International Students in Canada: Here's How You Can Find a Rental Apartment

Housing for international students in Canada is a top concern for many newcomers coming to study here. When it comes to starting your search, there are many factors to consider such as the type of accommodation, the right neighbourhood, what the additional costs are, and whether you want roommates.

In this blog, we cover everything international students need to know about finding a rental apartment in Canada, including typical costs, where to look, and a step-by-step guide for finding your ideal student accommodation.

How much is rent for international students in Canada?

If you’re wondering about the cost of international student housing, it can vary from province to province and also depends upon the city you are studying in. But typically, students should budget anywhere from $500 to $2000 a month. Keep in mind that while this is a widely fluctuating range, pricing is influenced by factors like whether your place comes fully furnished and if utilities are included in your monthly rent.

Where can I find rental listings for students in Canada?

The best places to find postings for international student housing for rent are:

• Your student centre or housing department - This is a great resource that often offers a portal for finding local student rental listings, as well as events or 1:1 sessions to help you get started in your search.

• Online listings on Kijiji or Craigslist - Many students in your area looking for roommates will post on websites like Kijiji or Craigslist. You may even find short-term rentals or sublets. However, much like any online site or rental website, be aware of scammers (more on that later).

• Rental websites such as:

• Student.com - A marketplace and listing service designed specifically for international student housing.

• Roomster - A roommate finder and roommate search service.

• Padmapper - A location-based rental service to find accommodation of any kind.

• Zillow - Online marketplace for rentals and for-sale listings.

• Rentals.ca - A rental website with map-based search function.

• Zumper - An all-in-one rental platform for landlords and renters for houses, condos, rooms, and apartments.

• Rentseeker - A platform for finding apartments and real estate marketing.

• Local rental groups on Facebook - There are often many existing groups for rentals in your city on Facebook. Not sure where to start? Try inputting “student rentals/sublets/housing” + “[your university or college]”. For example: “student rentals University of Ottawa”

• The newspaper - Check out the rentals listings section in your local newspaper, either online or on paper.

• Real estate agent - Real estate agents can send you listings curated to specific criteria you give them, such as rentals that are in a certain area or have on-site laundry. Keep in mind that you don’t need to pay them anything to use their services.

• Neighbourhood signs - One of the best ways to find potential accommodation is to walk around neighbourhoods you’re interested in living in and see if there are signs or postings for rent. It’s also a great way to find some of the cheapest accommodation in your city.

7 Steps to Find Housing for International Students in Canada

1. Determine your budget

First, start off by researching how much accommodation typically is, in the city you are studying in, then factor in the cost of living. Take into account your own personal expenses and income and adjust where needed. This will help you figure out how much you are able to spend on housing.

Check out this resource from the National Bank of Canada on how to start a budget for student housing.

1. Research the neighbourhood you want to live in When it comes to deciding where you should rent, you can start by asking your student centre, your classmates, or just taking note of areas you love the most when you’re out and about. Here are other factors to consider when researching a neighbourhood:

1. How walkable is it?

2. Is it close to public transit?

3. Is it close to amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.?

4. What are the people in the neighbourhood like?

5. Does the neighbourhood feel safe?

2. Decide what type of housing you want

Most students in Canada live either on-campus or off-campus. Here’s an overview of the different types of on-campus and off-campus housing available to you as an international student:

Types of On-Campus Housing:

1. Student Residences

This type of housing is offered by all Canadian colleges and universities. It’s accessible and safe. It also offers convenience and access to amenities like the cafeteria, student centre, gym, and library. You can either live in:

• A dormitory/condo - Typically, this is a single room or double room that you share with another student. Dorms are typically in a larger student residence building or condominium that includes a living room, kitchen, and laundry area either on the same floor or in a central location in the building. Often, there will also be a food court or cafeteria attached.
  

• Suite style/townhouses - Suites are apartment-style housing that include 3-4 private bedrooms and a shared kitchen and living room that is solely used by you and your roommates. Suites can often be found in the same student residence building as dorms, or they can be in their own building with other suites.

STUDENT RESIDENCES COST: $625 - $1,833 per month

Please note that the monthly cost depends on your college/university, inclusion of meal plan, which city you study in, etc). For example, student accommodation in Toronto is quite high even on its low end, because of the cost of living.

Here are some examples of annual student residence costs per academic term for universities in Canada:

1. University of Toronto - $14,648 to $18,172 per academic term

2. McGill University - $11, 184 to $13,080 per academic term

3. University of Ottawa - $8,417 to $22,502 per academic term

4. University of British Columbia - $12,000 to $14,500 per academic term

5. University of Calgary- $4,032 to $14,973 per academic term

Types of Off-Campus Housing:

1. Rental apartments (1 occupant)

Choosing to live alone gives you the independence and privacy you may be craving as a student. However, there are some other factors to consider. You will solely be responsible for chores and for paying utilities and other living expenses like furniture.

COST: $700 - $2000 per month

2. Shared apartment or house

If you are just beginning your studies as an international student, you may want to consider living with others. It gives you access to a support system and people that can help shoulder the burden of daily living. Plus, it can help cut down on costs.

COST: $500 - $1000 per month

3. Canada Homestay Network

Homestay is a type of accommodation that allows international students to stay with a host family. It can act as a home away from home.

COST: $1200 - $1450 per month

4. Narrow down your choices

Once you decide on the type of housing you’d like, it’s time to look at listings or available residences and narrow down your choices. If you want to find cheap and safe housing, make use of your student housing department or student centre and/or a real estate agent.

If you have any accessibility requirements, be sure to inform the landlord, or whoever is helping you find your rental, so they can take that into consideration when determining if a rental is a good fit.

Finally, be aware of scammers. Don’t pay any money upfront and don’t share any unnecessary information while you’re looking for the right accommodation!

5. Visit your housing options

View the property you’re interested in before you make any commitments. Photographs can sometimes be inaccurate when it comes to revealing the rental’s true condition.

If you run into existing tenants while visiting a property, ask them how they like living there. They will usually be upfront and honest.

Trust your gut. If a place feels unsafe, don’t make excuses just because the price is right.

If you decide to live with roommates, make sure there is an interview so you can meet the people you may live with and find out if it’s a good fit.

6. Ask questions about what’s included and if there are additional costs

Check if your utilities, internet, furniture, repairs, and other services are included in your rent. For on-campus housing, see if your fee includes a meal plan and if there are any other additional costs.

7. Research and educate yourself on your rental rights

One of the most important steps before you sign your lease or commit to student accommodation is knowing your rights as a tenant. You can get this information either on your city’s municipal website or through your student housing or international student resource centre. This will help you understand what information can and can’t be asked for before you sign your lease.

Accommodation Resources for International Students

We hope this blog has given you the information you need to find the right kind of student accommodation. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone! There are many resources at your disposal that can support you in your search.

Do you have burning questions about life as an international student in Canada? IDP Education offers free sessions with student counsellors who are here to provide their know-how and support on everything from adjusting to life in Canada to choosing the right courses. Book a chat now.

For more tips on international student life in Canada, follow IDP Education Canada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.