Searching for housing
Finding off-campus housing that’s right for you can take significant time and work. We provide off-campus housing resources that can assist you in your search.
It is the students' responsibility to secure their own accommodation.
It is important that you make your own inquiries about apartment suitability and standards. NSCC does not inspect or check homes or rental properties listed on Places4Students or other off-campus housing posting sites.
Planning your search
Nova Scotia is experiencing a shortage of rental housing, which means that finding long term accommodation can be challenging and expensive – it might take up to 4 months to secure a place to live for the long term and depends on your community.
Budgeting
Creating a sustainable budget is an important part of securing housing. Being financially prepared to sustain the cost of living in Nova Scotia is of key importance. There are many aspects that go into planning a proper budget including:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Food
- Family care expenses
- Recreation
- Employment or funding income
Many of our students work part-time in the evenings and weekends to help support themselves. If you do not have employment, you should budget without employment income considered.
Another key aspect of your budget is if you need temporary accommodation (e.g. hotels, Airbnbs). These can be quite expensive and difficult to secure, especially during the peak tourism seasons. If you haven't secured a place to live before arriving for your NSCC program, we encourage you to budget for, and book, temporary accommodation for at least 3 months.
Other planning resources
We have many resources to help students better prepare for their housing search. Make sure you use the tools available to you.
Where to Search – NSCC Living in Nova Scotia: A Resource Guide for Students
Places4Students.com - Helping Students Find a Home Away from Home
NSCC Living in Nova Scotia: A Resource Guide for Students – Module 2 Cost of Living