Tuition fees and cost of living

Housing and living costs

If you are an international student planning to live in Canada, you will find two significant options.

• Living on campus
• Living off-campus in private housing

• Living on campus:

Living on campus is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with Canadian culture, make friends quickly, and interact with classmates. It's a perfect option when you are a first-year student. Many Canadian students also opt to live on campus during their first year. One of them may be your roommate.

Living on-campus costs = CA $9,000 to CA $1,000 per month.

• Living off-campus in private housing

Other advantages of living in residence include: it is a safe way to begin post-secondary education in Canada; it is cost-effective because the cost of living includes food from the cafeteria.

Off-campus costs

• Single room $550–700/- per month
• The price for food and drinks is $250–450 per month
• Transportation Cost: $80-$150/-per month

Residence room options in Canada

Your residence room may be single or shared. A single room is more expensive than a shared room. You get access to the following while you live in residence:

• Your personal space or private room
• A shared bathroom (toilet, sink, bathtub, or shower)
• A cooking area
• Laundry services
• Free internet access

If you choose

Renting an apartment to live off-campus may be less expensive than living on campus. However, keep in mind that you'll have to pay for other furniture, bedding, kitchen utensils, heating, etc.

Housing terms in Canada

When looking for private housing, you'll need to understand the definitions of common and unusual housing terms in Canada.

• Bachelor apartment:

A bachelor apartment is one huge room that serves as your bedroom and living area. It comes with a kitchen and a bathroom.

• Duplex:

A duplex is an apartment or building with two living rooms or apartments.

• Single-detached:

A building with only one living space on two or three stories. The term "bungalow" refers to a one-story structure.

• Private Room:

A private room refers to a room in a person's home that is private. When you rent a private room, you will have access to a shared kitchen, bathroom, and occasionally other house areas, such as the living room. This can be a cost-effective rental option.

Some homeowners may additionally supply "board." This means you will be served one or more meals per day.

• Den:

A small room with or without a door is known as a den. There are lots of apartments that have one bedroom and a den. A den can be used as a living room, office, or storage space.

• Ensuite (bathroom):

An ensuite (bathroom) is a bathroom that is accessible directly from the bedroom. Some flats offer an ensuite bathroom as well as a guest bathroom.

• Powder (Room):

A powder room is a small bathroom with only a toilet and a sink (no shower or bathtub). A shower or bathtub is always included in a full bathroom.

• Utilities:

Utilities include electricity (also known as hydro in Canada), water, heat, and air conditioning. It's crucial to know if you or the landlord is responsible for paying the utilities. Rent can also include utilities (the landlord pays). The renter may be charged for them based on how much power, heat, or water they use each month.

• Lease:

A lease is an agreement between you and your landlord that specifies the rent and the length of time you will reside in the apartment or house.

• Sublet:

If your lease hasn't ended and you want to move out, you can make a new arrangement with someone to take over your lease until it does. They will be subletting your unit. Make sure you have authorization from your landlord before subletting your unit.