housing support services

Your New Beginning, Fully Supported

At Orane International College Canada, we understand that relocating to study abroad brings unique challenges. That’s why our dedicated student support system is built to help you settle in, find safe housing, and confidently embrace life in Canada, both academically and personally.

Overview of Housing Support to Students

Although Orane International College doesn’t have on-campus residences, we assist students in locating secure, comfortable, and affordable places to stay nearby. Housing assistance includes:

Homestay Arrangements

We help students explore homestay opportunities where they can live with Canadian families. This option offers a culturally immersive, welcoming environment—ideal for those looking to ease into life in a new country.

Off-Campus Rentals

Students receive access to trusted resources and listings for rental apartments, shared housing, and student-friendly accommodations close to the college.

Short-Term Housing Options

For students arriving before securing long-term housing, we offer suggestions for reliable short-term stays, including hotels, hostels, and temporary rental options.

Before finalising any housing arrangement, students must review and understand the tenancy agreement terms as per local Canadian housing laws. This includes details about rent, notice periods, tenant responsibilities, and landlord obligations.

Click here to read the: Tenancy Agreement Guidelines 

Important Note:

Orane International College facilitates access to trusted housing information but does not arrange or guarantee accommodation. Students are encouraged to review all housing options independently and make informed choices.

How to Avoid Scams and find Support

Rental scams

Before you rent or sublet a place, be aware of common rental scams, especially on non-government-regulated platforms like Facebook, Craigslist, WhatsApp, WeChat, or Discord. Scammers often pretend to be landlords or tenants offering a room.

Warning signs to look for:

  • Rent is unusually cheap or comes with offers like “free” or discounted rent in exchange for favors or services. 
  • You are asked to pay upfront before seeing the place in person. 
  • They want cash-only payments or request money through wire transfers. 
  • They ask for a cash security deposit before confirming details. 

Tip:

Always research and understand how to spot and avoid scams before starting your rental search. Before you begin, know how to avoid scams

Know your rights as a tenant and find support:

Make sure you know your rights. Review information on renting in Canada, tenancy agreements, tenants’ rights, and dealing with landlords.

Rights and Advocacy Support:

General Information:

Understanding the Cost of Living

To help students plan their finances responsibly, we provide general estimates and budgeting guidance for:

  • Housing: Rent ranges for homestays, shared apartments, and private rentals
  • Utilities & Internet: Average costs for electricity, heating, and internet packages
  • Food & Transportation: Monthly budgeting tips for groceries, meals, and public transit

Understanding Rent Costs in Vancouver

Rent prices in Vancouver can vary widely depending on location, building type, age, and condition. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

  • Condos usually cost more to rent than regular apartment buildings.
  • Apartments in popular neighborhoods are often more expensive than those farther away.

Average Rent in Vancouver (March 2025)

Prices below are for unfurnished units and represent the cost of the entire unit, not per room or person.

Unit TypeLiv.rentRentals.caZumper.com
Studio/BachelorNot provided$2,199$2,129
1. Bedroom$2,460$2,526$2,567
2. Bedroom$3,123$3,515$3,733
3. Bedroom$3,717$4,308$4,911

You can explore detailed rent trends and comparisons from these platforms:

Additional Costs to Budget For

When renting, keep in mind that your monthly rent may not cover everything. You may also need to pay for:

  • Utilities (heat, water, electricity)
  • Internet and cable TV
  • Laundry (in-unit or coin-operated)
  • Furnishings (if your unit is unfurnished)
  • Parking
  • Security deposit (typically half a month’s rent)
  • Pet deposit (if applicable)
  • Renter’s insurance (recommended for protecting your belongings)

This support ensures students are financially prepared and can manage day-to-day living expenses confidently.

If you are looking for help with student aid to cover costs for local transportation, shelter, food, and miscellaneous expenses, it is advisable to visit the Government of Canada’s site.

Things to Consider

Finding a place to live as a student in Canada is a big decision. Think about what matters most to you, such as transportation, neighborhood culture, safety, and cost of living. Here are key factors to help guide your search:

Transportation

The majority of Orane students commute to campus by public transit, bicycle, or on foot. The area is served by many bus routes, and students can buy a monthly transit pass for access to buses, Sky Train, and Sea Bus.

Ask yourself:

  • Is the place within walking distance to regular transit?
  • Will you need to transfer buses to get to campus or work?
  • How often do the buses run in the area, and are they usually crowded??
  • Is cheaper rent worth a longer, tiring commute?
  • Are you okay with biking or walking in rainy or cold weather?
  • Are you willing to spend extra on rent to live near your college and nearby facilities??

Noise & Neighborhood Environment

A peaceful and safe living space is essential for your well-being.

Think about:

  • Is the neighborhood safe?
  • Are you okay with noise from traffic, kids, or neighbors?
  • Will your neighbors be okay with noise coming from your place?

Food Access

You’ll be thinking about meals daily, so make sure food is easy to get.

Consider:

  • Which do you prefer — cooking your own meals or going out to eat?
  • Is there a grocery store nearby?

Utilities

Understand what’s included and what you’ll be responsible for.

Questions to ask:

  • Can you control your own heat (thermostat)?
  • How important is high-speed internet to you?
  • Are utilities included in the rent?

Laundry

Doing laundry should be convenient and accessible.

Things to Check:

  • Is laundry available inside the apartment, or is it shared with other residents??
  • Do you need to visit a laundromat?
  • How much will laundry cost each month?

Furnished vs. Unfurnished

Furnished places may cost more but save you time and money, especially for short-term stays.

Ask yourself:

  • Will you need to buy or move furniture?
  • How will you transport large items? Do you need a truck?

Bed Bugs

Older buildings can sometimes have bed bugs.

Subletting

If you’re planning a summer break and looking for someone to take over your lease:

  • Talk to your landlord ahead of time to understand their rules about subletting.

Orientation Day: Start With Confidence

We host a comprehensive Orientation Day to help students feel at home right from the start. The session includes:

  • College policies, academic expectations, and available student services.
  • Suggestions for integrating into the local community and adapting to Canadian culture.
  • Insights into daily life, social norms, and communication in a new cultural setting.

Helpful Housing Search Links

To assist students in finding safe and affordable accommodation near the college, we recommend exploring the following trusted websites:

More Information on Useful Housing & Support Resources in B.C.

Navigating life in British Columbia as an international student becomes easier with the right resources. Below are three key official support pages offering trusted information on homestay guidelines, student wellness, and local integration services.

 1. B.C. Government – International Education Resources
Use it to get official guidelines on homestay, student wellness, and essential support documents available in multiple languages.

2. WelcomeBC – Resources for International Students
You can access accommodation help, education planning, and integration support through institutions and local services using it.

3. PICS – International Student Support Program (ISS)
Use the above link to join free workshops on immigration, financial literacy, tenant rights, and Canadian laws specially designed for international students in B.C.

Need Help?

Our support doesn’t end at arrival. Whether you’re looking for housing advice, budgeting tips, or simply a place to ask questions, our team is here to assist you.

For more information, contact us at info@orane.ca