The need for student housing has never been higher due to the rise in the number of international students studying in Canada in recent years. A guide for international students looking for housing and accommodations.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received a record-breaking 551,405 foreign students from 184 different countries in 2022. Moreover, there were 807,750 international students in Canada at the end of 2022 who had valid study permits—an additional record high.
There is a scarcity of accommodation, foreign students are more likely to be victims of rental scams, or they may not know enough about the area to obtain housing. They are dealing with landlord rejections, unanswered rental applications, and possibly having to take out family savings.
This post will give international students information about the different kinds of housing and student accommodations that are available, as well as pointers on where to look for them.
Types of accommodation in Canada
For students wishing to study in Canada, there are many housing alternatives available, which can be divided into two categories: on-campus and off-campus lodging.
On Campus accommodations
The majority of educational establishments offer on-campus housing for students, which is effectively renting dorms owned by the school. These on-campus accommodation alternatives are typically referred to as residences or dormitories.
The fact that university residence halls and dormitories are conveniently located near academic buildings means that residents can save money on transportation expenses that would otherwise be incurred when commuting to and from campus. It’s also a means of networking and getting to know other students in the student body.
The majority of the time, living on campus is less expensive than off-campus housing and gives you access to the school’s resources and advantages.
The majority of on-campus housing options are either single rooms with one bed or double dorm rooms with two beds. Typically, these rooms are equipped with a desk, chair, mattress, closet space, and bed frame. Common areas such as kitchens, restrooms, and study areas are typically shared by other students residing on your floor or in your building. guide for international students looking for housing and accommodations.
An apartment or suite is another kind of on-campus housing that typically gives greater independence but still has many of the same social advantages as a dorm. A kitchen, bathrooms, and living rooms are all included in an apartment or suite where students can reside with up to five other students.
Similar to dormitories, these apartments or suites can have basic furniture and appliances, basic utilities, like laundry and internet access.
Off-campus student accommodations
Living off campus is a popular choice for students, particularly during their first year of education. You have the option to rent, sublet, or stay with a host family, depending on how long you plan to stay.
Depending on their desired living arrangements and financial situation, students may decide to rent an apartment, house, or condo with several other students.
Subletting is the act of taking over a fellow student’s lease, usually due to their extended absence from school. A sublet’s duration might range from a few months to a year. The area is frequently equipped, and utilities could be part of the package.
International students also have the option of living with a host family through a homestay program. Students will pay a charge for meals and a room in that family’s house, which is typically far less than renting or subleasing an apartment, therefore this can be a more cost-effective choice.
How to find accommodation in Canada
The housing office of the college you intend to attend is the first place you should go if you’re an international student seeking for housing. They will give you information on the services and housing options they have available, along with an estimate of the costs. They may also assist you in comprehending rental agreements and locating the ideal place for residence.
You can also find an online list of housing options close to the college by contacting the student association and union on campus. Reaching out to fellow students is an excellent method to find out how they managed to find lodging and will give you valuable insight into the housing procedure.
There are many valuable online resources such as:
- Padmapper and Rentals.ca for apartments to rent
- Kijiji or Craigslist
- Roomster to find a roommate
There are also community platforms directed at students that connect students with local housing:
Housing and accommodation tips
It is crucial to keep a few things in mind when searching for housing to ensure that you are not getting taken advantage of and that you are not paying more than necessary. A few things to think about are:
- Canadian provinces have different rules and regulations for tenants, but it is important to make sure you know your rights, duties and responsibilities are
- Many rentals require the first and last month’s rent before moving in, so you should budget appropriately for this
- Remember to also budget for utilities, some off-campus rentals do not include them or will only include basic utilities like power and water
- Know the length and conditions of your rental contract or lease. If you break a lease, you could be charged extra
- Have someone you trust read your rental contract. If there is anything in it that doesn’t make sense to you, ask about it before you sign
- Before signing any contract or lease, make sure you or a friend or family member visit the place to ensure it is as advertised
- In order to avoid falling victims to scams, never transfer money online to a “landlord” without first viewing the property
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