For their first few months of living in Canada. Living with a host family helps you practice English daily and learn about different cultures and lifestyles. Most host families are immigrants who can share their experiences with you.

Responsibilities while living in homestay usually include:

• Pay your rent on time
• Keep your bedroom/living space clean
• Keep the washroom organised, especially if sharing with the host family
  or other students
• Do your own laundry
• Pay for any long distance phone calls you make from the homestay
  family’s phone

Additionally, it is important to:

• Respect the rules and routines of the family
• Let them know when you won’t be home for dinner, or if you’ll be late for
  any appointments with them
• Practice English, even if your host family speaks the same language as
  you
• Ask permission before inviting friends over
• Ask permission to use the telephone

Remember: In homestay, communication is your key to comfort and success. If you have any problems with your host family, talk to them. Share your point of view politely! If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, talk to you Homestay Program Coordinator.

Renting your own place

If you want to rent your own place, the easiest way to look for your new home is by using online websites. Be aware that unless the advertisement/ posting says differently, you are renting from the home owner (landlord), not a company.