Niagara College International HOUSING GUIDE

International Contents Welcome Homestay Policy Homestay Policy 3 A HOME AWAY FROM HOME Internet Access 4 Homestay is a terrific way to be introduced to Canadian culture and the Niagara community. Meals 4 Wonderful local families provide support and assis- Home Phone 5 tance while students adapt to the lifestyle and demands of Canadian student life. Personal Care 5 Homestay families are as diverse as the international students who attend Niagara College, but what our Household Work 5 homestay families all have in common is a desire to contribute to the lives of others. Cell Phone 5 As a homestay family you have the exceptional oppor- Weather 6 tunity to embrace other cultures from around the world HOMESTAY PRICING FEES INCLUDE and learn through personal experience the thrill of Money 6 multiculturalism. The world truly is at your doorstep. Meals When Cost Description Niagara College is host to students from dozens of Private Bedroom Transportation 7 countries around the world — a leader in International Arrival $1380 First / last month’s rent to be paid Bed Education. Guests 7 Monthly $690 Due the first day of every month Desk Students choose Niagara College for their own unique Dresser Daily $23 Charged per day for early arrival Conflict & Resolution 8 reasons and personal goals. They may come to improve Internet (basic) their English before taking college or university You must stay with your homestay for at least two months. If you decide Health Insurance 9 courses, or they may simply want a Canadian cultural to move, we recommend you do so between terms. If you need a receipt for experience. They all share a spirit of adventure and the EXPECTATIONS Helping International Students 9 your homestay fees, ask your family for one. desire to further their careers. Talk to your host family about your needs and Homestay Checklist 10 This Housing Guide is made available to help families their expectations when and students experience fulfilling and memorable rela- CHANGING YOUR HOMESTAY FAMILY you arrive. Landing Pad 10 tionships. Living with a family or peers includes some If you have problems with your homestay and would like to leave, stressful times in any culture. We trust this guide will please contact your Housing Coordinator to talk about the issues and On-Campus Living 11 help each of you prepare for your experience and be what options are available. better able to deal with the little stresses so you can Off-Campus Housing 11 truly enjoy your homestay experience. You must pay $100 fee to make changes to Contact Information your Homestay placement.

Email: [email protected] : 905-735-2211 ext. 7763 You must notify your homestay on the first day of the month that you will be leaving in 30 days. Your last month’s fee will NOTL: 905-641-2252 ext. 4190 cover your last 30 days. If you do not give 30 days notice from Fax: 905-735-2413 the first day of the month, your last month’s fee will not be refunded to you.

If you are experiencing a health or safety issue in your homestay, you will be moved immediately at no cost.

2 international.niagaracollege.ca/housing [email protected] 3 Internet Access Meals Home Phone Cell Phone

Your homestay will allow you to make Your cell phone may work with a Canadian SIM card. Internet services in can be expensive for your 7AM – 9AM local calls on their home phone, but If so, you can buy one. If your phone does not work, homestay family, so be respectful of the amount of time you spend on it. Breakfast: toasted bread you will have to use a calling card for you will have to buy a new phone. or cereal. long distance calls. Check with your host Do not buy a calling card without first establishing a family before making or receiving calls phone plan. Most plans are paid monthly. Be prepared to share the cost of Internet overage fees if 11AM – 1PM late in the evening. Internet usage exceeds your host’s limit. Lunch: usually sand- $ wiches with meat or cheese fillings or left Host families should block 900 and 976 Your homestay may disconnect their Internet if it is contin- over food from dinner the numbers to avoid ually overused. It should be used in moderation. It is not evening before. unexpected changes. intended for entertainment purposes such as downloading These companies are recommended by our international movies and music or playing video games. students for having flexible plans and no long contracts. 5PM – 7PM

NC has computer labs with free wireless Internet that are Dinner: an evening meal Personal Care available for student use. The labs are open everyday. prepared by and shared with your homestay In Canadian culture, it is important to use deodorant, brush your teeth and shower every day. family. This time should Pets be used to talk with your host family about your Most Canadian families day. If you will not be have cats or dogs as pets home for dinner, let your that stay in the home. homestay family know. Pets are treated as part of the family and are clean, You may have to prepare friendly companions. breakfast and lunch for your- In the bathroom… Washing clothes… In the home… self, but your homestay will If you do not like pets in show you how. • Showers should not take • Get your homestay family to • Turn off lights and elec- longer than 10 minutes show you how to use their tronics when you are not your home, please talk to washing machine and dryer using them, as electricity in your Housing Coordinator • Toilet paper gets flushed Canada is expensive during down the toilet, but sanitary • Only wash your clothes when about solutions. peak hours. napkins are wrapped and you have a full load of laundry thrown in the garbage and after 7pm or on weekends Smoking when it costs less energy

