Student Housing Options

Royal Metro College > Student Housing Options

Student Housing Options (Housing Assistance)

Royal Metro College does not provide on-campus housing. This page gathers practical guidance to help you find safe, suitable accommodation in the community and understand your rights as a renter in B.C.

Quick Contacts

1) Common Housing Types

  • Homestay – Live with a local host family; often includes furnished room and some meals. Good for newcomers who want language practice and local support.
  • Shared Apartment/House – Rent a bedroom and share kitchen, bathroom, and utilities with roommates. Usually the best value for cost.
  • Private Suite / Basement Suite – A self-contained unit (often furnished), sometimes attached to a house.
  • Studio / 1-Bedroom Apartment – Entire place to yourself; higher privacy and cost.
  • Short-Term Rentals – Hotels, hostels, or furnished short stays for your first 2–4 weeks while you search long-term housing.

Tip: New students often choose short-term housing for 2–4 weeks first, then sign a long-term lease after viewing options in person.

2) Typical Costs (Examples Only – verify current market)

Actual prices vary by the neighbourhood, building age, furnishings, and season. Budget for rent, utilities, internet, and transit.

Option What it usually includes Typical monthly range*
Shared room / bedroom in a shared unit Furnished or partly furnished; shared kitchen/bath $700–$1,200
Private room in homestay Furnished + some meals (varies by host) $1,100–$1,600
Basement / private suite Furnished or unfurnished; separate entrance $1,400–$1,900
Studio / 1-bed apartment Private kitchen/bath; higher privacy $1,800–$2,600+

*Rates are based on recent market observations and may change; always confirm the current rate.

Other monthly costs to plan for:

  • Utilities: $50–$150 (depending on usage & number of roommates)
  • Internet: $40–$100 (plan/speed dependent)
  • Transit: Check current Compass Card rates; many students use monthly passes.
  • Renter’s insurance: ~$15–$30 (recommended)

3) Where and How to Search

  • Homestay providers – Offer screening and matching; read what’s included (meals, wifi, laundry).
  • Rental listings platforms – Filter by location, price, and housing type; bring a friend to viewings when possible.
  • Local community boards & student groups – Useful for roommate shares; verify identity and listing details.
  • Realtors / property managers – Some manage apartment buildings with standard applications.

Important: Royal Metro College does not place students in housing and has no affiliation with third-party platforms. Do your own due diligence before paying any fees.

4) Safety & Scam-Prevention Checklist

  • Never send money or copies of ID before you’ve verified the landlord/agent and viewed the unit (in person or live video).
  • Meet at the property and confirm the person has authority to rent it (ask for proof if unsure).
  • Avoid cash; use traceable payments; get a receipt.
  • Be cautious of “too good to be true” prices, pressure to decide immediately, or requests to wire money overseas.
  • Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away and seek advice at studentservices@royalmetro.ca.

5) Understanding Leases & Deposits

  • Read your lease fully before signing: rent amount, term (fixed vs. month-to-month), included utilities, rules on guests, subletting, etc.
  • Damage/Security deposit – Typically up to half a month’s rent (varies by law); get a receipt.
  • Condition inspection – Do a move-in inspection with photos/videos and keep copies of the report.
  • Notice to end tenancy – Learn proper notice periods and penalties to avoid disputes.

6) Your Rights & Responsibilities (Tenancy Basics)

  • Landlords must keep units safe and in good repair; tenants must pay rent on time and respect the unit/other tenants.
  • If problems arise (repairs, entry notice, deposits, termination), keep everything in writing and document with photos and dates.
  • If you cannot resolve an issue, contact Student Services for guidance and learn about B.C. tenancy rights and dispute options.

7) Roommates & House Rules

  • Agree on house rules in writing: quiet hours, cleaning, guests, shared purchases, bill-splitting, and how to handle damages.
  • Decide who sets up and pays for utilities & internet, and how reimbursements are tracked.

8) Move-In Essentials

  • Utilities & Internet: Ask the landlord what’s included; if not included, set up accounts before move-in.
  • Furniture: Many rentals are unfurnished—plan for a bed, desk, and kitchen basics.
  • Renter’s Insurance: Protects your belongings and liability—strongly recommended.

9) Accessibility & Special Considerations

  • If you require accessible housing (elevator, step-free entry, accessible bathroom), mention this early in your search.
  • For shorter leases (co-op terms, practicum), look for flexible terms or furnished options.

10) Need Help?

Disclaimer: Royal Metro College provides this information for guidance only and does not endorse or control any third-party providers or listings. Students are responsible for their own housing decisions and contracts.

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