I still remember sitting on a bench at Pearson Airport nervously scrolling down my phone to find a room in Thunder Bay. Though the memory wasn’t something I would cherish, to this date, I still feel fortunate that I was able to find a room at the last moment.
Don’t stress, my case was different. My student visa, through which I was able to immigrate, got approved at the last moment. So, I had to rush things.
Assuming that you are not in the same shoes as I am, I’ll be sharing a few ways through which you can find accommodation as an international student in Thunder Bay.
Facebook groups (Leverage Search functionality to find rooms for rent)
One useful tool at your disposal is Facebook groups. That is how I was able to find a room.
There are a few useful Facebook groups where you kind find people (mainly students) looking for roommates
Thunder Bay & Area Real Estate Buy Sell Rent
Thunder Bay Rent House/Apartment/Basement/ Room – www.Immediate.Rent\
A quick search using the platform’s search functionality can yield plenty of options. To get started, navigate to the Facebook search bar and enter relevant keywords such as “Thunder Bay accommodation” or “housing for international students”.
Once you’ve entered your search query, you can choose to filter your search results by selecting “Groups” from the dropdown menu on the left-hand side of the page. This will provide you with a rundown of all the Facebook groups related to your search.
To make things easier, you’ll want to sort the search results by the most recent date. This will ensure that you’re seeing the most up-to-date listings for available accommodations.
From there, you can browse through listings, post your own inquiries, and connect with current residents or landlords to learn more about available options.
Contact current students for housing options (Even on LinkedIn & Instagram)
As an immigrant looking for accommodation in Thunder Bay, it’s important to take advantage of every resource available to you.
One way to do that is by reaching out to current students studying at Lakehead University and Confederation College.
These students are likely to have a lot of contacts within the community and can offer valuable insight into the rental accommodation landscape. You can find these students on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram by searching for terms like “Confederation College” and “Lakehead University.”
LinkedIn, in particular, is a useful tool for connecting with students as many of their academic and networking projects require them to have a profile on the platform.
By sending a message to these students, you can learn more about the average cost of rental accommodation in the area, which neighborhoods are safe and affordable, and even find potential roommates to share the cost of living.
Additionally, you can also try reaching out to various student organizations, WhatsApp groups, and clubs on campus to get even more contacts.
These organizations often have members from diverse backgrounds who can provide a range of perspectives on finding accommodation as an immigrant in Thunder Bay.
Overall, networking with current students is an effective way to gain valuable insights and make connections in the community, which can help you find suitable accommodation options.
So, be sure to utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to connect with students and tap into their knowledge and experiences.
Kijiji & Facebook Marketplace (The go-to place for student housing options)
One of the most commonly suggested sources is Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace.
Both Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace are online platforms that allow users to buy and sell goods and services, including rental accommodation.
These platforms provide a vast range of rental properties, from apartments to shared housing. Additionally, Thunder Bay’s community is active on these platforms, which means that you can find accommodation options advertised by individual property owners or landlords.
To begin your search, you can simply visit the Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace website and search for rental accommodation in Thunder Bay. You can also filter your search based on your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation, such as apartments, rooms, or shared housing.
What makes Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace great options for finding accommodation as an immigrant is that they offer reasonably priced listings.
You can find many options within your budget, especially if you are looking for shared housing. Plus, you can connect directly with the landlord or property owner, so you can negotiate the rental terms that work best for you.
In conclusion, if you are an immigrant looking for accommodation in Thunder Bay, utilizing Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace is an excellent option. These platforms offer many reasonably priced listings, and you can easily connect with property owners or landlords to negotiate rental terms that work best for you.
Airbnb (For temporary accommodation)
When searching for temporary accommodation in Thunder Bay, one option to consider is Airbnb.
Airbnb offers a variety of short-term rental options, from a private room to an entire apartment or house. Many international students and newcomers to Thunder Bay have found Airbnb to be a convenient and cost-effective solution for temporary accommodation while they search for a more permanent living situation.
One of the benefits of using Airbnb is the flexibility it provides. Whether you’re looking for a few days or a few weeks of accommodation, there are plenty of listings to choose from.
Prices for Airbnb accommodation can vary widely depending on the location, size, and amenities of the rental. However, in Thunder Bay, you can expect to pay from 750 CAD to 1300 CAD for two weeks of accommodation.
