Finding the perfect student accommodation is a vital part of the university experience. But, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This overview will help you understand your housing options and important factors to consider before you leave for Canada. From determining your budget and location preferences to understanding different types of student housing, you’ll get smart tips to help you choose student accommodation that meets all of your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a dorm room, shared apartment, or private rental, our guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources to make an informed decision. We’ll also highlight important considerations such as safety, amenities, and proximity to campus.
With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to find the perfect student accommodation that fits your lifestyle and preferences and enhances your university experience.
Contents
- Why is it Important to Find the Perfect Student Accommodation?
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation
- What’s Your Budget?
- How Much is Student Housing in Canada?
- Is the Location Convenient and Safe?
- What Type of Student Accommodation Do You Need?
- Tips to Find Affordable Student Accommodation
- Questions to Ask When Viewing Student Accommodation
Why is it Important to Find the Perfect Student Accommodation?
Choosing the right student accommodation is more than just finding a place to live. It is about creating a safe and comfortable environment that will allow you to thrive academically and socially. Your student accommodation will be your home for the next few years, and it is essential to choose a place that meets all your needs.
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Your accommodation can impact your academic performance. Living in an environment that is conducive to studying can make a significant difference in your grades. A comfortable and quiet space can help you focus and concentrate on your studies. Your student accommodation can also impact your social life. Living in a place that is close to campus and social amenities can make it easier to participate in extracurricular activities and make new friends.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation
Choosing the right housing can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some factors to consider when choosing student accommodation:
What’s Your Budget?
The first step to help you find suitable student accommodation is to consider your monthly budget. Once you determine how much you can afford, you can start your search for housing. Consider your living expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, and transit costs. It’s essential to budget for all expenses to manage financial stress and focus on your studies.
If you plan to work part-time in Canada, you can generate extra income and help cover your housing costs. However, most students still have to pay close attention to their budget when searching for student accommodation.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week if:
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- Your study permit allows it
- You have a Social Insurance Number, and
- You meet other eligibility requirements.
| Is the Cost of Student Accommodation Important to You? |
|---|
| ✓ Yes, I need the cheapest accommodation I can find |
| ✓ No, I can afford a more expensive place |
| ✓ I have some extra money, but I have to be careful |
| ✓ I’d rather pay a bit more for a nice place to live |
How Much is Student Housing in Canada?
The price of student housing depends on factors such as the city, neighbourhood, type of housing, on-campus versus off-campus housing, etc. Sharing accommodation is likely the most affordable option. Generally, you can expect to rent a room in the range of $500 – $1,000 per month if you are sharing accommodation. However, if you are attending school in a large city such as Toronto or Vancouver, you can expect to pay higher rent. If you’re searching for student housing in a smaller city, the cost will likely be lower.
Is the Location Convenient and Safe?
Location is another critical factor to consider when choosing student accommodation. Living close to campus can be convenient, especially if you have early morning classes.
The travel distance to school may be a critical deciding factor for you. Or, you may be swayed by lower-cost student accommodation located further away from school. However, if the travel time and distance are significant, it may cost you more time and money. Check local public transit schedules and routes to ensure travel time and cost are reasonable.
Living in a safe and secure neighbourhood is essential for your well-being. Consider the proximity of your accommodation to public transit, social amenities, grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities
| Is Being Near Campus a Deal Breaker for You? |
|---|
| ✓ Yes, I prefer to live on campus so I don’t have to wake up too early for classes |
| ✓ No, I want to get off campus when I’m not studying |
| ✓ Definitely, it might be unsafe to live off-campus |
| ✓ I want to live where other students live |
What Type of Student Accommodation Do You Need?
There are different types of student accommodation available, including dormitories, shared apartments, and private rentals. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider your lifestyle and preferences when choosing the type of accommodation that suits you best.
Student Accommodation Options
There are different student accommodation options available. Here are some of the most common options:
On-Campus Housing (Residence or Dormitory)
Living on-campus in a dormitory (also known as dorms) is a common type of student accommodation. Dorms can provide students with a private or shared room. Living in a dorm can be a great way to meet new people and participate in campus life. And, living with fellow students can provide a supportive environment that encourages academic success.
Dorms are usually affordable and include amenities such as common areas, laundry facilities, and study spaces.
However, living in a dormitory can have its challenges. You may have to share living spaces with several other students, which can be noisy and disruptive. Moreover, dormitories can be restrictive in terms of rules and regulations.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Limited privacy |
| Convenient location | Noisy and disruptive living environment |
| Access to campus amenities (library, fitness centre, cafeteria, etc.) | Restrictive rules and regulations |
| More opportunities to participate in campus life | Limited space |
Off-Campus Student Housing (Private Rentals)
Private rentals are another option for students. Usually found off-campus, living in a private rental can offer more privacy and independence. Compared to living in a dorm, private rentals are generally more flexible in terms of rules and regulations.
