Looking to pursue education abroad? Canada is a friendly destination you should definitely consider. Known for its diverse and inclusive society, the country offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both academic excellence and personal growth.
The robust support systems in place, ranging from student services to employment opportunities, provide a seamless transition into Canadian life. From vibrant cities to breathtaking natural wonders, international students find themselves immersed in an environment that nurtures not only their intellectual aspirations but also their sense of adventure and discovery.
Obviously, as an international student, moving away from home is difficult, especially if there are several unknown factors at play. One such unknown factor is the accommodation situation. Here are some facts you need to know about accommodation in Canada:
- On-Campus Housing: Many Canadian universities offer on-campus housing as apartments, dormitories, or residence halls to students. University housing options are typically located within or near the campus. The campus student accommodation can be a convenient option as it allows you to be close to your classes and university facilities. You can browse through your university’s website and check out the floor plan and other details of their university apartments/ student apartments, etc.
- Off-Campus Apartments or Condos: Renting an apartment or condo off-campus is a popular choice for many students. Off campus student housing options provide more independence and flexibility in terms of location and amenities. You can choose to live alone or share the space with roommates to split costs.
- Homestays: Similar to the UK, you can choose to live with a local host family in Canada. This can be a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Canadian culture. Homestays often provide meals and a supportive environment, making it a good housing accommodation option.
Tips for finding student accommodation in Canada:
- Research: Start looking for accommodation options early, ideally a few months before you plan to arrive in Canada. You can try keywords like “student housing apartments Canada”, “apartment house in Canada”, “Canada house”, “city house apartments Canada”, etc. to look for convenient housing options.
- University Resources: Check your university's website for information on student housing options, application deadlines, and resources for international students.
- Budget: Consider your budget and the cost of living in the city you'll be studying in. Remember to factor in additional costs like utilities, food, and transportation in addition to the obvious housing rent.
- Location: Consider the distance between where you stay and the university, the transportation involved, and access to amenities like grocery stores and pharmacies.
- Connect with Other Students: You can also join social media groups or forums for incoming students at your university. This will also give you information about student residence options. You might find roommates or get advice from current students.
- Rental Laws: Familiarize yourself with rental laws and regulations of the city/province you’ll be studying in before you start looking for apartments and houses for rent. Each province has its own rules regarding leases, deposits, and tenant rights.
However, you would get to this point only after getting an acceptance from a Canadian institution. Other checklist items like getting a student visa are also crucial.
You can expedite the visa process by applying through SDS or Student Direct Stream. You’ve got to prove that you can fund your stay in Canada while studying by transferring funds to a Guaranteed Investment Certificate or GIC.
Flywire has you covered here - you can securely, conveniently and affordably transfer the required funds from INR to your GIC account via Flywire’s GIC services.
Good luck with your studies in Canada!