Student Dormitories in Canada: Facilities & Costs (2024)

Studying abroad brings many challenges, especially finding safe, affordable, and comfortable accommodation. Canada offers a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options for international students.

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Types of Student Housing in Canada

📌 On-Campus Dormitories
📌 Off-Campus Housing
📌 Shared Student Houses
📌 Homestay with Canadian Families
📌 Student Boarding Houses (Pension Accommodation)

Each option has its own advantages, costs, and facilities. Below, we provide a detailed comparison to help you choose the best accommodation for your studies in Canada.

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1️⃣ On-Campus Student Dormitories in Canada

Many Canadian universities offer on-campus housing, which is the most convenient and secure option for international students.

✅ Advantages:
✔ Proximity to university facilities (library, cafeteria, gym, study halls)
✔ Security and support (supervised by university staff)
✔ Fixed monthly costs (includes utilities, internet, and meals)
✔ Social environment (interact with other students from different countries)

📌 Facilities in Canadian University Dormitories:
✔ Furnished rooms (bed, desk, wardrobe)
✔ Shared or private kitchen & dining areas
✔ Laundry services
✔ Common lounges & entertainment rooms
✔ Wi-Fi and study spaces

💰 Cost of On-Campus Housing in Canada:
🏠 C$250 – C$600 per month (varies by university and location)

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Accommodation Costs in Canada’s Top Universities

University	Type of Dormitory	Monthly Rent (CAD)
Université du Québec	Apartment-style dorms	C$400 – C$500
Université de Montréal	Shared apartments	C$600 – C$1000
University of British Columbia (UBC)	On-campus & off-campus dorms	C$700 – C$900
McGill University	Multiple residence options	C$400 – C$1191
University of Toronto	Traditional & suite-style dorms	C$750 – C$1300

🔹 Some universities require a mandatory meal plan (e.g., McGill: C$450 per month).

📌 Note: Only 25% of international students can secure on-campus housing, so applying early is essential.

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2️⃣ Off-Campus Housing Options in Canada

For students who prefer more independence and flexibility, off-campus housing is available. These include rental apartments, shared student houses, and homestay programs.

💡 Advantages of Off-Campus Housing:
✔ More independence and privacy
✔ Greater variety of options
✔ Opportunity to explore different neighborhoods

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🏠 Rental Apartments in Canada

📌 Options:
✔ Shared apartments (2-3 roommates)
✔ Studio or one-bedroom apartments

💰 Average Monthly Rent:

City	1-Bedroom Apartment	Shared Apartment (Per Person)
Toronto	C$1800	C$700 – C$900
Vancouver	C$2200	C$800 – C$1000
Montreal	C$1400	C$600 – C$800
Calgary	C$1300	C$500 – C$700

📌 Additional Costs:
✔ Utilities: C$50 – C$100/month
✔ Internet: C$50 – C$70/month

💡 Tips for Renting an Apartment in Canada:
✔ Consider sharing with roommates to reduce costs.
✔ Look for furnished apartments to save on setup costs.
✔ Check rental agreements carefully before signing.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Homestay with Canadian Families

Homestay programs allow students to live with a local Canadian family.

✅ Benefits:
✔ Affordable option (C$400 – C$800 per month)
✔ Includes meals & utilities
✔ Great for cultural immersion & improving English skills
✔ Safe & supportive environment

📌 Application Process:
✔ Submit a request to your university.
✔ Match with a pre-approved Canadian family.
✔ Sign an agreement outlining expectations & responsibilities.

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🏠 Student Boarding Houses (Pension Accommodation)

Boarding houses (pensions) are fully furnished accommodations where students rent a private room in a shared house.

✅ Advantages:
✔ Lower rent than apartments (C$700 – C$1000 per month)
✔ Includes utilities & basic services
✔ Ideal for students who want a semi-independent lifestyle

📌 Best for:
✔ Students who prefer not to live on campus.
✔ Those looking for a budget-friendly option with some included amenities.

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🔎 How to Find Student Housing in Canada

🏡 Best Websites for Renting Apartments in Canada

🔹 Realtor.ca – Canada’s official real estate website
🔹 Rentals.ca – Apartment listings with virtual tours
🔹 RentFaster.ca – Filters for amenities, location, and price
🔹 RentBoard.ca – Listings for student-friendly rentals
🔹 Kijiji.ca – Private rentals (⚠️ Be cautious of scams)

📌 University Housing Offices: Most universities in Canada have rental assistance services to help students find housing.

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📝 Summary: Choosing the Best Student Housing in Canada

Housing Type	Monthly Cost (CAD)	Best For
On-Campus Dormitory	C$250 – C$600	First-year students, those seeking convenience
Shared Apartment	C$600 – C$1000	Students wanting independence & lower costs
Homestay	C$400 – C$800	Students wanting cultural immersion
Boarding House (Pension)	C$700 – C$1000	Students seeking semi-independent living
Private Apartment	C$1000 – C$2200	Graduate students or those who prefer privacy

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📢 Final Advice

✔ Book early – On-campus housing is limited.
✔ Compare costs – Living expenses vary by city.
✔ Consider shared housing – Reduces costs significantly.
✔ Use university resources – Housing offices can help find safe & reliable options.

📌 Need Help Finding Housing? Contact Elite Immigration Experts for guidance on student accommodation in Canada! 🚀