Heading to Canada for college is an adventure but choosing the best place to live might seem a little overwhelming. For international students moving from another province, no one can deny the importance of finding a good place to stay that’s comfy and affordable. This is the ultimate guide to get you started with everything you need to know about finding your Canadian university home.
Why Location Should Matter for Your University Experience
Where you live during your university years is a big decision that impacts more than just the length of your daily commute. Where you live plays into your study habits, social life, fiscal budget, and well-being. Living near campus leads to less time spent commuting and more opportunities to join clubs, use the library late into the night, or hang out with classmates. But the further you get from campus, in most cases, the better your prices and peace (to a point) for studying.
The good news is that in most university cities, Canada has great public transportation options, so you have a bit more flexibility when looking for housing. Among them are cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa that have well-run buses, subways and trains that ferry students to campus from a variety of neighborhoods.
Start Your Search Early
It is all about timing when it comes to student housing in Canada. Well, competition is fierce for good housing near universities — at least in hot destinations.
Best Timeline for Your Search:
International Students: Start researching 3-4 months prior to your program commencement.
Local Students: 2-3 months before, start searching
Students who are going to start school in January: Oct or Nov can be a good time to start your search
September Intake Students: Start your search in May or June
The earlier you start, the more choices you have and the better prices. Colleges also start to advertise available off-campus housing in around March or April for the new academic year. If you postpone until August for a September move-in, choices and prices will be limited.
Types of Student Housing Available in Canada
In Canada universities have different types of university accommodation and they all have their own pros and cons. Let’s explore what’s available.
On-Campus Residences
University residences, also known as dorms or halls, are owned and managed by the university. They’re typically the nearest building to your classes and campus facilities.
Advantages:
- No commute to classes
- All utilities paid in one payment per month
- Social events with other students are included
- Meal plans often available
- Furniture provided
- Security and support staff on-site
Challenges:
- More expensive than off-campus options
- Shared rooms or bathrooms with minimal privacy
- Strict guest and noise regulations
- More restricted kitchen access if you are on a meal plan
- Limited availability for upper-year students
The vast majority of Canadian universities give priority to first-year students for residence residences. If you desire to live on campus, begin the application process after receiving your letter of acceptance. Some schools also have different application deadlines for housing.
Off-Campus Apartments and Houses
The most common living option for second-year students and above is off-campus housing, where students can rent an apartment or house near campus. You will have more freedom and often be able to save on cost, compared with residence.
Types of Rentals:
- Bachelor/Studio apartment: A unit that is a single room with the bedroom and living area combined and a separate bathroom.
- One-Bedroom Apartment: Bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom.
- Shared Apartment: You rent a bedroom and share the rest of the space with roommates
- Basement Apartment: A subterranean unit in a house, generally lower in price.
- House Rental: Whole house shared by several students
Monthly Prices in Big University Cities:
| City | Bachelor Apartment | 1-Bedroom | Shared Room | Utilities (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $1,500-$2,200 | $1,800-$2,600 | $600-$900 | $100-$150 |
| Vancouver | $1,400-$2,100 | $1,900-$2,800 | $700-$1,000 | $80-$130 |
| Montreal | $800-$1,300 | $1,000-$1,600 | $400-$700 | $70-$120 |
| Ottawa | $1,100-$1,600 | $1,400-$1,900 | $500-$800 | $80-$140 |
| Calgary | $1,000-$1,500 | $1,300-$1,900 | $500-$750 | $100-$160 |
| Halifax | $920-$1,400 | $1,175-$1,700 | $450-$650 | $80-$130 |
| Winnipeg | $800-$1,200 | $1,000-$1,500 | $400-$600 | $90-$140 |
Homestay Programs
Living with a Canadian family provides the opportunity of enjoying a unique cultural experience, known to be beneficial for international students. A homestay is a private room in a family’s home, usually including meals.
