How to Find Accommodation in Canada for International Students (in 2024)

Finding accommodation as an international student in Canada can be overwhelming. Before applying to universities here, you may be worried about finding a place to live, despite knowing many Indians have already made Canada their home, all because of the country’s PR-friendly norms.

Fortunately, Canada offers various options: on-campus housing (costing between CAD 6,000 and CAD 16,000 annually) and off-campus housing (ranging from CAD 500 to CAD 2,000 per month). You may find it helpful to visit the international student office or check your university's website for housing resources. 

How Much is Rent for International Students in Canada

Canada is a large country, so the housing rent here varies widely with the city. For international students who want to study abroad, there are both furnished and unfurnished housing spaces available. The rent for these accommodations can range between CAD 1,190.06- CAD 5,091.40 per month, depending on the luxury and area of the accommodation space you are choosing.

Where Can I Find Rental Listings for Students in Canada

Various sites and online platforms are available that provide free assistance to students, with a 100%  guarantee of providing the cheapest accommodation to international students. This support is available 24/7 and is highly beneficial; it can be availed by booking an executive on its site.

Students Accommodation in Canada Based on Cities

The cost and quality of student accommodation in Canada can differ from city to city. Here is a list of the average cost of accommodation in various cities in Canada for students.

City	Cost of Accommodation
Toronto	CAD 2,493
Vancouver	CAD 2,790
Kitchener	CAD 2,006
Winnipeg	CAD 1,237
Windsor	CAD 1,675
Thunder Bay	CAD 1,325
Lethbridge	CAD 1,233
Victoria	CAD 2,154

Source:Numbeo,the above data is for single bedroom

Types of Accommodation in Canada for International Students

Accommodation options for international students in Canada are divided into two main types based on their location and management:

1. On-Campus Accommodations:

Managed by Universities or Colleges: These accommodations are provided and overseen by the educational institution, typically situated within or very close to the campus.

Types of Housing: They often consist of dormitories (also known as residence halls) where students have their own rooms but share common facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and sometimes common rooms.

Advantages:

• Convenient access to campus facilities like libraries, classrooms, and student services.
• Integration into campus life, making it easier to participate in university activities and events.
• Amenities may include meal plans, internet access, and study areas.

2. Off-Campus Accommodations:

Independent Housing Options: These accommodations are not managed by the university or college and require students to find housing on their own.

Types of Housing: Options include renting apartments, shared houses, or staying with host families (homestays).

Characteristics:

• Provides flexibility in choosing housing based on personal preferences and budget.
• Involves independent research and planning to secure suitable accommodation.
• Can offer a more private and possibly quieter living environment compared to on-campus options.

Choosing between on-campus and off-campus accommodation depends on factors such as personal preferences, budget, proximity to campus, and desired level of independence. Both options have their own advantages and considerations, impacting the overall student experience in Canada.

Living On Campus

International students living in Canada can find various options for living on campus in their universities or colleges. Dormitories, Condominiums, and residence rooms can be an affordable consideration to choose for living in Canada as an international student.

Dormitories or Condominiums

Various universities and colleges in Canada offer international students the option to live in dormitories or condominiums at affordable rates. Here is a price list of various universities that offer dormitories and condominium accommodation in Canada for international students.

University	Accommodation Type	Cost
McGill University	Small Single Room	CAD$875/month + charges
University of Toronto	Single Room (Apartment)	CAD$6,323
Seneca College	Homestay	CAD$700
University of Alberta	Single Room	CAD$900/month
Queen’s University	Room & Meal	CAD$16,632
Western University	Single Room	CAD$10,290

Residence Room Options

In Canada, there are mainly two types of residence rooms offered. This includes either a single or a shared room. Renting a shared room will cost much less than a single occupancy. Additionally, the residence rooms in Canada also come with various benefits.

Benefits of Residence Room

Renting a residence room in Canada comes with a lot of various benefits, these include:

• Your own private room or shared with only one occupant.
• Access to campus anytime
• No need to bear transportation costs
• Laundry
• Wifi Availability
• Kitchen
• Shared Bathroom

With all these perks, residence rooms qualify to be a good option to be considered when looking for accommodation in Canada for international students. 

