In Toronto, student housing and accommodations are popular among Canadian and international students alike. Many opt for on-campus living for the first year of post-secondary studies, fostering friendships and connections. International students may find this option appealing. For high school or exchange programs, a homestay arrangement with a Canadian family is common. Some private high schools offer dormitory housing, enabling students to reside, dine, and rest within the school premises.
Residing within college or university campus
Choosing to live in college or university housing that is located on or close to your campus is referred to as “living in residence.”
Opting for on-campus housing can prove more handy than looking for independent off-campus lodging for individuals who want to stay in Canada for just one or two semesters. Typically, a room in a house is furnished with necessities like a bed, shelves, and a desk.
The cost of a meal plan is frequently included in the living costs of on-campus housing. You now have the option to have your breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the campus itself.
Student housing and accommodations in Toronto – Housing choices in residence
Residence Accommodation Types. Your residence room can be either a single or shared setup, with shared rooms being more economical. Certain universities exclusively provide shared rooms for first-year students.
Residing in campus accommodations grants you access to:
- Your private room
- A kitchen
- Laundry facilities
- A shared bathroom (toilet, sink, bathtub, or shower)
- Free Wi-Fi (in most cases)
Certain universities provide apartment-style residence options, enabling you to cohabit with fellow students in an apartment setting. Each apartment is equipped with its own kitchen and bathroom.
Advantages of residence
Advantages of residing in campus accommodation encompass:
- Convenient proximity to campus and library
- Reduced transportation requirements
- Opportunity for friendship-building
- Enhanced adaptation to student life in a new country
Upon enrolling at your educational institution, you can assess residence costs and evaluate the suitability of this choice for you.
Residing off-campus in private accommodations
Choosing off-campus housing could result in lower rental costs than living on campus. It’s important to keep in mind that there will be other costs, such as furniture (unless the flat is already furnished), bedding, food, cleaning supplies, energy, heating, internet, and perhaps cable or streaming services. On-site laundry facilities might be available, or you could pay to wash and dry your clothing at a laundromat close by.
Private housing offers a number of benefits, such as a greater sense of freedom, higher privacy, and better absorption into Canadian society. Shared living arrangements could also turn out to be profitable financially. Consider these criteria, as well as your tastes and financial constraints, while making your choice.
Student housing and accommodations in Toronto – Canada’s housing terms
If you choose private housing, you must be familiar with Canadian housing jargon. These terms, both common and unique, are defined as follows:
Bachelor apartment: A unit comprising a large room functioning as a bedroom and living area, inclusive of a kitchen and bathroom.
Duplex: A structure housing 2 separate living spaces or apartments.
Single-detached: A construction accommodating just one living space, possibly on 2 or 3 levels. If it’s single-story, it’s called a bungalow.
Private room: A room within someone’s residence, providing access to shared facilities like the kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes additional areas like the living room. It often comes with an economical rental option, occasionally encompassing meals as well.
Ensuite (bathroom): A bathroom directly accessible from the bedroom. Some residences offer an ensuite bathroom in addition to a second bathroom for guests.
Powder room: A compact bathroom containing only a toilet and sink, devoid of a shower or bathtub. A complete bathroom includes a shower or bathtub.
AC: Abbreviation for air-conditioner, a feature not universally present in all Canadian residences, despite warm summers in many regions.
Furnished: Rental agreement includes basic furnishings such as a couch, table, bed, stove, refrigerator, and potentially more appliances.
Unfurnished: Rent may cover a stove, fridge, dishwasher, and similar appliances, yet the rooms are devoid of furniture.
Utilities: Encompass electricity (often termed hydro), water, heat, and AC. Clarifying whether utilities are included in rent or paid separately is crucial.
Lease: A formal contract outlining rent and the duration of your tenancy.
Sublet: If your lease is ongoing and you wish to vacate, you can make a new arrangement with another person to take over the lease until its expiry. This individual sublets the space from you, pending landlord approval.
Committing to a lease agreement and providing a security deposit
There are some expectations that should be kept in mind when renting an apartment or home away from college. Particularly in university and college areas, you’ll frequently sign leases that last for nine or ten months. It is normal and permitted to pay the first and last months’ rent in full up front; this protects landlords from unannounced evictions. Additionally, the landlord will require a damage deposit from you.
A significant component is a damage deposit, which is an advance payment made to the landlord before to moving in. One month’s worth of rent or any other sum decided by the landlord may be included in this deposit. It serves two purposes:
- If there is damage while your lease is in effect, the landlord will keep the damage deposit to pay for any repairs that are required. You are liable for the difference if the cost of the repairs is greater than the deposit.
- At the end of the lease, the landlord returns the damage deposit to you if there are no damages during your tenure.
Student housing and accommodations in Toronto – Ways to find private house
There is probably a housing office at your university or college that helps students find suitable lodgings. The student union or association on campus may be another excellent source of information and may offer an online database of nearby private housing possibilities.
Price for private housing
It’s crucial to understand that private housing continues to be totally ungoverned by your institution or college. Before signing a lease, it is important to schedule a viewing due to the potential for price and quality variations. Key things to keep in mind while planning your home budget include:
The price for a room in a residence often ranges from CAD 400 to CAD 800. If the homeowner provides “board” in addition to the accommodation, the cost may be a little more and include meals. If there are student-occupied shared homes, you’ll be responsible for paying your own food costs in addition to room rent.
The cost of high-rise apartments varies depending on the amount of rooms and the city or town where they are located. Budget between 900 and 2,000 Canadian dollars per month. It might be quite cost-effective to share an apartment with other students.
Apartment rentals are common in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Depending on factors including the number of bedrooms, area, and age of the building, the monthly rent for an apartment could range from 900 to 3,000 Canadian dollars.
Student housing and accommodations in Toronto – Managing your landlord
You get into a formal contract with the landlord when you sign a lease to rent housing, whether it be a room or an apartment. This contract specifies obligations for both parties.
Landlord obligations encompass:
- Sustaining the dwelling’s proper upkeep.
- Providing utility services as stipulated in the lease.
- Abiding by lawful procedures in case of property seizure.
Tenant responsibilities include:
- Timely rent payment.
- Maintaining the rental unit’s cleanliness.
- Preventing damage and covering repair costs for any inflicted damage.
- Reporting urgent repair or service needs promptly.
- Granting landlord access for repairs with advance notice.
Since most landlords do not accept credit card payments, rent is typically required to be paid by post-dated checks.
There may be additional rules in leases. These might cover things like no-pet policies and restrictions on smoking. Before signing the lease, it’s important to read, understand, and if necessary, seek a copy of the terms.
The condition of the housing is the landlord’s responsibility. They might enter without authorization if it’s urgent. Otherwise, a justification and notification are required for admission. If eviction is required, a 60-day notice is required.
Your college or university’s housing office may offer no-cost or low-cost legal advice if disputes with the landlord occur. They can also point you in the direction of the right legal support.
Conclusion
Finding the right student housing and lodgings in the exciting city of Toronto is crucial for a successful academic journey. Knowing your options and obligations is essential whether you choose on-campus housing, private rentals, or shared residences. The variety of housing options available in Toronto may accommodate a range of preferences and financial constraints. Students have the option to customize their living arrangements to improve their educational experience, from furnished flats to private rooms. You can confidently start your search for easy and comfortable student living in Toronto by being familiar with housing jargon, legal agreements, and local laws.
