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Off-campus housing

Finding off-campus housing that’s right for you can take some work. We provide off-campus housing resources and information that can assist you in your search.

Check out some accommodation options below or review our helpful Housing in Nova Scotia video series to get you started.

Our Housing and Transition Supports Coordinator, Kaileigh Skinner, can also answer questions and share insight into:

  • Housing options and search strategies
  • Transportation and driving requirements in Nova Scotia
  • Employment opportunities for partners/spouses
  • Enrolling your children in school
  • Your community – groceries, fun activities, events
  • Packing tips
  • Quarantine requirements

Connect with our Housing and Transition Supports Coordinator by emailing .

Temporary accommodation

If you haven't secured a place to live before arriving for your NSCC program, we encourage you to budget for, and book, temporary accommodations for at least a month.

Canada Homestay Network (CHN) provides an option for domestic and international students who are looking to live with local, participating families in the Halifax and Dartmouth areas. Homestay families are carefully screened, and homes are vetted. You can apply directly for homestay through the Canada Homestay Network.

Apartments and rentals

Types of off-campus housing

There are several types of furnished and unfurnished apartments; some are in houses and others in high-rise complexes. To see what's available near your campus, or to post a free ad for a roommate or sublet, use Places4Students. Be sure to also check the internet (e.g., Google search, social media) for other rental listings.

Rent costs

Rent costs vary across the province and depend on the type and size of accommodation. For more information on housing and the cost of living, view Numbeo or cost of living details on our international student website.

Submitting an application to rent

Rental companies usually require you to submit an application (see what a typical application looks like - PDF 161KB); private property owners might not require one. In general, to apply for housing, you must show that you'll be a good tenant by abiding by the rental agreement, committing to the duration of the lease and paying rent on time. Once you've signed a lease, it's difficult to break the contract.

Renters may be asked to:

  • Give biographical information about yourself and all other occupants of the property.
  • Provide information about where you've lived before and offer references.
  • Provide proof of financial means and undergo a credit check.
  • Provide details of a Canadian bank account (if you're an international student, opening an account should be a priority).
  • Provide a guarantor if you don't have full-time work.
  • Pay a damage deposit (half a month's rent) to secure the apartment. If you've kept the apartment in good condition, you get the damage deposit back when you move out.
  • Provide proof of tenant insurance. Even if you're not required to provide proof, you should have tenant insurance in case of a fire or another unforeseen event. Tenant insurance costs between $15 and $30 a month. If you have a car or other insurance coverage, investigate combining your plans to save money.

Housing consultants

Van Sweet Home provides private consultation for international or domestic students who are looking to find a place to live. For a fee, they will seek out accommodations on your behalf and support you in the rental process. Van Sweet Home offers a discount to NSCC students. Find out more about their pricing and services.

Transportation 

Many of our campuses are in rural areas of the province. If you’ve chosen a campus outside Halifax or Dartmouth, you need to plan how you’ll get from the city to your campus community. Find out more information about transportation in Nova Scotia.

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