The growing tension around housing in Canadian cities often lands on international students, but the real picture is more complex. While student demand is real—especially in places like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal—this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about how institutions, cities, and immigration policies interact.

The 2026 Levels Plan shows a target of 309,670 new study permit approvals through PAL/TAL programs. That’s a lot of people, and many of them are arriving in cities already facing tight housing markets. But at the same time, universities aren’t always scaling up on-campus housing to match enrollment growth. Some schools still have long waitlists for dorms, and not all have clear plans for future capacity.

So here’s the question: should universities be expected to do more? Not just in building dorms, but in helping students find off-campus housing through partnerships with landlords, or even supporting co-op housing models? Some schools are already doing this, but it’s not consistent across institutions.

Also, how much should city planning factor in the arrival of international students? If transit systems aren’t expanding, or zoning laws limit new rental buildings, then even if schools provide housing, the broader system still strains. It’s not a zero-sum game—solutions need to include all parties.

So I’m curious: in your city, has your university made efforts to help students find housing beyond campus? And do you think the school should be held accountable when housing becomes a crisis?

Would love to hear how others are seeing this—whether you’re a student, a staff member, or someone involved in housing planning. What’s working, and what’s missing?