Expand Your Horizons: The Incredible Benefits of Studying Abroad for Indian Students
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It is one thing to dream about settling in Canada but the reality is quite overwhelming. This is because the journey involves a lot of research regarding commute, budget, and location. Apart from important decisions like course structure, expenses, and academic plans, other factors play a vital role. Among them is a major decision— accommodation. Choosing the right accommodation is no cakewalk, rather it takes quite a while to finalize it. Because even when the country is as safe as Canada, scams do follow through and you must remain cautious. Take a look.
Types of accommodation for students in Canada
There are many types of accommodation for students that can be classified under two categories- on-campus and off-campus accommodation.
If it’s on-campus accommodation, then you are sorted. Not only they are the first preference for most students, but they are also safer than any other accommodation type. Dormitories are provided by the universities for students as residents. Some accommodations could be near the campus and not on university grounds. Still, since it is managed by university authorities, it is counted as an on-campus accommodation.
Let’s take a look at some of the best options for off-campus accommodation in Canada
Apartment on Rent
Although this seems like a great option for some, it would certainly increase the expenses as you are solely responsible for managing the apartment and of course, the hefty rent. In this case, you rent the entire place and do not share the apartment or the utilities/amenities it provides. If it is possible for you to make it on your own in an apartment then nothing better. If this seems like a burden then you can get yourself a shared apartment. You will have roommates and flatmates in this case, and the shared spaces will be the kitchen, bathroom, living room etc. Although it can take you some time to adjust to the environment it is worth the experience. Also, it takes down the pressure of high rent expenses.
Homestays
Another great off-campus accommodation has to be Homestays— given they are thoroughly vetted. Many families open their homes for international students to reside in for some time. This, regardless of your culture, will give you a homely vibe. This is a perfect option for international students if it is close to the campus.
| Type of Accommodation | Average Cost in CAD | Cost in INR |
| Dormitories | $350-$600 | INR 21,000- INR 36000 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | CAD 6,970 | INR 4.18 lakhs |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom) | CAD 1,350- CAD 1,599 | INR 82,000- INR 97,000 |
| Apartment Rentals (3 bedrooms) | CAD 2,261- CAD 2,611 | INR1.37 lakhs-INR1.59 lakhs |
| Shared Apartment | CAD 400 – CAD 800 | INR 24,000 – INR 48,001 |
| Homestay | CAD 1050 | INR 63,001 |
Cost of Living in Canada: Top Cities
| Province | Average Cost in CAD | Cost in INR |
| Alberta | CAD 479 | INR 28,800 |
| Ontario | CAD 598 | INR 35,900 |
| Quebec | CAD 421 | INR 25,300 |
| British Columbia | CAD 869 | INR 52,200 |
| Newfoundland | CAD 493 | INR 29,600 |
| New Brunswick | CAD 456 | INR 27,400 |
| Nova Scotia | CAD 498 | INR 29,900 |
| Manitoba | CAD 494 | INR 29,670 |
| Saskatchewan | CAD 559 | INR 33,570 |
What is the SCAM for Accommodation?
Scam and in Canada? Doesn’t seem to be true, but unfortunately, it happens. While you may find it bizarre for something this illegal to be happening in a country like Canada but it happens, and probably more often than you realize.
What is the scam here? Anything that you find “too good to be true” when it comes to accommodation in Canada, could be nothing but a trap. Canada may offer cheap rental deals but that depends on the season, location, etc. If you see a huge bargain from a rather fancy area; you are being conned. These deals seem legit and legal from trusted landlords so it is hard to sense the con at first. The fake rental ad does not reek of anything suspicious.
What’s more fraudulent are the agents who pretend to be legit authorities who can help international students find the perfect accommodation for them. While it should be easy for anyone to dodge these enquiries, an international student, who is mostly unaware of the procedures-, could fall into the trap. This leads to an exchange of personal information. And in such cases, parents or guardians are mostly involved to assist their child financially. This makes it fairly easy for people to dupe the students.
Here are some red flags for you to look out for while looking for accommodation for yourself
Price
- The price should be reasonable for the service offered. If you are unsure about a price, ask for references and tally with an expert.
- If you receive an offer with an unreasonably low price, there is likely something wrong with it (such as excessive concession). Do not proceed with the transaction until you have verified that all charges are disclosed upfront and agreed upon by both parties involved in said transaction.
Unauthorized cash withdrawals.
If someone asks you to withdraw money from your bank account and give it to them, they may be trying to scam you. If you don’t know what to do, call the police immediately!
Refusal to disclose personal information
If a person you are dealing with refuses to give you their personal information or address, this is a red flag. If they cannot tell you where they live; it is also a red flag. Unwillingness to share personal details on the phone before arriving in Canada is highly suspicious. Especially if you are asked to share personal details on the phone before arriving in Canada, this is a sign that they may be trying to hide something. Personal information includes:
- Your passport number and expiry date
- Your address (including city, province/state, and country)
- Your phone number(s), email account(s) and social media accounts if applicable (Twitter handle or Facebook profile URL).
Vague Listing
Take a step back if anything seems odd during the process. If the photos of the listing seem vague or blurred- anything that makes you doubt it, drop the listing at that moment. Also, if they suddenly stop sounding confident in showing you the listing— Time Out. Do not fall for it and take it as a major red flag. These are excuses to save themselves from getting caught.
Extreme Rush
Urgency may indicate a scam! Be wary if they are desperate to get you there, or claim that the money is needed immediately, especially if there is no other client. If the person you are dealing with is desperate to get you there and has no other options, it could be a scam.
If you are ever in doubt about whether a company is legitimate or not, the best way to find out is to ask them for references or other information about their business. This will help you determine whether or not they are truly trustworthy and interested in helping you as much as possible! If they don’t have any references, consider this a red flag. This is a sign that the company is not well-established and may not be as professional as it claims. Thus; a scam.
Studying and living in Canada takes more responsibilities than it seems. The above tips will help you get the right accommodation in Canada while staying within your budget.
