Finding accommodation safely
Your housing options, what they cost, and how to avoid rental scams.
1 min read🇨🇦 Canada · 🇦🇺 Australia
Book 2–4 weeks of temporary accommodation before you fly. Look for long-term housing once you can see places in person and know your campus and transport routes.
Your options
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus residence | Close to class, bills included, easy to make friends | Expensive, limited places, apply early |
| Homestay | Meals included, good for your first months | Less independence, rules set by the host |
| Purpose-built student housing | Furnished, secure, flexible leases | Often costlier than shared rentals |
| Shared house/apartment | Cheapest option, flexible | Quality varies; scam risk when booked from abroad |
How to avoid rental scams
- Never pay a deposit for a place you or someone you trust hasn't seen.
- Be suspicious if the rent is far below market, or the landlord is "overseas" and will post the keys.
- Pay by traceable methods, never by gift cards or cash-only arrangements.
- Get a written lease and read it before signing.
- Australia: your bond should be lodged with the state's bond authority. Ask for the lodgement receipt.
- Canada: tenancy rules are provincial. Check what deposits are legal in your province.
Nepali student community groups in each city are a good way to find trusted shared rooms and temporary stays. Still apply the same checks.
Official sources
Rules change often. Always confirm with the official source before you submit anything.
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