How to Find Accommodation in Canada?

Got your Canadian Visa and are ready to board your flight? Once you have decided to move to Canada, the next task on your list will be looking for accommodation. This, of course, may seem daunting, but there are numerous resources available to assist you!

When finding accommodation in Canada, there are several options to choose from. From hostels to private rooms and apartments, it all depends on your personal preference and the budget you’ve allocated for it. Depending on your situation, you may want to book some temporary accommodation, and then seek more long-term housing in Canada. Whether it’s finding a place for your first night or signing your first lease, this article offers valuable advice every step of the way.

Finding Temporary Housing in Canada

It is important to secure temporary accommodation in Canada before you go. Hotels and hostels are plentiful in urban cities, although options are limited in the suburbs. It is advisable that you book well in advance to ensure you have the widest choice of temporary accommodation in Canada available to you. Tight budget? Not to worry as sites like Hostelworld and Facebook Marketplace have affordable short-term stays. When considering self-catering rental options like Airbnb or temporary apartment companies like CozyCozy, National Corporate Housing etcetera offer short-term housing options for a few weeks or months.

Unveiling the Cost of Your Canadian Student Haven

Canada stretches out as a vast tapestry of landscapes blessing one with a vibrant student lifestyle. But before you take the plunge into the whirlpool called the Academic Adventure, let\'s unlock the secrets to secure for yourself the perfect Canadian Nest.

From CAD$500 to CAD$4,000 a month, rents jump around the block of Canada\'s real estate market. As of November 2023, the cost of living in Canada\'s most popular cities varies dramatically. While a decent 1-bedroom apartment in Edmonton will cost a tenant approximately $1,300 per month and more than $2,700 monthly in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Hamilton remain closer to the lower end of this range. Ottawa and Toronto tend toward the higher end, with Toronto\'s rental market becoming quite a lot more expensive in recent years.

Everything from cozy studios to expansive apartments are available while catering to every student\'s budget and taste. Additionally, online platforms form a chorus to guide you to the best. So many of these online platforms offer invaluable, free assistance in finding your ideal accommodation in Canada. You may well have to make some compromises when looking for a more affordable district or neighborhood with decent public transportation links, or sharing an address with someone, at least at first. Or you could consider moving to another city altogether.

College and University Housing in Canada

Below is relevant information for college and university housing in Canada.

• Living on campus
• Living off-campus in private housing

Living on Campus

Living on or near your campus in college or university housing is called "living in residence." If you\'re coming for just one or two semesters, you may find living in a campus residence easier than looking for off-campus housing in Canada. On average, a residence room comes furnished with a bed, shelving, and a desk. The price also generally includes an optional meal plan that allows you to dine on campus.

· Residence Room Options

You can have a single or shared room, it is the latter that is usually cheaper. Some only have shared rooms for first-year students. Living in residence includes:

• A private room
• Shared bathroom facilities
• A kitchen
• Laundry facilities
• Free Wi-Fi (in most cases)

Some institutions also offer apartment-style residences, including private kitchens and bathrooms shared by a few students.

· Benefits of Living in Residence

Some major pros of living in a residence are:

• Easy and quick access to campus facilities and libraries
• Less transportation required
• Opportunity to make new friends
• An easier transition to being a student in Canada

Once you are registered at your college or university you will have a better understanding of the cost of living in Canada for a residence and can determine if that is a feasible option for you.

Living Off-Campus Private Housing in Canada

The cost of living off campus can be less expensive than residing in a college or university residence, but remember you are likely going to have to pay for:

• Furniture—all this is absent in an unfurnished apartment
• Bedding and towels
• Kitchen utensils
• Food and cleaning supplies
• Utilities—electricity, heating, Internet
• TV/cable and streaming services

The advantages of private housing include:

• Greater freedom and privacy
• A closer look at the real Canadian way of life
• Savings on costs by sharing accommodation

· Types of Long Term & Short Term Housing options in Canada

When it comes to short- or long-term accommodations in Canada, there are various options to suit different needs and preferences:

• Single-Family Homes or Detached Homes:These are stand-alone houses designed for a single family, often featuring private yards and parking spaces.
• Apartments:Multi-unit buildings with individual rental units, varying in size and amenities, often offering communal spaces and shared facilities.
• Condominiums (Condos):Privately owned units within a larger complex, with shared ownership of common areas. Condos often feature amenities like gyms and pools.
• Townhouses:Multi-level homes connected in a row or block, sharing walls with neighboring units. Townhouses blend aspects of single-family homes and apartments.
• Duplexes:Buildings with two separate living units, each with its separate entrance. Duplexes can be side-by-side or stacked.
• Cooperative Housing (Co-ops):Housing complexes collectively owned and managed by residents, fostering a communal living arrangement with shared responsibilities and decision-making.
• Shared Housing:Properties designed for shared living, where individuals rent rooms in a larger house, sharing common areas and expenses.
• Loft Apartments:Converted industrial or commercial spaces with open layouts, high ceilings, and distinctive architectural features, offering a unique living experience.

When renting off-campus, you should plan to:

• Sign a lease of 9 or 10 months which is a quite standard period
• Pre-pay the first and last month\'s rent
• Pay damage deposit which is the money paid to the landlord before occupying a rental unit, recoverable at the end of tenancy after evaluation of probable damages

Private Housing in Canada

University housing offices, student unions, and online platforms like Kijiji and Craigslist are excellent resources for finding private housing in Canada. Prices vary as much as the quality, so ensure that you view the space before signing any lease.

· Cost of Private Housing

The cost of private housing in Canada will vary as per the region and the locality you prefer to live in and price may also fluctuate with added amenities. Some options to consider are

• Renting a room in a house:CAD 400 - CAD 800 per month
• Apartment rent:CAD 900 - CAD 2,000 per month depending on the region and size
• For towns like Toronto or Vancouver:CAD 900 to CAD 3,000 per month

Dealing with Your Landlord

Your tenancy agreement is a legal agreement outlining the responsibilities of you as well as that of your landlord. These are some of the fundamental responsibilities of a landlord which include but are not limited to the maintenance of premises, provision of agreed utilities, and respect for your privacy. The tenants have the following roles to play:

• Always pay your rent on time
• Keep the unit clean
• Repair what you damage
• Let the landlord in to do repairs, with notice

Most landlords ask for post-dated cheques for rent. If you have any troubles, your college\'s housing office can help you by giving you legal advice, along with some other basic support. The rights of tenants are governed by legislation in every province and territory, and these legislations operate for international students.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, with a secured visa and a booked ticket, the most exciting but daunting part of one\'s journey would be finding a home away from home. This blog will equip you with all the information from securing temporary accommodation upon arrival, such as hotels, hostels, affordable options through Hostelworld or Facebook Marketplace, or self-catering rentals via Airbnb, to find your perfect long-term haven.

Keep in mind that the pulse of Canadian student life pulsates through its colorful tapestry. Rents can vary between CAD$500 and CAD$4,000 per month depending on the city and the dose of luxury you prefer. Colleges and university housing offices may be a second good source for "living in residence," especially convenient for shorter stays. Embark your Canadian study journey with ease on finding accommodation options with this thorough overview, which in turn would help you better understand how the Canadian housing market operates.