When you are accepted to a Canadian school as an International student, the next step is to determine where to stay. If you will only be attending university for one year, it may make more sense to live in university housing on or near the school. However, if you intend to remain in Canada for a longer period, you may be better off with a premium student apartment.
Save Money When Sharing a Residence with Other Students
A premium student apartment can be very affordable, especially if you will be sharing your apartment with another student. You can have a shared common area where you can cook and watch TV, and each student has a private bedroom. This allows you to save money overall.
However, finding students to share the residence with can be a hassle. One way to find a roommate is to see if there are university bulletin boards where you will be allowed to advertise the need for a roommate.
Customization Options
There are also many ways that you can customize your apartment. For example, with student housing, you may be stuck with the furniture that comes with the dorm room. However, with an apartment, you can choose your own furniture. The landlord might also allow you to paint the walls any color you wish. If you do not want the hassle of obtaining and moving furniture, there are furnished apartments that are available.
Privacy If You Live Alone
If you value your privacy, you may prefer to live alone in a premium student apartment. This is typically more expensive, but you will be able to have more freedom. If you will be remaining in Canada after graduating from university, you may remain at the apartment if you are able to find another way to legally stay in Canada.
If you want even more privacy, you may be allowed to rent a house or a single-detached apartment. The single-detached apartment might have one or more floors, and an apartment that only has a single floor is called a bungalow.
Temporary Housing Arrangements
You may only need housing for less than a year. If this is the case, you may find an apartment where the tenant is willing to sublet. They will need to seek permission from the landlord before they are allowed to do this. There are also apartments that have month-to-month, three-month, or six-month leases.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for a student housing apartment near your campus.
