The search for a suitable housing option before you arrive at the university is usually the top priority on every student’s agenda for international students. Finding a residence close to the school, within your budget, and meeting your needs can be overwhelming when you don’t know where to begin. This article will present four accommodations options for international students coming to Canada and the best way to start looking for the ideal location.
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Begin by formulating your budget for the month.
What is the average rent students pay each month in Canada?
The first consideration you’ll need to consider when planning for your accommodation is the amount you are willing to spend monthly. The average rental cost tends to rise in Canada’s biggest cities (e.g. Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal) and somewhat less in smaller cities and towns. The best starting point for rental prices is between $900 and CAD 1,200 per month for a space in a shared location (apartment or house, and accommodation for students). Suppose you plan to live independently in a one-bedroom or studio apartment. In that case, you should expect to spend between $1,600 and $2,500 in CAD per month, depending on your location. Transportation, utilities, food and household furniture could all contribute to the expense, so don’t take these off your list of expenses.
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Housing on campus for international students
Many postsecondary institutions offer students a residence on campus equipped with basic furniture. This is an excellent alternative for international students who wish to be within walking distance of their classes. Many on-campus housing options offer a shared dining hall with a meal plan that will take away the stress of cooking and shopping for groceries.
Do international students need to stay on campus?
There isn’t a requirement that international students reside on campus as long as the particular program doesn’t provide housing. However, you could enjoy priority access to campus accommodation as an international student according to your university’s policies.
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What kind of housing is available on campus?
In general, universities with larger enrollments will likely have several types of student accommodation on campus. First-year residences typically include dorm rooms with shared facilities like dining halls, bathrooms and common spaces. Many universities have apartment and townhouse homes with up to four bedrooms, which are usually reserved for students in their upper years. Visit your university’s housing site to determine what types of residences will be available in the next academic year.
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What’s the typical cost of housing on campus?
Suppose you’re on a food and housing plan. In that case, it can cost you between CAD 7,500 (smaller schools such as St. Francis Xavier) up to CAD 14,500 (University of British Columbia) or CAD 22,000 (University of Toronto). Contact your school to confirm the cost of housing on campus.
Tips: University housing prices might be higher than living off campus at an initial glance. However, remember that many of your utility and maintenance costs are included. It will also help you save time and money by staying near campus.
When should I submit my application for residence on campus?
Because of its area, housing on campus is highly sought-after at certain universities due to its convenient location. When you receive an acceptance letter, it is important to call the student housing office at your university to find out how you can apply. There may be a requirement to pay an application fee.
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The benefits of housing on campus for international students
- Close to class
- Access to campus facilities (libraries, gyms, etc.)
- Students from all over the world are part of the student community.
- The average rental price includes utilities as well as food.
- Support for housing and student accommodation is available 24/7 at most universities.
Off-campus housing, including apartments houses, apartments, and more
It’s possible to live away from campus to have more accommodation options, save money, or fulfil personal needs. Off-campus accommodation is also a great way to experience the city outside of the campus of your university by residing in a brand-new neighbourhood.
One-bedroom apartments, shared apartments and shared homes are the most commonly used off-campus rentals. Students typically sign a one-year lease between May and September, the summer season. Based on the province you live in, you could be required to pay the rent for your first month or the rent for the previous month or security deposits (half one month’s rent that you’ll receive at the expiration of your lease, if the property isn’t destroyed) at the moment you sign your lease.
Additional costs might have to be added to the rental cost. Ensure that utilities (e.g. water, heating and electricity, WiFi), furnishings, parking charges, or other charges are included before signing the lease so that you can budget according to your needs.
The benefits of off-campus housing for students from abroad:
- There are many choices for styles of housing and locations.
- The students can make money by selecting less expensive accommodations.
- Freedom and independence are more important in your daily routine (cook and shop your own).
- Pick your roommates.
- Get familiar with the daily Canadian activities outside the campus.
Where can I find off-campus accommodation?
It is possible to begin searching for a room or apartment through Padmapper, Rentals.ca, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Kijiji, and other smaller rental websites. You might also be able to locate a Facebook group specifically for housing for students at certain universities by searching for the university on Facebook (e.g. “Student housing at the University of Toronto”) or through your university’s international students department if you know anyone or relatives living in the vicinity of your university and are willing to put you in touch with a person who needs a roommate.
You’re planning your commute.
Transportation and location are crucial factors to consider when selecting an off-campus apartment. Walking, riding bikes, transit, and driving your car to the campus is possible. Between 10 and one hour is the typical commute time for students who live in large cities. If your commute is longer than an hour, you may need to look for a place near campus. If your location experiences abundant snow or rain in the winter, consider that your commute time could get longer based on the weather conditions.
If you are certain that you will be travelling for a long time, think about planning your course around the time of your commute to make enough time to study as you can. Students who commute often schedule all their classes on some days of the week instead of travelling to campus every day.
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Staying in a homestay, the host family
Is it a homestay?
A homestay is an alternative off-campus accommodation where students can stay with the host family at home. The typical homestay provides 1-3 meals every day. You might want to invite your host family to take you out to explore the city and help you feel more at ease when you are away from school. The cost of homestays can be a bit more, but you’ll get more time for your studies because most cooking and cleaning is handled.
How to locate accommodation for homestays
These homestay companies have specific guidelines for host families, So you will feel at ease and secure with your host family and get help anytime.
What is the average cost of a homestay in Canada?
As per the Canada Homestay Network, a homestay can cost anywhere approximately $600-$1000 per month, contingent on the number of meals and other amenities included. It is possible to be charged per night rather than monthly.
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Exchange service hours for rooms and board
Similar to a house, the students of international schools make arrangements with families to trade the services (this might be babysitting, cleaning, pet care, or any other task around the home) to receive free accommodation and food. This arrangement can be found on classified websites such as Kijiji and Craigslist. There may be an official written contract and an informal non-written contract. Like any online listing, be cautious when you contact websites and try to schedule an in-person or video call to talk with your host before making the move.
Short-term furnished rentals
What’s a short-term lease?
Rentals for short-term stays are available for shorter durations than long-term rentals (anywhere between a few days to a complete four-month term).
What can I do to find furnished short-term rental properties?
Short-term rentals are available through Airbnb, Vrbo, Sublet.com, Kijiji , and several other popular rental sites. Similar to any online listings, Be cautious. Many short-term rental sites allow you to read reviews of your host to ensure they are legit.
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How do you utilize short-term rental for your benefit as a student abroad?
Suppose you’re unable to find a long-term home during the school term. In that case, you can look into short-term rentals that offer furnished apartments to help you locate a place to stay while searching for a new home. It’s an ideal idea to rent short-term rentals within or near the neighbourhood you plan to eventually reside in to familiarize yourself with its layout, local businesses and transport alternatives.
The freedom of living on your own could be a wonderful experience if you locate the ideal location. Whether you’re looking for accommodations on campus or off, you have the resources to start searching for your dream home away from home at the university. After you’ve decided on your monthly budget, there are many options to meet your requirements as an undergraduate.
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