Visa GuyAre you an international student planning to study in Canada? and you are wondering how to find perfect student accommodation.
Don’t worry we got you covered. we have put together this article to help you with your accommodation problem as a student.
We all know that Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world, and therefore with a Canadian certificate, you can actually compete with students from other top universities in the world.
Advancing a career in any of the Canadian universities is one of the best decisions you will ever make, and the good thing about studying in Canada is that you can actually work as a student in Canada. (work-study)
That being said, You shouldn’t worry about unemployment as the employment rate is rising in Canada and there are many job opportunities in Canada as Canada tries to address the labor shortage due to the global pandemic.
So, as an international student in Canada, you can actually find a part-time job that will help you earn extra cash to cover some expenses without depending on your parents or guardian.
In a wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government opened the borders to international students who are enrolled in COVID-enabled universities and also have valid study permits to study in Canada.
So if you have signed up or are planning to do so, you will need to provide evidence that you have accommodation as this is one of the requirements of the mandatory 14 days self-quarantine plan after you arrive in Canada.
without further let’s explain how you get student accommodation even before you arrive in the country.
Types of Student Accommodation in Canada
Before we go into how you can get accommodation in Canada as a student; what kind of student accommodations in Canada can be availed and how much would they cost you?
Basically, there are 3 types of student accommodation in Canada:
Private Renting
Student Homestays in Canada
Student Dormitories in Canada
#1. Renting Privately
This may be the best option if an international student is looking for an independent space. By getting a private space, you can enjoy the facilities according to your needs. The options you get are a private room, apartment, or suite.
When you rent a private room, you have access to a shared or separate kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes other parts of the house, like the living room.
The rent depends heavily on the location, facilities, and condition of the accommodation you have chosen, but can range from CA $ 400 to CA $ 900.
In major cities like Toronto and Vancouver rent can go up to C $ 3,000.
If you decide to sign a lease, you can even ask the landlords to take this into account and apply for the stay. Subletting can also take place as part of the rental.
#2. Student Homestays in Canada
As a student, you can live in host families with a family who already lives in the place of origin.
Usually, the host family will provide you with 1 to 3 meals a day. This could be a great option as it offers the opportunity to be immensely immersed in the culture.
Although host families can cost a little more, you will have more time to study as most of the day-to-day activities are taken care of by the host family. Average homestay fees range from C $ 500 to C $ 1,200 per month.
#3. Student Dormitories in Canada
This type of accommodation is available to both on-campus and off-campus options.
Most universities even have an established student body or council to help them find dormitories outside of the dormitories.
The dormitories are usually furnished, but the kitchen and bathroom are often shared with other students.
However, there are even mixed dorm options that give you the option of having roommates rather than gender-based roommates.
The average cost of a dormitory is approximately $ 3,000 to $ 7,500 per school year.
I s There Taxes, Utilities, and Insurance To Be paid when Looking For Accommodation?
The short answer to this question is yes! Nonetheless, let’s explore the taxes, utilities, and insurance work involved in getting student accommodation in Canada.
Taxes and utilities – Taxes are often included in rent. Additional costs such as electricity, gas etc. may or may not be included. If they are not included, you will need to open an account with a provincial utility company.
Insurance – Although insurance is not required by law when renting an apartment, it is often considered a good idea. Tenant insurance may include coverage for accidental damage that may be caused to the property.
How To Find Student Accommodation In Canada
How To Find Student Accommodation In Canada
How To Find The Right Student Accommodation In Canada
Finding the right student accommodation in Canada will help you settle in easily and faster but with the COVID’19 social distance rules in place, this can be a nerve-wracking activity and challenging, especially if you are looking for accommodation from outside Canada.
Well, you are lucky to see this article because we are going to show you how to actually get accommodation in Canada even if you are outside of Canada.
Let’s see how you can actually find the best student accommodation in Canada.
Step1: Research accommodation options and costs
The pandemic outbreak has severely impacted housing hunting in Canada as previously shared dormitories have now been converted into individual or even closed rooms, reducing the space and comfort that students in Canada enjoyed.
