How to find Accommodation in Canada for International Students | Useful Tips
Studying abroad is a crucial step in your life that requires careful planning and thoughtful decisions. Canada is an ideal destination for international students to pursue their higher education dreams. If you plan to study in Canada, consider many factors before moving there. Besides your admission process and fee structure, you must also figure out accommodation options and the cost of living, including accommodation, travel, and living expenses. So, before moving out, you must understand the type of accommodation, its cost, and ways to find the right and affordable living place in Canada.
One of the first and most suitable options is getting on-campus accommodation in Canada. There are also other options available for international students in Canada. This article has explored the different housing options, costs, and ways international students can find affordable accommodation in Canada. This article will help you find the place that suits your preferences and budget. Planning and sorting things before you pack your bags to study in Canada is always good.
How to find Accommodation in Canada
Canada is a vast and diverse country, with many options for accommodation depending on your needs, preferences, location, and budget. Whether you are looking for on-campus housing, off-campus housing, a short-term stay, a long-term rental, or a permanent home, there are some steps you can take to find the best place for you.
- Set your budget
- Research the area you want to live in
- Decide the type of housing you need
- Narrow down your choices
- Visit your selected housing option
- Know the details of what is included, what is not and any additional costs
In this blog post, we will cover some of the most common types of accommodation in Canada, how to search for them, what to consider before signing a lease or contract, the cost of living in Canada, and some tips to make your move easier.
Types of accommodation in Canada
Canada has many types of accommodation, from hotels and hostels to shared apartments, apartment rentals, private rooms, and houses. Here are some of the most common ones:
Student accommodation / On-Campus accommodation
Many educational institutes in Canada allow students to rent on-campus housing independently. Student housing includes options like townhouses, dormitories, and residences provided by the educational institute. International students prefer to take accommodation at the university, as it is more convenient at the start of their life in Canada. For that purpose, you can visit the official website of your chosen university and choose the most suitable option. However, applying for on-campus accommodation as early as possible is recommended because of limited slots.
Dormitories and Townhouses
One of the on-campus accommodation options is dormitories, which the universities run. Dorms are large buildings with a capacity of six people per dorm and accommodate many students. They usually have single bedrooms, a standard floor serving as a kitchen, and a shared living room. Facilities of the kitchen and bathroom are shared. The dorms, on average, can cost you CAD 550–600 per month in some of the cities in Canada. It is one of the best housing options for overseas students. Another type of student accommodation in Canada is townhouses. They contain three to six separate bedrooms with no roommates. As an on-campus accommodation option, it saves transportation costs and cuts your time to reach classes.
The average price of townhouses and dormitories in Canada is between $3,000 – $7,500 CDN per school year.
Homestay Residences
Among other options for students, living in a residence with a local Canadian family is one of the best options. The universities or colleges provide these housing options, usually near the campuses. You get a furnished private room, internet access, and food in a homestay residence. The meal plan is also included in the cost of the residence. Living in a homestay provides a sense of security and homeliness and also helps you learn more about their culture. You can also avail of the benefits of living near the campus, like access to the library and other related facilities. However, not all universities help you find homestay accommodations.
Average cost: The average price of homestays in Canada is between $400 – $800 CDN per month.
Condominiums
Condominiums are usually the smaller independent residences similar to the apartments. They are usually part of a larger complex with shared facilities like a gym, a pool and a security system. Condominiums can be furnished or non-furnished and may include utilities or not. They can be opted for by a small group of students, ranging between three and five. Such accommodation consists of a meal plan option, too, lowering the overall food expenses for the students living in Canada. They are usually rented monthly or annually and require a contract or lease.
Benefits of On-campus accommodation
Staying on-campus is usually the most convenient housing option as it is closest to the institute, and there are several other advantages associated with it
- You can save on travel expenses
- You can save time by living in close proximity of your institute
- You can access quality food
- You can even get standard amenities
- You can get an opportunity to network with the student’s body
On-campus accommodation for international students is the most affordable option, as it lowers your living costs by reducing travel expenses. But availing of the facilities and added services may increase your cost. On average, on-campus housing expenses cost between CAD 3000 and CAD 7500 per year. Still, it may vary depending on the location.
Off-Campus Accommodation
Off-campus accommodation includes private rental options like an apartment, flat, house, or private room. It saves you money by allowing you to choose cheaper accommodation, gives you more freedom and independence in your daily life, and allows you to choose your roommates.
Apartments
These self-contained units usually have one or more bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Apartments can be unfurnished or furnished, and they include utilities such as water, electricity, and internet. You have to pay rent along with the cost of these utilities per month or year. Apartments are usually located in buildings with multiple units, and you require a contract or lease to get an apartment. They may have amenities such as laundry facilities, parking spaces, or security systems.
Houses
These are detached or semi-detached buildings with multiple bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, one or more bathrooms, and sometimes a yard or a garage. They can be furnished or unfurnished, and they may include utilities or not. Houses are usually rented by the month or year and require a lease or contract. You can find houses through online platforms, newspapers, real estate agents, or word-of-mouth.
Private Rooms
These are single rooms rented within a larger dwelling, such as a house or an apartment. Rooms may have shared or private bathrooms and access to common areas such as the kitchen or the living room. Rooms are usually cheaper than other types of accommodation, but they may also offer less privacy and security.
Average cost: The average price of private renting in Canada is between $400 and $1,500 CDN monthly.
