Housing

Before you arrive at Niagara College, our International Housing Coordinator can help you find a place to live. Most of our students choose to stay in Homestay, but you can also choose to stay in the on-campus residence, or in a shared apartment.

Homestay - What is Homestay?

Homestay matches you with a Canadian family and you live as part of the family during your stay. While living with the family, you will be able to practice your English often and enjoy all the comforts of living in a family home.  Homestay includes three meals a day, your own private furnished room and study area and access to the house. 

The International Housing Coordinator carefully selects each family. Every family is interviewed and visited before they become a Homestay family. We carefully match your needs with an appropriate family, to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. For more information and fees, see the Homestay Policy.

Homestay Policy

At the Welland Campus, your Homestay will be located within walking distance of the college. At the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, we try to place you as close as possible, but most students will have to take a bus to and from school.

WELCOME TO HOMESTAY …A home away from home!

Homestay is a terrific way to be introduced to Canadian culture and the Niagara community.  Wonderful local families provide support and assistance while students adapt to the lifestyle and demands of Canadian student life.  Homestay families are as diverse as the international students who attend Niagara College, but what our homestay families all have in common is a desire to contribute to the lives of others. 

Living with a Canadian family will be a very rewarding experience that you will never forget.  Once you have your confirmation of who your homestay family is, you will be able to contact them and begin to develop a lifelong friendship.  You will have many questions to ask and having these questions answered will help you to adjust more quickly to your life as a student at Niagara College. 

Meals
All of your meals are provided by your homestay.  You may be expected  to prepare your own breakfast and lunch.  If so, your family will show you what you can make or take for these meals.  The evening meal is a family time with all household members sitting down together to eat and discuss the day’s events. Although meals are included in your homestay fee, you may want to purchase food, drinks or snacks that the family does not regularly use.  Some of the best experiences in a homestay are learning Canadian culture and spending time together while eating meals. 

Meal plans are available at the cafeteria on campus which can be used to purchase meals or snacks.

Computer and Internet Access
We recommend that you talk to your homestay family about your computer needs, and that you bring or purchase your own computer if you want computer access at home.  Basic internet will be available in homestays and included in the $600 per month. Internet use in Canada is more limited and costy than many other countries. We recommend that you discuss your internet use with your homestay family after you arrive. Please remember that the college has computer labs that are available for student use for many hours each day and are free of charge.

Smoking
Most Canadians do not permit smoking in their homes, however, many will allow for smoking outdoors.  You must cooperate with your family and their rules regarding smoking.  Many non-smoking families have insurance rates based on no smoking in their homes.

Pets
Many families have pets, usually dogs and cats.  In Canada, dogs are very clean and friendly; cats are well cared for and make good companions.  You may be surprised by how much you enjoy them as you get used to their presence. 

Phone
You will be able to use the family phone for local calls; however, you will be expected to use a long distance phone card for all long distance calls.  It is wise to limit the number and length of your calls as there are others in the home who share the phone.

Household Help
Everyone in the family will have some household duties.  You should volunteer to help with making meals, cleaning up afterwards or doing other household chores.  The homestay parents are not servants and will be pleased if you help with chores, along with the other family members.  You will also find that both males and females are expected to share the workload of  the household.

Money
Homestay fees should be paid when you arrive and on the first of each month following.  Do not carry a lot of extra cash with you on a daily basis;  debit/bank cards are much safer to carry and  are widely accepted.  If you have questions about banking, you may ask your host family or the International Department for help.

Transportation
You will be able to walk, ride a bike or take a bus to the college from your homestay at our Welland Campus.  At the Niagara on the Lake Campus, students live in St. Catharines and take public transit to the college.  If you need help with bus or taxi transportation, your family will be happy to help you.  Although families may help out, they are not expected to transport you on a regular basis. When using a bicycle under the age of 18 you are required by law to wear an approved bicycle helmet. Cyclists over 18 are encouraged to wear helmets for their own safety, but are not required to by law.

A Universal Bus Pass (U-pass) is included in the tuition for post secondary students. ESL students can choose to purchase a bus pass after they arrive on campus.