So in this case, you need to research the available accommodations and budget as this will help you choose and even make a wise choice.
Step 2: Explore accommodations on and off campus
On average, on-campus accommodation can range from CAD 2,500 to CAD 16,000 per year. This can vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen at Canadian universities. Off-campus accommodation in Canada can cost anywhere from $ 400 to $ 3,000 per month.
Although off-campus student accommodation in Canada is more expensive than on-campus accommodation, students often choose the option to explore and live on their own terms.
The choice of living on or off-campus depends on the cost as well as your budget.
Some universities or colleges offer student dormitories on campus, especially if you are in your first year and room sharing is no longer possible due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
But whether you want to live on campus or off-campus, the choice is yours, but the cool thing about staying on campus is you may not have the stress of planning and deciding what to eat want as some universities offer a paid meal plan.
for students who live on campus so you don’t have to worry about breakfast, lunch, or dinner unless you don’t want to eat what has been cooked.
On-Campus Student Accommodation in Canada
Canadian universities offer a variety of accommodations to international students. Housing options on campus typically include townhouses, residences, dormitories, or apartments. Almost all of Canada’s most sought-after universities offer on-campus accommodation.
If you live on campus, you pay less for accommodation costs, although it depends on the type of accommodation, the university, and the province or region in which you are studying. It is still the first and best choice for international students as you enjoy certain advantages by staying on campus.
Some of the facilities offered for student dormitories on campus are:
The dormitories usually have a kitchen, living room, laundry service, meal service and a shared toilet. Only a few allow international students to choose rooms or beds; few simply assign them to you.
Townhouses limit you to fewer people of the same age in a room with no separate room sharing options. It can accommodate 3 to 6 students, but still offers you all the facilities you need.
The average cost of housing on campus can be as low as about C $ 2,500-8,000 per year. The following are the accommodation costs for:
University Accommodation Type Fees (annual in C$)
University of Toronto Townhouse/Apartments 3000 – 11000
McGill University Dormitories/Apartments 8000 – 14000
University of British Columbia Apartments/Houses 7000 – 16000
University of Montreal Rooms/Studio Apartments 5000 – 10000
University of Alberta Dormitories/Walk-up Apartments 6000 – 15000
McMaster University Multiple Room Options 75000 – 12000
University of Waterloo Traditional Dorms 2500 -6500
Western University Residence/Western Apartments 8000 – 16000
Queen’s University Rooms(Single/Plus/Double) 15000 – 17000
University of Calgary Single Rooms/ Apartments/Suites 7000 – 12000
Benefits of on-campus accommodation
You live near the school
You go to class early
More so, You are closer to facilities on campus (libraries, gyms, etc.)
safety
You can team up with other international students and make new friends
The administrative formalities necessary for the conclusion of rental contracts abroad are handled smoothly with the help of the university.
By renting student dormitories on campus, which are usually furnished, you can feel at home from the moment an international student arrives.
Rent is often cheaper than alternatives
Off-Campus Student Accommodation in Canada
Living off-campus can be considered expensive, but the point is that the cost of accommodation depends on the type of accommodation and also the province in which you are studying.
There are inexpensive off-campus accommodations that can also provide convenience. You enjoy college life more when you stay off-campus as you enjoy a level of freedom and independence than you do when you stay on campus.
You can choose to sign a one-year lease and sometimes you will have to pay the first and last month’s rent or even a security deposit in case the property is damaged during your stay but if no damage is done, your money will be refunded. Off-campus, shared flats, one-bedroom apartments, host families, etc.
If you live off-campus, you will have to pay for other expenses like water, electricity, WiFi, furniture, etc. Since you will be off-campus you will need to budget for transportation to save money.
to take you to school or other places you need to go. While off-campus life can have some drawbacks, it has some interesting advantages too.
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Student Accommodation in Canadian Cities
Now you know what it takes to live off-campus, let’s explore some of the Student Accommodation in Canadian Cities to check out top cities and the student accommodation offers available for an international student.
