
Accommodation in Canada-International students often have a primary concern when it comes to finding suitable housing in Canada before being accepted into a college or university. They typically encounter two main types of accommodations: on-campus and off-campus. The cost of student housing in Canada ranges from CAD 6,000 to CAD 16,000 per year for on-campus options and CAD 700 to CAD 2,200 per month for off-campus choices. india to canada
When applying to universities, students have the option to select on-campus housing, while for colleges, it is less common to find on-campus accommodations. In such cases, students can explore various off-campus housing options, such as rental apartments or homestays. This article provides comprehensive information regarding the available choices for student accommodation in Canada, including their associated costs.
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Types of accommodation in Canada for international students
International students in Canada have two types of accommodation options: on-campus housing and off-campus housing. For those seeking affordable student housing, detailed information is provided below. canada jobs for indians
Dormitories or Condominiums
Cost: CAD $250 and $625 per month
For international students who prefer the living-in-residence option, dormitories or condominiums are the ideal choices. Dormitories are housing units located within or near the university campus, offering rooms that can accommodate multiple students. canada student visa sop Condominiums, on the other hand, are independent apartments typically smaller than dormitories, providing accommodation for three to five students. canada time
Dormitories provide both single and shared rooms, along with common spaces such as living and dining rooms, internet facilities, basic furnishings, canada time now and meals. This type of accommodation is highly convenient for Indian students studying in Canada as it is located near the campus, offering easy access to all necessary facilities. living cost in canada per month
Condominiums, on the other hand, consist of single-capacity rooms, with some units featuring up to six bedrooms. Each condominium includes a separate kitchen and living area. Both dormitories and condominiums have their own cafeteria or food court.
International students planning to study for one or two semesters can opt for these living-in-residence options instead of searching for off-campus housing. Being situated near the campus allows students to make use of additional university facilities, such as the library. If you wish to stay in a dormitory, it is recommended to contact the student housing department of the university after receiving your acceptance letter. It’s important to note that housing and meal plans can vary between universities. Refer to the table below to explore the on-campus accommodation options provided by each institution.
University | Accommodation Type | Cost (CAD) |
McGill University | Studio Apartment/dormitories | $932- $1,090 per month |
University of Toronto | Single Room/Double Room | $14,000 — $16,000 |
University of Alberta | Single Room Double Room | $5218–$9983 $4449–$8506 |
McMaster University | Single Room/Double Room/Apartment/Quad | $6,250 – $10, 200 |
Western University | Single Room Double Room | $9,000 $8,000 |
Seneca College | Bachelor/1 bedroom 2 bedroom | $1,000 to $1,200 $1,500 to $1,700 |
Queen’s University | Single Room/ Quad Room/Loft Double Room | $9,000 – $17,000 |
George Brown College | Private bedroom | $925 – $10,762 |
Centennial College | 4 bedroom/2 bedroom | Request for pricing in the official website |
University of Ottawa | Apartment/Studio/Single/Double | $8,417 – $22,502 |
Townhouses
Cost: CAD $400 and $800 per month
Canadian universities offer townhouses as a type of accommodation for students. These townhouses typically consist of three or five bedrooms and are conveniently situated on or near the campus. The housing options include both single and shared rooms, basic furnishings, kitchen equipment, shared common spaces, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Typically, this type of housing is primarily available for third or fourth-year undergraduate students as well as postgraduate students. living cost in canada for indian students
Shared Apartments (Off-Campus)
Cost: CAD 700 and CAD 1,000 per month
Shared apartments located off-campus are similar to townhouses in terms of accommodation options. These apartments offer both single and shared rooms, allowing you to live with one or more roommates. They typically include common shared spaces such as a living area, kitchen, and dining area. When it comes to securing off-campus housing, it’s important to note that not all universities provide assistance in finding accommodation. However, some universities may offer support by referring students to external agencies to help them find suitable housing options. The rental costs for off-campus housing can vary depending on the city, such as Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, and others. Additionally, the cost of off-campus housing can also be influenced by the meal plan chosen by the student.
Homestay
Cost: CAD $400 and $800 per month
Students must live in a homestay in order to stay as a paying guest with a Canadian family. You’ll get a confidential room, 3 feasts day to day, and need to impart the normal spaces to the individuals from the family. This option is available to students who want to learn about Canadian culture and the area. With a family member staying with you to assist you immediately, this was one of the safest options. Universities and colleges are far from residential areas, so you must travel at least 30 to 50 minutes per day.
Rental Apartments
Cost: CAD $300 and $1000 per month
International students have the option of staying alone or with their friends in furnished private rental apartments. Apartment-style homes are an option if you want to explore Canada away from campus. The rental expense differs relying upon the area, conveniences, and others. In most cases, rent does not include any other costs like food, water, or electricity. A few lofts are completely outfitted while some or not, so guarantee while booking. Before moving into the apartment, you must sign a contract. Before you arrive in Canada, reserve these apartments online.
How to find accommodation in Canada for international students?
As an international student, finding suitable accommodation in Canada that fits your budget and meets your needs can be challenging. To begin, you should determine the type of accommodation you prefer. If you plan to stay on campus, you can contact the university or college to make a booking. If you’re looking for off-campus options, you can search for accommodation in Canada online.
There are numerous overseas education consultancies that provide accommodation services and can offer assistance. They may also provide contact information for their students who are already living in Canada. Kanan International is one such consultancy that has been offering services for nearly 26 years. If you require assistance, feel free to reach out to us.
Accommodation cost in Canada for international students
The cost of accommodation for international students in Canada varies depending on their preference for on-campus or off-campus housing. On-campus housing typically ranges from CAD 6,000 to CAD 16,000 per year, including meal expenses for 8 months. Off-campus accommodation in Canada can cost between CAD 700 and CAD 2,200 per month. The specific cost may differ based on factors such as the university/college, location, and the amenities you choose.
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
Accommodation in Canada
-Both on-campus and off-campus accommodations in Canada offer advantages and disadvantages. On-campus housing provides the convenience of utilizing university facilities, access to support from the international student community, assistance with housing, and inclusive costs that cover food and utilities. Off-campus housing, on the other hand, allows you to choose your desired location, explore Canadian culture, find more affordable options within your budget, and independently manage your expenses. Ultimately, the choice of accommodation depends on your personal preferences, needs, and financial situation.
Resources about Canada
- Canada study visa requirements
- Canada visa interview questions
- Intake in Canada
- Best place to study in Canada
- Scholarship in Canada
- Part-time jobs in Canada

FAQ
1. How much is student accommodation in Canada?
On-campus accommodation in Canada ranges from CAD 6,000 to CAD 16,000 per year, while off-campus accommodation typically costs between CAD 700 and CAD 2,200 per month.
2. How to find accommodation as a student in Canada?
Students in Canada can discover housing options by contacting the housing department of their college or university, as well as the student union. Additionally, they can explore apartment rentals through sources such as newspapers, libraries, and online platforms like Kijiji and Craigslist.
3. How much is room rent in Canada per month for students?
Rent payments in Canada can be made using various methods based on your landlord’s preference. Common payment options include cheques, cash, electronic bank transfers, and other agreed-upon payment methods.
4. Where to stay in Canada for Indian students?
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Vancouver
- Calgary
- Waterloo
- Halifax
- Edmonto
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.