You will most likely start to worry about your accommodation immediately after gaining admission into a college/university in Canada. Traveling to a new country without having prior knowledge of the kind of accommodation you’ll get can be draining. However, you can search online for accommodation in Canada for international students before embarking on your journey.
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Even when you know you’ll find many people from your country in Canada, securing accommodation can still be a challenge. Well, worry not! Canada has a variety of options for potential international students to choose from. So, if you are attending a college or language school, it’s less likely there will be campus accommodation in Canada for international students.
As such, you’ll have to search for accommodation off-campus. If you are an international student, you may even find students from your home country to help you through your accommodation challenges. Furthermore, you can visit your school’s international student office to make inquiries about getting an accommodation. They will be able to help you in your search for housing.
You can also make use of the website of the college or the university that you will be attending. However, the type of accommodation you choose will depend on your budget, expectations, and how long you plan to stay in Canada. When sorting out your housing, you have to be vigilant and calculative so as not to go above your budget.
In this article, we will take you through the various types of accommodation in Canada for international students. Interested? Let’s dive in!
Types Of Accommodation In Canada For International Students
Below, we have compiled the various types of accommodation in Canada for international students. Let’s check it out!
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1. Dormitories Or Condominiums
As an international student, you can go for living in residence option. It’s one of the preferred options for accommodation in Canada for International students. Furthermore, these residences are offered by the colleges or universities on the campus premises. And sometimes near the campus.
Oftentimes, dormitories are large and can accommodate lots of students. While, condominiums are mostly smaller, independent apartments designed for three to five students. Dormitories are preferred by the first-year students (of college or university) and managed by the university. Condominiums usually have close to six bedrooms with single-capacity rooms.
In addition, the kitchen and living area are mostly on the main floor. Meanwhile, students who are already familiar with Canada and its ways of living, often prefer to stay in condominiums. However, both accommodations have a cafeteria or food court. The other facilities here include hot water and internet.
If you will be coming to Canada for just 1 or 2 semesters, it’s a better option to live in residence than searching for personal housing off-campus. A room in the residence will comprise a bed, shelves, and a desk. Furthermore, the option of adding a meal plan is often included in the cost of living in residence. Therefore, students can leverage the benefits of residence such as access to the library, campus, and a smoother transition to living as a student.
2. Shared Apartments (Off-Campus)
The cost of living in an off-campus accommodation may vary and it will depend on your meal requirements. This cost could be between $900 and $1,500 per month. Meanwhile, off-campus shared apartments are similar to townhouses.
You can decide to stay alone or have one or more roommates. Furthermore, you will get a single occupancy room but the living area, kitchen, bathroom, and dining space will be shared. Keep in mind that not all Canadian universities help students to search for off-campus accommodation.
However, they usually have external agencies that they can refer you to, that will help you get accommodation. The rental charges can vary from one city to another as well.
3. Homestay
Do you intend to have a feeling of staying with family? No worries! You should consider a homestay. It is often chosen by students who wish to get that home away from home feel. With this accommodation option, you will be given a private room and three meals daily.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to understand Canadian culture. It’s also safer than the other accommodation options as the family staying in the house can help you whenever you need something. Consider it a bonus! However, universities and colleges are generally located far away from these residential areas. You can expect to travel for at least 35 minutes every day.
4. Apartment On Rent
These apartments are well and fully-furnished private accommodations. Even before you arrive in Canada, you can book one of these apartments online in advance. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to both on-campus and off-campus accommodations.
For instance, an on-campus accommodation can be closer to your classes or campus amenities. You may also meet with the international student community, and enjoy 24/7 housing support. Also, the rental price will include utilities and food. However, if you go for off-campus accommodation, you can choose your location, enjoy more freedom, and select your roommates.
You can also search for cheaper accommodation and get familiar with the Canadian culture. As far as the cost of accommodation in Canada for international students is concerned, you can get on-campus accommodation with meals for eight months for $7,000 to $19,000. However, the cost will mostly depend on the university.
If you are living in an off-campus accommodation in Canada, especially in a homestay, it may cost you between $900 and $2500 per month. However, it will depend on the size and location of the accommodation.
How To Secure An Accommodation In Canada For International Students
Getting accommodation in Canada can be demanding if you’ve not arrived in the country yet and have no resources who can help you. However, most companies may offer to help you get an accommodation in advance. We have already mentioned the types of accommodation in Canada.
While some accommodations are on rent entirely, others are divided into units. Below are a few points to note if you want to get accommodation in Canada for international students.
1. Inquire About The Facilities
Before you decide to secure accommodation on rent, ensure that you make inquiries about the facilities. Some amenities should be in the facility such as hot water, television, and internet, among others.
2. Being Sure About The Meals
If you wish to stay within the campus and will go for the meal plan, you must know about the meals. Therefore, you should pay in advance.
3. Special Services For Students With Disabilities
If you have some kind of disability and need special services, you must let the college or university know about it. There are places built by the special needs people.
4. Arriving Early To The Campus
The earlier you arrive at the campus, the more time you will get to be acquainted with life on the campus. In addition, many universities follow a first come first served policy so it will be in your best interest to arrive early and get yourself an accommodation before it fills out.
Finding accommodation for an international student in Canada can be difficult but not impossible. However, doing a little bit of research before deciding can be helpful.
Cost Of Student Accommodation In Canada
When talking about the cost of student accommodation in Canada, on-campus accommodation with meals for eight months can cost you between $7,000 and $19,000. However, the cost will be determined by the type of university. If you are living in an off-campus accommodation in Canada, especially in a homestay, it will cost you around $900 to $2,500 per month.
It depends upon the size and location of the accommodation. Price, quality, and availability of off-campus accommodations will differ. You should expect to pay from $500 to $1,600 per month, depending on the city and neighborhood you choose, and whether you have any co-tenants.
Meanwhile, landlords typically collect one month’s rent up-front as a security deposit. This will be returned to you when you move out, provided there are no damages made to the property.
Conclusion
There are advantages and disadvantages of both accommodations in Canada (on-campus and off-campus). For on-campus accommodation, you will be able to utilize the university facilities and get support from the international student community, and housing support. As well as costs which include food and utilities.
For an off-campus accommodation, you will be able to choose the location and explore Canada and its culture. And also find cheaper options based on the budget, and plan the essentials based on the finances. Hence, it’s completely based on your choice, needs, and budget to opt for the accommodation that suits you.
You’ll figure out which living accommodations are best for you as you do your research. Furthermore, don’t be shy about asking for help, and know that you aren’t bound to your first choice. You can always try dorms your first year and off-campus housing the next. It’s all a learning process just like most experiences studying as an international student!