International Students

Accommodation

There are various types of accommodations, such as homestays, apartments, houses and condos. Rental listings are available in the Find Accomodation section on the right side of the page.

Homestay Program

The homestay program gives international students the opportunity to live with a Canadian family. This is a great way to learn more about Canadian culture and is a good opportunity to practice English language conversation.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Please visit the Government of Alberta's Landlord and Tenant section for information about the Residential Tenancies Act.

What Should I Consider When I am Looking at Places to Rent?

Lease
You can usually sign a monthly or a yearly lease. Sometimes the yearly lease gives you a better deal; however, you cannot break the lease, which limits your ability to move if you decide you are not happy with your accommodation.

Utilities
Ask if the rent includes utilities (heat, water, power and cable). If not, check how much utilities cost per month. In Alberta, heating costs are quite high, especially in older houses and in the winter months.

Laundry
Find out if there are laundry facilities in the building or nearby.

Bus Connections
Check out the bus connections to NAIT. How long will it take? Where is the nearest bus stop?

Security
Check that the building is secure enough for you to feel safe. Many apartments have security systems on the main door, allowing only residents to enter the building.

Shared Accommodation
Sharing rent and utility costs with others can be considerably cheaper than living on your own. If you decide to share, remember that the person who signs the lease or rental agreement and utilities is responsible for the payments. In order to avoid disputes, you should discuss with your roommate how you will share expenses before you move in.