Canada is a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education and vibrant cultural experiences. However, one of the major challenges faced by international students is finding suitable accommodation upon their arrival. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of finding accommodation in Canada as an international student, but first let’s take a look at how to find temporary accommodation for the first few days.
- If you have relatives or friends residing in Canada, this can be an excellent option for temporary accommodation. Staying with someone you know can provide a sense of familiarity and support during your initial days in a new country. Reach out to your contacts and inquire if they would be willing to host you temporarily. Make sure to express your gratitude and respect their space and rules while staying with them.
- Another option for temporary accommodation is to book a hotel room before you arrive in Canada. Many hotels offer online booking services, allowing you to secure a room in advance. Research hotels near your educational institution or in the city you will be living in. Look for student-friendly accommodations that may offer discounted rates or special packages for international students. It's advisable to book accommodations for at least a few days to give yourself enough time to settle in and explore other housing options.
- Airbnb has gained immense popularity as a platform for short-term accommodation rentals worldwide. You can browse through a wide range of options, from private rooms to entire apartments, on the Airbnb website or app. Similar to booking a hotel, you can reserve an Airbnb rental from your home country before arriving in Canada. When choosing an Airbnb, carefully read the reviews and check the host's ratings to ensure a reliable and comfortable stay. Look for accommodations that are conveniently located and well-connected to public transportation. Additionally, consider the cost, amenities, and house rules associated with each listing.
Once you have arranged temporary accommodation for the first few days, it's time to start searching for permanent housing options. First, let’s explore some of the different types of housing available for international students in Canada.
- On-Campus Residence: Living on-campus is a popular choice for many international students, especially in their first year. Canadian universities and colleges provide various on-campus residence options, including dormitories and shared apartments. On-campus housing offers convenience, proximity to campus facilities, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the student community. It's essential to apply early, as on-campus residences often have limited availability.
- Off-Campus Apartments: Renting an apartment off-campus is a common choice for international students seeking more independence and flexibility. Canadian cities have a range of apartments available for rent, varying in size, amenities, and location. Some students choose to share an apartment with roommates to reduce costs. Websites, online listings, and student housing offices can assist in finding suitable off-campus accommodations.
- Homestays: Homestays involve living with a Canadian host family in their home. This housing option provides a unique cultural experience and an opportunity to practice English or French skills. Homestay families offer a private room, meals, and support to international students. Homestays can provide a sense of security and a nurturing environment, particularly for those new to Canada.
- Shared Housing: Shared housing, often referred to as housemates or roommates, involves renting a house or apartment with other students or individuals. This option offers cost savings, shared responsibilities, and a chance to build new friendships. Many cities have dedicated housing websites and social media groups where you can find shared accommodation opportunities.
- Student Residences and Co-ops: Certain universities and colleges offer specialized student residences or cooperative housing options. These housing arrangements involve living in a community-oriented environment with other students who share similar interests or values. Student residences and co-ops often have specific criteria or applications, so it's important to research and apply in advance.
- Renting a House: In some cases, groups of international students choose to rent a house together. Renting a house offers more space, privacy, and the ability to create a home away from home. It often requires a higher level of organization, financial commitment, and understanding of local rental laws.
Once you know what type of housing you want to look for, then you should start navigating the rental market and find a place that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. And you can keep these six essential tips in mind while exploring the rental market.
- Fix your budget: Before you start looking for a place to stay, it's important to determine how much you can afford to spend on rent. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending. Make sure to factor in other expenses such as utilities, transportation, and groceries when setting your budget.
- Always try to negotiate: When negotiating with landlords, always be polite but firm. Ask if they're willing to lower the rent or include utilities in the monthly fee. It never hurts to ask, and you might be able to save some money in the process.
- Choose your roommates wisely: If you're planning on sharing a rental with roommates, make sure you choose them wisely. Look for people who are responsible, respectful, and have similar lifestyles and schedules as you. This can help prevent conflicts and make living together a positive experience.
- It should be near to your college: When looking for a rental, try to find a place that's close to your college. This can save you time and money on transportation, and make it easier to attend classes and study in groups. A commute of 20 to 30 minutes is usually reasonable, but this will depend on your individual circumstances.
- Near to plaza/grocery stores: Look for a rental that's close to plaza/grocery stores, as this can make it easier to buy groceries and other necessities. This can save you time and money on transportation and make it more convenient to run errands.
- Bus stops and bus frequency: If you're planning on using public transportation, make sure to check the bus stops and bus frequency in the area. This can help you plan your commute and avoid long wait times. You can use Google Maps to find this information, or check with the local transit authority.
Next thing will be to find suitable accommodation. It can often be challenging to navigate the rental market in an unfamiliar place. Thankfully, numerous online platforms have emerged to simplify the process and help international students secure their ideal housing.