Shared accommodation
Co-operative housing: These are communities of residents who jointly own and manage their housing units. Co-operative housing can be apartments, houses, or townhouses. They usually have lower rents than the market rate but also stricter rules and regulations. Co-operative housing is usually rented by the month or year, requiring a membership application and approval. You can find co-operative housing through online platforms, newspapers, or word-of-mouth.
Shared off-campus accommodation can cost CAD 400 to CAD 700 every month.
Short-term accommodation / Rental
Hotels and hostels are suitable for short-term stays, by tourists, business travelers, or students. They offer various levels of comfort, amenities, and prices. You can book them online or by phone and pay by night or week. Some hotels and hostels may offer discounts for extended stays or group bookings.
Sublets: These are situations where you rent an apartment or a house from someone who is temporarily away or has moved out before their lease ends. Sublets can be furnished or unfurnished and may or may not include utilities. Sublets are usually rented by the month or week, requiring an agreement with the original tenant and sometimes the landlord. You can find sublets through online platforms, newspapers, or word-of-mouth.
Cost of living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the province, city, and type of accommodation you choose. However, according to Numbeo, a single person’s average cost of living in Canada is $1,330.70 per month without rent. For a family of four, the average monthly living cost is $4,757.50, without rent. The cost of living in Canada includes expenses such as food, clothing, transportation, utilities, entertainment, taxes, and others. Some of the factors that affect the cost of living in Canada are:
- Location: Canada’s cost of living is generally higher in urban areas than rural areas. The most expensive cities to live in Canada are Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.
- Housing: The cost of housing in Canada depends on the size, type, condition, and location of the property.
- Food: The cost of food in Canada depends on the quality, quantity, and source of the food.
- Transportation: The cost of transportation in Canada depends on the mode, distance, and frequency of travel.
- Utilities: The cost of utilities in Canada depends on the consumption, type, and provider of the service.
| Cost of | Average Monthly cost for 1 person | Average Monthly cost for a family of 4 |
| Housing |
$1637.29 (In the city center)
$1404.08 (Outside city center) |
$2689.83 (In the city center)
$2345.50 (Outside city center) |
| Food | $795.83 | $2382.50 |
| Transportation | $577.92 | $1733.75 |
| Utilities | $215.41 | $646.23 |
| Average living costs | $1330.70 per month without rent | $4757.50 per month without rent |
How to search for accommodation in Canada
There are many ways to search for accommodation in Canada, depending on your preferences and resources. Once you decide what accommodation you want, search for available listings. There are different ways to find accommodation in Canada, such as:
Online platforms
Many websites and apps list available accommodations in Canada, such as
You can filter your search by location, price range, size, type, amenities, furnished/unfurnished, pet-friendly, smoking/non-smoking and more. You can also view photos, reviews, maps and contact details of the landlords or owners. You can also use social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram to find groups or pages dedicated to housing in Canada.
Online platforms are convenient, fast and easy to use, but they may also have some risks, such as scams, fraud or inaccurate information. It would help if you always verify the authenticity of the listings, inspect the property before signing anything and read the terms and conditions carefully.
Newspapers
Many local newspapers have classified sections that advertise available accommodation in Canada. You can browse through them daily or weekly and look for ads that match your criteria. Newspapers are reliable and cheap sources of information, but they may also have some drawbacks, such as limited space, lack of photos or outdated listings. Some of the most widely read ones are
- The Globe and Mail
- The Toronto Star
- The Vancouver Sun
- The Montreal Gazette
- Maclean’s.
You should always call or email the landlords or owners as soon as possible and arrange a viewing before making any decisions.
Real estate agents
You can also hire a professional real estate agent to help you find accommodation in Canada based on your needs and preferences. Real estate agents have access to multiple listings and databases and networks to help you find suitable properties matching your criteria. However, you may have to pay a commission or a fee for their services.
When you find a potential accommodation that interests you, you must contact the landlord or the owner to arrange a viewing. A viewing is an opportunity for you to inspect the property and ask questions about the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. Some of the things you should look for during a viewing are:
- The condition of the property: Check if the property is clean, well-maintained, safe, and functional. Look for any signs of damage, wear and tear, mold, pests, leaks, or broken appliances. Ask the landlord or the owner how often they repair or replace anything that needs fixing.
- The location of the property: Check if the property is conveniently located near public transportation, schools, shops, restaurants,
Word-of-mouth
This is one of the most effective ways to find accommodation in Canada, especially if you have friends, family, colleagues or acquaintances who live there or have lived there before. They can give you personal recommendations, tips, contacts and insights that can help you find the best place for you. Word-of-mouth is trustworthy and free, but it may also be limited by your network, availability or preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding accommodation in Canada as an international student can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and knowledge, it is definitely achievable. HSA consultant is the best consultant for Canada study visas and Canada visit visa and we have penned down some useful tips to help you sort out your housing before you arrive in Canada to avoid any trouble. By utilizing these tips provided in this article, such as starting the search early, considering different housing options, and seeking support from local resources, international students can effectively navigate the process of finding suitable accommodation. Additionally, being aware of important factors such as budget, location, and amenities will help in making informed decisions. It is our hope that these useful tips will empower international students to secure comfortable and safe housing during their studies in Canada. Remember to stay proactive and persistent in your search for accommodation – your efforts will ultimately pay off!