Student Accommodation in Canada | All You Need to Know

Student accommodation in Canada is one of the major considerations for international students before coming to Canada to study.

Thousands of students around the globe need student accommodation assistance services to find the right place to stay.

From a compact dorm room in one of the residences at the university to sharing an apartment with some friends in a lively neighborhood: there’s a place for every wallet.

Finding the right accommodation in Canada that you can call home is a little difficult but nothing to be scared of either.

We, VanMates Accommodation, are here to explain and guide you with our expertise.

Key takeaways for students:

• Some various types of temporary accommodations available in Canada are discovered;
• Student housing options and how to find rentals are explained;
• Lease options and credit score details are understood

What Are Student Accommodation Options in Canada?

There are so many different types of accommodation available for students in Canada.

We will look into different accommodation options available for students in Canada, thus helping in finding the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.

With various options available, from on-campus residences to off-campus apartments, each type offers unique benefits and experiences.

1- Renting a Room in Canada

Many of the students coming to Canada prefer a rented room, considering it to be the cheapest and most convenient accommodation alternative.

This type of residence arrangement would, in a nutshell, include renting one room within a larger house or apartment shared with other students or perhaps residents.

The biggest advantages of renting a room would be the more affordable prices, the building of a sense of community, and the possibility of living within more established areas closer to campuses themselves.

This will be an ideal choice for someone who likes to have a balance of independence and sociability.

2- Homestay Programs

Homestay accommodation in Canada provides an opportunity for a student to stay with a local Canadian family during the period of study.

Accommodation in such a category offers an opportunity to have a unique cultural experience whereby one could be exposed to a new way of life, practice their English/French, and enjoy homemade meals.

Most homestays offer a private room, meals, and a very supportive family environment, so this option is really good for those students who value cultural exchange and a more personal living experience.

Our homestay fee calculator in Canada for students gives you an idea about the homestay pricing in Canada.

3- Co-living Spaces

Co-living accommodations in Canada are a new, community-oriented approach to student accommodation that offers convenience and the need to socialize.

Students can share rooms, and common areas like kitchens, living rooms, and sometimes even workspaces with easy access to private bedrooms.

In most cases, they are fully furnished, offer a cleaning service, Wi-Fi, and organized social events.

Co-living could just be the perfect fit for students looking for a connection, hassle-free living, and being part of a lively community.

4- University Residences

University residences, more popularly known as dorms or on-campus housing, are one of the most popular accommodation options among students pursuing their education at any Canadian university or college.

Being on campus or just next to it, they allow easy and quick access not only to classes and libraries but also to other university facilities.

In general, residence halls in Canadian universities offer furnished rooms with meal plans and various support services in place to create a close community atmosphere.

This is an excellent opportunity for students aiming to be involved in college life, meet new people, and create a structured living environment with the convenience of being close to their studies.

Here is a Canadian University list that provides student residence options for their students.

1. University of British Columbia (UBC) Student Residence
2. University of Toronto (U of T) Student Residence
3. McGill University Student Residence
4. University of Waterloo Student Residence
5. Simon Fraser University (SFU) Student Residence
6. University of Alberta Student Residence
7. Queen’s University Student Residence

Shared Apartments

Shared apartments are popular among students aiming for more independence while gaining from the atmosphere within a communal living setting.

In this setup, students share an apartment with one or more roommates where areas are shared like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, but they still enjoy the benefit of having their own private bedrooms.

Shared apartments can provide far greater privacy and independence, for example, in comparison with dorms, while still retaining the ability to choose your roommates.

This would turn out to be a great choice for students who want to have a balance between their social life and personal space.

This also turned out to be more cost-effective compared to renting an apartment on your own.

How to Find an Accommodation as a Student in Canada?

Coming to Canada for the first time as an international student, proper accommodation may make a world of difference in your university or college experience.

Available options range from university residences to private apartments; it is, therefore, relevant that you start searching early and explore all accommodation types.

In one of the world’s most expensive cities, with a limited number of houses available to satisfy high demand, finding a house can be done using proper tools and approaches.

Following is a step-by-step guide on two effective ways to look for student housing: VanMates accommodation listings, and VanMates community boards and social media.

Vanmates Accommodation Listings

We offer a comprehensive range of rental listings across Canada, hence making it a potential platform for students looking to find a place to stay.

