Student accommodation in Canada

International students' major worry is about finding the right accommodation in Canada before getting admission to college or university. There are two major types of accommodation for students which are on-campus and off-campus. The cost of student accommodation in Canada for on-campus and off-campus is CAD 6,000 to CAD 16,000 per annum and CAD 700 to CAD 2200 per month.

Students applying for universities can opt for on-campus housing and for colleges it is less likely to find accommodation on-campus. In that case, you can choose any of the off-campus housing options like rental apartments, homestay, etc. In this article, you’ll get to know complete information about the choices of student accommodation in Canada and its cost.

Table of contents

• Types of accommodation in Canada for international students
• On-campus Housing
• Dormitories or Condominiums
• Townhouses
• Off-campus Housing
• Rental Apartments
• Shared Apartments
• Homestay
• Student Accommodation in Canada Based on Cities
• How to find accommodation in Canada for international students?
• Accommodation cost in Canada for international students
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Types of Accommodation in Canada for International Students

There are two types of accommodation in Canada for international students i.e. On-campus and Off-campus housing. If you’re looking for budget-friendly student housing options, then find below for detailed information.

On-campus housing

Canadian universities offer a variety of accommodation services to international students. On-campus housing, also known as a residence, is available at most sought-after universities in Canada. It provides the opportunity for students to rent housing owned by the school, ensuring convenient and accessible accommodation. On-campus housing options include townhouses, residential halls, dormitories, and apartments. 

Check the table below to know the on-campus accommodation options they offer.

University	Accommodation Type	Cost (CAD)	Cost (INR)
McGill University	Studio Apartment/dormitories	$932- $1,090 per month	77379 - 90498 per month
University of Toronto	Single Room/Double Room	$14,000 — $16,000	11,62,359 - 13,28,411
University of Alberta	Single Room Double Room	$5218–$9983 $4449–$8506	433228 - 828845 369381 - 706216
McMaster University	Single Room/Double Room/Apartment/Quad	$6,250 - $10, 200	518910 - 846862
Western University	Single Room Double Room	$9,000 $8,000	747231 664205
Seneca College	Bachelor/1 bedroom 2 bedroom	$1,000 to $1,200 $1,500 to $1,700	83025 to 99630 124538 to 141143
Queen’s University	Single Room/ Quad Room/Loft Double Room	$9,000 – $17,000	747231 - 1411436
George Brown College	Private bedroom	$925 - $10,762	76798 - 893522
Centennial College	4 bedroom/2 bedroom	Request for pricing in the official website	Request for pricing in the official website
University of Ottawa	Apartment/Studio/Single/Double	$8,417 - $22,502	698827 - 1868244

Dormitories or Condominiums

Cost: CAD $250 and $625 per month

Dormitories or Condominiums will be the best choice for international students who are wishing to choose the living-in-residence option. Dormitories are residences that are located within or nearby the university campus with rooms that several students can accommodate. Condominiums are independent apartments generally smaller than dormitories, where three to five students can accommodate.

Dormitories include single or shared rooms with common spaces like living and dining rooms, internet facilities, basic furnishing, and meals. This is the most convenient choice of accommodation in Canada for Indian students as it is near the campus and they are able to gain all the facilities.

Condominiums are single-capacity rooms that may have up to 6 bedrooms. There will be a separate space for the kitchen and living area. Both of these accommodations include a cafeteria or food court separately.

Students planning to do 1 or 2 semesters, can opt for these living-in-residence options instead of finding an off-campus housing option. As it is located near the campus, you can also use other university facilities like the library. If you want to stay at the dormitory, reach the student housing department of the university after receiving the acceptance letter. Also, remember the housing plans and the meal plans vary from university to university. 

Townhouses

Cost: CAD $400 and $800 per month

Townhouses are the type of accommodation offered by Canadian universities that have three or five-bedroom houses located in or nearby the campus. This housing includes single or shared rooms, basic furnishing, kitchen equipment, shared common space, and WI-FI. This type of accommodation is usually offered to third or fourth-year undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Off-campus housing

The availability and cost of off-campus housing options vary depending on the location. Regardless of the location, both short- and long-term off-campus housing alternatives are usually accessible. While most universities recommend first-year students to stay on campus, they may require them to find off-campus accommodation. Opting for off-campus accommodation can be an excellent choice as it offers various opportunities. It allows you to meet new people, make friends, and experience stunning locations. Beyond the first year, some universities may still provide on-campus accommodation, but in the second year, students often share a house or apartment off-campus with fellow students to reduce costs. Check the following to know more about the accommodation options.

Rental Apartments

Cost: CAD $300 and $1000 per month

Rental apartments are furnished private accommodations where international students can choose to stay alone or with their friends. If you want to explore Canada and stay away from campus, then you can choose apartment-style houses. The rental cost varies depending on the location, amenities, and others. Additional expenses like electricity, water, and food will not be added along with the rent in most cases. Some apartments are fully furnished while some or not, so ensure while booking. You’re required to sign an agreement before moving in for the apartment. Book these apartments online before reaching Canada.

Shared Apartments

Cost: CAD 700 and  CAD 1,000 per month

Off-campus shared apartments are similar to townhouses. This apartment includes single or shared rooms where you can reside with one or more roommates. It has a common shared space like a living area, kitchen, and dining area. To accommodate off-campus, you need to put the effort in, not many universities will help you to find out. But, some universities will help you by referring external agencies to make you find the right accommodation. The rental cost may vary for each city such as Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, etc. Also, depending on the meal plan the cost of off-campus housing differs.