Apartments are often the first choice when it comes to private rentals. However, you may want to explore other types of housing such as homes, townhouses, and basement apartments.
Living in a private rental can be expensive, and you may have to cover additional expenses for furniture and small appliances. To manage high rental costs, many students opt to share accommodation.
You can also search for rentals in student-friendly neighbourhoods that surround colleges and universities. These neighbourhoods can provide accommodation that is close to campus, and offer easy-on-the-wallet restaurants, pubs, cafes, and shopping. Look for rental listings that indicate how close it is to the school that you plan to attend.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| More privacy and independence | Expensive |
| More space | Additional expenses for furniture and small appliances |
| More flexibility in terms of rules and regulations | Limited access to campus amenities |
| Greater control over your living environment | Limited opportunities to meet new people |
Homestay
A homestay allows international students to live with local families instead of living with other students in Canada. Homestay hosts can include couples, families with children, retirees, and individuals. While there are different homestay options to consider, generally you can expect a private bedroom with room for your clothing, a quiet place to study, internet, laundry facilities, and meals.
Hosts are also expected to provide safe accommodation and introduce their guests to Canadian life and culture.
Universities can pair international students with host families or retirees within the local community who may have space in their homes to rent out at an affordable rate.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Opportunity to be part of a family unit | Can be expensive |
| Supportive environment with home-cooked meals | Won’t be living on campus like other student accommodation |
| Opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and activities | Must respect host family boundaries (cleanliness, guests, etc.) |
Shared Accommodation
Sharing accommodation off-campus is another popular option for students. ed apartments are another popular option for students. Living in a shared apartment can be a great way n excellent way to live independently while still having the support of roommates. Sharing accommodation can also help you create meaningful relationships and foster a sense of community.
However, living in a shared apartment can have its challenges. You may have to deal with conflicts with roommates, and you may have to manage expenses such as rent and utilities. Be sure to assess potential housemates to determine if they would be a suitable match for your personality, study habits, and lifestyle.
| Do You Want to Live with Other Students? |
|---|
| ✓ For sure, I can’t wait for group movie nights and parties! |
| ✓ Having housemates is cool, but I want my own room |
| ✓ Absolutely not, I need my own space |
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Tips to Find Affordable Student Accommodation
Finding affordable student accommodation can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you find affordable student accommodation.
Start Your Search Early:
Searching for student housing, or housing in general, takes time, especially if you want to find the perfect student home. It’s best to search for housing about two months before you plan to move in. This will give you plenty of time to browse the market and come to an agreement with the landlord
Check Rental Sites Often:
New rental listings are posted daily on rental sites. You can start your search for off-campus student accommodation that is within your budget at Rentals for Newcomers.
Consider Sharing Accommodation:
Discover how to find shared accommodation with Sparrow and manage your student accommodation costs.
Be Ready to Compromise:
Once you get an idea of rental costs, you may find it difficult to find exactly what you want at a price that fits your budget. A good way to move forward is to list things you’re willing to compromise.
Look for Student-specific Housing Options:
Student housing options are often found in neighbourhoods adjacent to colleges and universities and are often budget-friendly. You may even be able to find rentals that offer incentives, discounts, and gift cards specifically for students.
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Questions to Ask When Viewing Student Accommodation
When viewing potential student accommodation, be sure to ask the right questions to ensure that it meets all your needs. Here are some questions to consider:
- What’s included in the rent (i.e. cable, internet, heat, water, and electricity)? This can significantly reduce your housing costs.
- What amenities are available? (i.e. onsite laundry, exercise room, swimming pool, security, etc)
- What are the lease terms?
- Is the building quiet?
- How safe is this neighbourhood?
What to Look for in Student Housing
Whether you visit student homes in person or online, these are helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure everything looks clean. If the home is dirty and poorly maintained it may have pests. Especially as a student, pests will give you a hard time around the house.
- Make sure all the appliances are working. The last thing you need as a student is to find out that the appliances don’t work right after moving in.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with the landlord. Know exactly what utilities and amenities are covered in the rent and which ones you will have to pay for. Look for water, electricity, gas, internet, cable TV, air conditioning, and parking to name a few. There is a good chance that many of these will be included in the rent.
Finding student accommodation that meets your needs is vital to your academic performance, social life, and overall well-being. So, it’s important to consider the factors that will create the right environment for your success. From your budget to the location and type of student accommodation you select, making the right decisions will enhance your university experience in Canada.
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
