There are various types of College Housing in Canada for international students. Student housing in Canada is diverse and meets everyone's needs, ranging from shared apartments to studios to homestays. Study in Canada offers applicants with good knowledge that first-year students must reside on campus, whereas everyone else has access to both on- and off-campus housing. On-campus housing costs between 1.54 lakhs and 9.86 lakhs per year. This can change depending on the sort of lodging selected at Canadian universities. For candidates looking to study in Canada, the price of off-campus housing can range from 0.24 lakhs to 1.85 lakhs per month.

Living On Campus at College or University

Living on campus at a college or university, also known as "living in residence," offers several advantages for students in Canada. For international students staying in Canada for a short duration (1 or 2 semesters), living in residence can be more convenient than finding off-campus housing. Residence rooms are typically furnished with a bed, shelves, and a desk, making the transition smoother. Here are the top universities in Canada with accommodation costs:

University Accommodation Type Cost
McGill University Studio Apartment/dormitories CAD 932- CAD 1,090 per month
(INR 57727.76 - 67514.23)
University of Toronto Single Room/Double Room CAD 14,000 — CAD 16,000
(INR 867155.24 - 991034.56)
University of Alberta Single Room
Double Room		 CAD 5218–CAD 9983
(INR 323201 - 618343.63) CAD 4449–CAD 8506
(INR 275569.55 - 526858.75)
McMaster University Single Room/Double Room/Apartment/Quad CAD 6,250 - CAD 10, 200
(INR 384335.59 - 631784.53)
Western University Single Room Double Room CAD 9,000(INR 557456.94)
CAD 8,000(INR 495517.28)
Seneca College Bachelor/1 bedroom
2 bedroom		 CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,200
(INR 61939.66 - 74327.59) CAD 1,500 to CAD 1,700
(INR 92909.49 - 105297.42)
Queen’s University Single Room/ Quad Room/Loft Double Room CAD 9,000 – CAD 17,000
(INR 557456.94 - 1052974)
George Brown College Private bedroom CAD 925 - CAD 10,762
(NR 57294 - 666594.62)
Centennial College 4 bedroom/2 bedroom Request for pricing in the official website
University of Ottawa Apartment/Studio/Single/Double CAD 8,417 - CAD 22,502
(INR 521346 - 1393766.23)

Student Accommodation for Cities in Canada

If you wish to reside in a particular city in Canada, the cost of living will vary. Candidates can look for the best cities in Canada while applying for the program. Compared to tier II or tier III cities, metropolis cities typically provide more housing alternatives at a greater price. It's difficult to find the cheapest accommodation in Canada. There are several universities in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and many other cities offering lodging costs as provided below.

City Average Cost
Toronto CAD 1,700 - CAD 7,500
(INR 1.04 - 4.63 Lakh)
Montreal CAD 1,059 - CAD 3,850
(INR 65,400 - 2.37 Lakh)
Vancouver CAD 2,500 - CAD 5,500
(INR 1.54 - 3.39 Lakh)
Calgary CAD 1,500 - CAD 4,100
(INR 92,635 - 2.53 Lakh)
Ottawa CAD 875 - CAD 1,950
(INR 54,037 - 1.20 Lakh)
Quebec CAD 749 - CAD 1,699
(INR 46,255 - 1.04 Lakh)
Waterloo CAD 1,359 - CAD 3,500
(INR 83,927 - 2.16 Lakh)
Guelph CAD 1,699 - CAD 4,600
(INR 1.04 - 2.84 Lakh)

Process For Signing A Lease And Submitting Deposit

To rent a house or apartment, there is a process involved in which the student has to sign a lease with the landlord and pay some amount as a deposit. Applicants must have Canada student visa in order to be eligible to study in Canada. This varies from city to city, but a general process has been mentioned below:

Sign a Lease: When renting off-campus, you'll typically be required to sign a lease agreement. The lease outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy, including the rent amount, lease duration, rules, and responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord.

Immediate Payment: In many cases, landlords will require you to pay the first month's rent upfront before moving in. This payment ensures that you are financially committed to the lease.