Searching for Airbnb rentals in Thunder Bay is simple. All you need to do is go to the Airbnb website, enter your desired dates, and filter your search by location, type of accommodation, and price. You can also read reviews from past guests to get a sense of the quality and comfort level of a rental before you book.
Overall, whether for a short-term stay or longer, Airbnb can provide comfortable and affordable temporary accommodation in Thunder Bay.
How much does accommodation cost in Thunder Bay (Off-campus options)
You might be wondering how much it costs to rent a place here.
For international students, it’s possible to find affordable accommodation options starting from $400 per month.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living for international students in Thunder Bay ranges from $1,000 to $1,200 CAD per month, including rent and utilities.
To help international students find affordable housing options, there are several resources available. These include the University Residence, Confederation College Residence, Lakehead University Residence, and Student Housing Services. These options offer affordable rates and convenient locations for students, making it easier to transition to living in Thunder Bay.
In terms of the cost of housing, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Thunder Bay is around $800 to $900 per month.
However, this can vary depending on location and type of accommodation. It’s also worth noting that Thunder Bay offers various types of housing options, including apartments, townhouses, and houses for rent.
Overall, Thunder Bay offers affordable accommodation options for immigrants, especially international students. With a bit of research and planning, it’s possible to find a suitable place to call home while living here.
What type of accommodation do international students usually get in Thunder Bay
There are several options available to suit different preferences and budgets.
One popular option is to rent a room in a shared house or apartment. This is a great solution for those who are on a tight budget. You’ll be able to split the rent and utilities with your housemates, considerably reducing your housing costs.
If you would prefer to have a place to yourself, you can opt for a basement room which is generally cheaper than other options.
Single rooms can be found for an average price ranging from 450-550 CAD per month. You can look for these options through websites such as Kijiji or Craigslist.
Another option to consider is college dorms. However, they tend to be a bit expensive compared to other options. If you are a student at Confederation College, you can explore accommodation options on the college website or contact the student housing office. International students especially find college dorms convenient since they are close to the campus.
Overall, it’s important to do your research and explore different options to find the accommodation that suits your preferences and budget. Additionally, take into consideration your income and expenses on shelter costs to ensure that you can afford the accommodation that you choose.
How to stay away from scammers while accommodating in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is a beautiful city that attracts many immigrants every year. But, when it comes to renting accommodation, there can be many scammers out there trying to take advantage of people.
To ensure that you are not scammed, it is crucial to follow a few steps that can protect you from being a victim.
It is recommended to approach landlords directly or go through trusted mediators to avoid getting scammed. Many trusted mediators can help you find accommodation without any hassle and guarantee that you are dealing with a genuine landlord.
If you don’t have any friends living in Thunder Bay, you can hire someone to check the room you want to rent to ensure it is safe. This step might be a bit costly, but it is worth it to avoid getting scammed and losing your hard-earned cash.
Avoid transferring any rental money before you have checked the apartment, and read and understood the paperwork, and the rental conditions. Scammers often use this tactic to scam people out of their money by convincing them to transfer the money before the apartment is available.
It is crucial to check the landlord’s identity and history and get references from past tenants. You can ask for this information from the landlord and view previous tenants’ reviews to see if the landlord is genuine or not. This step helps to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable landlord and feel comfortable renting the space.
In conclusion, when it comes to renting accommodation in Thunder Bay, being cautious and following these steps can protect you from being scammed. It is crucial to stay vigilant and take a little more time to ensure that your landlord is genuine and the accommodation suits your requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding suitable accommodation in Thunder Bay is crucial for international students and immigrants. In this article, we have covered various tips and resources for finding rental accommodation in Thunder Bay, including Confederation College’s housing services and online rental search platforms.
Related : How is Thunder Bay city overall for an international student? – Tbay Houses
The significance of finding appropriate accommodation cannot be overstated as it affects not only academic performance but also personal life. Having a safe and comfortable place to call home is crucial for mental well-being, establishing a support system, and integrating into the community.
It is also essential to consider the cost of accommodation in Thunder Bay and to budget accordingly. Seeking employment opportunities, especially for those who are employment income recipients, can help alleviate the financial burden of shelter costs.
Overall, finding suitable accommodation is a critical aspect of settling into Thunder Bay as an immigrant. By utilizing the resources available and taking proactive steps toward finding a comfortable and affordable place to live, newcomers can start their journey in Thunder Bay on the right foot.