Townhouses

In Canada, another potential living option is townhouses. These are houses that share walls with neighbors on each side and outdoor spaces like backyard,or a rooftop might not be available.

However, this does not mean that one’s privacy is compromised in any manner. As an international student, townhouses are a great option to consider when looking for budget-friendly accommodation.

Living Off-Campus in Private Housing

If you do not wish to acquire the accommodation facilities recommended by your college or university, there are various other private housing options available. These include accommodations such as apartments, homestays, etc. 

However, staying in private housing in Canada can be costlier than seeking accommodation at your university or college.

Shared Apartments (Off-Campus)

Renting an apartment off campus can be a good staying option as there are a lot of apartments available for rent near universities and colleges in Canada as it is cost-effective and beneficial for an international student.

Benefits of Living in Shared Apartments

Here are some benefits of renting a shared apartment in Canada:

• Furnished Apartments are often available that save the cost of renting furniture.
• More freedom as compared to college and university accommodation.
• Socializing into Canadian Society.

Homestay

For students, homestays can be quite a convenient living option. Living in homestays not only culturally enriches your experience but also gives you opportunities to learn about Canada closely. Homestay involves living with a Canadian family while paying rent to them as a tenant.

Benefits of Living in Homestay

Here are the benefits involved in living in a homestay in Canada:

• A safe option to consider as an international student.
• A feeling of home away from home.
• Closely learning about Canadian culture.
• Meal availability.

Apartment on Rent

Renting an entire apartment in Canada can be one of the most luxurious renting options. 

This is because renting an entire apartment can be quite expensive, however, it comes packed with a lot of benefits.

Benefits of Living in an Apartment on Rent

Here are the benefits of renting an apartment in Canada:

• Freely explore Canadian cities anytime you want.
• No restrictions on in and out time.
• Laundry services are often available.
• Basic amenities like furniture and appliances are provided.

How to Find Accommodation in Canada for International Students

Finding accommodation in Canada before arriving can be a challenging task if you have no local support. Many companies offer to help find accommodation in advance. We've talked about the different types of housing in Canada. Some houses are rented out as a whole, while others are divided into smaller units.. Here are a few points to know how to find accommodation in Canada for students.

• Inquire about the facilities: Before you decide on getting accommodation on rent, you must inquire about the facilities of your accommodation provider. The facilities should include amenities like hot water, television, internet, etc.
• Being sure about the meals: If you are planning to stay within the campus and opting for the meal plan, you must know about the meals. You have to pay in advance.
• Special services for students with disabilities: If you have some kind of disability and need special services, you must inform the college or university about it as there are places built in accordance with the people with special needs.
• Arriving early to the campus may help: The earlier you arrive at the campus, the more time you will get to be acquainted with campus life. Also, most universities follow a first come, first served policy, so it is best to arrive and get yourself an accommodation before it fills out. 

Finding accommodation for an international student in Canada can be difficult but not impossible. However, doing a little bit of research before deciding can be helpful.

Cost of Student Accommodation in Canada (For 2024) 

As far as the cost of student accommodation in Canada is concerned; an on-campus accommodation with meals for eight months can cost you CAD 6,000 to CAD 16,000. However, the cost depends on the university. 

If you are living in an off-campus accommodation in Canada, especially in a homestay, it will cost you around CAD 500 to CAD 2,000 per month. It depends upon the size and location of the accommodation.

Housing Terms in Canada

When looking for accommodation in Canada for international students, you must remain updated about some common housing terminologies. Knowing these terminologies will help you understand the features and accommodation rules with ease.

Here are some common housing terminologies that you must remain aware of.

