The Housing Situation in Antigonish

Antigonish, has an essence of a small-town warmth and with a blend of academic ambitions. At the center of is a place where students from all around the world converge in pursuit of their dreams. But like many university towns, Antigonish presents a challenge that every prospective student must face – the housing question.

Finding suitable accommodation can be a meticulous task for both domestic and international students, particularly during the peak of the academic year which comes sometime around spring time of each year, it is a time when new students both domestic and international students converge at this place to fulfill their ambitions of studying at a prestigious university and achieve their academic pursuits. 

The rental market within the town is competitive, with a noticeable mild shortage of affordable options catering specifically to our student needs. Apartments in convenient locations close to campus tend to fill up quickly, often leaving those new to the scene on the backfoot and settling for less-than-ideal housing or facing substantial commutes.

For those seeking a little more integrated on-campus living experience, St. Francis Xavier University offers a variety of residence options. Traditional dormitory-style accommodations provide a built-in community and the shortest walk to class, but these coveted spots are very limited and often subject to a first come first serve based system. The university also manages a number of apartment-style residences, offering a touch more autonomy and living space. However, these options often come with a higher price tag and can still be fiercely competitive.

Despite the challenges, securing affordable housing in Antigonish isn't impossible. Proactive students begin their search early, scouring online listings in Facebook marketplaces, also among different existing pages within Facebook specifically dedicated to the rentals available in Antigonish, university resources, and social media groups dedicated to housing for leads. For some, the answer lies in shared accommodations, dividing the cost of a larger rental with roommates or seeking out homestay situations with local families. Others broaden their search radius by considering apartments in surrounding communities, balancing commute time against rental costs. Most of the international students begin their search through networking. Since the process for them after getting an offer letter from the university becomes exciting, they often face challenges during the finding a suitable accommodation for them specifically suited to their financial aspects. Since they are new and need new guidance, the town combined with the existing students and the support system of the university provide an excellent opportunity for students looking to find an off campus accommodation. 

As international students settle in, the financial realities of studying abroad become starkly clear. Fortunately, Canada's relatively high minimum wage offers a glimmer of hope for those in need of supplemental income. However, students must remember that international student visas place restrictions on the number of hours they may work off-campus each week (in some cases, since the restrictions have now been lifted till April 2024). This makes it especially important to target part-time jobs with flexible hours designed around student schedules.

On-campus employment can be a lifesaver, often providing more accommodating work schedules and, in some cases, even relevant experience in one's field of study. Positions like peer tutors, research assistants, or library staff allow students to earn money while further developing their skills and building their resumes.

Antigonish itself offers a modest range of part-time job opportunities, particularly in the service and retail sectors. The town's main street is lined with independent businesses, cafes, and restaurants – many of which welcome the extra pair of hands that students can provide. Although the pay might not be the highest, these jobs offer valuable work experience and the chance to interact with the local Antigonish community.

The university, as the lifeblood of the town, also generates opportunities for students. From cafeteria work to assisting with campus events, there's always a need for a helping hand. Departments often hire student workers, and keen students can even approach professors about assisting with research projects. Word of mouth is a powerful tool; networking, applying online, and regularly checking the university's job board are key to staying ahead of the pack and gain the required hours for students to make their way through university.