Short term accommodation
A possible option for temporary accommodation is the local bed-and-breakfast (B&B). Rooms are located in private homes or locally-run establishments, and the cost includes your own room and a generous breakfast. Many rooms do not have private toilets and baths. Average cost of a room in a bed-and-breakfast: $35 to $105 CDN per night.

Hostelling is another temporary and inexpensive way to stay in major cities. Accommodation is basic but economical, and primary facilities (toilets, baths and kitchens) are shared. Rates are calculated daily, and costs are less than other accommodation choices. Average cost of a room in a hostel: $10 - $20 CDN per night.

For further information, you can contact the International Youth Hostelling Association in your own country; or for information on hostels in Canada , contact:
Hostelling International ? Canada
400-205 Catherine Street
Ottawa , Ontario
Canada K2P 1C3
Tel: (613) 237-7884 or 1-800-663-5777
Fax: (613) 237-7868
E-mail:info@hostellingintl.ca

The YWCA/YMCA hotels are also inexpensive, clean, safe and comfortable. Many of these establishments also have pools and fitness centers (which you generally have free access to during your stay).

Keep in mind that hostels and YWCA/YMCAs fill up quickly during the summer months, so you should plan ahead.

Average cost of a room in a YWCA/YMCA: $24 - $45 CDN per night. For more information contact:
YWCA of Canada
590 Jarvis Street
5th Floor
Toronto , ON
Canada M4Y 2J4
Tel: (416) 962-8881
Fax: (416) 962-8084
E-mail: national@ywcacanada.ca

YMCA of Canada
42 Charles Street East
6th Floor
Toronto , ON
Canada M4Y 1T4
Tel: (416) 967-9622
Fax: (416) 967-9618
E-mail:services@ymca.ca

Long term accommodation:
School Provided Accommodation
Home-stays:
Many Canadian families welcome international students. This may be an effective way to improve your English or French, learn about and be apart of Canadian daily life, and meet new and friendly people.

Home-stays also offer a more stable and secure environment for younger people coming to study in Canada . Home-stays are arranged by the school, and students are matched with families who share similar interests. Prices will vary according to location, and some home-stay services will charge an initial placement fee of up to $200 CDN. Average cost of home-stay accommodation: $400 - $800 CDN per month.

For more information, contact the school you will be attending.

Residence/Dormitory
Many schools have accommodation conveniently located on or near their campus. Rooms can vary in size and in quality, and many dormitories have shared kitchens, toilets, showers and laundry facilities. There is usually an option of having either a shared or private room, and dormitories are usually separated by gender. In some cases, there are cafeterias and meal plans that are included in the cost of the room. Most dormitories come furnished, and are an ideal way to become involved in campus activities and meet other students. Average cost of residence/dormitory rooms: $3,000 - $7,500 CDN per school year.
For more information, contact the school you will be attending.

Off-campus housing
Renting
Renting is an option open to students, but price, quality and availability vary greatly. Rent is often quite high in the major cities, and places are not always available. Many students share accommodation to keep costs down and usually find places to meet their needs and preferences. Many schools offer an off-campus housing service, which can provide affordable listings that are near the campus.

At the service centers, those seeking shared accommodations can also find roommates. Although once on campus, you will find a variety of postings advertising nearby housing, but it is always best to make arrangements before coming to Canada . Average cost of shared accommodations in Canada : $250 - $700 CDN per month Average cost of a suite or apartment: $400 - $1,500 CDN per month.

Finding a job
Full-time foreign students are eligible to work 10 hours a week on their campus. This job will and should not provide enough money to pay your tuition and living expenses, but can provide you with some pocket money. You may also be allowed to work if you meet one of the following requirements: you want to work as a graduate assistant; your employment is part of a course, such as a work term during the year, as in cooperative programs; or you want to work after graduation in a study-related job for up to one year. The student "Working Holidays" program permits students age 18-30 to do a paid or unpaid internship for a maximum of three months.

A CEC ( Canadian Education Center ) official can give you details on working in Canada as a foreign student. In order to work in Canada you must attain an employment authorization. If you work without an employment authorization, you may be in violation of the Immigration Act, and you may be required to leave Canada.