Host families do not allow smoking in their homes. They may Household Work allow you to smoke outside, but ask first. You MUST follow If you are still hungry their wishes. after meals, talk to your host family about other While you stay in homestay, If you do not follow their wishes, you may be asked to leave foods you like or need you are part of their family. your homestay and will not receive your last month’s fee in to eat. Ask your host Both males and females are return. family where you can expected to share chores buy these foods. around the home. This could include washing dishes, vac- Canadian families do not smoke inside their homes Teach your host uuming or helping to prepare because they have an insurance rate based on no family about your a meal. smoking indoors, or they may have family living in culture by cooking Helping with chores is a the home with health problems that are made worse them a traditional meal good way to bond with by smoking. in their home. your homestay family.

4 international.niagaracollege.ca/housing [email protected] 5 Weather Transportation

Niagara has four very distinct seasons: UPass (Universal Bus Pass): A bus pass sticker that is placed on your student card is included in your tuition fees. You can get your sticker from NCSAC (Niagara College Student Administrative Council). If you lose your sticker, you must pay for a new one. Details about the UPass sticker and bus schedules to NC can be found at ncsac.ca. AUTUMN WINTER SPRING SUMMER October – November December – March April – May May – September

Niagara Niagara Niagara Niagara 10°C – 20°C -10°C and under 5°C – 12°C Up to 30°C Cloudy and mild Cloud, windy and lots of snow Sunny with showers Very sunny and humid

Walking: depending on your homestay, you Cycling: If you are under the age of 18, it may be able to walk to Niagara College. is against the law to ride a bicycle without Depending on where the closest bus stop wearing a helmet. If you are over the age of is located, you may have to walk up to 15 18, you are encouraged to wear a bicycle minutes to/from your host family. helmet but are not required to by law.

Driving: If you are going to drive in , you need to get an Ontario Driving License. For more information, visit:

ontario.ca/driving-and-roads/getg-drivers-licence-new-drivers Come prepared for Canadian winters. You will need a heavy coat, scarf, gloves, hat and winter boots.

Guests Money You must ask your homestay family before inviting any guests into their Homestay fees: Every day: home, even just for a few hours. If you • First and last month’s fees • Your host family will pay for your have family or friends who wish to visit should be paid when you arrive meals while you stay with them you, they should stay in a hotel. If your homestay has the space to accommo- • All other fees should be paid on Special Occasions date them, they need to pay $30 per the first day of the month • You may have to pay for special day per person. Banking: food that your host family would Do not carry a lot of not regularly eat cash. Debit/bank cards Your boyfriend or girlfriend will typi- • Many banks have student are much safer and cally not be allowed to stay overnight. accounts with low fees • If you go on a special trip with widely accepted. Friends should also be not be expecting your hosts, you should be pre- • If you need help ask your host to receive meals at your homestay on a pared to pay for yourself If your family or an IDSA to help you regular basis. Keep the lines of commu- hosts pay for anything for you, nication open with your hosts to know show your appreciation their guidelines.

6 international.niagaracollege.ca/housing [email protected] 7 Conflict & Resolution Health Insurance

Hosts in Canada are diverse and multicultural and not Keys To Getting Along All Niagara College students NIAGARA HOSPITAL always a “traditional family” as defined by your culture. are covered by health insur- Homestay families may be single parents, young profes- Flexibility LOCATIONS ance through StudentGuard (www.guard.me) At the sionals, retired, grandparents, or married for example. Patience beginning of each term, students will be issued a Welland Hospital It is not uncommon to have conflict, which typically stems new health number that will be emailed to their NC Persistence in Communication 65 3rd Street student email. from misunderstanding. Talk through the problem to clear 905-378-4647 up the misunderstanding. Leave your Expectations Behind! Students can go to any doctor/clinic, however, they may be asked to pay for the services. Receipts for St. Catharines Hospital prescriptions/clinic visit claims can be submitted online 1200 Fourth Avenue Examples of conflicts and their resolutions. at www.guard.me 905-378-4647