- Kijiji is a popular classifieds website in Canada that offers a wide range of listings for rental properties. International students can search for apartments, shared accommodations, and other rental options in their desired location. One advantage of Kijiji is the option to contact listings through phone numbers, enabling direct communication with the property owner or landlord. This direct contact can facilitate a quicker response and provide an opportunity to ask specific questions about the property.
- Facebook Marketplace has become an increasingly popular platform for buying and selling items, including rental properties. As an international student, you can browse through various housing listings in your chosen city or university town. The advantage of Facebook Marketplace is the ability to message the owner directly through the platform. This feature allows for efficient communication and negotiation, making it easier to secure suitable accommodation.
- Facebook Groups are an excellent resource for international students seeking accommodation. Many cities and universities have dedicated Facebook Groups specifically for housing and international students. For example, you might find groups like "International Students in Toronto" or "Student Housing in London." These groups often provide a platform for students to connect, share accommodation listings, and find potential roommates. Joining these groups can help you tap into a supportive community while searching for housing.
- Rentals.ca is a comprehensive online platform that lists rental properties across Canada. It offers a user-friendly interface that allows international students to search for apartments, condos, and houses in their desired city. The platform provides detailed property descriptions, high-quality photos, and filtering options based on preferences such as location, price range, and amenities. Rentals.ca streamlines the housing search process by providing all the necessary information in one place.
When searching for a new place to live, it's important to gather all the necessary information before making a final decision. Asking the right questions to the accommodation owner can help you make an informed choice and avoid any surprises down the line. Here are some crucial questions to ask before finalizing your accommodation.
- Location and Room Placement: One of the essential factors to consider is the placement of your room within the accommodation. Ask the owner whether your room will be located in the basement or on the main floor. This information is crucial as it can affect factors such as natural light, noise levels, and accessibility.
- Number of Occupants: To ensure a comfortable living environment, it's important to know the number of people already living in the accommodation. This will give you an idea of the potential noise level, shared spaces' availability, and overall living dynamics.
- Kitchen and Washroom Facilities: Inquire about the number of kitchens and washrooms available in the accommodation. This information will help you understand the convenience and privacy you can expect. If there are multiple facilities, ask about the allocation and usage rules.
- Sharing Arrangements: Find out how many people will be sharing the kitchen and washroom with you. Understanding the number of individuals you will be sharing these spaces with can help you gauge the level of cleanliness and availability.
- Utilities: It's crucial to clarify whether utilities such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and other amenities are included in the rent or if you need to pay for them separately. This knowledge will allow you to budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs.
- Deposits: Ask about any deposits that need to be made before moving in. Inquire whether the owner requires a first or last month's rent deposit. Understanding the deposit requirements will help you plan your finances accordingly.
- Security Deposit: Discuss the security deposit and its terms. Find out if it is refundable or non-refundable, and what conditions must be met for a full or partial refund. Knowing the details of the security deposit will help you understand the owner's expectations and protect your rights as a tenant.
- Furnishing: Determine whether the room is furnished or unfurnished. This information will help you plan your move and assess if you need to bring your own furniture or make any additional arrangements.
- Guest Policy: Inquire about the accommodation's guest policy. Ask whether guests are allowed and if there are any restrictions or guidelines regarding overnight stays or the frequency of guest visits. Understanding the guest policy will ensure a harmonious living environment for all residents.
- Parties and Noise: Discuss whether parties or excessive noise are allowed in the accommodation. This is particularly important if you prefer a quiet and peaceful living environment or have specific requirements due to work or study commitments.
- Laundry Facilities: Ask about the laundry facilities available in the accommodation. Inquire whether there is a coin-operated laundry or if it is included in the rent. This will help you plan your laundry routine and budget accordingly.
- Cleaning Duties: Clarify the cleaning responsibilities within the accommodation. Ask about any shared cleaning duties or if there are any arrangements for professional cleaning services. Understanding the cleaning expectations will help maintain a clean and pleasant living environment for all residents.
Asking the right questions before finalizing your accommodation is crucial for a smooth and comfortable living experience.
Finally, there are some common mistakes that people make while searching for accommodation that can lead to disappointment, financial loss, and even scams. In this regard, one of the most important things to avoid while looking for accommodation is finalizing or paying for accommodation from your home country.
Many people make the mistake of sending money or paying for rent before seeing the accommodation in person, especially when they are moving to a new country. This can be a huge mistake, as there is always a risk of being scammed. Scammers can create fake listings with attractive pictures and descriptions, asking for upfront payments, and then disappear with the money. Even if the accommodation is real, it may not be as described, or the location may not be suitable for your needs.
To avoid such situations, it's important to save the leads and contact information of the accommodation you're interested in but avoid paying or finalizing anything before physically seeing the place. Once you arrive at your destination, take some time to visit the accommodation in person, check the facilities, and negotiate the terms of the rental. This way, you can make sure that the accommodation meets your expectations and avoid the risk of being scammed.