Some of these are listed below:
Student Accommodation in British Columbia
It is one of the most attractive and most admired places not just in Canada but around the world that offers excellent health care, a rich cultural heritage, and a high standard of living.
The most suitable student accommodation is in Point Gray, which is between the Spanish Bank Beaches and West 16th Avenue.
Student-friendly, fun, and livable international neighborhood that is about 10 to 15 minutes by bus from the University of British Columbia.
If you are looking for off-campus accommodation in Columbia, Point Gray is a great choice. Another area can be Kitsilano.
International students can search for rental housing by searching NestPick and Vancouver BC Craigslist.
Annually you would need 70,000 to 100,000 dollars for above-average living conditions.
In addition, British Columbia is a great place to find education and housing for students.
Student Accommodations in Ontario
Known as the economic center of Canada, Ontario is located in central Canada and has a population of over 14.5 million.
Thunder Bay, Ontario offers a variety of off-campus rental apartments, including single-family homes, maisonettes, and apartments.
If you want to live off-campus you will need to research availability yourself.
On average, renting a single room (for a shared apartment) would cost an international student between $ 400 and $ 600 per month, while a simple apartment would cost between $ 650 and $ 800 per month.
The most useful websites for searching Ontario are Rent Panda, Places4Students.com, and Home Sweet Home.
Student residence in Nova Scotia
Whether it’s sandy beaches or the culture and excitement of the city, you’re never far away.
The weather is temperate and there is plenty to do all year round. The main accommodation options for international students are in Halifax.
The corresponding average cost is estimated to be approximately $ 8,000 to $ 14,000 per year.
Some of the best sources for finding student dormitories in Nova Scotia, Canada are places4students.com and zumper.com.
Student residence in Quebec
The cheapest destination for students around the world. Montreal and Quebec are the most beautiful cities in the province.
Tuition fees are the lowest in the country.
Some of the world-famous universities exist here, to name a few: the University of Montreal, McGill University, and Laval University.
The cost of renting apartments is approximately CAD 9,000 to 16,000 per year.
The best places to find your Quebec accommodation options are at these websites: student.com/ca, studentflat.ca, and irielocation.com.
Other Popular Cities
City Popular Locations Rent Popular Universities
Toronto Kingsview Village, Clairville,
The Annex, Dufferin Grove 900 – 1910 UToronto, Ryerson University, York University, OCAD University
Montreal Downtown, Old Montreal Griffintown, Westmount 850 – 1500 McGill University, University of Montreal, Concordia University
Vancouver Chinatown,Main Street,
Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant, East Van 900 – 1300 University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University
Calgary Downtown, Beltline, The East Village, Brentwood, Kensington 600 – 1400 University of Calgary, Mount Royal University
Benefits of Off-Campus Accommodation
There is more independence
You will familiarize yourself with everyday life in Canada
You choose your roommates
More so, You will have access to a wide variety of amenities
You don’t share the toilet and bathroom
You’re less distracted while studying
Factors to consider when choosing off-campus accommodation
Since off-campus living has its advantages, you must always look for good off-campus accommodation or you may regret your decision to live off-campus. When looking for a place to live outside of college, there are a few factors that you need to consider as these factors will help you find the best place to live at an affordable price.
Let’s take a look at some of the factors to consider when choosing an off-campus location:
Cost of accommodation
Budget
Security and safety
The distance from the campus
Cleanliness
Available amenities
Serenity of the environment
Conclusion:
If you take some or all of these factors into account, you are sure to find the right accommodation for you, especially if you want to live off-campus.
Where you live affects your time in Canada and how you enjoy university as an international student. Hence, it is important that you make the right choice.
From online ads to social media, ads on campus billboards, and signs on apartment windows, international students can find the apartment that suits them best by focusing on finding the right apartment.
I believe this article will help you find what you are looking for. if you have any questions, feel free to use the comment box, our team is always there to respond to you.
Visa Guy