Finding accommodation in Canada

Finding accommodation in Canada

Finding accommodation in Canada is usually at the top of any international student's priority list when they arrive at university. If you have doubts on where to begin, finding a place that is convenient to school, affordable, and meets your criteria might be difficult. This article will go over several different housing options for foreign students arriving to Canada, as well as how to start looking for the right place.On-campus accommodation alternatives for overseas students coming to Canada for studies in the foreseeable future may be more confined than in past years. Many shared rooms will be converted to single rooms or shuttered as a result of COVID-19, potentially reducing the capacity for students living on campus. Nevertheless, if you are an international student, there are plenty of different accommodation options available.

Dormitory accommodation in Canada

Dormitory is one of the most popular options for most students looking for accommodation in Canada. These are on-campus or near-campus accommodations given by schools or universities. Dormitories are typically spacious and can host a number of students. Condominiums are typically smaller, self-contained flats that can accommodate 3 to 5 students. The institution manages the dorms, which are chosen by first-year students (of college / university). A condominium can include up to six rooms, each with a single bed. There are a kitchen and a living room. Condominiums are preferred by students who are acquainted with the region and its lifestyles. A cafeteria or food court is available at both residences. Hot water and wi-fi are among the available amenities.

Shared apartments (off-campus accommodation in Canada)

Townhouses are analogous to off-campus shared apartments. You can live alone or share a room with one or more people. Although you will have a single occupancy room, the kitchen, washroom, living room, and dining area will be communal. It's important to keep in mind that not all Canadian schools assist students in finding off-campus housing. They may, however, recommend you some outside organizations that can assist you in finding housing. The rental costs depend on location.

Roommates who have apartments or houses to share can offer their rooms for rent in Canada using the standard roommate ads. The posted rooms can be fitted out with furniture or not.

 

Homestay accommodation in Canada

Students who wish to find accommodation in Canada and experience what it's like to live with a Canadian family choose homestays. This package includes a private room and usually three meals per day. You will also have a better understanding of Canadian culture. On the one hand, it is also safer than the other alternatives because the family who lives there can assist you when you need it. Universities and colleges, on the other hand, are typically placed far from residential areas. As a result, daily travel time can reach 30-50 minutes.

The homestay family is checked rigorously in all circumstances and is supposed to: provide a single equipped bedroom with a study space; an engaging, pleasant, and caring surroundings; three healthy meals and drinks per day;  provide guidance, help, and support;  allow the student to be involved in family and community activities.

 

Many measures are taken to guarantee overseas students are comfortable and protected in a homestay family before they are chosen. The essential requirements must be met by homestay families: desire to welcome an overseas student as a family member; speak English (or French, if required) as the predominant language; complete a full reference screening process, including a criminal background check;  obey the homestay family's regulations and expectations, and have an enthusiasm in learning about other cultures.

 

Renting an apartment in Canada

These are well-appointed private accommodations. Even before you arrive in Canada, you can reserve one of these apartments beforehand online. Houses, condominiums, and flats are among the several forms of rental accommodation in Canada. Some properties will be rentable as a whole, while others will be separated into number of sections. A duplex is a residence that is split into 2 sections. Rental rooms with common living and washrooms are available in various residences for rent in Canada. Apartments for rent in Canada vary from 'bachelor' units, which consist of a single room that serves as both a bedroom and a living area, to multi-bedroom units with separate living rooms. Your rent may or may not include the fee for utilities such as electricity and hot water.  Houses and flats for rent can be found in local newspapers, libraries, and on websites like Kijiji and Craigslist in Canada. It is also a good idea to join Facebook pages for newcomers to Canada. In several cities, you may just walk around your desired district, as landlords display signs advertising open rentals. Make sure you understand how long your lease will last.  Is it really 6 months? Make sure you're aware the lease's terms and conditions. You will almost certainly be fined if you break a lease.

 

On-campus vs. Off-campus accommodation in Canada

Both on-campus and off-campus housing have advantages and disadvantages.

 

Advantages of living on campus:

• It is all-inclusive; students do not have to keep paying for utilities each month.
• Commute expenditures are eliminated by being closer to the university and other facilities.
• Meal plans that are required can save time by eliminating the need for substantial supermarket shopping.
• Items bought through the food plan are usually tax-free at most universities.
• The essentials, such as a bed and a desk, are included.

 

Disadvantages of being on campus:

• Accommodation plans are usually rather rigid.
• The cost of a meal plan may be higher than what a student would generally spend on meals.
• Meal plans are not often transferable or refundable, and any money left at the end of the academic year is wasted.
• Living areas are frequently tight.

 

Advantages of living off-campus:

• The ability to save money on rent and groceries.
• You might split expenditures with your housemates.
• Off-campus apartments or houses may offer extra space.

 

Disadvantages of living off-campus:

 

• Off-campus apartments or houses may offer extra space.
• You might need to buy furnishings.
• During the summer, it's common to have to find somebody to sublet space.
• There is no campus security to ensure the safety of the living spaces.
• If the university does not provide subsidized or free public transportation passes, you may have to pay for them as well.

 

The cost of accommodation in Canada

In terms of the cost of student housing in Canada, an on-campus room with meals for eight months might cost from 6,000 to 16,000 CAD. The cost, however, is determined by the university. If you live off-campus in Canada, particularly in a homestay, it would cost you between 700 and 2200 CAD every month. It is affected by the size and placement of the dwelling. A decent 1-bedroom apartment in Edmonton would likely cost just under $1,000 per month, whereas a 1-bedroom apartment in Vancouver might cost over than $2,000 per month. Between these two categories, Calgary, Montreal, and Hamilton may be towards the low end of the scale, while Ottawa and Toronto are near the higher end, with Toronto's rental market becoming more costly in latest years. According to National Rent Report, the top 12 most expensive places to rent in are all in Ontario and British Columbia. Toronto and Vancouver, unsurprisingly, are at the top of the list too.

 

One-bedroom downtown apartments in both Toronto and Vancouver are now reaching $2,000 per month. As a result, you may need to make some compromises in some areas; perhaps there are cheaper districts outside of the city center with adequate public transportation, or perhaps you could share an apartment with others, at least initially.

 

Important notes for finding accommodation in Canada

When you are in the process of finding accommodation in Canada, there are a few points to bear in mind. They are as follows:

1) Ask about the available amenities.

Before you decide to rent a place to live, you should find out about the amenities offered by your potential landlord. Hot water, TV if you need, wi-fi, and other amenities should be available.

2) Knowing what you're going to eat.

If you intend to stay on-campus and purchase a meal plan, you must be aware of the food options. You must make a payment beforehand.

3) Specialized services for disabled people

If you have a disability and require special assistance, you must notify the school or university.

4) Getting to campus as soon as possible may be beneficial.

As sooner you arrive on campus,  you will have more time to get acquainted with campus life.

To find accommodation in Canada might be difficult, but not impossible. Nevertheless, conducting some study before making a decision can be useful. If you are not sure whether you should live on-campus or off-campus your first year, we recommend staying on-campus. This is something that your hosting university or college can help you with. Having a place to live on-campus will make your experience much smoother. Because furnishings and utilities are often included in student housing, you will escape many problems and unnecessary fees. You will also have the protection and campus security. Living on campus is pressure-free.

 

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