Student Accommodation in Canada – A Complete Guide

Living on campus

Most universities in Canada offer on-campus accommodation for students. Some will offer residences specifically for postgraduates.

Rooms in postgraduate housing are either private or shared (sharing with a roommate will be cheaper, though this is not always an option for graduate students).

You’ll generally live in a ‘suite’ with several other students (either single or mixed gender) with a shared kitchen, living area, laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. Bathrooms may be ensuite or shared. You may have the option of adding a meal plan to the cost of your accommodation which will provide you with breakfast, lunch and dinner in a campus canteen.

How much does it cost to live on campus in Canada?

The cost of on-campus accommodation in Canada is highly variable and depends on your university and whether you choose a single or shared room. As an illustrative example, the University of Toronto charges between $1,004 and $1,467 per month for a room in its graduate housing. However, you should consult your university’s website for exact pricing. As a very general rule, student accommodation is likely to be more expensive than renting privately.

Private accommodation

You also have the option of living in private, off-campus accommodation. You can choose to rent an entire apartment alone, but you will bring down costs significantly by opting to share a house or flat with other students.

Private housing in Canada may be either furnished or unfurnished. You will generally have to pay for utilities separately. Also bear in mind that washing machines will not always be provided, so you may have to budget for use of your local dry cleaners.

How much does it cost to live in private housing in Canada?

The cost of private housing in Canada can vary hugely depending on location. Large cities such as Vancouver and Ottawa are likely to be more expensive. According to crowdsourced data from Numbeo, the nationwide average for renting a one-bedroom apartment in Canada is CAD $1,863 in the city centre and CAD $1,643 outside.

However, it’s far more common for students to live in shared housing. You can generally expect to pay between CAD$400 and $800 per month for a room in a shared house.

How can I find private housing in Canada?

Your university’s housing office or students’ union should be your first port of call when it comes to looking for private housing. They may have a list of options near campus. You can also find listings in newspapers or on online portals such as Kijiji.

Pros and cons of private housing

Pros

• Private housing in Canada is often cheaper than student accommodation.
• You’ll have more flexibility when it comes to choosing who you live with and where. You’ll also have the option of shopping around for cheaper utility bills.
• You’ll be able to get more integrated with Canadian society.

Cons

• You’ll be responsible for organising your own utility bills and food, without the option of paying for a packaged deal.
• It may be more difficult to meet fellow students and get involved with on-campus activities.
• You may need to commute a larger distance to get to your classes or the library.

Top tips for finding student accommodation in Canada

It’s important to choose your accommodation carefully when relocating to a new country. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Start looking early: It’s a good idea to begin exploring your accommodation options as soon as you have a confirmed university place. On-campus accommodation may have limited spaces and is usually allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Equally, there will be a rush on securing private accommodation near campuses right before the beginning of the academic year.
• Get support from your university: Your university’s housing office or students’ union is there to help! They will likely have information specifically for international students on navigating the rental market in Canada, as well as a list of approved properties in the area.
• Check for extra costs: Look beyond the up-front cost when choosing your ideal accommodation. Check whether your bill is all-inclusive, or you’ll have to pay extra for food, furniture or utilities.

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