Studying abroad is exciting, but finding your home away from home can be challenging. Student housing impacts your entire international education experience—from your daily comfort to your ability to learn and grow. How can you find the right fit when you’re unfamiliar with the city and your options?
This guide walks you through the most common types of student accommodation for international students in Canada. We’ll help you select the ideal living arrangement for your study goals and personal preferences, so you can complete your course without limitations.
What Is Student Accommodation?
A student accommodation is a type of housing specifically designed for international or local students living away from home. These accommodations can be on-campus or off-campus, but most are close to colleges and universities. Amenities, cost, and living arrangements vary, so students can pick which types suit their needs or preferences.
Different Types of Student Accommodation for International Students
Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an international student in Canada. Before you decide, look at the common types of student accommodation and their pros and cons below.
Homestay
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🏠Best for: Students seeking cultural immersion and a supportive environment
💵Price Range: $275 to $500 per week + one-time homestay placement fee ($225)
Homestays allow international students to live with a local family. The host family provides a single or shared room, often with meals. They can help you figure out everything from using public transit to understanding Canadian jokes.
It’s one of the best types of student accommodation for teens, first-year students, and young adults looking for a supportive environment to help them adapt to a new culture and language. Homestays are also great for students taking their first big trip abroad or looking to fast-track their English skills.
Just remember—living with a family means becoming part of their daily routine. If you’re comfortable with that kind of support and structure, a homestay could be your perfect home away from home!
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Student Residence
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🏠Best for: Students who prioritize convenience and social interaction
💵Price Range: $400 to $550+ per week (depends on location and room type) + one-time residence placement fee ($250)
A student residence is a type of purpose-built student accommodation colleges, universities, or private companies offer specifically for international or university students. They’re packed with everything you need to live, study, and make friends—from study rooms to laundry services.
Student residences in Toronto and Vancouver are usually a quick walk from classes, which means more time for sleep and fun. Plus, they often have organized events and activities, so they’re one of the best student accommodation options for networking and socialization.
The atmosphere at a student residence is a mix of private and communal living. You’ll enjoy your own space but also have opportunities to meet different people. If you’re living away from home for the first time, student residences offer the right mix of independence and support. You’ll have your own space, but also a whole community of students on the same journey as you.
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→Learn more: International Student Homestay vs. Student Residence
Private Rentals
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🏠Best for: Graduate students, working professionals taking language courses, or older international students with previous international travel experience
💵Price Range: $2,400 to $2,600+ per month (Toronto and Vancouver)
Looking for your own space in Canada? Private off-campus housing is your best bet. Rent studio apartments, townhouses, private bedrooms, or even co-living spaces close to your school.
Private accommodation allows you to experience Canadian life like a local, cook your own meals, and have a quiet space for studying or working remotely. Private landlords commonly offer nine or 10-month leases in student areas, which is great if you’re planning to study for a while.
Among different types of student accommodation, this is the best for students who’ve lived away from home before or spent time in other countries. You’ll handle everything yourself—from paying bills to buying groceries—but that’s all part of the study abroad experience!
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Make Yourself at Home in Canada with ILAC
Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an international student. ILAC offers some of the best types of student accommodation in the heart of Toronto and Vancouver designed to make your transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
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Whether you choose the cultural exchange of a homestay or the excitement of residence life, you’ll be part of a diverse community of Canadian and international students at ILAC. Our accommodation specialists will help you find the perfect place to stay that will give you the comfort and support you need to succeed.
Ready to join one of the most diverse language schools in the world? Contact us today to secure your accommodation in Toronto or Vancouver!
