How do I find student accommodation in Canada?

Finding accommodation in Canada as an international student can be competitive, especially in Toronto and Vancouver. Here are your options and strategies:

On-campus residence (recommended for first year):
- Managed by your university, on or near campus
- Typically CAD 800–1,800/month including utilities and sometimes a meal plan
- Guaranteed to enrolled students in first year (apply early — by May for September entry)
- Ideal for settling in, making friends, and understanding Canadian life before moving off-campus

Off-campus shared housing:
- Most cost-effective option
- Split rent with 2–4 roommates
- Private rooms: CAD 700–1,500/month (Toronto/Vancouver) or CAD 500–900 (smaller cities)
- Platforms: Facebook groups (International Students Housing — your city), Kijiji, Craigslist, PadMapper, Zumper

Private student accommodations:
- Purpose-built student apartments (Scape, Campus Suites, etc.)
- More expensive than shared housing but all-inclusive and student-oriented: CAD 1,200–2,200/month
- Book 6–12 months in advance

Homestay:
- Live with a Canadian family
- CAD 900–1,400/month (usually includes meals)
- Great for cultural immersion and language practice
- Arranged through your university or homestay agencies

Key tips:
- Book campus residence before you arrive — start the application process immediately after receiving your offer
- For off-campus, use official university housing boards, not random social media
- Avoid paying any deposits before seeing the property or having a signed lease
- Know your rights as a tenant — each province has a Residential Tenancies Act
- Be wary of scams — do not wire money to someone you have not verified