Housing
At the International Centre, we are here to support you with your off-campus housing needs and give advice on how to settle into your new community. Staff provide resources for:
- accessing available housing options
- educating students on responsible living and housing regulations
- supporting students who have complex housing situations
Looking to provide housing to a Georgian student? Review our information for landlords.
COVID-19 international student housing
International students and co-arriving immediate family members MUST follow the recommended Canadian arrival process.For more information, please visit the Government of Canada website.
Georgian has put together some quarantine packages to support you. A quarantine package is mandatory for all students arriving in Canada, both new and returning.
Cost of living and budget
It’s important to start thinking about housing in Canada. You should spend time researching, contacting people and building connections. We encourage you to start connecting with Georgian representatives, your future classmates, as well as landlords in the community. You can always connect with International Centre staff about housing by emailing [email protected].
It’s also important to have the right budget for your life in Canada. Housing will likely be your largest monthly expense. According to the government of Canada, the average living cost in Canada for a college student is $12,000 to $18,000 per year. Please visit the finance and fees page to learn more about other expenses you may expect as a student.
Homestay
Students are carefully matched to one of our caring host families who will provide a private bedroom, food for three meals per day and internet access. It’s a great way for you to immerse yourself in Canadian culture and experience Canadian life in a family setting. It offers a lot of opportunity to practise your English and improve your language skills.
Georgian College currently works with third party partners who provide homestay services. Homestay requires a minimum of two months commitment and the two months must be paid in advance.
Interested in hosting a Georgian student?
Five signs you’d make a great Homestay host
Photo essay: Breakfast with a Homestay family
Disclaimer: The International Centre is not responsible for the information provided by homestay providers and does not review host families and their homes. Students should do their own evaluation of each homestay provider.
On-campus residence
Residence provides not only accommodations, but also a welcoming, safe environment where students can make friends, get involved, grow and develop.
Georgian has on-campus residences at the Barrie, Orillia and Owen Sound campuses. Choose your campus below to learn more.
Barrie Campus
Orillia Campus
Owen Sound Campus
Off-campus housing
Interested in off-campus student housing?
We advise students to finalize or research their accommodations before they arrive in Canada.
If you plan to live in off-campus housing, be prepared to:
- share a house or some common space with other students
- purchase and prepare your own meals
- pay your own bills and live with other people
We’ll help you get started by highlighting some important factors to consider when choosing to live off-campus from housing rules and regulations to rental scams, roommates, insurance, transportation and health, safety and security. Next, follow our six steps to finding suitable off-campus housing
Temporary accommodation
If you need temporary accommodations for a few days while you find a more permanent place to live, we suggest a hotel or Airbnb.
Georgian has compiled a list of temporary accommodation suggestions. Please note, Georgian has no affiliations with any of the accommodations listed.
Helpful links
Want to learn more about studying at Georgian as an international student?
Georgian’s international team is here to help you find a program that is right for you and help you settle into your new home at one of our seven campuses in Ontario.
Contact information
Segal International Centre
C279, Barrie Campus
705.728.1968, ext. 1218
