How to Find Student Accommodation in Winnipeg

Securing housing on your arrival at the university in Winnipeg is generally at the top of every international student's checklist. Finding housing that is close to school, does not exceed your budget, and meets your needs can be exhausting if you do not know where to start. In this article, we have shared some housing options for international students coming to Canada and how to get started finding the perfect place to stay.After the COVID -19 pandemic, international students coming to Canada to study may not have enough options for on-campus Student accommodation Winnipeg than in the previous years. Fortunately, there are many other housing options for international students if you know where to look. 

Determine your monthly budget first

The first decision you need to make when planning your housing is how much you can afford to pay per month. A good starting point for rental prices is between $700 and $1,000 CAD per month, per room in shared accommodation (flat, house or dorm). If you want to live alone in a studio or one-bedroom flat, expect to pay upwards of $1,200 CAD per month, depending on where you live. Utilities, transportation, food, and furniture may be added to these costs, which you should not forget to include in your budget.

On-campus accommodation for international students

Most colleges offer some type of on-campus student accommodation with basic furniture. This is a good option for international students who don’t want to travel long distance for their classes. Many on-campus dorms have a communal dining hall with a paid meal plan, eliminating the need to cook and buy your own food.

Is it necessary for international students to live on campus?

International students are not required to live on campus unless your programme offers housing. However, depending on your university's policies, you may have priority access to on-campus housing as an international student.

What types of on-campus housing are available?

Larger universities typically have several types of on-campus housing. Freshman residence halls typically have dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities such as bathrooms, dining halls, and common areas. Many universities also have apartments and townhouses with one to four bedrooms, usually reserved for upper-level students. Check your university's website to find out what housing options are available for the upcoming year.

What is the average cost of on-campus housing?

The cost of eight months of on-campus room and board can range from $6,000 CAD (smaller universities like St. Francis Xavier) to $14,000 CAD (University of British Columbia) or $16,000 CAD (University of Toronto). Contact your university to find out the cost of on-campus housing.

How early should I apply for on-campus housing?

Because of their convenient location, on-campus residence halls are in high demand at some universities. As soon as you receive your acceptance letter, you should contact your university's residence hall office to find out how to apply. Apply for on-campus housing facility, you will have to have an application fee. 

Advantages of living on campus for international students

• Proximity to classes
• Proximity to on-campus facilities (libraries, gymnasiums, etc.)
• Concentrated international student community
• The average rent price includes utilities and food. Around-the-clock student housing assistance is available at most universities.

Off-campus housing in luxury apartments, houses and more.

You may choose off-campus housing to have more living space available, to save money, or for personal reasons. Off-campus housing also allows you to explore your city beyond campus life by living in a new neighbourhood. You can choose from cheap and luxury student accommodation off-campus. One-bedroom apartments, shared apartments, and flat communities are the most common forms of off-campus living. Students typically sign a one-year lease in May or September, which includes the summer semester. Depending on the state, you may be required to pay the first month's rent, the last month's rent, or a security deposit when you sign the lease.Additional charges may not be included in the advertised rent. Before signing the lease, find out if utilities (e.g., heat, water, electricity, Wi-Fi), any furniture, parking fees, or other expenses are included so you can plan accordingly. 

Benefits of off-campus housing for international students:

• Availability of many options for housing type and location.
• Students can save money by choosing more cheap student accommodation. 
• You can enjoy more freedom and independence in daily life. You will have the freedom to cook and shop for yourself.
• You can choose your own roommates.
• You can explore different places and become familiar with everyday life of the locales

Where should I look for off-campus housing?

You can begin your search for a flat or room online sources such as Padmapper, Rentals.ca, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Kijiji, and many other smaller rental portals. You may also find Facebook groups dedicated to finding cheap student accommodation at specific universities or contact your university's international student department. If you have friends or family members who already live near your school, they may also be able to help you get in touch with someone who has a flat and is looking for a roommate.Apart from the on-campus and off-campus housing, you can also have the options of homestay and short-term furnished rentals. You can make your choice according to your requirements and budget.  Securing housing on your arrival at the university in Winnipeg is generally at the top of every international student's checklist. Finding housing that is close to school, does not exceed your budget, and meets your needs can be exhausting if you do not know where to start. In this article, we have shared some housing options for international students coming to Canada and how to get started finding the perfect place to stay.After the COVID -19 pandemic, international students coming to Canada to study may not have enough options for on-campus Student accommodation Winnipeg than in the previous years. Fortunately, there are many other housing options for international students if you know where to look.