From a single room in a shared house to a private apartment, VanMates Accommodation provides an option to suit every need and budget.

It has a user-friendly interface that allows filtering your search by location, price, and amenities to get a place that best suits your needs.

You can go through different listings, all of which are detailed with quality photos, thereby enabling the viewer to envision what to expect before one decides to view a property.

With this kind of detail at one’s fingertips, it becomes much easier to identify a home that will suit your pocket and lifestyle.

In addition, we check every landlord before renting the place for security purposes. Our team makes your experience very easy to set up viewing time and ask questions if needed. Check all the student accommodation in Canada below:

• VanMates Co-living Options in Toronto
• VanMates Co-living Options in Vancouver
• VanMates Co-living Options in Montreal
• VanMates Co-living Options in Calgary
• VanMates Co-living Options in Winnipeg

Vanmates Community Boards and Social Media

The second best way of getting student accommodation is through VanMates Community Boards and Social Media.

These will present you with an interactive and dynamic approach to your housing search. Vanmates has active community boards where users keep posting regularly about the availability of properties on rent.

This will help you in getting the latest listing.

Social media platforms like Facebook also have groups on finding accommodation in Canadian cities.

You can access these groups and start networking locally, always updating your list with apartment availability and people looking for roommates.

You can advertise your housing needs, ask questions, and even coordinate viewings.

One feels that looking for community boards and social media opens up the scope of housing choices for you and makes the search much more interactive and detailed.

Cost of Student Accommodation Types in Canada

The cost of accommodation does vary within a wide range for an international student in Canada, which depends on an arrangement type, the city, and the amenities that may come with it.

This table provides an estimate of the monthly accommodation costs for students in Canada, categorized by accommodation type.

Estimated Monthly Accommodation Costs for Students in Canada (in CAD)

Accommodation Type	Estimated Cost Range (CAD)	Notes
On-campus Residence	$ 1000 – 1,500	Often includes meals and utilities
Shared Off-campus Apartment	$ 800 – 1,300	Costs vary greatly by city and neighborhood
Private Studio Apartment	$ 700 – 2,000+	Higher in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver
Homestay	$ 1,000 – 1,200	Usually includes meals and utilities
Private Room in Shared House	$ 850 – 1,400	Popular option in college towns

On-campus and off-campus accommodations are payable in installments and monthly for student accommodations in Canada.

Students are usually required to pay a deposit upfront of one month in rent, which a student gets back upon leaving.

Useful Terms for Student Accommodation in Canada

There are some useful terms to remember when considering your student accommodation options in Canada.

Knowing what they mean will guide you in making an informed decision about where and how you want to live during your studies.

1. Residence (Res): It refers to the accommodation on campus provided by the university or college. It is also referred to as dormitories or “res.”
2. Dormitory (Dorm): It is the type of accommodation on-campus students live in, usually having a single or shared room with common facilities like bathrooms and lounges.
3. Suite-Style Residence: A residence in which students have their own bedrooms but share a kitchen, living area, and bathroom with a few other students.
4. Shared Accommodation: Housing is where several students share a house or apartment and the bills for rent and utilities are split.
5. Homestay: A living arrangement whereby a student stays with a local family, often including board and utilities.
6. Off-Campus Housing: Any type of accommodation not located on the university or college campus such as private apartments, or houses.
7. Lease Agreement: A legal document between the tenant and landlord regarding a rental agreement specifying rent, duration, and responsibility.
8. Security Deposit: Security deposit: an amount of money, often in the form of one month’s rent, paid at the start of a tenancy and held by the landlord to ensure that the property doesn’t get damaged and that rent is paid on time.
9. Utilities: Items such as electricity, water, and gas that the tenant may or may not pay directly.
10. Subletting: Renting out your room or apartment to someone else for a short period; usually, happens when you are going away for a period.
11. Roommate: A person with whom you share a residential premises, whether apartment or dormitory.
12. Meal Plan: A pre-paid meal plan at dining centers at the university. It’s usually included in the residence fees or sometimes bought as an option.
13. Den: A small room, with or without a door. Many apartments consist of 1 bedroom, plus den. You could use a den as a living room, office or for storage.
14. RA (Residence Assistant): A student leader who resides in the residence and is supposed to provide management in the community, support to students, and enforcement of the rules within the residence.
15. Landlord: Leaseholder The landlord or property manager to whom the tenant leases his housing. 16. Tenant The person leasing a property from the landlord.
16. Renter’s Insurance: A policy to ensure personal belongings and liability for damages or theft in a rented property.
17. Furnished vs. Unfurnished Furnished: Housing that is equipped with basic furniture, such as a bed, desk, sofa. Unfurnished: Housing that is not fitted out with furniture; that is, the tenants must bring in or purchase their own.
18. Move-In/Move-Out Dates: Specific dates by which students can move into or must move out of housing.

