International students have several options for accommodation in Canada; however, it is advisable to make arrangements ahead of your studies in order to secure the accommodation of your choice. On-campus accommodation can fill up quickly, and off-campus options can be difficult to find during the summer months, holidays and festivals.

On-Campus Accommodation

Residence/Dormitory. Many international students prefer on-campus accommodation, particularly in their first year of study, because of the proximity to classes and student services and the secure environment. Living on campus helps students to more quickly become familiar with their new academic and social environments.

Rooms in on-campus residences and dormitories vary in size and in quality. Students can either have a private room or share with a roommate, and most rooms come fully furnished. Dormitories usually have shared kitchens, bathrooms and laundry facilities. In some cases, meal plans at student dining halls are included in the cost of the room.

The average cost of a residence/dormitory room is US$2,600 - US$6,500 per school year. For more information about on-campus accommodation, contact the school you will be attending.

Off-Campus Housing

Hostels. Hostels are often a temporary solution for students who are looking for permanent accommodation or are an option for students on short-term courses.

Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities and often share bedrooms although private rooms are sometimes available. Hostels are usually operated by organizations such as Youth Hostels Australia or the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

The average cost of a room in a hostel is US$9 - US$17 per night.

Homestays. Students who prefer family support can live with a Canadian family. Local families offer their homes to international students who pay a rental fee. The host family provides meals and a private room for the student. This type of accommodation is arranged by the school, and students are usually matched with families who share similar interests. Homestays are a popular choice for younger students and those studying on short-term English courses. For many parents of international students, homestay means security as their children are living at home with responsible adults. In addition, a homestay offers an excellent opportunity to practice and improve one’s English.

Homestay prices vary according to location, and some homestay services will charge an initial placement fee of up to US$170. The average cost of homestay accommodation is US$340 – US$690 a month.

Rental accommodation. University students often prefer to live off campus in shared apartments or houses, so that they can enjoy more personal freedom and save on accommodation expenses. However, the amount of security and proximity to campus provided by this type of accommodation varies depending on the residential area. In addition, rent is often quite high in major cities and places are not always available.

University housing offices can usually provide help in finding accommodation and understanding lease and tenancy conditions. They can also help you to arrange temporary accommodation before you leave home, so that upon arrival you will be able to consider where you want to stay in the longer term.

Once on campus, you will often find a variety of postings throughout the campus advertising nearby housing. Listings of available apartments or houses are also published in local newspapers.

Most rental apartments do not include furniture, and you will be responsible for paying for the rent, electricity, gas and telephone costs or sharing these expenses with your roommates.

Most landlords require a damage deposit and rent is paid on a monthly basis in cash or by cheque. Agreements with landlords should be made with care. Carefully examine and know the terms of any lease before you sign it, and check the apartment or suite before signing a lease to determine whether anything needs to be repaired by the landlord before you move in. If you experience problems with your rental accommodation, you should contact a provincial residential tenancy office.

Average cost of shared accommodations in Canada: US$210 - US$600 monthly.

Average cost of a suite or apartment: US$340 - US$1,300 monthly.