Find the best immigration program for you. Take our free immigration quiz and we’ll tell you the best immigration programs for you!
Learn everything you need to know about Canadian immigration
If you need help with your immigration, one of our recommended immigration consultant partners can help.
Calculate your estimated CRS score and find out if you're in the competitive range for Express Entry.
Take the quiz
Your guide to becoming a student in Canada
Take our quiz and find out what are the top programs for you.
Learn more
This guide will help you choose the best bank in Canada for your needs.
Get your guide
latest articles
Read more
Updated on May 27, 2024
Advertisement
We’ve published this page to outline what you need to know about the different types of accommodation, the costs of accommodation as an international student, and some tips to help you find your home in Canada. Hopefully, this resource will help you settle in smoothly, just like it has for thousands of students before you.
The first step in finding accommodation is to work out what type of student accommodation will work best for you. Some students want to live on campus. This is great for international students who may be a little worried about moving to a new city in a new country, and just want to live close to their classes – at least to begin with.
Other students may prefer off-campus options. This option might be better suited to international students who want to explore the city and learn more about Canadian life and culture. This option is also often more affordable, so it might suit students who would prefer to allocate less of their budget towards accommodation. Need a refresher on budgeting?
The majority of universities and colleges in Canada offer residences for students, particularly students entering their first year. On-campus accommodation can be a great choice for international students, as the paperwork involved in arranging your lease from abroad can be managed smoothly. By renting on-campus student accommodation, which generally comes furnished, you’ll have somewhere to call home as soon as you arrive. Rent may often be cheaper than the alternatives (although this is not always the case), and residences are usually conveniently located so you can get to that 8:30 a.m. class on time (well, that’s the goal anyway).
Usually, on-campus residences take the form of single- or shared-occupancy ‘dorm rooms’ (short for ‘dormitory’) with shared living spaces such as lounges, games rooms, or kitchens. Many on-campus residences have restaurants, and rent may include a meal plan. Beyond these generalizations, the features of residences can vary greatly between – and even within – institutions, offering a variety of options to suit different lifestyles. Each institution’s website will offer an overview of their residences, including photos and often virtual tours and testimonials from students, so there is plenty of information out there to help you decide.
The costs for student accommodation range widely based on a number of factors, including location (Toronto and Vancouver tend to be more expensive, for example), inclusions (accommodation with meal plans tend to be more expensive), and the school you chose to study at.
In broad terms, be prepared to pay at least $1,000 per month for accommodation at smaller universities or in smaller towns. Costs can range to $2,000 per month in larger cities. Meal plans tend to cost around $2,000 – $3,500 per semester, or $4,000-$7,000 for the student year. Meal plans and accommodation over the summer break will cost extra.
Finding an apartment off campus can be a challenge, but a rewarding one.
Canada’s cities typically have busy rental markets, and listings pop up regularly. In many cases, supply and demand fluctuates seasonally, with summer often witnessing greater demand. Smaller towns may have a more limited market, but if you’re living in a university or college town, however small, it can be assumed that places will come up for rent as other students leave or graduate. Most universities and colleges offer advice for students and may have internal listings of their own, so get in touch with the student housing or welfare office if you have questions.
Subletting is where a tenant takes over temporarily from the tenant named on the lease. This is common among students, particularly when a student graduates or leaves while their lease is still active. Subletting leases exist, although these arrangements are often casual.
Students in Canada usually find themselves renting with roommates at some point, as it is cheaper to split rent and bills and can be great fun at the same time. Just make sure that you talk with your potential roommates about lifestyle, habits, and pet peeves before you move in together – remember, as with any relationship, communication is key.
If you’re considering looking for an apartment before arriving in Canada, it’s worth noting that rentals in Canada often take place through private landlords, rather than agencies. This can be tricky to arrange from abroad. Landlords may be less willing to rent to someone they haven’t met in real life, and at the same time you should take steps to ensure that any agreement is legitimate as unfortunately, scams exist. Leases can also be arranged fairly quickly and at short notice, so another option to consider is to book temporary accommodation in a hotel or Airbnb to give you time to look for an apartment when you arrive.
International students in Canada may also be able to find homestay arrangements with local host families. These can offer a friendly home away from home, as well as a chance to fully immerse yourself in the language and lifestyle of living in Canada. Such arrangements can be found and/or organized through associations such as the .
Costs for off-campus accommodation vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Some students choose to share a bedroom with another student, which can reduce rental costs to $500-$1000 per month, depending on your location. Others may wish to rent an apartment, basement suite, or other property, which can increase costs to $2000+ per month.
Food costs also tend to vary for students living off campus. You can definitely save money compared to the convenience of buying a food package on campus. However, the trade off is that you have to make the time to go shopping and cook for yourself. If you eat out regularly instead of cooking, campus pricing for food may actually save you money.
Search results
results for “”