Types of Accommodation in Canada
Types of Accommodation in Canada
Once you receive the letter of acceptance from a Canadian school, it is time to find a place to live in a foreign country. Consequently, you need to learn all about different types of accommodation in Canada. International students can choose on-campus, off-campus, or homestay accommodation options.
On-Campus Accommodation
Typically, international students choose to live on campus during their first year of study in Canada. It is a great way to meet new friends and build useful connections. Additionally, if you are going to Canada only for one or two semesters, it is more convenient to choose on-campus housing among other types of accommodation in Canada.
Some schools have a high demand for on-campus housings due to their location. So, it is a wise decision to contact your university’s student housing office and learn how to apply for accommodation as soon as possible. In most cases, you may be asked to pay an application fee in advance.
If you have questions about the types of accommodation in Canada, you can ask a don. It is a person who assists you in finding the best place to live. Also, they can explain to you the differences between the on-campus types of housing in your chosen school. As a rule, Canadian on-campus accommodation includes dormitories, suites, and apartments.
A dormitory is one of the most common types of accommodation in Canada among international students. In a dormitory, students can live in a single or a shared room. A single room costs more than a shared one. That is why some schools offer shared rooms to first-year international students. If you want to compare the dormitory with other types of accommodation in Canada, the typical room has a bed with a mattress, a closet, a desk with a chair, and a lamp. You should also be prepared to share facilities such as a kitchen, a bathroom, a laundry, and a living room with other students.
The suite is a more independent place of on-campus accommodation. Usually, students live with up to five others and may have single or shared bedrooms. The suite has a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living room.
If you want to live on campus but have more freedom and independence, you can choose apartment-style residence among other types of accommodation in Canada. Some universities offer such apartments where you can live with other students.
Speaking about the rental price of the on-campus types of accommodation in Canada, it varies depending on the school, its location, and type. Also, the cost of living on-campus usually includes the option of adding a meal plan. It can make your life much easier since you do not have to worry about preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
When you register at your college or university, you can decide whether the cost of on-campus types of accommodation in Canada works for you. However, to give you a price range, the on-campus housing can cost you on average from 3,000 CAD to 7,500 CAD for each academic year.
There are various benefits of living in on-campus types of accommodation in Canada, such as easy access to the campus and library, no need for transportation, a smoother transition to living in a new country, a strong international student community, and 24/7 student housing support.
Off-Campus Accommodation
If you choose off-campus housing, among other types of accommodation in Canada, you can pay a lower rental price compared to on-campus accommodation. However, you need to be prepared to buy additional items, such as bedding and towels, cooking utensils for the kitchen, and furniture (if the apartment is unfurnished).
When you look for off-campus types of accommodation in Canada, you need to know the housing terms that are common in Canada.
AC (Air-conditioner). You should pay attention to the various off-campus housing options since many parts of Canada are hot in summer, but not all apartments have AC.
Bachelor apartment. It is an apartment that consists of one big room that acts as both a bedroom and living room and also has a kitchen and a bathroom.
Ensuite (bathroom). It is a type of bathroom with direct access to your bedroom. Some Canadian apartments have an ensuite bathroom and a second bathroom for guests.
Den. It is a small room with or without a door. Many types of accommodation in Canada have one bedroom and a den. You could use a den as a living space or home office.
Duplex. It is a building that has two living units or apartments attached to each other.
Furnished. It is more convenient to rent an apartment or house that includes basic furniture like a bed, a couch, and a table. An oven, a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a clothes dryer can also be supplied to you.
Lease. It is a legal contract between you and your landlord that sets out the rent, period of rent, and conditions of a lease.
Powder room. It is a small bathroom with a toilet and sink, but without a bathtub or shower.
Single-detached. It is a building that consists of one apartment on two or three floors. If the building has only one floor, it is called a bungalow.
Sublet. If you need to leave the apartment, but your lease has not expired, you can find a person who will agree to live in your rented apartment until the lease expires. Thus, they will be subletting the apartment from you. However, you need to ask your landlord for permission to sublet your apartment.
Unfurnished. It is a rent of the apartment with empty rooms. So, you need to buy your own furniture. But an unfurnished apartment may include an oven, a refrigerator, and a dishwasher.
Utilities. It includes hydro (electricity), heat, water, and AC. It is important to know whether you or the landlord pays for utilities.
The price and quality of off-campus types of accommodation in Canada can vary. So, it is better to schedule an appointment with a landlord to view the housing before signing a lease.
It is also important to consider the rental price of the off-campus types of accommodation in Canada. The rent of an apartment in a multistorey building can cost you from 900 CAD to 2,000 CAD per month. It depends on the city you want to live in and the number of rooms in the apartment. If you want to reduce your rental price, you can share an apartment with other students. Then, you can pay from 400 CAD to 800 CAD to rent a room in a house shared by students.
If you are going to study in large cities, such as Toronto or Vancouver, you need to start early the search of the off-campus types of accommodation in Canada since apartment rentals are popular in these places. The rental price of the apartment in big cities can vary starting from 900 CAD to 3,000 CAD per month. The price depends on the number of bedrooms in the apartment, the neighborhood, and the age of the building.
Homestay Accommodation
Homestay accommodation means living with a local family during the study in Canada. It is one of the best types of accommodation in Canada for children who take part in a high school or an exchange program. Also, international students prefer this type of accommodation since they want to meet new people and integrate into the local community.
One more reason to choose homestay among other types of accommodation in Canada is that meals are usually included in the monthly price, and you can get a fully furnished room with the local color.
If you want to find homestay accommodation in Canada, you can contact your university’s international student office. They can know several local families who want to take in international students. You can also join the international student club since current students may have tips or recommendations for you. The average monthly fee for a homestay program is between 900 CAD - 1,200 CAD.
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