Starting Your Search

When to search

Nova Scotia is experiencing a shortage of rental housing, so 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. It is important to search for housing early and often. Some webpages, like Places4Students and Happipad, have the potential to update daily.

As soon as you know which community you will attend, look at your housing options. Look early and often so that you can secure housing that meets your needs.

Often September–February, there are fewer postings in communities as Property Owners have confirmed current students for that academic year. Between February and August, there are often more postings as students graduate, change rental location/roommates, and other factors.

Short Term Housing as a Search Strategy

Short-term housing should not be the solution to bridge the gap while you secure housing. Temporary accommodation (hotels, Airbnbs) can be quite expensive, have finite dates, and be difficult to secure, especially in the peak tourism months.

Short-term housing should only be used as a solution between your arrival and your lease start date. You should secure long-term housing and only using short-term housing as a method to view potential long-term listings.