Homestay

Cost: CAD $400 and $800 per month

Homestays are the accommodation type that students need to stay with a Canadian family as a paying guest. You’ll get a private room, 3 meals daily, and have to share the common spaces with the members of the family. Students who want to explore Canadian culture and learn about the locality can choose this option. This was one of the safest options as a family staying with you to help you out then and there. You need to spend at least 30 to 50 minutes a day traveling as universities and colleges are far away from the residential areas.

Student Accommodation in Canada Based on Cities

The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city you want to live in. Metropolis cities tend to have more housing options but at higher costs compared to tier II or tier III cities. Finding the cheapest accommodation in Canada is a daunting task. We’ve given the list of top cities and their accommodation cost below.

City	Average Cost (CAD)	Average Cost (INR)
Toronto	1,700 - 7,500	1.04 - 4.63 Lakh
Montreal	1,059 - 3,850	65,400 - 2.37 Lakh
Vancouver	2,500 - 5,500	1.54 - 3.39 Lakh
Calgary	1,500 - 4,100	92,635 - 2.53 Lakh
Ottawa	875 - 1,950	54,037 - 1.20 Lakh
Quebec	749 - 1,699	46,255 - 1.04 Lakh
Waterloo	1,359 - 3,500	83,927 - 2.16 Lakh
Guelph	1,699 - 4,600	1.04 - 2.84 Lakh

How to find accommodation in Canada for international students?

As an international student, it is difficult to find the right accommodation in Canada that suits your budget and the needs you expect. As a first step, you need to figure out the type of accommodation you’re going to stay in. If you’re planning to choose on-campus accommodation, then contact the university or college to book. If you’re in need of off-campus, then you need to find accommodation in Canada online. Below we've given some points to know how to find accommodation in Canada.

• Inquire about the facilities provided by the accommodation provider, including amenities like hot water, television, and internet.
• Confirm the details of the meal plan if you plan to stay on campus and opt for it, as advance payment may be required.
• Inform the college or university about any special needs or disabilities to ensure they can provide appropriate accommodations and services.
• Arriving early to the campus can increase your chances of securing accommodation and allow you to familiarize yourself with campus life.
• Research and understand your rights, duties, and responsibilities as a tenant, as rules and regulations vary across Canadian provinces.
• Clarify what is included in the accommodation, such as food, house-bound responsibilities, repairs, and services.
• Consider the additional costs and time required for transportation to and from the college when choosing accommodation.
• Visit the housing office of your university as the first step in finding suitable accommodation, as they can assist with location, rental agreements, services, and nearby facilities.

There are plenty of resources to find accommodation. Here are some of those:

• Roomster to find a roommate
• Padmapper and Rentals.ca for apartments to rent
• Kijiji and Craigslist

Accommodation cost in Canada for international students

The accommodation cost in Canada for international students is based on the type students prefer i.e. on-campus housing and off-campus residence. The cost of on-campus accommodation is CAD 6,000 to CAD 16,000 per annum which includes meal costs for 8 months. The cost of off-campus accommodation in Canada is CAD 700 to CAD 2200 per month. The cost may vary depending on the university/college, location, and the facilities you opt for.

Type of Accommodation	Cost (CAD)
Dormitories	$250 – $625 per month
Townhouses	$400 – $800 per month
Shared Apartment	$700 – $1000 per month
Homestay	$400 – $800 per month
Furnished/Unfurnished Apartment Rentals	$300 – $1000 per month

Conclusion

There are advantages and disadvantages to both of the accommodations in Canada i.e. on-campus and off-campus. In on-campus accommodation, you are able to utilize the university facilities, get support from the international student community, housing support, and costs including food and utilities. In off-campus accommodation, you are able to choose the location, explore Canada and its culture, find cheaper options based on the budget, and plan the essentials based on the finances. Hence, it’s completely based on your choice, needs, and budget to opt for the accommodation that suits you.

Resources about Canada

• Canada study visa requirements
• Canada visa interview questions
• Best place to study in Canada
• Part-time jobs in Canada
• Student Life in Canada
• SOP for Canada
• Highest Paying Jobs in Canada
• Job market in Canada for MS student
• Jobs in Canada for Indians

FAQ

1. How much is student accommodation in Canada?

The cost of on-campus accommodation in Canada is CAD 6,000 to CAD 16,000 per annum and off-campus accommodation is CAD 700 to CAD 2200 per month.

2. How to find accommodation as a student in Canada?

Students can find accommodation in Canada by reaching the housing department in the college or university and also the student union. You can find apartments for rent through newspapers, libraries, and websites like Kijiji and Craigslist.

3. How much is room rent in Canada per month for students?

The room rent in Canada for students is $375 to $2,200 per month. The cost varies depending on the accommodation type and the facilities you opt for.

4. Where to stay in Canada for Indian students?

The best cities to stay in Canada for Indian students are:

• Toronto
• Ottawa
• Vancouver
• Calgary
• Waterloo
• Halifax
• Edmonton

5. How is rent paid in Canada?

Rent can be paid in any mode that your landlord prefers like cheque, cash, electronic bank transfer, etc.