For A Home Away From Home: The Housing Predicament In Canada

In the sprawling landscape of Canadian education, a crisis is brewing and its ripples are felt keenly by international students, particularly those from India. The Justin Trudeau government, on Monday, announced a 35% reduction in international student admissions for 2024 because of housing crisis in Canada is a cause for concern for Indian students and their parents who have pinned their hopes on Canadian education. Despite being the leading education destination for Indian students in 2022, the country witnessed an 86 per cent decline in the number of Indian students in 2023, according to reports. In 2022, Indian students were granted over 41 per cent of all permits, totaling 225,835.

The issue at hand is not just academic; it's about the fundamental necessity of a roof over one's head. The Canadian housing crisis has become a pressing concern, impacting students and institutions alike.

The Heart Of The Problem

Surbhi Gogia, a Canadian resident and journalist, shares, “Canada's is facing housing crisis due to two reasons -  unplanned increase in immigration and skyrocketing rents because of Bank of Canada's decision to increase prime lending rates. Those who bought properties during low interest rate - which was brought down during the Covid-19 pandemic to encourage spending and prevent recession- are now forced to pay high monthly mortgage, ultimately putting the pressure on renters. Most of the International students live in rentals. The rents have gone phenomenally high, making it hard for students to survive in a low budget.” 

The recent housing situation is a trigger and Canada's attractiveness as a destination is undergoing scrutiny, says Saurabh Arora Founder & CEO, University Living. He adds, “The recent strain in India-Canada geopolitical relations has provided a rationale for certain decisions. Regarding accommodations, the lag between demand and supply elasticity contributes to the current situation. This is a cyclical phenomenon and international institutions cannot sustain or grow without international students, especially from India.”

The Accommodation Conundrum

Talking about the types of accommodation available for students, Saurabh outline four primary categories - university halls, managed accommodation, private apartments and homestays. “40-45 per cent of the overall cost is accommodation," Saurabh highlight, urging students to consider accommodation as a critical part of their planning. He emphasises the need for students to start early, conduct research and make informed decisions about their living arrangements.

According to Surbhi, previously in big cities like Vancouver, a single room would cost around USD 500, but now even shared accommodations can demand up to USD 800. Independent rooms may cost close to USD 1,000, nearly double the prices from a couple of years ago.

Students’ Dilemma

Though Indian students who aspire to study in Canada are in huge dilemma right now, Dr Barry Craig, President and Vice Chancellor, Huron University, Ontario, has an advice for them. “I advise Indian students and their families to choose established institutions that provide housing for immigrants. Differentiate between reputable institutions with a sense of responsibility and those lacking essential facilities. For instance, Huron University ensures that 100 per cent of students get a room at the hostel upon arrival.”

Cap On International Students

In response to the housing crisis, the Canadian government has now put a cap on the number of international students. Jitin Chawla, Director of the Center for Career Development, notes the urgency of the situation, recounting stories of students facing housing issues upon arrival. However, the implementation of a cap is a delicate matter, with potential repercussions on student recruitment, he asserts.

Speaking on the same issue, Dr Craig adds, “The government has announced a cap, but it needs to be more nuanced. It should work closely with provinces to administer the cap effectively. I hope they approach the issue with sensitivity and avoid using a blunt tool to solve the problem.”

However, Barry feels its too late to implement the cap in this academic year. "It's too late for this year (putting a cap on students). We're already recruiting, students are already being made offers,"  

Looking For Alternatives

Looking at the current scenario, students are contemplating alternatives. Jitin shares instances of students reconsidering Canada due to housing issues, opting for destinations like Australia or the UK. However, Saurabh cautions against knee-jerk reactions, asserting that the desire for quality education and international exposure remains strong.

Certainly, students’ journey to Canada remains a complex maze with no one-size-fits-all solution. Along with housing, there is health care crisis, employment crisis and inflation crisis, pushing many families to get their food from food banks, informs Surbhi. However, the hope lies in the concerted efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that the pursuit of education in Canada remains a viable and enriching experience for students worldwide.