Student Accommodation in Canada
December 2022
Canada is regarded for providing top-notch education at reasonable tuition costs with internationally recognised degrees, and it currently hosts close to 500,000 international students. Canada stands out as a popular study abroad destination for Indian students with an outstanding quality of life, abundant post-study career prospects, and immigration options included.
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Prior to being accepted into a Canadian institution, students begin to worry about housing. It might be challenging travelling to a new destination without much knowledge of the type of accommodation you'll have. Even for Indians, obtaining housing might be difficult despite the fact that you know there would be many people from your nation in Canada.
International students looking to study in Canada have a variety of alternatives to choose. The likelihood of finding housing on campus is lower if you are enrolled in a college or language programme. You will then need to hunt for off-campus accommodation. There could even be on-campus accommodation available to you as an international student.
You can start your search for housing by going to the office for foreign students. Additionally, you can consult the website of the institution or university you want to attend.
Accommodation options for international students in Canada:
1. Dormitories :Students have the option of living on campus. For Indian students looking for housing in Canada, this is one of their top choices. These are apartments that schools and universities on or occasionally close to campuses provide. Typically spacious and able to house numerous students, dorm rooms. Condominiums often consist of three to five smaller, separate flats. First-year students choose to live at the university's dormitories, which are run by the institution (of college or university). Up to six single-capacity bedrooms are allowed in a condominium. Most of the main level is devoted to the living room and kitchen. Condominiums are preferred by students who are used to the nation and its lifestyle. There is a cafeteria or food court at both lodgings. Hot water and internet are among the other amenities.
Living in residence might be a better choice than finding your own housing off campus if you are just planning to study in Canada for one or two semesters. A bed, bookcases, and a desk will be provided for each guest room. The option of adding a food plan is frequently included in the cost of living in residence. Students can take advantage of living on campus, including easier access to the campus and library and a better transition to living as a student.
2. Homestay :Students who wish to experience living with a family opt for homestays. You will receive a private room and three meals each day if you choose this option. Additionally, you learn about Canadian culture. Furthermore, it is a safe alternative because the family that resides there can assist you whenever you need it.
3. Shared Residences (off-campus) :The price of off-campus living may vary depending on your dietary needs and would be between CAD 700 and CAD 1,000 per month. Townhouses resemble shared off-campus housing. You can share a room with one or more people or live alone. The living room, kitchen, bathroom, and eating area are communal, but you will have a single occupancy room. It's important to remember that not all Canadian colleges assist students in finding off-campus accommodation. They could, however, suggest you contact outside organisations to obtain housing. From one city to the next, rental prices may vary.
4. Rented Apartments : These private apartments are perfectly equipped. Even before you travel to Canada, you may reserve one of these apartments online.
Cost of Accommodation for international students in Canada
When it comes to the price of student housing in Canada, an on-campus room with meals for eight months might run you anywhere from 6,000 to 16,000 CAD. However, the price varies depending on the university one has applied to. You should budget between 700 and 2200 CAD a month if you're staying off-campus in Canada, especially if it's a homestay. It depends on the lodging's dimensions and location.
What is the best way to find accommodation for international students in Canada?
Finding housing in Canada might be difficult if you have not yet arrived and have no resources to assist you. Many businesses will assist you secure lodging in advance. We have previously discussed the many types of lodging available in Canada. Some properties are completely rented out, but others are divided into flats. Here are some tips on how to find student housing in Canada:
1. Make inquiries about the available amenities: Before you decide to rent an apartment, you should check about the amenities provided by your rental company. Hot water, television, internet, and other amenities should be provided.
2. Having certainty about the meal options:If you intend to live on campus and use the food plan, you should be aware of the meals. You must pay in advance.
3. Disabled/ Specially-abled students receive special services: If you have an impairment and require special assistance, you must notify the college or university. There are areas designed specifically for persons with special needs.
4. Arriving on campus beforehand may be advantageous: The earlier you arrive on campus, the more time you will have to familiarise yourself with college life. Also, because most institutions operate on a first-come, first served basis, it is preferable to arrive early and get a room before it fills up.
FAQs:
How can overseas students locate housing in Canada?
International students can locate accommodation in Canada, by simply following these steps:
- Begin well in advance: Accommodation in Canada for international students requires them to start looking for housing ahead of time in order to acquire the most suitable possibilities.
- Look into University Resources: Check if housing assistance or recommendations for international students are offered by your chosen university.
- Search online platforms: To search for available rentals, use websites and apps viz., Kijiji, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
- On-campus/University Lodging: This is one of the common types of student accommodation in Canada. Students should look into available on-campus housing offered by the university. This mode of accommodation is safe and convenient.
- Housing Off-Campus: Students should also look into these options which include shared houses, apartments, or rental condos.
- Local Ads: For list of rentals, international students should check local classified ads in newspapers or community bulletin boards.
- Real Estate Brokers: Get in touch with local realtors who have expertise in student housing.
- Websites for Student Housing: Visit websites like HousingAnywhere or Places4Students.
- Find a flatmate: Search for roommate-finding platforms or university bulletin boards to share the cost of lodging.
- Consider the cost: Choose a housing option that fits well within your budget.
- Location: Consider the location’s closeness to your institution, public transport, and facilities.
- Safety: Investigate the neighborhood's safety.
- Lease Conditions: Get to know lease terms, including facilities, rent, and any requisite deposits.
- Legal Prerequisites: Acquaint yourself with tenant obligations and rights in Canada.
- Visit beforehand: Before signing a lease, visit available houses, if possible.
