ACCOMMODATION & HOUSING

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN CANADA  

The types of student accommodation in Canada can be bifurcated into two major categories: on-campus and off-campus accommodation.  Both of these types of accommodation can be further divided in several sub-categories. The most common options for on-campus accommodation in Canada include residence halls and dormitories. The most common off-campus accommodation options include homestays, apartments and room rental. 

The option of buying a house in Canada is available to international students or their families.  While the monthly costs of buying a house in Canada are often higher than renting, the living space is greater and students are able to share costs with other students.

ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION 

On-campus accommodation options are ideal for those students who love to socialize and interact.  Residence halls and dormitories can vary in size and quality.

Universities have separate dormitories for both genders as well as co-ed dorms. Dormitories are well-furnished and generally provide students with extensive facilities. Students can choose a cafeteria or dormitory meal  plan option at an additional cost or prepare their own meals. Kitchenettes, shared bathrooms, shower and laundry facilities are provided in most dormitories. Some dormitories have facilities for games, cooking and TV lounges.

OFF-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION 

HOMESTAY  

Homestay, a popular option for off-campus accommodation is an arrangement whereby students live with a Canadian family generally close to campus or a short bus ride away. 

Living with a Canadian family enables international students to experience a true Canadian lifestyle, customs and traditions.  A Homestay placement can provide higher safety and security with direct supervision for younger students and a more distraction-free environment conducive to academic success.  Homestay programs can offer students two options: full-boarding with meals and part-boarding without meals.  Students have a private, fully furnished room and share the home with the family.  Homestay costs can range from C$500. to C$700./mth depending on the services included.

Homestay families are well screened and carefully selected for their interest and desire to share their home and family.   Through our correspondence with you at the outset, every attempt is made to place you with a family that will meet your needs. This unique opportunity to be a part of a Canadian family, sightsee, meet other young people within the community and to happily live in an informal environment with a new family and new friends is invaluable. 

APARTMENT 

Apartment accommodations can vary in cost and size and can be in a highrise or house.  Generally the most expensive form of an apartment rental is in a highrise, centrally located building where the unit comes unfurnished.  In addition to the cost of rent (C$650-C$1,000./mth), monthly utilities (heat & hydro $200/mth) must be paid.  Apartments are available in bachelor (1 large common room with kitchenette and bathroom), 1, 2 or 3 bdrm (separate bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom).  International students are often required to sign a 1 year lease and pay one year's rent in advance.

An apartment in a house can be the same set up as a highrise apartment and students are expected to sign a lease a provide the last month's rent as a deposit.

ROOM RENTAL

Students can rent a fully-furnished room in either a house or apartment building and share the dwelling and additional utility costs with another student or students.  A common option is a 'student house', whereby 4 or 5 students share one house but each have their own private room.  Students supply and prepare their own food and laundry facilities are generally provided but may be at an additional cost.  Room rentals range from C$325. to C$500./mth depending on the location and condition of the home.

BUYING A HOUSE 

Houses in Canada can be inexpensive to buy depending on the location. The average price for a residential home in Vancouver or Toronto in 2007 was almost $500,000.  The city of Hamilton boasts a much lower cost of living and the average price for a home today is C$200,000.

Most people are not able to afford to buy their home outright. Instead, they make a down payment (10 - 25%) and borrow the balance from a bank or other lender. The loan, called a mortgage, is paid off over a number of years, usually on a monthly basis.  The monthly payment on a C$200,000. mortgage would be approximately C$1,000.

While the monthly costs of home ownership may be higher than renting, buying a home has the following advantages:

• The money you would normally pay in rent goes instead into a property that you own.
• Buying a home often provides more space than living in an apartment, and usually provides a substantial outdoor area.
• It can be a good investment. The value of realestate always rises over time.
• Spare bedrooms can be rented to fellow students

   ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN CANADA