• Appliances: Appliances in housing terms include stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
• Bedroom: Bedrooms describe the number of bedrooms available apart from the living room and kitchen.
• Basement: Basement refers to the place below the main floor.
• Cable: Cable includes channels for your television. The cost of it might be included in the rent or is to be paid separately.
• Drapes: Drapes refer to curtains in a living space.
• Female Occupancy: Informs that the housing space is only available for female tenants.
• Fridge and Stove: No appliances other than fridge and stove are available. Offen is referred to with the f&s symbol.
• Electricity: Referred by the term “hydro”.
• Gas: Refers to natural gas availability for cooking.
• Garden Level: Referred to by “gdn lvl” it means a basement suite above the ground.
• Male Occupancy:  Informs that the housing space is only available for male tenants.
• Restrictions: Restrictions are of various types and are referred to using n/p (no pets), n/s (no smoking), and n/d (non-drinker).

Signing Lease & Paying Damage Deposit

When you rent private housing in Canada, you are required to sign an agreement with the owner of the property. The agreement grants you the right to occupy the rental space in exchange for the rent that you will be paying to the property owner. 

You are also required to pay the security deposit before gaining accommodation on the property. The security deposit or the damage deposit must not be more than the rent of one month of the property.

Ensure that you inspect the space well before paying the damage deposit to look for already damaged spots. Your damage deposit will be used by the landlord to pay the rent for the last month of your rental agreement in case there is no damage done to the property by you. 

How to Find Private Housing

In Canada, you can find private housing in a couple of ways. Here are a few common ways that can help you find private housing in Canada.

• As an international student in Canada, you can find a housing space with the help of your university or college housing office. Such offices are specifically dedicated to finding housing spaces for students.
• You can also get some good housing recommendations through the student union at your college or university.
• Big property owners near universities and colleges in Canada are likely to rent out housing spaces for students.
• Apartments near college campuses are also known to rent housing spaces to international students.

Costs for Private Housing

Private housing is a part of off-campus living in Canada. Your university or college is not concerned with your private housing space in any manner. However, private housing differs widely as compared to living on campus.

The cost for private housing in Canada can be around CAD 400 to CAD 800 for a single room. This is undoubtedly a bit higher as compared to other living means. Additionally, you might also have to pay for your food if the option for adding it with your homeowner is not available. 

The cost of private housing will also vary based on the city you are living in. Living in a high-rise apartment can cost around CAD 900 to CAD 2000 per month, whereas in cities like Toronto, and Vancouver, this rent can go as high as CAD 3,000 per month.

What are the Rental Rights in Canada

As a tenant in Canada, the law of the state grants you some rental rights which you must be aware of when finding accommodation in the country.

• Landlords cannot question your ethnic background, religion, and sexual preferences.
• You do not need to disclose your marital status.
• No questions about your family visiting can be asked.
• The landlord strictly prohibits your family plans.
• Landlords are also not allowed to ask for your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Dealing With Your Landlord

When you rent a housing space in Canada, ensure to deal with your landlord wisely and try not to indulge in any unnecessary conflicts. As a tenant, there are certain things that you must keep in check.

• Ensure to pay your rent on time.
• Do not damage the rental property in any way.
• Keep your landlord informed about any repairs that might be needed on the property. 
• Ensure that you pay for any damage that you cause.

In case of any conflicts with your landlord, be sure to seek legal advice to get the best solution to the problem. You can request low-cost or free legal advice at the housing office of your college or university.

Disclaimer: All accommodation costs and cost of living are approximate amounts subject to change depending on various conditions. 

Important Resources About Canada:

Canada for Indian Students	Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students	Average Salary in Canada
Part time Jobs in Canada	Cost of Studying in Canada	How to Settle in Canada from India
Requirements for Studying in Canada	Student life in Canada	Student Direct Stream
SOP for Canada	Best City in Canada for International Students	MBA in Canada Fees for Indian Students
BBA in Canada for Indian Students	Eligibility for MBA in Canada for Indian Students	Salary after MBA in Canada
Average Salary after MS in Canada	Jobs after MS in Canada	Average Salary in Canada after MS in Computer Science
Salary of Data Scientist in Canada	Best Courses in Canada After 12th