What Makes Homestay Special:
- Experience Canadian culture firsthand
- Practice English or French daily
- Meals included (usually breakfast and dinner)
- Assistance with Canadian acclimation
- Safe and supportive environment
Important Considerations:
- Not as independent as at your own place
- Must adapt to family structure and rules
- Limited privacy
- Monthly cost: between $800-$1,400 (Including meals)
Purpose-Built Student Housing
These are privately managed apartment buildings made just for students. They are increasingly prevalent in college cities.
Features:
- Fully furnished units
- Study rooms and social spaces
- Gym and recreation facilities
- High-speed internet included
- Individual leases (you’re not on the hook if your roommates decide to leave)
- Organized social events
They are priced similarly to university housing, but with more amenities and flexibility. Companies such as Campus Living Centres, Knightstone Capital and CLV Group own buildings from coast to coast in Canada.
Best Sites for Finding Housing
Your best friend when searching for student accommodation is the Internet. Below are some of the most effective platforms utilized by Canadian students.
University Housing Services
Each and every university in Canada will have its own housing office or off-campus housing service. This is where you want to start.
Services They Offer:
- Approved landlords, screened
- Roommate matching services
- Housing workshops and information sessions
- Tenant rights information
- Lease review assistance
Look on your university’s website for a link to its housing portal. Most colleges use platforms such as Places4Students.com or their own listing software.
Popular Rental Websites
Facebook Marketplace and University Housing Groups
Facebook has emerged as one of the most vibrant housing markets for students. Look for groups such as “[University Name] Housing,” “[City] Student Housing” or “[University] Off-Campus Housing.” Sublets, searches for roommates and available rooms are a common student posting.
Kijiji
Canada’s biggest classifieds site also has a lot of housing listings. Sort results by “city,” “price range” and “property type.” Be wary and verify listings before sending money.
Craigslist
Not as popular as it used to be, but Craigslist is still legitimate in major cities. Beware of scams (more on that later).
Rentals.ca and Zumper
These sites consolidate listings from various sources for easy viewing and also offer an array of features like photos, virtual tours and verified reviews from tenants who have lived in the unit.
Padmapper and Liv.rent
These websites display rental options on a map so you can easily see how close the apartments for rent are to your campus.
ViewIt.ca
Known in Toronto and Ontario, this site provides virtual tours and comprehensive listings.
Student-Specific Platforms
Places4Students.com
This site who is partnered with schools all over Canada has verified off-campus housing listings. Both landlords and students can make postings.
4Stay
Focus on student housing with guaranteed housing and secure booking.
StudentHousingHub.ca
Features listings specific to Canadian universities along with roommate matching.
What To Look For In Your Ideal Student Accommodation
All accommodations are not created equal. Here’s what to look for before signing any lease.
Location and Transportation
Distance from Campus: Determine how far you will be. A 30-minute commute may seem all right, but multiplied by twice a day in Canadian winter it becomes a whole different calculation.
Public Transit Access: Validate your potential home’s proximity to bus stops or subway stations. Many universities even offer student pricing for transit passes. Try commuting during the rush hour to see what a typical day will be like for you.
Local Amenities: Identify the local grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and restaurants. A convenient neighborhood saves time and simplifies life.
Safety: Look into the safety reputation of the neighborhood. Several police forces offer online crime maps. Spend time in the area at various times of day, even late into the night.
Apartment Features and Condition
Must-Check Items During Viewing:
- Water pressure and hot water supply
- Heating system functionality (vital in Canadian winter!)
- Window quality and draft prevention
- Cell phone signal strength
- Internet speed (see if they have fiber or cable)
- Natural sunlight (vital for mood through the dark winter)
- Storage space and closet size
- Laundry (in-unit, in-building or nearby laundromat)
- Kitchen appliances condition
- Bathroom fixtures and cleanliness
- Evidence of infestation, mold or water damage
Snap photos and footage as you view. This shields you when you’re moving out and helps jog your memory when comparing properties.
Lease Terms and Costs
Fixed vs Month-to-Month: The majority of student housing is 12 month fixed lease (from May 1st or September 1st). Month-to-month leases provide some flexibility but are less common, and pricier.