What Are Lease Options for Students in Canada?

While searching for a place to live in Canada, you will likely come across various types of leases, all with pros and cons. The most common agreements in renting are fixed-term leases and month-to-month leases.

Fixed-term Lease

This tenancy agreement lets you be bound to rent a property for a specified period, usually from six months to a year.

With a fixed-term tenancy, you have got security in the fact that your rent is usually fixed for the period of the lease and will not rise in price.

This option is most suitable for students who like knowing exactly how much they are going to pay and have an intention to stay in one place for a longer period.

Month-to-Month Lease

This allows you and the landlord maximum flexibility, which means both parties can opt out anytime by sending 30-day notice.

This kind of lease agreement works very well for students whose plans are uncertain or those who prefer freedom to move without a long-term commitment.

Affordable Cities in Canada for Student Accommodations?

Some cities in Canada are more affordable than others for international students.

For example, cities such as Quebec City, Winnipeg, and Halifax have rents less expensive to live in compared to Toronto and Vancouver.

You will get a one-bedroom apartment in Quebec City, on average, for $800 a month.

Winnipeg mirrors similar rates, where the average rent falls around $800.

Halifax, however, stands a little above this, coming in really very low at an average of $900.

The type of magical middle ground these cities present between cost and quality of life might make them just right for someone getting started.

How Much Is Average Rent in Major Canadian Cities?

Finding affordable accommodation for students poses a problem in some cases, considering the fluctuating prices for rentals in major cities.

The average cost of rent in these places is relevant in ensuring effective budgeting and proper planning.

A general trend of average cost in terms of rentals is presented below for some of the significant cites in Canada.

Toronto

Being the largest city in Canada, Toronto boasts a rich culture and great economic activity, which place it on the scale as a very expensive place to live in. Don’t forget to check our guide to find furnished student housing in Toronto!

One-Bedroom Apartment: Approximately $2,100 per month.
Two-Bedroom Apartment: Around $3,100 per month.

Vancouver

Vancouver is endowed with surreal natural beauty and calm climatic conditions, hence becoming one of the most preferred places to live in. We also prepared a guide about how to find an affordable rental room in Vancouver for students in Canada.

One-Bedroom Apartment: Approximately $2,400 per month.
Two-Bedroom Apartment: Around $3,200 per month.

Calgary

With its strong economy and an abundance of outdoor activities available, Calgary provides more reasonable in-house amenities.

One-Bedroom Apartment: Approximately $1,300 per month
Two-Bedroom Apartment: Around $1,600 per month

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is one of the most affordable large cities in Canada, which makes it cheaper to rent.

One-Bedroom Apartment: Approximately $1,100 per month
Two-Bedroom Apartment: Around $1,400 per month.

Montreal

Montreal offers rich cultural experiences with cheaper living costs than both Toronto and Vancouver.

One-Bedroom Apartment: Approximately $1,500 per month.
Two-Bedroom Apartment: Around $1,900 per month.

These are averages and may fluctuate depending on the neighborhood, distance from schools and amenities, and general condition of the property.

Although some cities are pretty daunting when it comes to the search for places in which to live, Canada has a wide range of choices that suit all budgets and tastes.

Thorough research and starting a housing search early will give you an advantage in getting accommodation that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

From renting a room to university accommodations, every option has its advantages. Listings can be found using either using the VanMates service or social media.

Lease terms and credit scores should be understood for an educated decision. Provinces differ in terms of affordability and their legal changes.

There are many ways. And it is helpful to understand the prevailing norm for rents in major cities. With the data in this guide, you can search for the best accommodation to suit your needs and budget.

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