Top Tips for Finding Accommodation in Canada for International Students

Top Tips to Find Accommodation in Canada for International Students

Studying in Canada is an exciting opportunity. The place you choose to live while studying can have a huge impact on your overall experience. To make your search for student accommodations in Canada a bit easier, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

Start Early

One of the most important tips for finding student accommodation in Canada is to start your search early. It is advisable to start looking about 3 to 6 months before you plan to arrive in Canada. This is especially important if you are aiming to live in big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, where housing options tend to disappear fast. By planning early, you will have a broader range of choices and a better chance of finding accommodation within your budget. You will also get enough time to understand the Canadian rental laws and regulations.

Explore Accommodation Options

Canada offers a diverse range of student housing, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Explore the different types of accommodation options and decide which one best suits your style and budget.

Advantages and Disadvantages of On-Campus Housing

When it comes to on-campus living, there are dormitories and townhouses that the university owns and manages. Here are some of the advantages:

• Convenience: On-campus housing is convenient as they are close to the campus.

• Inclusive: Many of these places cover utilities, internet, and sometimes even meal plans, making it easier to manage your budget.

• Social Network: It is a great way to meet fellow students, dive into university life, and create a sense of community. Plus, many residences host student support and social events.

• Security: Generally, these areas are quite safe, due to dedicated campus security.

However, there are some disadvantages of living on campus:

• High Cost: It can be more expensive than some off-campus options.

• Limited Privacy: You might have to share a room, or if you get a private one, it could be on the smaller side.

• Strict Rules & Regulations: There are residence policies to follow, like quiet hours and guest rules.

• Limited Availability: There are limited spots in the on-campus accommodation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing includes shared apartments, homestays, rental apartments etc. The advantages include :

• Affordable: Living off-campus can often be a more budget-friendly option, especially if you are sharing rent and utilities with roommates.

• Independence: It usually gives you more space and a sense of independence compared to dorm life.

• Immerse Experience: If you choose to stay in a homestay, then staying with a local Canadian family can enhance your cultural experience. Many host families also include meals, which can help cut down on your food costs.

However, there are some disadvantages of off-campus accommodation in Canada.

• Additional Costs: Living off campus includes additional costs like utilities, meals, groceries, transportation etc. This can add up to your monthly budget.

• Adjustment Issues: You will need to put in more effort to find the right roommates and keep track of shared expenses. In the case of homestays, finding a compatible host family is crucial for a positive experience.

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Create a Budget for Accommodations

Accommodation is going to be one of your biggest expenses in Canada. It is advisable to understand the average cost of living in the Canadian city you have picked so you can set a realistic budget. Note that you will be required to pay the security deposit as well. Here are some key factors to keep in mind while creating a budget for student accommodation in Canada.

• Rent

• Security deposit

• Utilities like electricity, heating, water, and internet

• Food & Groceries

• Transportation

• Miscellaneous

Utilize Reliable Platforms and Resources

With Canada becoming increasingly popular amongst international students, the housing market can get pretty competitive. A great way to navigate this is by joining social media groups or forums created for international students. This can provide you with valuable insights about student housing options. You might even connect with potential roommates or gather tips from those already studying there. Here are some trusted platforms to explore:

1. International Student Office: Your university usually has dedicated housing portals, lists of off-campus rentals, homestay programs, and sometimes even services to help you find a roommate.

2. Popular Websites: There are popular websites that post general listings, including:

• Kijiji

• Facebook Marketplace

• Craigslist

• UniAcco

• Student.com

• AmberStudent

• Places4Students

• HousingAnywhere

• Rentals.ca

• Zumper

• PadMapper

• Realtor.ca

Consider Location in Canada

Location plays a huge role in shaping your student experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing where to live in Canada:

• Commute Time: Consider the time it will take you to get to campus, accessibility of public transport

• Amenities: Locate how close the important services like grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and medical clinics are.

• Safety: Take some time to investigate the safety of the neighborhood. If you can, chat with current residents, which will bring more clarity.

• Atmosphere: Investigate the kind of atmosphere your accommodation has, whether it is quiet, lively, or student-centric

Conduct an In-depth Inquiry

After shortlisting a few student accommodations in Canada, conduct a thorough inspection before making any decisions. Start by asking detailed questions such as:

1. What are the Services Included?

Some places come with utilities like electricity, hot water, and internet included in the rent. So, it is essential to inquire about these amenities.

2. Whether the place come furnished or unfurnished?

Make sure you know what you will need to buy or ship over in terms of furniture.

3. What are the lease terms?

Get a clear understanding of the lease duration, any policies of early termination, and the policies for having guests.

4. Who is responsible for the maintenance?

Be sure to clarify who is in charge of repairs and maintenance.

Beware of the Rental Scams

Rental scams are becoming common in Canada these days. To keep yourself safe, it is important to spot the warning signs, such as:

• Unrealistic Prices: If a deal is unrealistic or impractical, then it might be a scam. A place can have very low rent and offer multiple facilities, but make sure to check the details.

• No In-Person Viewing or Virtual Tours: If a landlord keeps refusing or delaying the chance to show you the place or makes up excuses, it can be a fraud.

• Pressure for Payments: Never send money through untraceable methods like Western Union or MoneyGram. Thoroughly conduct your inspection before you sign a proper lease.

• No Lease Agreement: Always make sure to get a detailed written lease. Verbal agreements do not offer you any protection.

If you are an international student, you might not be able to visit the accommodation location yourself. Therefore, asking for a virtual tour is a must when it comes to finding a place to live in Canada. It can help you avoid scams or find places that are not right for you. Do not hesitate to ask for close-ups of any specific features or issues you might spot. Make sure to ask for a verification document from the landlord and use traceable payment methods.

Understand Canadian Tenant Rights

Before you start exploring your options for student accommodation in Canada, understand the rental laws and regulations in the city or province where you will be studying. Each area has its own set of rules about leases, deposits, and tenant rights. Here are a few things to keep in mind while searching for student accommodations in Canada:

• Lease Agreements: Make sure you understand all the details, like notice periods, security deposits, and rent.

• Tenant Rights: Familiarize yourself with the local laws to protect your rights as a tenant.

• Subletting Rules: If you are thinking about sharing your room, check if your landlord allows it according to your lease.

• Insurance: Consider getting renters' insurance to keep your belongings safe.

What are the Types of Accommodation in Canada for International Students?

Before planning to find student accommodation in Canada, it is essential to understand the different types of accommodation available.

On-Campus Housing

This type of housing is provided and managed by the university or college, usually situated on or near the college campus. It is a popular option amongst first-year students.

• Dormitories: These are large buildings with numerous rooms, shared bathrooms, lounges, study spaces, and communal kitchens. You can find both single and shared rooms.

• Townhouses: Some universities also have apartment-style residences or townhouses on campus, offering more independence compared to traditional dorms. These typically come with private bedrooms, shared living spaces, and kitchens.

Off-Campus Housing

If you want to live outside the university campus, some great privately owned options give you more independence.

• Shared Apartments: This is a popular and often affordable choice. Here, students rent a room in a house or apartment and share common spaces like the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms with one or more roommates.

• Homestay: This option enables you to live with a local Canadian family in their home. You usually get a private room, and meals are often included.

• Private Student Residences: These are specially designed apartment buildings or complexes just for students. These are not owned by any university as they are privately owned and operated.

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