Subletting Possible?: If you’re doing an internship or going home for the summer, find out if subletting is possible. Some landlords don’t allow the practice, which means you could end up paying for an empty apartment.
What’s Included: Define precisely what is covered by your rent. Some landlords offer utilities (water, heat, electricity) and internet as part of the rent, while others charge separately for them. Winter heating bills in Canada can be steep, so this stuff matters.
Additional Costs to Budget For:
- Tenant insurance (typically $15-30 monthly)
- Parking (if you have a car): $50-200+ per month
- Laundry: $3-5 a load if not in-unit
- Internet: $50-80 per month if not included
- Hydro (electricity): $30-80 per month if not included
The Application and Signing the Lease
After you find a home that suits your fancy, there’s the application. Here’s what to expect.
Required Documents
The following documents are generally required by most landlords in Canada:
- Photo ID (government issued) passport for international students
- Proof that you are enrolled in your university or an acceptance letter from the same
- References (previous references or friends and family as references)
- Credit check authorization
- Proof of income/guarantor information
- Banking information for pre-authorized payments
For International Students: If you do not have Canadian credit history or income, landlords may ask for:
- A guarantor (someone from Canada who promises to pay if you don’t)
- Advance payment of several months’ rent (2 to 4 months)
- A bigger deposit (though capped by law in most provinces)
- A bank letter to verify the funds
Deposits and First Month’s Rent
Laws for Canadian renters differ from province to province, but in general:
- Ontario: Last month’s rent only (security deposit not allowed)
- British Columbia: Security deposit half month’s rent
- Quebec: No deposits, just first month’s rent
- Alberta: Security deposit is 1-month of the rent
Never wire any money before personally viewing the property or verify through video call. Reputable landlords will have appropriate applications and lease forms.
Reading Your Lease Agreement
The lease is a binding agreement. Read every word before signing. Key items to verify:
- Exact monthly rent amount
- Lease start and end dates
- Amount and return conditions of deposit
- Utilities and services included
- Guest and roommate policies
- Pet policies
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Rules about alterations (painting, decorating)
- Subletting permissions
- Entitlement to terminate on notice
- Landlord’s contact information
If there are areas that aren’t clear, question them. Leases can be reviewed for free by your university housing office.
Avoiding Rental Scams
Unfortunately, there are many scams that specifically target students. Protect yourself by looking for red flags.
Common Scam Warning Signs
The Landlord Refuses to Meet in Person: Accusing you of being a bad renter, the landlord claims to be overseas or out of state and can’t meet with you and show you the property. They ask you to mail them money before they’ll show it to you.
Price Too Good to Be True: A luxury apartment listed at half the market price is another indication of a scam.
Attempts to Pressure You: Scammers might try to create urgency, claiming that several people have expressed interest in the place and that you need to send money immediately.
Ask for Wire Transfers or Gift Cards: Real landlords accept cheque, e-transfer to verified accounts, or bank draft. Never wire money via Western Union or purchase gift cards as payment.
Bad Communication: Scammers’ messages often contain a number of spelling and grammar errors, and they leave little room for genuine communication by either drafting only generic intros or impersonal responses.
Stolen Listings: Criminals steal the details of real rental listings elsewhere and post them on this or other sites at a lower price. Reverse image search any photos to verify whether the images show up elsewhere online.
Protection Steps
- Do not send money to see a property
- In person or on a video call, meet with the landlords
- Make sure the landlord actually owns it (search for property records online)
- Get receipts for all payments
- Employ safe payment methods with buyer protection
- Go with your gut—if it doesn’t feel right, leave
Roommate Matching and Shared Living
Sharing accommodation keeps costs down and comes with built-in social connections. But get stuck with the wrong roommates and your year can be hellish.
Finding Compatible Roommates
University Matching Services: The majority of colleges provide roommate matching as part of its housing portal. You complete a lifestyle questionnaire, and the system comes up with potential matches.
