International Student Accommodation in Canada

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 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.

Subletting Student Accommodation

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.

Sharing With Roommates

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.

Homestays

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 Canada Homestay Network.

How Much Does It Cost To Live Off-Campus? 

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. 

Tips for International Students Looking For Student Accommodation in Canada

1. Start early: Start looking for places to stay at least three months before you plan to arrive in Canada. University, college, or big city housing can be competitive, so getting a head start increases your chances of finding a good fit.
2. On-Campus Housing: Find out if your chosen school has Housing Services or homestay programs for international students. They may have on-campus accommodation or partnerships with families or property owners. On-campus accommodation provides convenience and community. However, spaces may be limited, so get in touch with the International Student Department for options within your timeline and budget.
3. Explore Off-Campus Options: Off-campus housing is another option to consider. Off-campus living gives you more freedom and might be cheaper than on-campus housing. Use sites like Craigslist, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace to find listings, but watch out for scams. 
4. Consider Short-term Options: If it’s hard to find long-term housing, think about short-term options like Airbnb, hostels, or homestays while you keep looking.
5. Budget Wisely: You should set aside about 30% of your income for rent, though this amount may need to be a little higher in bigger cities. Make sure you plan your budget well by including not only rent but also utilities, transportation costs, and other costs of living.
6. Find a Roommate: If covering the full cost of rent is burdensome, you might want to look into shared accommodation to save money. Many universities provide platforms or groups for connecting with fellow students seeking roommates. Talk about expectations and responsibilities freely before making a commitment to avoid problems in the future.
7. Safety and Location: Before deciding on a place to stay, learn about the neighbourhood. Talk to people who live in the area to make sure it’s safe and accessible. Think about how close it is to things you need every day, like public transportation, grocery shops, medical clinics, and other facilities.
8. Be Flexible: It’s likely that the ideal place you’re dreaming of doesn’t exist – or if it does, it might not be within your budget right now. Be willing to give and take, and keep an open mind, especially when it comes to things like location or amenities. Even if it means giving up a few things along the way, your top priority should be to find a place that fits your needs, timeline, and budget.