1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat

Student Housing in Canada

Student Housing in Canada

May 20, 2019

One of the most intimidating parts about choosing where you are going to study, besides the university, is trying to decide where you’re going to live. Should you stay on campus? Should you rent a place? What if it’s too expensive? If your school has some sort of Facebook group, it’s possible some people are even starting to plan to move together. Do universities expect you to stay in dorms?

Honestly neither is better than the other. On campus or off campus there are many variables, but let’s get more specific. Really, what are your choices?

On-Campus Housing

  • The Dorms

This is the simplest, and for many of us, the easiest one. A lot of universities in Canada, like in the U.S., offer student dorms and accomodations. Dorms are basically large buildings where students share common spaces like kitchen, tv rooms, laundry rooms, etc. Most times bathrooms are also shared by each floor. However, according to an Insider article, the U.S. puts a lot more emphasis on dorm life than Canada. For a lot of international students this may be good news.

When I was applying to American universities, even before I knew that it was mandatory for me to live in the dorms, I felt that social expectation to live on campus. I thought if I didn’t, I’d miss out on a lot of opportunities to meet people and make friends. This was also probably put in my mind by movies I’d watched when I was younger. While it’s true living on campus might help you make friends, you’re not missing out on much if you don’t. There are other ways in all universities to get involved on campus and meet people.

Moreover, according to McGill University graduate, Paula Tsvayg on Money magazine, “There’s much more of a culture of independence” in Canadian universities. Students would have to move out after their first year, so definitely there’s less pressure to live on campus. Even when it comes to Greek life, according to Insider, it’s not as big as in the U.S. either.

  • Townhouses

Campbell Cohen Canada Immigration Lawyers describe Townhouses as student accommodations provided and managed by the university, housing three to six students who would most likely get their own room each. In this case, the shared kitchen and living room would be only for these students rather than the whole building or floor. The only thing is usually this type of accommodation will be reserved for upperclassmen, meaning first year students would not be able to stay apply to this.

While student accommodations tend to offer reduced prices, depending on the university’s options and availability, it may even be more convenient to find a place off-campus. Nevertheless, the best place to start is the university’s housing website. Even if they can’t help directly, they usually try to include other options for students to look into or will at least be happy to direct you to someone who can help, since it wouldn’t be strange for dormitories to fill out quickly.

Off-Campus

  • Apartments

The biggest pros about renting an apartment will definitely be the sense of independence and the level of comfort. The biggest con will be the cost. According to InternationalStudents.com the prices can vary greatly, as well as quality and availability. Rent can vary from CAD 400 to CAD 1500, especially in larger cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

For international students, signing the lease and talking directly to the landlord may be a bit more complicated so if you plan to rent an apartment, make sure to start looking into it and planning with plenty of time before you need to be there.

  • Homestay

Staying with a host family in Canada can be an interesting choice for those who want that sort of completely culturally immersive experience. With luck, even after your time in Canada ends you will have a second family you’ll want to keep in touch with and come visit. According to the Canadian Education Centre (CEC) Network, “many Canadian families welcome international students.” CEC states the student would be matched to a family with similar interests and encouraged to participate in the family’s community activities.

CEC also mentions that Homestay is set up by the school, but it’s under the off-campus section because students would still have to commute to school for an average 30-50 minutes by bus or train, according to Campbell Cohen, though these times would obviously also vary.

A Small Exception

While all of these are excellent choices for long-term students, short-term students might find simpler options. InternationalStudents.com points out that there may be some already furnished apartments available. Additionally, CEC mentions that there is a wide range of hotels to choose from, as well as Bed and Breakfasts and Youth Hostels.

Remember, especially if you’re studying in Canada long-term, try to find a place that is comfortable and safe. You’ll be in a different country, maybe for the first time; research and think thoroughly so this place can truly feel like a second home.

Follow us:
Written by

Wendy Tafur


Wendy is an international student from Ecuador who just graduated from Seattle University with a double major in Creative Writing and Theatre. She’s excited to share some of the stories of things she’s learned in her time in the U.S.

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Unlocking the Universe: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to New Frontiers in Science
Unlocking the Universe: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to New Frontiers in Science
Main image for the article titled How Attending Secondary School in the U.S. Prepares Your Child for College
How Attending Secondary School in the U.S. Prepares Your Child for College
Main image for the article titled University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Yasuhito N. of Japan
University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Yasuhito N. of Japan
Main image for the article titled “New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
“New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College

$5,000—$10,000 Year

English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Undergraduate
Contact
State University of New York, New Paltz

State University of New York, New Paltz

$15,000—$20,000 Semester

Undergraduate Masters Summer
Contact
Cleveland State University Intensive English Language Program

Cleveland State University

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Secondary/Boarding Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact

Featured Programs

Irvine Valley College

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Northwest Missouri State University

Typical cost per Semester: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

University of Northern Iowa

Typical cost per Year: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Related Stories

Do I Need a Student Visa to Study in the USA?

Main image for the article titled Do I Need a Student Visa to Study in the USA?
Do I Need a Car While Studying in the USA?

Main image for the article titled Do I Need a Car While Studying in the USA?
Do You Need An Agent to Study in the USA?

Main image for the article titled Do You Need An Agent to Study in the USA?
Do I Need A U.S. Bank Account While Studying in the USA?

Main image for the article titled Do I Need A U.S. Bank Account While Studying in the USA?

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for BetterHelp

BetterHelp

BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. You get the same professionalism and quality you expect from in-office therapy, but with access to a huge network of therapists, more scheduling flexibility, and at a more affor...

Read more
Partner service logo for CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

Most U.S. apartments come unfurnished. Make your move easy with a student furniture rental package from CORT. Flexible lease terms. Delivered before you arrive. Starting at $99 per month.* *with a 12-month lease

Read more
Partner service logo for The Michigan English Test for Higher Education Admissions in the U.S.

The Michigan English Test for Higher Education Admissions in the U.S.

Prove your English and achieve your goals with the Michigan English Test – widely recognized and available on your own schedule at a test center or from home.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

I found a lot of useful articles on StudyUSA.com, especially under the Student Voices section. I have been recommending the website to my friends back at my home country who are interested in coming to America to study.

Mike Dai China

Study in the USA helped me to discover myself. I was able to realize my dream of being an excellent student and make my parents proud. I was also able to start a leadership club at my college.

Jireh Andre Bitangila Kabukapua Democratic Republic of the Congo

StudyUSA showed me the ways and helped me choose the best school and State of Florida as my best option!! Thank you StudyUSA !!

Fernanda Contin Brazil

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.