For many new students, finding student accommodation Calgary is one of the most important tasks they must complete once they arrive in the city. Safe and comfortable long-term housing provides a base for you to settle in as you begin your studies and job search.
The cost of housing often makes up a large portion of your monthly expenses. That’s why it’s important to stick to your budget in the beginning and control your spending while you search for job opportunities and permanent housing.
Here are some of the different types of student housing you can find:
1. Serviced apartments:
A serviced apartment, also known as an “apartment hotel,” is like having your own apartment. Often these student apartments are offered for a short period of time (one month or more) in apartment buildings or are part of a hotel. The advantage of a serviced apartment is that the cost is far less than staying in a comparable hotel suite. There are several options – from one to three bedrooms – and you”ll have everything you need, such as a fully equipped kitchen, linens and towels, and laundry facilities. Depending on the type of building your serviced apartment is located in, you may also have access to amenities like an indoor pool and gym. Individual serviced apartment providers can be found online through websites such as Airbnb, Kayak and Trivago.
2. Hostel:
Most people think that youth hostels are only for teenagers, but that’s no longer true. You can stay at a hostel at any age. There are often private rooms or quadruple rooms, which are ideal if you are a student who has a family. Not only are hostels much cheaper than hotels, they”re often located in the city center, and you”ve access to a kitchen and living area. However, the best thing is that you get all the opportunity to meet new people from different countries!
3. Shared accommodation:
Another option is long-term shared student accommodation in Calgary. This is a good move to get some stability and share an apartment or house with others while you look for your own place. You should expect to have your own bedroom and share other living areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom with other tenants.
You can find ads for shared housing in online classifieds or on websites like Roomies.
4. Dormitories:
Another good option for students coming to Calgary are dormitories at universities and colleges. Generally, dormitories are empty from May to mid-August, when the lecture period is over. Rooms are then rented to summer students, travelers, or other visitors through the residence halls or college housing departments. The accommodations are often clean and modern and have two or three bedrooms with a kitchen and bathroom.
Rooms are usually rented on a weekly or monthly basis, and most residence halls have 24- hour security. You’ll need to contact Calgary colleges and universities directly to inquire or make a reservation.
Tips for finding cheap accommodation in Calgary.
Finding a student apartment in Calgary is one thing, finding long-term housing that fits your budget is another. Here are a few tips that you should follow while looking for student housing.
- Negotiate
You may have found the perfect long-term accommodation in the right area, but it’s outside your budget. If the apartment is rented per month, ask if they can negotiate the price for a longer stay or if you”ve to pay the full amount up front if you want to stay a month or longer.
Given the impact of COVID -19 on the rental market and falling rents in major cities across Canada, now is a good time to negotiate. Even if the answer is “no” nothing is lost if you ask confidently and respectfully.
- Look in late fall or winter
The spring and summer months are popular times to relocate in Canada. During this time, the college is closed and families are looking to settle down before the kids go back to school in September. Because of this, competition is greater, and you may find that your options are limited to more expensive accommodations. Rather, look later in the fall, winter or early spring when demand is lower.
- Consider other expenses
While student housing is usually one of the biggest expenses in a budget, when it comes to finding the right long-term housing in Toronto, you should also consider other expenses, such as public transit. A cheap rental apartment in a suburb, for example, isn’t as cheap if you’ve to pay an additional $300 CAD or more in transportation costs for commuting. Also consider other monthly expenses such as electricity and gas, which are usually not included in rent, as well as other expenses such as internet or parking fees.
Finding suitable short-term or long-term housing is an important first step in moving to another country. Maximize your success by researching the market in advance. That way you”ll be better able to tackle your new life on the first try!
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