Usually, the type of accommodation to go for while in Canada depends on whether you’re planning to stay short or for a longer period. If your duration in Canada will pass a year or more as permitted by your program, then you’d need cheap accommodation in Canada that will see you throughout your studies. This post provides you with detail information about Accommodation Cost in Canada for International Students. Use this opportunity to apply for cheap accommodation in Canada for International Students and save yourself the stress of being stranded in Canada.
Accommodation in Canada for International Students
Depending on your budget, expectations and other circumstances, schools in Canada can provide or connect to various accommodations on and off-campus. If you are a foreign student, the first place to start looking for accommodation is the international student office or the website of the university you attend. Accommodation is a physical and mental display of settlement. Whenever you haven’t found accommodation of your own, you tend to appear restless and unsettled. So, get one that suits your needs.
Main types of accommodation
The standard accommodation for international students is one of the five typical options.
1. Student residence -Dormitories and townhouses
Some schools offer residences for students on campus or near the campus. The dormitories are generally large, student buildings, while the terraced houses are independent and can accommodate three to six students. The shared rooms have common areas for entertainment, cooking, and exercise, as well as shared bathrooms and showers. These bedrooms can accommodate one or more people per room and are administered directly by the school. Dormitories are often a suggested accommodation option for first-year students at colleges and universities. The townhouses usually have three to six rooms with single rooms (no roommates) and the main floor includes a kitchen and a living room. This type of accommodation is usually reserved for second and fourth-year university students and graduate students. Virtually all universities have hostels within the school or perhaps, close to the school. The building is usually huge with shared toilets and a general kitchen. Most hostels have kitchen and bathroom integrated into the student’s room and indeed, the choice of many. The more reason why I will always prefer the hostel is because of the amazing facilities which an off-campus student may not enjoy. There’s a guarantee of steady water supply, constant power and sometimes, a mini night library for night readers.
The cost
In Canada, the cost of living in a hostel is $3,000 – 7,500 per academic year. Applying for a hostel will be an advantage to you because of it’s a cheap course. Looking for an apartment can be a hectic journey, but going through local newspapers to look for a close-by vacant apartment will certainly be a nice option to consider. Off-campus students within the school can also be of help. Some might even be looking for a roommate. Been more observant around the school, you will certainly see a poster and posted by students looking for roommates. Sharing a room with a fellow student will definitely cut down on the price of accommodation. Use this opportunity to apply for cheap accommodation in Canada for International Students and save yourself the stress of being stranded in Canada with this well-detailed information on Accommodation Cost in Canada for international students. You can even get any of the latest scholarships in Canada.
2. Off-Campus Shared Apartment or Condominium
The off-campus shared apartments offer students a single room in a living room with one or more roommates. Like the single-family houses (above), most of the time they contain a single room or living room, as well as a shared kitchen, bathroom, dining room and living room. Off-campus accommodation costs vary widely, particularly in the larger cities of Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Students can sometimes dislike staying in the hostel because of the noisy environment and some unfavorable school rules in which they cannot cope. Rules like:
Prohibition of cooking inside your roomProhibition of using a gas cookerThe number of students allowed in a roomToilets have been unkempt
Because of the above and other numerous factors not included, students prefer staying off-campus; a place where they have more control and freedom. Cost for an off-campus Prices of lodges usually differ depending on the size and location. For an apartment in a small town like Kitchener, Ontario is approximately $820 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Important: Not all Universities in Canada can help you find off-campus accommodation. In these cases, schools may direct you to one or more organizations or expect you to do your own research and connect to the services of the surrounding community.
3. Host Family/Homestay
Living with a host family can give you a sense of welcome and security when you start your new life in Canada. Host families usually provide a private room for individual use and serve one to three meals a day and Internet access. A host family can also answer questions about the city, get acquainted with Canadian culture and customs and share their meals with you. Shared housing may be an option, and lodging-only options (without meals) may also be possible. Students who live with host families should expect to travel between 30 and 50 minutes by bus or train to get to school. It is normal to travel time in Canada. Do you have a family or relatives living close to your school? Why not school from home and save yourself the accommodation cost? Almost 40% of Canadian students school from home without stress. Using the apartment money for something more productive proved to be an awesome decision.
4. Furnished or Unfurnished Apartment Rentals
There are many safe ways to find a furnished apartment to rent before you arrive in Canada using sites like Airbnb, Craigslist, HouseTrip or Wimdu. These apartments are normally furnished private rentals. Be sure to read the comments for each rental and check the comments of other guests who have previously stayed. It is also possible to rent an unfurnished apartment, but it is difficult to get there for new foreign students coming to Canada. Even if you are able to get a visa to study in Canada, without accommodation, you can have a problem.
Important Factors to consider while choosing accommodation in Canada
Below are these you should keep in mind;
Tip #1 Have A Budget
Student accommodations have different costs. Set a budget for what you want and research according to it.
Tip #2 Begin Your Search On Time
It’s advisable to start your search on time. Contact your university’s International Student Office and seek their guidance on how you should go about your search.
Tip #3 Seek Help Where Necessary
Don’t be afraid to seek help. People will understand that you are new to the process and will want to make it less burdensome for you. Ask questions where necessary and when necessary. You’d definitely find nice people who’d want to help you.
Tip #4 Be Well Discerning
There are some people out there who might want to take advantage of you. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So do not fall for cheap scams. Also, ensure you don’t make payment for an apartment before visiting the apartment.
Tip #5 Consult Useful Online Platforms
Consult useful online platforms that can help. HelloStudent.co.uk, Rightmove.co.uk, Universityliving.com, Unitestudents.com, crm-students.com can be helpful websites. Please beware of fraudulent websites that are aimed at ripping you off your money.
Tip #6 Consider Essential Factors
Prioritize your needs, such as proximity to campus, budget, and then stick to it. Don’t be afraid to make your choice but be realistic.
Conclusion
Living in a hostel, meeting a new fellow as a roommate and getting more exposed to your study environment is one of the uniqueness that hostels offer to its inhabitants. The roommate I met during my stay in the hostel made my life what it is today. I was positively impacted.
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