Studying and working in the land of maple leaves is an adventure that many international students always look forward to. When starting your journey to study abroad in another country, you have to get used to a new living environment, culture, and education, so settling down is an extremely important factor.

In this article, let's find out the 4 types of renting a house to study in Canada, how much it costs, and what you must pay attention to to maintain the best living environment.

Living on/near campus in the school housing complex will be very convenient, as you don't have to travel far, and it is also a great opportunity to make new friends.

4 Forms of Renting Housing to Study in Canada

Whether you choose to live in a residence hall to experience the vibrant student life or enjoy the absolute privacy of a private apartment, cost is always the first consideration. When accommodation accounts for the majority of your financial budget, you'll need to be aware of both the pros and cons to make the most suitable choice.

1. On-campus residence halls

For those who are active and enjoy participating in student activities, you can choose to live in a dormitory. Almost every university has a dormitory facility located on or near campus.

The residence halls allow you to enjoy a wide range of facilities such as the school's gymnasium, library, and computer lab. The plus points of this form can be mentioned:

Living in a safe and secure environment Easy to exchange and learn, make many new friends from the early days Participate in the community, student network, and school activities

These facilities provide the best conditions to help you really focus on your studies and at the same time save some money on renting a house to study in Canada.

Take a typical example: the University of Toronto charges CAD $15,446 for a single room in the university's dormitories. The cost will include accommodation and meals throughout the academic year. You can refer to how to calculate the cost of living in the area of the schools for a more accurate comparison.

2. Off-campus apartments

If you are a person who loves freedom, doesn't like time constraints, or feels uncomfortable with all the rules, renting a room or an apartment will be an option not to be missed.

It's important to note that the cost of an apartment will depend largely on key factors:

  • Location of the apartment

  • Term of the lease

  • Apartment area

  • Furniture & amenities provided

Besides the cost of renting a residence to study in Canada, you must consider a series of factors including the distance to get to school, the cost of travel, recreational services, and the surrounding amenities.

In order to save costs and still have a comfortable living space, many international students choose to share housing with their friends, but still have general rules for each person.

Depending on your location, accommodation can range from CAD $1,800 to more than $2,500 per month in Ottawa alone. The cost may be higher for other major cities like Toronto.

You can search and compare prices between off-campus apartments in Canada here.

3. Homestay - Staying in a homestay

In addition, many international students choose to stay in the form of homestays, living and getting acquainted with the life of local people. This will help a lot in improving my English and understanding more about Canadian culture and people.

Basically, the host Canadian family will provide you with accommodation, cooking, and assistance with laundry needs, treating you like a family member. If you really want to immerse yourself in Canada and learn more about the culture, then homestays should be at the top of the list.

Depending on the location and state you are studying, homestays in Canada will range from CAD $35 to $70 per night.

4. Short-term rental apartments

Sometimes, for some reason, you want a place to stay quickly without spending too much time searching. The reason could be that you don't fit in with the restrictive lifestyle of the dormitory or that the current apartment lease suddenly has to end.

You can choose a short-term rental apartment. These are furnished apartments that are almost hotel or Airbnb standard that you can rent anywhere from a few days to a few months.

However, the cost of renting a residence to study in Canada in this form can be quite high, ranging from C$ $120 to more than C$ 250 per night. This should be the last option, and you should only choose it if there really aren't any other options!

You can try searching for a short-term rental apartment at these websites: Airbnb, Vrbo, and Vrbo & Sublet.

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The cost of student accommodation in Canada varies depending on the city, type of housing, and included amenities. These costs are a significant portion of overall living expenses in Canada for international students. As a gauge, here are a few numbers: 

  • On-campus residence: CAD $3,000 – $7,500/school year 

  • Homestay: CAD $400 – $800/month 

  • Off-campus apartment: CAD $400 – $1,500/month (varies by city) 

In addition to the monthly rent, be prepared for additional costs such as a security deposit (usually one month's rent), utilities and groceries. These expenses can significantly impact your overall budget, so it's important to factor them in when planning your finances. 

Understanding rental agreements and tenant rights in Canada 

In Canada, there are two types of rental contracts: written leases and verbal rental agreements. To better protect yourself, a written lease agreement is highly encouraged, as it makes it easier to refer to in the event of a dispute. 

It’s crucial to remember that the types of dwellings covered by tenancy agreements vary by province and territory, so be sure to familiarize yourself with your tenant rights and responsibilities. If you’re unsure, you can refer to provincial housing guides like the for more information. 

Tips for finding student housing in Canada 

Finding the right student accommodation requires careful planning and research. 

  • Start your search early, ideally 2–3 months before your arrival in Canada, to increase your options and avoid last-minute stress. 

  • Begin your search with university housing portals and trusted platforms like , which specialise in student accommodation. 

  • Be cautious of scams and never send money or provide personal information without thoroughly verifying listings and landlords. 

  • Consider leveraging overseas education placement consultant services that can help you evaluate your options based on your study location and personal needs. 

When should I start looking for accommodation?

It's highly recommended that you start your search for student accommodation in Canada well in advance of your arrival. Finding the right place to live takes time, and starting early will give you more options and reduce stress. Ideally, begin your search 2–3 months before your intended move-in date. This timeframe allows you to thoroughly research different areas, compare prices, and submit applications without feeling rushed. 

On-campus residence deadlines are often aligned with university admission offer deadlines, so apply early if you prefer this option. Student residences tend to fill up quickly, and applying early increases your chances of securing a spot. Be sure to check the specific application deadlines for your university's housing department. 

If you haven't secured permanent housing before arriving in Canada, consider short-term accommodation options like hostels or Airbnb for your initial stay while you continue your search. This provides a temporary base as you explore different neighborhoods and view potential apartments or houses. However, remember that short-term options can be more expensive in the long run, so aim to find permanent

Housing support for international students in Canada 

IDP recognizes the challenges international students face when finding suitable student accommodation. Our expert counselors can guide you through the process, helping you understand your options and connect with reliable resources. We can also refer you to your university's housing office or trusted homestay providers for further assistance. 

Additionally, student associations and local support networks can offer valuable advice and support during your housing search. These groups often have firsthand knowledge of the local housing market and can provide insights into affordable neighborhoods, reputable landlords, and potential roommate connections. Don't hesitate to reach out to these resources for assistance and guidance. 

 Explore housing in different Canadian cities 

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