Student Accommodation in Canada

Once you have successfully secured admission at a university abroad, the next step is sorting out various things like choosing the right accommodation. Canada has numerous options for students to choose from including off-campus accommodation and campus residences. Students can select the most suitable place based on their budget and comfort. In this blog, we will go through the many types of student accommodation in Canada.

Here’s the Ultimate Admission Guide 2021 to Study in Canada!

Types of Student Accommodation in Canada

Students must calculate their budget before choosing any type of accommodation. While searching for any type of accommodation, you must visit the official site of the university you have enrolled in. This can help you locate the best options for both types of accommodations and also give you an idea of the number of terms you are allowed for staying on-campus. 

Off-Campus Accommodation

Whether you are accustomed to urban life or are a nature-lover, there are plenty of off-campus options available for student accommodation in Canada. Before surfing through external courses, try checking with your university’s housing office or student union office on campus for a list of nearby rental units. They can provide you with reliable information. Students must select their preferred accommodation based on their finances and budget plans. Let’s go through two types of off-campus housing.

Private Rentals

This is a good option as it lets you explore the neighbourhood, meet new people and embrace new cultures. Hunting for the most suitable private rentals can be challenging but rewarding. Some rentals that are available aren’t completely furnished. Hence, students might also have to arrange for the furniture including electronics. Being an expensive option, students choose to share the apartment or suite with multiple roommates. This not only decreases the rental cost but also makes it easy to share the load of daily chores. 

Rentals are available in various sizes including 1, 2 or more rooms. The cost of the rentals can vary across locations, quality, condition, and the number of rooms. You can expect to pay from C$400-C$1,500 (₹23,101- ₹86,630) per month depending on the neighbourhood you choose. 

Important Points:

• You will be signing a lease agreement that states your responsibility as a tenant. Make sure you read the agreement carefully. 
• The rental agreement can include clauses like paying the rent regularly and punctually, keeping the apartment clean, not causing trouble in the neighbourhood, etc. 
• Landlords can also add conditions like no pets allowed and other rules.
• Always ask for a copy of the agreement from the landlord. 
• There is a general 60 notice period that the owner must give if they need you to vacate the house. Make sure you go through the terms and conditions thoroughly before signing to avoid problems later.

Homestays

Another option for off-campus student accommodation in Canada is homestays. International students can choose from a number of these options based on the locality of their institution. Homestays include families who allow students to rent a room or two in their house. Students are given access to many facilities depending on the owners choice. Homestays are a good option as they give you a new network, helps you know more about the culture, and also makes many chores easier for you. It also helps you find a stable and secure location for staying. 

Students can check for homestays in Canada through the university and Canadian associations that provide access to all the host families. Homestays cost around C$400 – C$800 per month based on the quality, condition, access to facilities, meals served, etc. 

Average Cost of Living 

Apart from the above-mentioned costs, students also have to keep their everyday expenses in check. This includes their personal expenses and other travel or miscellaneous costs. Homestays often provide meals but students must confirm these small details prior to choosing their host family. The average everyday expenses are listed below.

Particulars	Cost in CAD	Cost in INR
Food & Drinks	CA$ 200 – CA$ 600 per month	₹11,875 to Rs. 35,625 per month
Transportation	CA$ 80 – CA$ 120 per month	₹ 4,750 to Rs. 7,125 per month
Books and Study Material	CA$ 200 to CA$ 350 per semester	₹11,875 to Rs. 20,781 per semester
Miscellaneous	CA$ 500 to CA$ 1,000 per year	Rs. 29,687 to Rs. 59,375 per year

Also Read:  Student Permit in Canada

On-Campus Student Accommodation in Canada

High-quality on-campus student accommodation in Canada is provided by the majority of universities and colleges in the country. It is a good choice for students as it is secure and in close proximity with your class so you can be on time for your classes, saves a lot of transportation costs, you can indulge in the university culture, and also avail yourself of the facilities provided by the universities. Let’s go through the two major types of student accommodation found on campus.

Dormitory

There are many dorms or dormitories available which have shared living facilities. These are large buildings divided into many rooms for students studying in a specific college/university. Dormitories include a common lounge and private rooms. The rooms are fully furnished so students do not have to worry about any external expenses. Dormitories also have food courts, restaurants, for the residing students. 

The number of students living in a dorm varies. The premises or rooms are often separated by gender and 2-3 students are allowed in each room. The average cost of a university dormitory is C$3,000 – C$7,500 (INR 1,73,261- INR 4,33,153) per year.

Cost of On-Campus Housing

For students who have an 8-month on-campus housing and meal plan, the cost can range from $6,000 CAD (INR 7,661) for smaller universities up to $15,000 CAD (INR 19,153) for high-ranking universities. 

How to Apply for On-Campus Accommodation?

Many universities in Canada have an international student office, where students can access resources that can help them find housing options both on-campus. After securing their admission, students must connect with the university’s student housing office and fill out the application form for on-campus housing. 

To find a student accommodation that matches your budget and needs, take help from Leverage Edu’s Accommodation experts to book the best homes for your journey abroad. Reach out to us at [email protected] to start looking for comfortable and affordable accommodation.