Finding Affordable Accommodation in Canada for Indian Students

Accommodation in Canada for Indian Students: Home Away From Home

Like most students moving to Canada, you might be looking forward to living independently, taking care of your own living space and adulting at the next level. The freedom you have in this new, exciting country and the differences in the way of life leave you with much to learn about yourself as an adult. Finding a house on a budget is always a challenge. Still, luckily, student accommodation in Canada for Indians is supported by an excellent housing ecosystem and plenty of support for international students. The infrastructure for student accommodation in Canada for Indians is really strong near colleges and universities, and you just have to look for something that makes you feel at home.

Accommodation in Canada: What You Need to Know

• Budget-Friendly Options: Various budget-friendly rentals, homestays, hostels, and dorms accommodate international students, some even providing meals.

• **Freedom & Privacy:**When deciding between on-campus and off-campus accommodation, consider factors like budget, freedom, and privacy.

• **Budget Considerations:**Off-campus accommodations offer more spending flexibility, allowing budget adjustments.

• Options for Off-Campus: There are diverse off-campus options, including homestays, PG accommodations, and independent housing.

• Safety: On-campus accommodations are safer and easier to manage but come at a higher cost, with some compromises on freedom and privacy.

• Easier access to classes and university activities.

• Enhanced socialisation opportunities.

• Safety measures provided by the college/university.

• Inclusive amenities: internet, laundry, meals, libraries, study spaces.

• Availability of on-campus work opportunities.

Drawbacks of On-Campus Accommodation

• Predominantly higher fees compared to off-campus options.
• Limited private space, often sharing rooms and using communal washrooms.
• Meal schedule adherence due to the lack of kitchen access.
• Strict rules and regulations may restrict freedom and experiences.

Apartment-Style Accommodation Options

• Available in some colleges/universities.
• Single-occupancy units with private bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Access to common areas like kitchens and living rooms.
• Significantly more expensive than regular Canadian hostel fees.
• Limited availability, especially during peak application times.

Residence Assistant (RA) Program

• Students can become RAs, supporting the community.
• RAs may receive subsidised or free on-campus accommodation.

Considerations for Affordability

• On-campus options may not be suitable for students on tight budgets.
• Affordability challenges for those with education loans or limited financial support.

Application Considerations

• Limited availability necessitates quick application for on-campus housing.
• Competition for apartment-style accommodations can be intense, even with early applications.

On-campus living offers convenience and safety but comes with a financial cost. Students need to weigh the benefits against their budget constraints and personal preferences when deciding on accommodation.

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Off-Campus Accommodation

• Emulates a more adult lifestyle with increased responsibilities.
• Requires independent problem-solving without on-campus support.
• Options include going solo or sharing with housemates to manage living costs.

Accommodation Choices

• Apartments, houses, basements, homestays, and PGs in Canada are available.
• Each option has its own set of pros and cons based on independence and communal aspects.

Budget Control

• Off-campus living grants greater control over the budget.
• Options to choose cheaper accommodations and spaces based on personal needs.
• Preparation for independent adult life with self-regulated routines.

Challenges of Off-Campus Living

• Transportation dependence, especially without a vehicle.
• Limited socialising options lead to potential loneliness.
• Risk of overspending and difficulty maintaining a routine.

Search and Shortlisting Strategies

• Utilise online platforms like Craigslist, Kijiji, PadMapper, and Rentfaster.
• Explore university websites, administration offices, and Facebook housing groups.
• Check newspapers with classified ads for additional listings.

Risk Mitigation & Cautionary Measures

• Be cautious of potential fraud or overcharging by landlords or PGs in Canada.

• Review lease agreements thoroughly before signing.

• Contact verified property owners and avoid immediate pressure to sign or pay.

• Use reputable websites and sources for property listings.

• Explore options vetted by former students or recommended by the university.

• Check online reviews or complaints about landlords and properties.

• Avoid landlords pressuring immediate decisions or payments.

While off-campus living offers freedom, students must navigate potential pitfalls and prioritise verified sources for a secure housing experience.

