Moving to Canada soon and want to make rent even more affordable? Consider living with a roommate(s)!
Here are ways on how international students can find roommate(s) in Canada, let’s go!!
First, let’s discuss a few things.
- Do you really need a roommate?
Living with a roommate can be tricky. What if personalities do not match? What if someone is tidy and the other is not? If you are lucky, you might meet some good roommates which can be really fun too.
- What is your budget?
Your budget will dictate the location of your accommodation, the size of the shared room, and how many people you might have to share an accommodation with.
- Know your lifestyle
Your lifestyle and your roommates play a significant role. If you will be studying a lot during the day, you will need to find a quiet roommate who can accommodate your lifestyle.
Check out recommended websites to find roommates in Canada.
- Roomies
- iRoommates
- Roomi
- Roomgo
- Kijiji
- Craigslist
- Facebook groups
Let’s say you found a shared room that you really like, now what’s next? Here are some tips to find a good roommate and keep yourself safe.
- Ask your potential roommate to meet up in-person
Most likely there will be an interview process to evaluate if the other person wants to live with you. Most importantly, you should be interviewing the other person too. Don’t be afraid to ask personal questions related to living conditions.
- Don’t go to your first meeting alone
The Internet can be a scary place! Bring a friend that you trust to go view the place with you or meet your potential roommate for the first time.
- Get it in writing
If you are firm with your decision and will be moving in, make sure you have all the details in writing with both parties’ signatures. This document should state the rent amount, payment terms, and other agreements.
- Discuss how you will share (and don’t share)
Living with someone means that you will be sharing the furniture, using the same Wi-Fi, eating from the same fridge etc. Have an open & honest conversation with the roommate and set the expectation.
Need help finding accommodation?
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We recommend Vanmates, a marketplace for accommodation for international students in Canada. They offer a wide range of accommodation from homestays to condo rental!
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