Last Month's Rent: Some landlords may also request the last month's rent to be paid upfront. This acts as a form of security for the landlord in case the tenant decides to leave suddenly or without fulfilling the entire lease term.

Damage Deposit:

  • A damage deposit is an additional amount of money that you pay to the landlord before moving in. This deposit serves as a security against any potential damages caused to the property during your tenancy.
  • The amount of the damage deposit may vary and is typically equal to one month's rent, but it can be any amount the landlord decides to charge.

Use of Damage Deposit:

  • If you cause any damage to the housing unit during your lease, the landlord can use the damage deposit to cover the repair costs. If the damage exceeds the deposit amount, you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance.
  • If you do not cause any significant damages, the landlord is obliged to return the full or remaining amount of the damage deposit to you at the end of your lease term.

Average Costs For Private Housing

Private housing options, such as renting rooms in houses or apartments, are not controlled or inspected by universities or colleges. Students seeking private housing off-campus should be cautious and diligent in their search to ensure they find a suitable and safe place to live. The cost of living in Canada can vary depending on the city or region.

The average rent for a room in a house is around CAD 400 to CAD 800. An apartment in a high class building may cost up to CAD 900 to CAD 2000 per month.
 

Type of Accommodation Cost
Dormitories CAD 250 – CAD 625 per month
(INR 15484.92 - 38712.29)
Townhouses CAD 400 – CAD 800 per month
(INR 24775.86 - 49551.73)
Shared Apartment CAD 700 – CAD 1000 per month
(INR 43357.76 - 61939.66)
Homestay CAD 400 – CAD 800 per month
(INR 24775.86 - 49551.73)
Furnished/Unfurnished Apartment Rentals CAD 300 – CAD 1000 per month
(INR 18581.90 - 61939.66)

Finding suitable private housing can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration and research to ensure you find a comfortable and secure place to call home during your time at university or college.

FAQs

Ques: What are the benefits of living on campus at college or university?

Ans. Living on campus offers convenience, as you are close to classes, libraries, and other campus facilities. It fosters a strong sense of community, provides access to various support services, and offers opportunities to engage in campus activities and events.

Ques: Can international students live on campus in Canada?

Ans. Yes, many Canadian colleges and universities welcome international students and offer on-campus housing options specifically designed for them.

Ques: How much does on-campus housing typically cost?

Ans. The cost of on-campus housing varies depending on the institution and the type of room. Generally, it can range from CAD 5,000 to CAD 12,000 per academic year.

Ques: Are there any restrictions for living on campus?

Ans. Some institutions may have restrictions, such as gender-specific dorms or age limitations for certain residences. Additionally, on-campus housing may prioritize first-year students or students with specific needs.

Ques: What are the advantages of off-campus accommodation in private housing?

Ans. Off-campus housing can offer more independence and flexibility in choosing your living space. It allows you to experience life beyond the campus and immerse yourself in the local community.

Ques: How much should I budget for off-campus private housing?

Ans. The cost of private housing varies based on the location, type of accommodation, and number of roommates. On average, students may expect to pay CAD 400 to CAD 2,000 per month, depending on the city and housing type.

Ques: Can I negotiate the terms of the lease with a private landlord?

Ans. Negotiating lease terms is possible, especially in certain situations. However, not all landlords may be open to negotiation, so it's best to discuss any concerns or requests before signing the lease.

Ques: What is the process for signing a lease for off-campus private housing?

Ans. Once you find a suitable place, the process involves reviewing the lease agreement carefully, clarifying any doubts, and signing the contract. Be prepared to provide identification and references as requested by the landlord.

Ques: Do I need to pay a security deposit when signing a lease?

Ans. Yes, it's common to pay a security deposit to the landlord before moving in. This deposit acts as protection for the landlord in case of damages to the property during your tenancy.

Ques: How much notice do I need to give before moving out of off-campus accommodation?

Ans. The notice period required for moving out depends on the terms specified in the lease agreement. Typically, a 30-day notice is standard, but it may vary from one lease to another.