended |
| Resources | University housing offices, student unions, local newspapers, Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Rentals.ca, Sparrow |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus vs off-campus
As an international student in Canada, you have a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus and off-campus housing. On-campus housing is provided by the university or college and is usually located on or near the campus. It offers convenience, community, and support, making it a great choice for students new to university life. It provides easy access to facilities, resources, and social interactions with peers, enhancing your college experience and allowing you to connect with other students. On-campus housing often includes dormitories, halls of residence, or university-owned apartments. It may also offer amenities such as gyms, study rooms, and laundry facilities.
In contrast, off-campus housing refers to any accommodation not directly managed by the university and is typically found in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Off-campus living provides students with more independence, privacy, and flexible living options. It allows students to immerse themselves in the local community and experience adult responsibilities. Off-campus options can include private apartments, shared houses, or student-focused complexes. While off-campus housing can sometimes be more affordable, especially when shared with roommates, it may also require longer commutes and additional costs such as transportation and utilities.
When deciding between on-campus and off-campus accommodation, consider factors such as your budget, desired level of independence, proximity to campus, and the availability of amenities and social opportunities. It is recommended to start your search for accommodation early, at least three months in advance, as university housing in Canada can be competitive. Additionally, explore the websites of your chosen universities, as they often provide detailed information about on-campus housing options and may also offer advice and internal listings for off-campus options.
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Student housing cooperatives
One of the oldest student housing cooperatives in Canada is Campus Co-operative Residence Inc. (CCRI), located in Toronto, Ontario. CCRI has provided affordable, off-campus accommodation for post-secondary students since 1936. Another option is Waterloo Co-operative Residence (Waterloo, Canada), which is the largest student housing cooperative in North America, with ten properties. It is built, owned, and run by students.
Finding a place in a student housing cooperative can be a great way for international students to save money, foster a sense of community, and live in an inclusive and sustainable environment.
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Rental costs and budgeting
The cost of student accommodation in Canada varies depending on the location and type of housing. On average, students should budget anywhere from $500 to $2,000 a month, with costs in larger cities reaching up to $2,000 per month. The cost of living in a homestay type of accommodation is between 600 and 1100 CAD per month.
On-campus accommodation is typically more expensive, with costs ranging from CAD 6,000 to CAD 16,000 per annum and CAD 700 to CAD 2,200 per month. This option includes convenient access to amenities like the cafeteria, student centre, gym, and library. It also provides a great opportunity to meet friends and connect with other students.
Off-campus housing is generally more affordable, with rental prices potentially being lower than on-campus options. However, students need to consider additional costs such as utilities, furniture, and laundry expenses. Rental apartments are typically more expensive, and a security deposit is often required.
When budgeting for accommodation, it is essential to consider the city and province-specific variations in rental costs. Smaller cities like Halifax, Victoria, and Kingston offer budget-friendly options with lower living costs. Toronto, on the other hand, is known for its high accommodation costs due to the overall high cost of living in the city.
To find the most suitable accommodation within your budget, it is recommended to start your search early, at least three months before your planned arrival in Canada. University housing services and student welfare offices can provide valuable information and advice on both on-campus and off-campus options. Additionally, student housing cooperatives in some cities offer affordable and community-oriented housing, prioritising inclusivity and sustainability.
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Homestay programs
There are several organisations in Canada that facilitate homestay programs for international students, such as the Canada Homestay Network (CHN), Canadian Homestay International (CanHomestay), and YES Canada Homestay. These organisations work to match students with carefully selected and screened host families, providing a safe and welcoming environment for their stay in Canada.
The Canada Homestay Network, a not-for-profit organisation with over 25 years of experience, strives to ensure that homestays are within a reasonable travel time from partner schools, usually within 45 minutes by public transit. They offer 24/7 support to both students and host families, providing an allowance to offset expenses and promoting a positive experience for all involved.
Canadian Homestay International also provides a similar service, emphasising cultural exchange and a full Canadian experience for international students. They offer multiple host options and customisable services, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition to life in Canada. CanHomestay also includes custodianship fees that cover orientation activities, medical and emergency services for the full academic year.
YES Canada Homestay offers a comprehensive support system for host families, providing assistance before, during, and after the student's arrival. They conduct host family interviews and home viewings, as well as criminal reference checks for individuals over 18 in the household.
To participate in a homestay program, international students typically cannot visit their host family beforehand, and host families are chosen based on the student's preferences and requirements. These programs promote cultural exchange, community integration, and a unique educational experience for both the students and host families involved.
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Private landlords and agencies
If you are an international student looking for accommodation in Canada, you should start your search at least three months before your planned arrival. This is because university, college, or big-city housing can be competitive, and an early start increases your chances of finding a good fit.
When looking for off-campus accommodation, rentals in Canada often take place through private landlords, rather than agencies. This can be tricky to arrange from abroad, as landlords may be less willing to rent to someone they haven't met. It is important to take steps to ensure that any agreement is legitimate, as scams do exist. Leases can be arranged at short notice, so consider booking temporary accommodation to give yourself time to look for a place to live when you arrive.
Your university or college may have a housing office that helps students find housing, and the student union or association on campus may offer an online list of private housing near the campus. Canadians who own properties near large university campuses may rent rooms or apartments to students. Apartment buildings that specialize in renting to students can often be found near university and college campuses. Private housing is not controlled or inspected in any way by your university or college, so be sure to schedule an appointment to view the housing before you sign a lease.
Other options for finding off-campus accommodation include using sites like Craigslist, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace to find listings, but be cautious of scams. You can also check local newspapers or Craig’s List.
Remember that the rental price for off-campus accommodation may be lower than living in residence, but you will need to pay for additional items such as utilities and furniture.
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Frequently asked questions
The two main types of accommodation for international students in Canada are on-campus and off-campus. On-campus accommodation is often in dormitories, which include single or shared rooms with common spaces, internet facilities, basic furnishings, and meals. Off-campus accommodation includes rental apartments, which can be furnished or unfurnished, and homestays with local families.
The cost of student accommodation in Canada varies depending on the city and the type of accommodation. On average, on-campus accommodation costs between CAD 6,000 and CAD 16,000 per year, while off-campus accommodation can range from CAD 700 to CAD 2,000 per month. In larger cities like Toronto, accommodation costs can be higher, even at the lower end.
Most universities in Canada provide detailed information about on-campus housing options on their websites or housing portals. They may also have a housing office or student welfare office that can assist with finding accommodation. Additionally, websites like Rentals.ca and Sparrow offer resources specifically for newcomers seeking rental accommodations in Canada.
It is recommended to start looking for accommodation in Canada at least three months before your planned arrival. University housing can be competitive, so starting early increases your chances of finding a suitable place. If you plan to live on campus, it is advisable to move to Canada at least two weeks before the beginning of the university session to complete the necessary formalities.