For major medical emergencies such as broken bones or serious accidents, dial 911 or go to the hospital to Niagara Falls Hospital receive immediate medical care. 5546 Portage Road STUDENT IS STUDENT STUDENT 905-378-4647 UNABLE TO DISLIKES BREAKS Helping International Students GET HOME THE FOOD AN ITEM For homestay families, new communication styles and cultures can be a challenge to get used • Homestay families are not • Be honest with each other • If it’s under $50 and the family to. It is very important to keep your sense of humour and persevere through any problems that expected to drive students doesn’t ask for a replacement, might arise. • Go grocery shopping consider giving them a small gift • Be aware of one another’s together to show your appreciation. schedules • Show your host family what • Up to $100, expect to replace it • Check the bus schedules you like (recipes etc.) at your own cost before staying out late • Discuss foods and find • If it’s between $100-$500, ask if • If you need a ride, ask your options of similar price the family will share the cost host family politely and • Cook together and learn provide ample notice • If it’s over $500, please notify from one another the Housing Coordinator for mediation and a fair resolution Things you can do to help each other: Ideas for helping ESL students practice English:

• Students can often understand written English • Read the newspaper together better than spoken English. Take the time to • Encourage your student to keep a list of words or write things down to avoid confusion SAFEGUARDS phrases they hear during the day to talk about in • Draw pictures or use visual examples the evening Students should never Hosts and students should never agree to babysitting borrow money from one another • Ask the student if they understand and get them • Have students place orders over the phone for to repeat what they hear to clarify food, tickets etc. Avoid doing the talking for them. Instead, play a supportive and encouraging role. If discussing religious Uncomfortable situations • Don’t assume that when someone smiles or or political views be for students or hosts should laughs that they understand you • Label items in the home to help them learn the respectful of all opinions be reported immediately names • Be careful with your tone of voice. It can say a great deal. Avoid sarcasm • Take them shopping to learn the names of items If you cannot resolve an issue, or need help to speak with in the store • Be careful with anecdotes that cannot literally be your host or student, talk to the Housing Coordinator at the International Office in person, by email or by phone. interpreted or are culturally understood • Offer to help your student with their homework, but don’t do it for them.

8 international.niagaracollege.ca/housing [email protected] 9 Homestay Checklist On-Campus Living PERSONAL NOTES If you prefer to experience college life on Have I paid first and last month’s homestay campus, consider living in residence. The BATHROOM fee or rent? Niagara College residence is a modern, KITCHEN Have I opened a bank account? clean and comfortable building that can house up to 230 students. Each apart- Do I know how to contact my host family? ment is fully furnished with a kitchen table, Do I have my bus pass? chairs, refrigerator, microwave and private

Do I have a cell phone? bathroom. You will have your own furnished bedroom and share cooking and bathroom Have I discussed breakfast, lunch and dinner facilities in a private two room apartment. with my host family so I know what to expect? If you are interested in staying in the resi- BEDROOM Do I know what the homestay or landlord’s dence, apply early, as space is limited. expectations are? For more information and fees go to: niagararez.ca Do I know if I will be doing my own laundry and how to use the washer and dryer? Off-Campus Housing

Landing Pad FIND HOUSING Requirements

• Pay $700 on arrival for 1 month stay NC Off Campus Living housing.niagaracollege.ca/ocl • Prepare your own breakfast from provided food; share dinner with your Landing Pad host. Welland Tribune • Provide your own lunch while you are at the classifieds.wellandtribune.ca College or looking for housing.

• Landing Pad is available to students 18 years of St. Catharines Standard age or older Many great accommodations are within a very short classifieds.stcatharinesstandard.ca walk of the campus. Which brings us back to the • No refunds... it’s a lot less than an extended advantage of learning in Niagara: affordable, safe, hotel stay or a bad rental experience! Niagara Falls Review NEED SOMEWHERE quality housing within 30 minutes of the college - all classifieds.niagarafallsreview.ca TO LAND? CHECK! part of our Niagara charm. Looking for a way to reduce the stress of finding Landlords and tenants of most rental units are Westlodge Inn & Suites a place to live? Use the Landing Pad! covered by the rules in the Landlord Tenant Act of niagarawestlodgehousing.com Ontario. A rental unit can be an apartment, a house, Room and 2 meals per day for 1 month after or a room in a rooming or boarding house. Kijiji your arrival, while you... kijiji.ca/h-st-catharines/80016 The Act does not apply if the tenant must share a • Have friends/family support you in adapting kitchen or bathroom with the landlord. to Canada PadMapper • Look for living space and roommates padmapper.com

• Discover Niagara College and the local *Note: Niagara College does not inspect off community campus housing. Some hotels do work to provide special rates for students, for more • Learn about Ontario law and life information email [email protected]

10 international.niagaracollege.ca/housing [email protected] 11 international.niagaracollege.ca/housing

Welland Campus Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus

300 Woodlawn Road, Welland 135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario, L3C 7L3 Ontario, L0S 1J0

(905) 735-2211 Ext. 7763 (905) 735-2211 Ext. 4190 [email protected] [email protected]