Housing & Its Costs

 Housing &

Its Costs

                        Your housing journey starts here                 


One of the main issues for international students moving to Canada is where to find housing. Many people say that living in British Columbia (BC), especially Metro Vancouver, is very expensive, with housing usually taking up most of their money.

Types of Housing Options

On-campus Housing:

In British Columbia, a lot of universities offer accommoda
tion in on-campus residences. They offer convenience since they are near lecture halls and campus services, making travelling unnecessary. Housing on campus normally has what you need, including utilities and internet, in addition to giving you the safety and company of other students. Still, the availability of these types of housing may not be wide, and they are often more costly, with monthly rents starting at around CAD 700 for a single bedroom up to CAD 1,200 for suite rooms. (single, shared, or suite-style).

Off-campus Housing:

A lot of students decide to share apartments or houses with roommates off campus to lower their expenses. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver often costs between the range of CAD 1,400 to CAD 2,000 monthly. Living in shared housing can make monthly expenses about CAD 700 to CAD 1,000 ($600, $750, usually when you are sharing). It is usual for students to choose shared houses or basements instead, as these are less expensive.

Homestay:

If you come to Canada from outside for the first time, homestays allow you to live with local families. It allows students to live in the local culture and offers lots of support, which can help younger individuals feel more comfortable. Homestay charges are about CAD 800 less or more a month and usually cover your meals, which are usually cheap depending on the location and place.

Cheapest Places to Live

Many students decide to live outside the downtown part of Vancouver because the rents are less expensive there. The rent in Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and New Westminster is generally lower. Having low rents is good, but residents need to spend more time and money travelling to university, so budget for that.

Tips for Finding Housing

  • Try to look for housing at least a few months ahead of when you’ll move.
  • Try using university housing boards, sites recommended for rentals and social media groups.
  • Check the property personally or trust another person to inspect it prior to signing a lease.
  • Educate yourself on your rights as a renter in BC to stay informed and prevent being tricked by anything unfair.


Don’t sign anything without reading this first.

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