Personal Care
In Canadian culture it is important for people to use deodorant, brush their teeth often and shower daily.  Showers should not last more than 10 minutes, and it is important to be sure the curtain is inside the bathtub and water is not on the floor.   Tissue is flushed down the toilet, but sanitary napkins are wrapped and placed in a garbage container.  Your homestay family will help you get used to living in their home.  It is very important to talk together about their family habits.

Guests
You will need to ask your homestay family before inviting guests to their home.  Some families may have room to accommodate guests, but they should not be expected to.  If you have family visiting, they should arrange to stay at a nearby hotel.  If your host family offers to house them, they should expect to be reimbursed a minimum of $20 per day per person.  Families will not have your boyfriend or girlfriend stay overnight.  It is best to talk openly to your host family about your relationships and their household guidelines.

Residence

Niagara College has residences (dormitories) on both the Welland Campus and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. Both house over 200 students in beautiful, new and comfortable buildings.

You will have your own furnished bedroom and share kitchen and washroom facilities with one other student. Each bedroom includes a television and internet connection. Students must buy and cook their own meals. The kitchen includes a fridge and microwave. A meal plan is available on campus. You will also be expected to buy or bring bedding, cooking utensils and cleaning supplies.

 

Residence Fees

For important information on residence fees and cancellation policy, please visit:

niagararez.ca/rates.html

Option 1 - September 2010 to April 2011
Save $125! $6000 due July 3, 2010

Option 2 - September 2010 to April 2011
Pay in 2 installments - includes $125 installment fee
$3875 due July 3, 2010 and $2250 due December 1, 2010

Option 3 - January to April 2011 only
$3000 due December 1, 2010

Option 4 - May to August 2010 only
$450 per month plus security deposit of $250

(Monthly payments due by the 15th of the previous month)

The fee for residence can be paid most easily by credit card however, there are two payment options (details included in your acceptance package):

1) By fax - Fax authorization to debit your credit card to the International Housing Co-ordinator, Niagara College: 905-735-2413

2) By bank transfer - Be sure your name and student number are clearly indicated when you do the transfer through your bank. Fax the receipt to Mary Papp, International Accounts at (905) 735-2413 with the amount for residence clearly indicated.

If you are interested in staying in the residence September through April, you must apply early, as space is limited.

Process of Application and Acceptance:

International students can apply for residence directly online or by sending a completed application by fax to 905-735-2413. Residence space is confirmed by the end of May. Notice of acceptance is emailed and acceptance packages with a lease are couriered to students.  Upon receipt of the security deposit of $250 along with a signed lease, the student’s space will be confirmed.  (The security deposit will be refunded four to six weeks after moving out of residence if the room is undamaged and clean.)

Students not immediately accepted into residence are placed on a waitlist for a residence room. As spaces become available, applicants will be contacted.

About your Lease:  September through April

  • When you sign your lease, you are agreeing to stay at the residence for eight months
  • If you plan to stay over the winter holiday, you will be required to pay $200.00 (this is not included in your original fee)
  • If you move into the residence before the date listed on your lease, you will need to pay $30.00 per day for the extra time that you are there.  Please inform us of the date for your early arrival
  • The residence is very much like living in an apartment.  Although there is staff there 24 hours a day, you will need to approach them for help if you need it.  Please feel comfortable to ask the staff for assistance.
  • There is a microwave and a refrigerator in your room.  You are not able to have an open element for cooking in your dorm room.  You will need to use the common kitchen if you would like to use the stovetop or oven
  • The residence is a non-smoking facility

Things You Will Need While Living in Residence

  • Bedding, sheets, comforter, pillows, pillow cases
  • Towels, face cloths, dish towels, dish cloths
  • Toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex
  • Personal hygiene items, shampoo, soap, deodorant etc.
  • Laundry soap, fabric softener
  • Dishes, plates, glasses, utensils, pots, pans
  • Hangers for your clothes
  • Groceries
  • Alarm clock, radio, table lamp

As the residence does not supply you with bed sheets, pillows or comforters, you will want to bring a blanket with you, or send some things ahead, so that you have bedding for the first night you are there until you can purchase it.

