Housing

Resources available on this page:

We understand that finding suitable and affordable accommodation options close to campus can be overwhelming for international students. There are countless housing options available, and it can be challenging to differentiate the legitimate options from the fraudulent ones. At Alpha College, we want to ensure that you are well-informed and able to make the best decision for your housing needs.

Our team is available to answer any questions you may have regarding housing options, and provide you with guidance and support throughout your search. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at housing@slc-alpha.ca.

On this page, you will find Alpha College partners that provide affordable homestays and temporary housing for students. You will also find third-party portals that will assist you in your search for accommodation, either temporary or permanent.

Important: properties listed on this page are not affiliated with Alpha College and Alpha College is not responsible for the accuracy or legitimacy of the information provided. Please be cautious when evaluating any rental listings, and research before making a final decision.

House search

Student housing search

Alpha College partnered with 4stay to offer you a platform to quickly discover fully furnished and all-inclusive student housing options at your fingertips with just a quick search. Click the link below to start your student housing search.

Residences and Homestays

Alpha College partners with the following companies that offers residences and homestays. Students can contact the companies directly or email the Alpha College housing support team at housing@slc-alpha.ca for more information about the options available:

Additionally, Alpha College also partners with the following companies for temporary accommodation with discounted rates for Alpha College students.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Airport West

Online Rental platforms

Below you can find online rental platforms that offer multiple housing options in Toronto and GTA, such as apartments, houses, and townhouses. Please make sure to check the accuracy and legitimacy of all the information provided on these platforms, as Alpha College is not responsible for the content provided.

Tips

When it comes to finding a good place to live in Toronto and GTA, there are many challenges that you may face, especially as an international student. Below you can find several tips that can help make your experience easier and increase your chances of finding the ideal rental.

Establish a budget before you start searching for rentals. You must take into consideration your income, expenses, groceries, transportation, entertainment, tuition fees, and other costs. Below you can see an example of a budget for living in Toronto. Please keep in mind that costs may vary depending on your needs, life style, and where you would like to live.

Item

Estimate

Accommodation

$700 – $1200

Internet 

$50

Phone bill

$20 – $70

Food & grocery

$400

Transportation

$130

Entertainment & other

$120

Books & supplies  

$50

TOTAL ESTIMATED

$1500 – $2000

Use online rent calculators or budgeting tools to determine how much you can afford to spend on rent while considering your income and other expenses. Under additional resources you will find budgeting tools and guides.

Begin your search early: the market can move really quickly, so it is advisable to search well in advance, at least one month before you plan to move in. Give yourself time to compare prices and find a suitable place that meets your requirements.

Additionally, research different neighborhoods to find the one that best suits your preferences and lifestyle. Consider factors like proximity to transportation, amenities, and safety when selecting your desired location.

Be mindful of the distance from your accommodation to the College. Keep in mind that you may need to come to College multiple times a week and living close to your campus may save you some time. 

Also take in consideration accessibility to public transportation, as this is an easy and affordable way to reach the College. As a reminder, Alpha College Scarborough campus is located a few steps from a bus stop (43 Kennedy bus route)

 

A contract is a legal document that describes the rental property, outlines what is included and any options, such as parking and storage. You may be asked to sign a contract. In this case, you must be well-informed as to what to expect. Here are some tips on signing a lease:

Most apartments are leased by the year, although some are rented monthly. You will probably need to pay the first and last month’s rent when you sign the lease.
Pay special attention to the parts that state exceptions and additions. You want to know exactly what you will pay for and what will be paid for by the landlord.
Be sure you know what the monthly rent payment includes. For example, is the electricity included, the water included, the parking included?
Also, find out whether you have to pay a fee if you leave before the lease term is over. You cannot usually break a lease agreement.

 

 

When renting accommodation, you will generally be required first and last month’s rent and possibly be required to put down a damage deposit. If you leave the premises clean and in good condition, the damage deposit will be refunded to you.

Familiarize yourself with the Residential Tenancies Act and the Landlord and Tenant Board’s website. Understanding your rights and obligations as a tenant is crucial. Some landlords may require you to pay additional fees that you are not supposed to, therefore, knowing your rights will help you navigate the rental process.

Sharing a rental with roommates may be a cheaper option, as you can share the costs with someone. If you are open to this idea, you may discuss with your friends or classmates to find a place to rent together.

If you decide to share accommodation with roommates, you may decide to purchase furniture together. If this is the case, it is wise to make agreements regarding ownership and financial repayments in advance. This will help avoid ownership/financial conflict if you decide to move out.

 

Additional resources

Below you can find a list of additional resources that can help you in your rental search, including guides from the Government of Ontario, budget planner, and the residential tenancies act. Make sure to check these resources, as they will provide you with more knowledge to take an informed decision.

Reminder: Monday, October 9th, is the Thanks Giving Holiday and Alpha College will be closed.