For international students studying abroad in Canada, finding suitable accommodations can be one of the biggest challenges to figure out.
Fortunately, there are plenty of housing options to choose from for those students enrolled at a Canadian university.
The two main types of student accommodations in Canada are on-campus housing and off-campus housing. Whether you’re looking for a dormitory or a townhouse outside of campus, students will be able to find the housing situation that best fits their needs.
On-campus housing
Most Canadian universities offer on-campus housing in dormitories, residence halls, apartments, and townhouses. Living in university housing provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with others, get involved on campus, and embrace Canadian living.
On-campus housing is usually within walking distance of classrooms, faculty offices, and dining facilities. International students can also expect convenient access to a wide range of recreational facilities and amenities.
Many Canadian students choose to live in dormitories during their first and second year of school; for some universities, it’s a requirement to stay in a residence hall during those years. Dormitories vary in size, quality, and layout. Although some students may have a room to themselves, most students will likely be paired with one, two, or three roommates during their first year. Roommates will share a small kitchen (usually called a kitchenette) and a bathroom (consisting of a sink, toilet, and shower).
Third- and fourth-year students looking for more freedom can look into renting an apartment or townhouse on-campus. In either living arrangement, there are options available for a private or shared bedroom, access to a private or shared bathroom, and access to shared living areas. In most cases, the school will provide utilities, wifi, and furniture.
Off-campus housing
International students looking for more freedom and privacy may want to look into off-campus accommodations. The university’s housing office will be happy to help students find a nearby apartment or house for rent.
Since these buildings are not owned, inspected, or regulated by the university, students should always visit their desired living accommodation first before signing any lease to make sure they are as advertised.
With increased freedom comes increased responsibility. While some apartments may come pre-furnished, most do not, so students must purchase or rent their own furniture. Utility bills, such as gas, electricity, internet, and water, should also be taken into consideration when calculating the total costs associated with off-campus living.
The Quad at York University
One of Canada’s premier student housing solutions can be found at Toronto’s York University.
Located at the edge of the university’s Keele Campus, the Quad seamlessly blends the benefits of on-campus housing with off-campus freedoms by offering fully amenitized living within walking distance of every building on campus.
At the Quad, students will have full access to:
- 27 commercial establishments
- Break-out study rooms
- Heating and cooling
- TV and kitchen lounges
- A resort-style fitness center
- High-speed internet and wifi
- High-quality designer furniture
- Several social games lounges
- Bike storage
- 24-hour business centers
- Smart TVs with streaming services
- 24-hour convenience market
- Laundry facilities that sync to your phone
- 24/7 on-call maintenance
- A fully enclosed and secure facility
- Three private courtyards
The Quad’s two buildings house a total of twenty-seven businesses on their main floors, including restaurants, a barbershop, a dentist’s office, and a bank.
There are various accommodation options available, including one, two, three, four, or shared bedroom layouts in both their Phase 1 and Phase 2 buildings. For a closer look, check the Quad’s floor plans.
International students at York University can reach out to the Quad’s housing office for assistance with their living arrangements.