Facebook and Social Media: Every school has housing groups with roommate search threads. Seek out people who lead similar lifestyles, with similar study habits.
Friends from Home: Living with friends would be great if you had similar living habits. Shared living spaces are not the home where some friendships flourish.
Important Compatibility Questions
Before committing to roommates, discuss:
- Sleeping schedule (Morning vs. evening type)
- Cleanliness standards and chore division
- Guest policies and overnight visitors
- Noise preferences and study habits
- Shared expenses and bill splitting
- Food sharing or separate groceries
- Substance use policies
- Conflict resolution approaches
Roommate Agreements
Create a written agreement covering:
- How rent and utilities are divided
- Cleaning schedule and responsibilities
- Quiet hours
- Guest policies
- Common area usage
- Food and supplies sharing
- Can a person move out early?
This avoids misunderstandings, and it provides you with a point of reference if disputes come up.
Special Considerations for International Students
It’s more difficult for international students to find a place to live in Canada.
Arriving Before Your Lease Starts
If you’re moving to Canada before the lease starts, think about:
- Temporary university housing
- Short-term Airbnb or hotel
- Hostels in the university area
- Homestay starting immediately
There are some universities that provide short-term housing with their early arrival programs for international students. For more information about studying in Canada, visit EduCanada.
Banking and Payment Setup
Get a Canadian bank account in your name as soon as possible. Most landlords demand Canadian banking for rental payments. Bring:
- Passport and study permit
- University acceptance letter
- Address Proof (start using your university address)
Many of the big banks – those located near universities – offer student accounts with no monthly fees.
Phone and Internet
Secure a Canadian phone number quickly for apartment hunting and communicating with landlords. Low-cost carriers such as Freedom Mobile, Fido and Koodo also provide student rates.
Cultural Adjustment
The etiquette around Canadian apartments may be different than in your home country:
- Quiet hours (usually after 11 p.m. on weekdays)
- Shoe removal when entering homes
- Waste sorting and recycling requirements
- Snow removal responsibilities (when renting a house)
- Control of heating to avoid the freezing of pipes in winter
Seasonal Considerations in Canadian Housing
Canada’s harsh weather conditions affect housing in ways that international students may not anticipate.
Winter Weather Impact
Heating Costs: Heating during winter is costly. Apartments with heat included in rent were suddenly more desirable during Canadian winter. If you will be paying for utilities separately then budget an additional $80–150 a month during the winter months (November to March) for heating.
Insulation: Check windows for viewing drafts. Inadequate insulation results in higher bills and discomfort during -20°C weather.
Snow Removal: If you rent a house or a ground-floor apartment, figure out who does snow shoveling. That’s a grim task from December to March in much of Canada.
Summer Sublets
A lot of students go back home for the summer (May-August), so there are plenty of sublets. Subletting for the summer is usually cheaper and more flexible. However:
- Confirm primary tenant can sublease. Check the sublet rider to the primary tenant’s lease for provisions which affect you.
- Get written sublease agreements
- Confirm that the primary will come back (or else you’ll have to move again)
- Take “condition photos” when you move in
Your Rights as a Renter in Canada
Each province has its own tenant protection laws. Knowing your rights prevents exploitation.
Key Tenant Rights
Privacy: Landlords need to provide 24 hours notice before entering your apartment, unless there is an emergency.
Rent increases: Provinces restrict the amount and frequency that rent can increase (typically once a year, with 90 days’ notice and capped percentages).
Repairs and maintenance: Landlords must provide residents with clean, safe living space. That includes heat, water, structure and pests.
Eviction Protection: Landlords cannot evict you without proper legal protocol and valid reasons. You have a right to fight an unfair eviction.
Deposit Returns: Upon moving out, landlords are required to return deposits (minus valid damages) within a set period of time dictated by provincial law.
Provincial Tenant Resources
- Ontario: Landlord and Tenant Board (tribunalsontario.ca)
- British Columbia: Residential Tenancy Branch (gov.bc.ca)
- Quebec: Tribunal administratif du logement (tal.gouv.qc.ca)
- Alberta: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (rtdrs.alberta.ca)
Moving In and Getting Settled
You’ve signed the lease—now what?