Homestays in Canada for Indian

• Wholesome off-campus option offering a family environment.
• Provides a spare room or basement with an average cost of living in Canada.
• Warm and accepting families offer guidance, regular meals, and a safe atmosphere.

Cultural Integration

• Homestays aid adjustment to Canadian ways of life.
• Richer social life by integrating with local culture and diverse people.

Considerations

• Compatibility with the family impacts the comfort of the experience.
• Some homestays may restrict independence; choose wisely for a comfortable stay.

Finding Homestays

• Check with the university for registered student-friendly homestays.
• Explore online platforms like Homestay.com, Canada Homestay Network, Mystay International, and IHF Canada Homestays.
• Look for options on university forums, Facebook groups, and bulletin boards.

Risk Mitigation & Cautionary Measures

• Be transparent about your needs and personality when contacting families.

• Read bios and gather useful information before contacting potential homestays.

• Visit potential homestays in person before making a decision.

• Gauge the environment, expectations, meals, and quality-of-life factors.

• Ask for references from previous students to gather more insights.

• Contact references for information on PGs in Canada and the overall experience.

Home-Sharing Accommodation

• Variation on homestays where you share a home with non-family adults.
• Offers a community-based environment with hosts who may vary in involvement.

You can also read: Top Universities in Canada

Making and Maintaining a Budget

Housing costs vary from city to city and province to province. Here’s what the average cost of living in Canada with rent looks like for different accommodations in 5 major student cities.

Studio Apartment

• Vancouver: CAD 1,800- 2,500+
• Toronto: CAD 1,700-2,300+
• Montreal: CAD 800-1,200+
• Calgary: CAD 800-1,300+
• Edmonton: CAD 700-1,200+

1BHK Apartment

• Vancouver: CAD 2,000-2,800+
• Toronto: CAD 2,000- 2,800+
• Montreal: CAD 1,000-1,600+
• Calgary: CAD 1,000-1,600+
• Edmonton: CAD 900-1,500+

Shared Apartment

• Vancouver: CAD 600-1,200+
• Toronto: CAD 600-1,200+
• Montreal: CAD 400-800+
• Calgary: CAD 500-900+
• Edmonton: CAD 400-800+

Homestay

• Vancouver: CAD 800-1,200+
• Toronto: CAD 800-1,200+
• Montreal: CAD 600-1,000+
• Calgary: CAD 700-1,200+
• Edmonton: CAD 600-1,000+

As you can see, Toronto and Vancouver have higher average costs of living in Canada with rent compared to the other cities because of the high demand for rentals. So, if you need accommodations there, make sure you start searching as early as you can.

Resources and Support Services

• Pack basic items such as clothes, important electronics, and quality-of-life essentials.
• Include winterwear and favourite spices, considering availability and cost differences.

Budget-Friendly Approaches

• Explore garage sales, flea markets, and second-hand online listings.
• Prioritise spending on essentials like a mattress, cot, and utensils.

Challenges with Furniture

• Furniture is often expensive to rent or buy, posing a challenge for budget-conscious students.
• Consider buying second-hand items but be cautious, especially with mattresses.

Online Platforms for Purchases

• Utilise Facebook groups, Craigslist, and other second-hand marketplaces for affordable furniture.
• Actively seek out neighbourhood yard sales for potential deals.

Networking and Connections

• Make friends and connections, as people often buy or sell items.
• Engage in campus activities to broaden your network and increase your chances of finding needed items.

Utilising Social Circles

• Leverage connections to discover available items; someone upgrading may have what you need.

• Active involvement in campus activities enhances opportunities to connect with people looking to buy or sell.

• Off-campus accommodation in Canada provides an adult lifestyle with increased responsibilities, diverse options like apartments and homestays, and greater budget control, but entails challenges such as transportation dependence and the need for cautious selection to mitigate potential issues.

• Homestays in Canada offer a wholesome off-campus option, fostering a family environment with cultural integration opportunities, requiring careful consideration of compatibility, transparent communication, and in-person visits for a comfortable experience.

• When seeking accommodation in Canada, utilise online platforms like Craigslist and university portals, and access immigrant helper organisations such as Culturelink and The Housing Help Centre in Ontario, along with resources from Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation and newcomerscanada.ca.