- References: Prepare the relevant paperwork and references as asked by landlords or property managers.
- Negotiate the price: On acquiring a suitable place, don’t hesitate to negotiate rent or lease terms.
- Online Groups: To seek guidance and suggestions, be a part of social media groups or online forums for international students in Canada.
- Temporary Accommodation: While searching for a more permanent housing, take into account temporary lodging options viz., hostels or Airbnb.
- Legal Assistance: On encountering any housing arrangement related problems, seek legal aid.
Which types of accommodation are available to students in Canada?
There are various types of housing accommodation in Canada for students. These include:
- University or On-Campus Housing
- Off-Campus Lodging
- Student Dorms
- Living with a host family or Homestays
- University-Related Accommodations
- Boarding Schools
- Indigenous Student Housing
- Housing for International Students
- Housing for People with Disabilities
- Short-Term Housing
- Religious Housing
- Financial Aid Housing
- Cooperative student housing
Depending on the university and Canadian province, different accommodations may be available. Students should consult their respective universities for options and details.
What are the average rents for student housing in Canada?
There are different types of accommodation for international students in Canada. Depending on the location and accommodation type, the average rent for student accommodation in Canada varies greatly. Students should anticipate paying between $800-$2,500 monthly for studios or one-bedroom apartments in large cities with high living costs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Sharing a flat with roommates can drastically cut monthly costs, which might range from $400-$800. Students opting for university/on-campus accommodation in Canada can anticipate paying anywhere between $500 to $1,500 monthly. These are only rough averages, actual rentals may range from higher to lower based on the particular location or city, facilities, and the current state of the rental market.
What are the greatest places in Canada to find student housing?
Some of the best locations to find student accommodation in Canada are:
- Toronto, Ontario
- Montreal, Quebec
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Quebec City, Quebec
- Victoria, British Columbia
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Waterloo, Ontario
- Calgary, Alberta
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
When looking for accommodation in Canada for students, bear in mind that costs and housing availability might vary greatly within each of these locations, so make a plan that fits your needs and budget.
When should I begin looking for student accommodation in Canada?
Students should begin looking for student accommodation in Canada ideally, at least 3-6 months prior to the date you plan to move in. Accommodation in Canada for Indian students can sometimes be difficult to find, especially in well-known student locations. Beginning early will give you more possibilities and improve your chances of locating suitable lodging.
What conditions must a Canadian student meet in order to live there?
To study in Canada, a Canadian or international student must meet the following requirements:
- Getting admitted to a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)
- Applying for and obtaining a Study Permit before arrival into Canada
- Proof of Financial Funds
- Investigating criminal history
- Undergoing a medical examination and obtaining medical insurance
- Meeting your study permit requirements
- Avoiding involvement in any criminal activity
- Maintaining Legal Status
- Working no more than the allotted hours as mentioned in your study permit
- Adhering to temporary residence requirements put forth by the Canadian government
- Obtaining a valid passport and other necessary travel documentation
- Obeying Canadian legislation and rules
- Have a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), as necessary
- Reporting any changes in contact information or study program to the appropriate authorities
- On course completion, be prepared to leave the country unless you acquire a work visa or another form of permission to remain
Visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) official website, or contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for the most recent information and guidance on living in Canada as a student, as immigration rules and requirements may alter.
What documentation do I need to apply for student housing in Canada?
Applying for student accommodation in Canada requires one to submit the following documentation:
- Letter of Acceptance from the Canadian university/college
- Proof of Identity
- Student Visa or Study Permit copy
- Financial Documentation demonstrating your ability to pay for housing costs (bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial guarantee)
- Completed Housing Application Form
- Medical Insurance
- Contact details of the person who can be reached in case of emergency
- Letters of reference from previous landlords or institutions
- Payment of any required deposit or application fee
- Additional supporting documents required by your university or specific housing provider
Based on the university or housing provider, the precise requirements for international students accommodation in Canada may differ, thus, visit their website or get in touch with them directly for the most accurate and current details on the application procedure.
What are the typical issues with student housing in Canada?
The most common issues with student accommodation in Canada is as mentioned below:
- Exorbitant Prices
- Lack of accessible student housing
- Competition due to limited availability of accommodation in Canada for international students
- Varying levels of quality of student housing
- Year-long lease duration posing a challenge for students enrolled in internships or shorter academic programs
- Suitable accommodation options located far from campus
- High transportation costs
- Housing inequality
- Additional difficulties viz., lack of credit history or unfamiliarity with local tenancy laws
- Issues pertaining to maintenance or repairs
- Safety and security concerns
- Lack of privacy in shared housing
- Social and societal issues
- Noisy and Disturbing Environment
- Housing shortage for families
- Facilities excluded or extra hidden costs
- Falling victim to housing scams
- Limited housing for students with disabilities
- Difficulty with respect to understanding and navigating local rental laws and tenant rights
- Difficulty in navigating the rental market and not having access to resources or help to locate acceptable lodging
To address these difficulties, a mix of government regulations, educational institution initiatives, and community efforts to enhance accommodation in Canada for students is frequently required.
How do students who study in Canada get housing?
- As an international student in the nation, even on-campus housing may be available to you.
- You can begin your search for housing by going to the office for international students.
- You can also use the website of the college or university you plan to attend.
What kinds of student housing are offered to international students who study in Canada?
- Accommodations rented privately.
- Residence halls at universities.
- Apartment buildings in the private sector.
- Homestays
- Real estate bought by parents.
For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in Canada, study in Canada, study in UK, study in USA, study in Ireland, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore, and many other countries.
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