Before Move-In Day
Photograph and videotape everything: Before you move in, document the condition of the entire apartment. Observe for any existing damages, stains that may be on the carpet, or any issues. Email these to your landlord so you have a dated record.
Set Up Utilities and Internet: If utilities aren’t included in your rent, call to set them up 2–3 weeks before moving. Internet installation can take a few weeks, so plan ahead.
Purchase Tenant Insurance: This will protect your belongings, and offer liability coverage for you. It’s inexpensive ($15-30 per month) and many landlords require it.
Plan Your Move: Book movers in advance, if necessary. If you are moving yourself, schools usually have “free stuff” pages online where students give away furniture, dishes and so on.
Essential Shopping List
Furniture:
- Bed frame and mattress
- Desk and chair for studying
- Dresser or storage
- Living room seating
Kitchen Essentials:
- Pots, pans, and baking sheets
- Dishes, glasses, and utensils
- Can opener, cutting board, knives
- Dish soap and cleaning supplies
Bathroom Needs:
- Shower curtain and bath mat
- Towels and toiletries
- Toilet paper and tissues
- Cleaning products
Other Important Items:
- Bedding (don’t forget blankets for a Canadian winter)
- Lamps for adequate lighting
- Laundry supplies
- First aid kit
- Tool kit for basic repairs
Purchase from IKEA, Walmart, or Canadian Tire for affordable student furniture. Look on Facebook Marketplace and university “free and for sale” groups for items going secondhand.
Budget Planning for Student Accommodation
Your biggest cost will be housing. Here’s how to budget effectively.
Monthly Housing Budget Breakdown
Typical Student Monthly Expenses:
- Rent: $600-2,200 (depending on city and type of accommodation)
- Utilities: $70-160
- Internet: $50-80 (if not included)
- Tenant insurance: $15-30
- Groceries: $200-400
- Transportation pass: $80-130
- Phone: $40-75
- Total Housing-Related: $1,055-3,075
Money-Saving Strategies
Pick Your Roommates: You can save significantly by splitting a two-bedroom (with someone in the living room).
LIVE FARTHER FROM CAMPUS: Housing areas 20-30 minutes from campus are often 10-25% less expensive. Good transit access makes this possible.
Include Utilities in Rent: If your apartment includes utilities, it saves you from surprise heating bills and makes proportioning your budget simpler.
Cook at Home: Honestly, meal plans are quite expensive and going out to eat will make a bigger dent in your bank account than you think. Students who cook shell out $200-300 a month for groceries versus $400-600 in meal plans or takeout.
Buy Used Furniture: Students are constantly graduating and moving out. You could outfit an entire apartment on Facebook Marketplace for $200-500.
Use Student Discounts: Whip out your student ID everywhere. Many companies provide 10-15% discounts on everything from phone plans to groceries.
Final Thoughts on Finding a Home With Good Vibes
Keep an Organized List: Put together a spreadsheet with details for each property you see including the pros, cons, cost and contact information. This way there is no mixup when comparing the options.
Be Professional: Respond to landlords in a professional manner. Landlords pick tenants they like, so be nice!
Keep Your Documents Ready: Get your application package ready ahead of time so you can apply the second you find a good place.
Don’t Wait Too Long: But as much as you have to start early, don’t jump at the first place you find. Just keep looking until you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Ask Current Tenants: If you can, speak with people who currently live at the building. They can provide candid feedback on the landlord, maintenance and noise levels, too.
Go With Your Gut: If there’s something the least bit off about a landlord, property or deal, pass. There are always other options.
Crafting a Sense of Home Wherever You Go
When you get there, make the space your own so you’re comfortable and have a good environment for studying.
Set Up a Study Space: Dedicate a spot for studying that’s well lit, free from distractions, and has everything needed on-hand.
Personalize: Pictures, posters, plants, and decorations help your room feel like home. Many leases permit removable wall hooks and temporary decorations.
