As an international student, you’ll face challenges unrelated to your classes, exams and social activities.
You’ll be facing most of these challenges alone, far from your family and friends. One of the biggest challenges you will face is International student housing.
Where to find international student housing
Here are some tips and suggestions for getting a suitable place to stay in Canada that will allow you to focus on your studies.
- Start looking as soon as possible. You’ll be competing with domestic students who may have already signed contracts and leases up to six months in advance. As well, universities are opening more and more spaces up to international students. You’ll have to compete with hundreds of students who are arriving at the same time. You’ll have less time to search because most landlords will want to meet you face to face before renting. However, there are some things you can do from abroad and it’s never too early to start.
- Apply to live in the dorm. Public colleges and universities usually have dorm rooms. There are a few bonuses to living on the campus of the institution – you will be able to get used to life in Canada and will be close to your classes. You will also have easier access to support groups for international students, counselling and campus events, which will allow you to be immerse yourself in the culture more easily. You should pursue this option as early as possible, as campus housing is usually very high in demand.
- If you are not able to find lodging on campus, you will need to pursue other options. There are many websites online catering to students like you. They can help you find housing off-campus. You could rent and share an apartment, or do a homestay, which might provide you with a more ‘authentic’ Canadian experience. The experience of living on campus, while excellent, is more insulated, and does not lend as many opportunities for you to become immersed in Canadian culture.
- Contact the housing office of your college or university. Most institutions have an office that helps students. Potential landlords will contact them when they have a room or space to rent and other students will send requests for roommates to share apartments and houses. These offices also have partnerships with companies that have rooms and apartments available. Search the institution’s website to find information about housing.
- Read classified ads. Apartments and roommate accommodations are advertised on classified ad sites and in newspapers. This option is better for students who are already in the country as it is important to be cautious. Being able to view the lodging and meet the person renting it is ideal. Otherwise, you could lose your deposit or get stuck in substandard housing.
You should be aware that there are many different obstacles you will encounter when you arrive here, chief among them being the issue of housing. You will need to be pro-active in starting your search for accommodations, as well as diligent in deciding which type of housing would be most suitable for you - on campus or off. There are always advantages and drawbacks to each, which will mainly depend on the your situation.
AllCleared assists students with their international study permit applications. If you would like to discuss the student application process, contact us today by filling out the form on our Live Work Study Visit home page and a specialist will get back to you.