There is a mall located very close to both residences where you can purchase all of these items.  Please remember that if you are arriving late at night (after 9:00 p.m.) the stores will be closed.  Please be sure to bring a blanket with you for your first night.

Mail
If you would like to send anything ahead of time the address of the residence is:

Welland Residence    Niagara-on-the-Lake Residence

555 First Avenue
Welland, Ontario
L3C 7L4
905-732-9700

137 Taylor Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
L0S 1J0
905-641-4435

Off-Campus Housing

Some students will prefer the independence of living on their own in an apartment or sharing a house with other tenants. Finding housing that fits your specific needs can take some time so be sure you have arranged temporary accomodations for when you first arrive in Canada.

Finding Housing

Signing a Lease
A lease is a legally binding contract that you sign with the landlord of the property. It is important that you know what you are agreeing to whether the lease is written or a verbal agreement as you are required to fulfill your commitments.

Before you sign:
Make sure the accommodation is suitable for you.  Keep in mind the following:

  • Distance to the college
  • Length of lease
  • Furnished or unfurnished
  • Use of facilities – laundry, kitchen, internet connection
  • Type of heating
  • Parking

Ask questions about these things before you sign or agree to rent from a landlord.  Be sure to communicate any concerns that you may have before your agreement begins including:

  • Restrictions/house rules
  • Use of kitchen facilities
  • Smoking
  • Pets
  • Overnight guests
  • Who pays utilities
  • Rent payments – monthly, weekly

Be prepared to:

  • Pay first and last months rent in advance – the last month you are in accommodation is then prepaid
  • Come to an agreement with the landlord on any house rules and terms of tenancy.  It is recommended that you have your agreement in writing, signed by each of you.
  • Give written notice to your landlord 60 days before you want to end your tenancy with your landlord.  You will only be able to leave sooner if the Rental Housing Tribunal finds that your landlord has violated the Tenant Protection Act.

Repairs/maintenance
Landlords must keep dwellings in good repair and fit for living in, regardless of the condition when the tenant moves in.  They must also comply with all health, safety and housing standards set by law.
You, as a tenant, must keep the dwellings clean, unless the tenancy agreement makes it the landlord’s responsibility.  You must also repair any damage you or your guests cause, whether it was deliberate or by accident.

Deposits
The amount of a security deposit made before you move in (to hold a room) is limited to the rent for one rental period. If you pay rent on a monthly basis the security deposit may only equal one month’s rent and no more.  This is covered by the Tenant Protection Act, and is law.  The landlord can suggest post-dated cheques but you cannot be denied a rental unit for refusing to provide them.

Privacy & Access
Under the Tenant Protection Act, you, as a tenant have the right to privacy in the accommodation that you are renting.
Generally, the landlord needs your consent before entering the rented dwelling.  Only in the case of an emergency (eg. fire, burst water main) or if there is a written clause in the tenancy agreement that allows the landlord to enter, may he/she do so.  The landlord must also provide you with:

  • 24 hour written notice
  • a specific time he/she plans to enter the dwelling
  • enter only during daylight hours

Sharing Accommodations:
If you decide to live in a shared house or apartment, there are some important things to consider.  These points should be agreed upon by all involved.  Beware – many close friendships have been damaged while being housemates!

Lease - A group lease means that each member is responsible to the landlord for full payment of the rent.  It does not mean that each person is only responsible for his/her share.  If one person leaves, the remaining members of the group are responsible to pay the rent until a replacement is found.
Utilities - Have a fund available for prompt payment of utility bills, telephone bills, cable TV and so on.
Duties - Have an agreement for sharing of cooking, cleaning, shopping and outdoor chores.
Studying - As a student, you will spend many hours studying.  An apartment or room should provide both adequate facilities and a good environment for studying.  If you have roommates, try to find out their personal study habits.
Overcrowding - It is important that overcrowding of facilities does not take place.  This may decrease each person’s rent, but it also decreases each person’s privacy and tolerance. Adding tenants without permission from the landlord can be cause for eviction by the landlord.