Homestay, Peerstay or renting an apartment?

When a student has decided to come to Canada, that student needs to choose a type of accommodation to meet his/her needs. The choices can seem daunting. Here is an explanation of types of accommodation to make that choice easier.
Homestay - This accommodation is a great choice for a first trip to Canada. You will live in a family home and have your own bedroom. The host family will help you acclimatize to Canada. They will familiarize you with Canada's customs, show you the city's sights, and teach you how to use the bus system.
The family will provide food for three meals a day. Do not expect the family to daily cook all three meals for you. Most host families will show you how to prepare your breakfast and lunch and will prepare the evening meal for you. Remember, the host family is not your servant and expects you to behave as a family member. You should volunteer to help with either the meal preparation or the clean up.
You will be responsible for doing your personal laundry and keeping your bedroom clean and tidy. The host family will teach you how to use the washing machine, clothes dryer, and vacuum cleaner.
The host family should encourage you to join in family activities and events.
Canada is a multinational country and therefore not all families are fluent with English. You should request a family that is fluent, as this is your purpose in coming to Canada.

Peerstay - This accommodation is also in a family home but meals will not be provided for you. They will provide a place for you to store and cook your food. You will need to cook and clean up for yourself. If you know how to cook and prefer your own food, this is the choice for you!
You will be provided a room or suite in the family home. You will need to keep your own room clean, launder your clothes and buy your own groceries.
The family will be there to help you if you need information or assistance, but they will not include you as a member of their family.
This is a good choice if you want more independence. It is a good choice for a mature student.

Renting your own apartment - If you are coming to Canada with a friend and want to live together, this is the choice for you. I only recommend this for mature students or students that have lived here for a while. You will have to purchase furniture, kitchen supplies, cleaning items and linens. It will require a greater initial investment than the first two choices.You will also have to sell or give these things away when you return home.
Canadian landlords require you to pay a damage deposit and the first month's rent in advance. You will have to have transportation to visit the apartments to see if they are suitable. I do not recommend renting an apartment without seeing it first. It may be in poor condition or dirty. You need to see this for yourself!
You will benefit if your room-mate does not speak the same language. That way, you will both be forced to communicate in English.
If you have further questions about living choices.....email me! I would be happy to give you advice.