Frequenty Asked Questions


 

Should I rent an apartment?

Renting an apartment or house often requires contacting utility companies such as; Hydro, telephone, cablevision, Internet, gas or oil, etc to open an account. Sometimes there are connection fees for these services and you may be required to give notice to close these accounts when you will no longer require them. It may also require paying the costs for these services monthly. Most often apartments or houses require that you find and buy; furniture, beds and bedding, pots and pans, dishes, TV, etc and smaller things such as a vacuum cleaner, an iron and ironing board, etc and even such things as dish cloths and clothes hangers, etc, etc. When you will move out it will be your responsibility to remove these things to avoid losing your damage deposit. You will also not have roommates who can help you when you have difficulties or prefer not to be alone. For some people, living alone is a preferable choice, but can be lonely, very costly and time consuming to arrange and find all that is needed.

 

Should I choose Homestay?

Homestay can be a wonderful experience if you find a good home. It depends on you and your personality and it depends on the family you choose. Maybe you like cats and dogs and maybe young children, or possibly you prefer a home without them. Possibly you would feel uncomfortable living with a family. If you find the right homestay that you wish for, you may enjoy it. Sometimes homestay can be a good way to start your time in a new city if the hostfamily is helpful and has the time. Victoria is not a big city, so don't worry, you will find your way quite easily and in a good shared house you will find this help also. Maybe you would be more comfortable in a shared house with other people who are from different countries and who are, like you, new to Victoria. You may prefer to have more freedom in a shared house where there are no children who sleep early or where meals are at times that are convenient for you. People choose to live in a shared house for many different reasons. It may be because it feels safer than to live alone in an apartment in a city and culture that they are not familiar with, or because they prefer to cook and eat the food they like and are familiar with and they feel better when they eat it. It could be because it can be less expensive than homestay and much less expensive than renting an apartment. In a shared house you have the security of knowing there are others in the house and you are not alone, possibly you will make friends with others in the house and your weekends and evenings will not be so lonely, yet you can have privacy in your room when you prefer that.

 

Is it the right house for me?

In this house there are no home/homestay finders fees. You have already found us, so there is no charge. There are no pets here because some people have allergies to pets and some people are uncomfortable with having pets in a house. Please have a look at the pictures and read the information about the house and be sure you have the information you feel is important to you and all your questions are answered. If you have any questions, please send a message. It is important that you are sure and feel comfortable before you choose where you will live and it is also important that you feel relaxed and happy to join us here. If you are satisfied and happy with everything you have seen and all your questions have been answered, that's great! Rooms cannot be held without a deposit, so if you wish to reserve a room and send a deposit, please send a message explaining a little about you, where you are from and how long you hope to stay. We would be happy to hear from you.

 

Things you should bring with you.

Make photocopies of: IDENTIFICATION, PASSPORT and your VISA (if studying or working) in case you should lose your important papers.

You will need medical insurance. This is important in case you have any illnesses or injuries. It is best to get this before you arrive in Canada, but if you cannot, it may be possible to get it at your school or at an insurance agent here. Usually there is a waiting period to get BC Medical after you arrive.

You may wish to bring; a camera, pictures of you and your family and friends, a coat, umbrella and boots for winter.

You may wish to bring some of your favorite music to listen to as you will have days where you miss the things you enjoy in your country and these things will help you to relax. Sometimes you will need a break from English.

It may be nice for you to bring books or magazines (in your first language) because there will be times you wish to read something that is not English.

You may find that some make-up in Canada is different than in your country and can bother your skin, so you may wish to bring your makeup with you.




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