Stock Your Kitchen: Store staple items in your kitchen for easy and more affordable cooking. Stockpile a variety of spices, oils, pasta, rice and canned goods.
Create Community: Meet your neighbors and building mates. Living with friends around can certainly make you feel at ease and also, help in times of need.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to start looking for housing near a Canadian university?
Begin exploring 3-4 months in advance of your desired move-in date. For September admissions, start to look in May or June. For January intake, consider starting in October or November. This way you have the best selection and rates.
How much should I plan for rent near a Canadian university?
Prices range from $600 to $900 a month for a shared room and from $1,500 to $2,600 for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the city. The most expensive are in Toronto and Vancouver; the least, in Montreal, Winnipeg and Halifax. Always be sure to add utilities ($70-160), internet ($50-80) and tenant insurance ($15-30) to your monthly budget.
Is it possible for international students to get an apartment in Canada without credit score?
Yes, but you may need to offer additional documentation (like several months of rent upfront or a Canadian guarantor) to prove your financial stability. Some landlords positively encourage international students, and have the necessary support in place to cater for them.
On-campus or Off-campus: Which is better?
Living on campus is perfect for first year students looking for convenience, a supportive environment and an all-inclusive experience. Housing off campus is usually cheaper for upper-year students and allows for more freedom and space. When making a choice, have in mind your priorities and budget, as well as the year you are studying.
What will I need in order to rent an apartment in Canada?
You’ll be asked to provide government-issued ID (passport for international students), proof of university enrollment, references, consent for a credit check and banking information. International students will also need to organize documentation of funds, including possibly a guarantor.
How can I prevent myself from becoming victim to a scam while seeking student housing?
Don’t wire money or make advance payments. Stay away from deals that sound too inexpensive, try to meet with landlords in person when possible, authenticate the landlord’s ownership of the property and use safe payment methods. If a landlord puts the squeeze on you to act on the spot, or if they won’t let you see a rental unit in person before signing a lease, it is probably a scam.
Do Canadian student rentals come with utilities?
It varies. Some rentals include all utilities (water, heat and electricity) in the rent; others charge extra. Always know what you’re signing before you sign it. Heat-included rentals are extremely useful in the Canadian winter as heating costs can become extravagant.
If I go home for the summer, can I sublet my apartment?
This varies between your lease and provincial rental laws. Many leases permit subletting with landlord consent. Always get permission in writing and sign a sublease agreement. Do not ever sublet, unless you have permission to do so in your lease, or you could be evicted.
How can I find off-campus housing roommates?
Lean on your university’s roommate matching service, Facebook housing groups for your school or mixers for new arrivals at orientation. If you’re considering living with friends, talk about lifestyle compatibility before you make a decision, and even consider drafting a roommate agreement that outlines responsibilities for expenses, chores and house rules.
What should I look for when viewing an apartment?
Test the water pressure and heating, check if there are drafts around windows, see if your cell phone gets a signal or if you have access to wifi, look for signs of pests or mold, examine appliances and fixtures and test how much natural light there is morning noon and night. Photograph and videotape the home to help you remember details when comparing properties.
What to Do Next Once You’ve Found a Great Student Rental
Renting housing close to a Canadian university involves the same sort of advance preparation, research and attention to detail – but is so worth it. A good home, one which is warm, safe and affordable, helps create an environment where academic excellence can flourish.
Begin looking early, use multiple resources, keep track well and hold firm to what you need. Whether you opt for on-campus housing, off-campus apartment housing or a homestay, there is the perfect place to call home.
Keep in mind that wherever you live is one of the first of many adjustments you’re going to make as a college student. Be kind to yourself, seek help when you need it and rely on your university’s support services. They are there to help students like you search for a great place to live.
Finding a place to call home is the first step in your Canadian university adventure. You’re armed with the knowledge and tactics in this guide to find a place of residence that accommodates your needs, wallet, and way-of-life. I wish you the best of luck in your search, and welcome to Canadian university life!
