If you plan to study abroad, you must sort out several things before starting your studies. Living in a foreign country is challenging at times. You will have to do everything on your own, and you will have to figure out everything by yourself.
Students are often tense about their stay abroad. Canada is one of the most popular countries among Indian students to study. Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. Along with providing a safe atmosphere to study,
Canada also ensures world-class education to all its students. Having the perfect accommodation in Canada is a boon for Indian students. Different students have different requirements for their accommodation, and thus it is difficult to find information regarding all options in one place. In this blog, I will discuss student accommodation in Canada.
Accommodation in Canada for Indian students
Finding Accommodation is one of the most tedious tasks while moving to a different country. However, you need to worry about your stay in Canada. The country has a lot of different options for students. You can choose to stay in a dormitory or a condominium.
Dormitories
Dormitories are one of the most popular options for student accommodation in Canada. A college or university manages dormitories and is a safe place to stay. These are situated on campus or sometimes near the campus. These are large places and can accommodate several students. You can live here if you are a first-year student, as this will be a good way to connect with people. Dormitories are also a great option if you are looking for cheaper stays. You will have to live with several other students, so some extrovert qualities will surely help. Most first-year students live in dormitories, so you can get many like-minded people there.
Condominiums
Condominiums are also a great accommodation option for students. If you like to live separately or only with a few people rather than several students, condominiums are the best student accommodation in Canada for you. A condominium usually has 5-6 bedrooms, a common living area, and a kitchen. You will need to still live with some people, but you will get your bedroom which gives you more privacy. Condominiums are sometimes far from your campus, and thus you need to give extra time for transport. These are mostly chosen by students who know the country and the culture of the people.
Even though you don’t get much privacy in a dormitory, it is still a good option if you stay in Canada for just a few semesters. You will get all the other basic facilities like a bed, desk, sheets, etc.
Also, read: Best Universities In Canada Without Application Fee
Off-campus student accommodation
There are a lot of benefits of staying on campus or near campus, but if staying a little far is okay with you then you can look for off-campus student accommodation in Canada. All the off-campus accommodations are of different types. Some may require you to live in shared rooms with multiple people, and some will give you your separate room.
Obviously, the price increases with more privacy and more facilities. You must identify your budget and filter out what facilities you need. Then you can get a clear answer about what student accommodation will be the best for you.
If you have some friends already in the same university or place as you in Canada, try to reach out to them. If they have a place in their accommodation, then discuss the rent and other facilities with them. If a friend is accompanying you, then see if they can share a room with you in an off-campus accommodation. This will increase your comfort while sharing a room. You can also specifically look for Indian roommates in off-campus accommodations.
The cost of off-campus student accommodation in Canada differs highly according to the area and facilities, but the average rent is between CAD 750 to CAD 1000.
Another benefit of off-campus accommodations is that you can find a part-time job easily, as there are fewer job options when you live near campus. Students are advised to choose an off-campus accommodation with an easy way to reach the campus so that not much time gets wasted traveling.
Homestay in Canada
Many Indian students miss their families during their stay in Canada. This option of Homestay is a student accommodation in Canada that can help you to stay with the feeling that you are with your family. Homestay means that you will stay with a local Canadian family for a fee. This may seem too much, but it has worked great for some students.
Most of the families are very nice, and they help the students with almost everything. These are couples who like to help students like you, and they enjoy hosting. They will provide you with meals and all other facilities. You may have to follow some rules to live with different families, but you can look for some Indian families. If you want to explore Canadian culture, you can also look for local Canadian families.
The family also helps you if you are sick or have any other problem. For most students, they are like emotional support during their stay. And some families develop deep relationships with the students even after moving out to another place.
Also, read: Winter Intake in Canada
Rental apartments in Canada
If you are still not sure about your student accommodation in Canada, then do not worry we have one more option still left. This option is for rental apartments. The concept is the usual one, there is a landlord, and you have to pay rent each month or in advance as per the rent for the apartment. This option is more convenient if you want to avoid all kinds of roommates.
For example, if you get disturbed very easily while studying or are uncomfortable with other people, you will need a private apartment with a personal kitchen, living area, etc. You will get access to all the facilities like water and electricity supply. One con of living in a rental apartment is paying more than other accommodation options. You will also have to do all the cleaning of the home alone, which may take up your time.
Also, read: Courses in Demand in Canada
What to make sure of while choosing?
Now that you have all kinds of options, it becomes difficult to filter out the best one. You may think that all the options have some pros and cons. You should then sit down to write all of them according to your needs and then choose the option that suits you the best.
However, you must ensure some things while choosing the right student accommodation in Canada. These important things are listed below:
Cross-check the facilities
When students book accommodation online, they often get a place that doesn’t fit the description. In this case, you must inquire beforehand about the place by calling the owner before booking it. Discuss all the important points with them, like the internet, water supplies, electricity, etc.
Neighborhood matters
Sometimes Indian students book off-campus accommodation in a neighborhood that is too far or unsafe. You need to be sure about the neighborhood’s safety and the time you will have to give to reach campus daily.
Meals
If you choose a dormitory, they may have a meal plan. Inquire thoroughly about the meal plan. Let them know if you are allergic to something.
Don’t be late
Settling in a foreign country takes time. So you must come at least a month early. Do not come just 2-3 days before your college starts. In this one month, you will have enough time to know the country and its people and have a brief overview of the culture. You can also meet with some of your Indian friends staying in Canada and learn from their experiences. The weather in Canada is also a bit harsh, and thus you must have time to let your body adjust to it.
Also, read: (Designated Learning Institution) DLI list in Canada
Conclusion
Finding the best student accommodation in Canada can be difficult for students planning to study there. The first step in finding the right accommodation is knowing all available options. There are a lot of options to live as a student in Canada.
Some of the popular options have been listed above. The price varies highly according to the city and area, but you can look online for the average price of the city you plan to visit.
You should remember that all the options have their pros and cons, so make a list of them and then decide which option is more suitable for you. Whatever option you choose, living as close to the campus always helps.
I hope this blog has cleared all your queries about the students accommodation in Canada, if you still have any questions, please contact our experts. For more interesting and informative content like this, keep visiting CourseMentor™.
FAQs
What is the average cost of student accommodation in Canada?
The average cost of student accommodation in Canada varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. In major cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, the prices are higher than in smaller cities or towns. Students can expect to pay between $500 to $1500 per month for accommodation.
Can international students apply for on-campus accommodation?
Yes, many Canadian universities offer on-campus accommodation options for international students. However, availability may vary, and applying early to secure a spot is recommended.
How do I find roommates for shared housing options?
You can find roommates for shared housing options through various methods, such as online student forums, social media groups, or by contacting your university’s housing office. Additionally, some accommodation platforms offer roommate-matching services to help you find compatible roommates.