Living in Winnipeg
Winnipeg, the eighth largest city in Canada, is located in the southern part of Manitoba. It is a world-class city renowned for it’s variety of entertainment, diverse population and high standard of living.
Guia de como viver em Winnipeg- em Português
Winnipeg Accommodation Guide
International students at Red River College may choose from a variety of housing accommodations available throughout Winnipeg. The links below will provide you with information needed to find housing close to the RRC campus. Plan to find your housing early as the best apartments are rented quickly.
Staff at the International Education Office will help you in the process but remember that RRC does not have in or off campus residence and students must apply for accommodations on their own.
RENTING ALTERNATIVES | HOMESTAYS | RESIDENCES | HOSTEL | TRANSPORTATION | ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT | DINING GUIDE | NIGHTCLUBS AND CONCERTS | FESTIVALS | MUSEUMS | SPORTS | GOVERNMENT | LOCAL NEWSPAPERS | CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS RESOURCES | OTHER WEBSITES | GROCERIES, NUTRITION AND HEALTHCARE | HEALTHCARE | BANKING | COST OF LIVING IN WINNIPEG
RENTING ALTERNATIVES
Once you do find a suitable place to live, most landlords will ask you to sign a lease. Initial payment is half a month’s rent for a damage deposit in addition to the first month’s rent. A lease can be a month to month arrangement or a 12-month arrangement. This is a binding, legal agreement between you and the landlord and will detail the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Read it carefully before you sign!
For rental opportunities, visit Relocate Canada, a one stop website dedicated to helping people move to or around Canada. You may also visit:
- http://www.relocatecanada.com/winnipeg/rentals.html
- http://classifieds.canada.com/winnipeg/
- http://www.winnipegrentnet.ca/
HOMESTAYS
Enable students to live in a Canadian home. This allows you to learn English in a natural setting. It will also help you to adjust quickly and provide you with a better understanding of Canadian culture. This option can be very rewarding if you are flexible and willing to adjust to a new environment.
- Homestays are personally inspected and approved by the Homestay Coordinator and continually monitored during your stay.
- A variety of accommodations are available including single rooms or double occupancy with shared bath.
- Meals are shared with host family.
- Year round availability with one month minimum stay required.
- Airport pick-up, introduction to the homestay family, information on Winnipeg and settling in assistance is also available.
Cost
| Placement Fee | $225 (non-refundable) |
| Security Deposit | $200 (refundable) |
| Monthly Rental | $665 |
For an application or further information please contact:
Polar Trails Inc.
Ken Coffin
148 Bartlett Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0Z1
tel: 204-479-9946
fax: 204-284-4174
email: polartrails@canada.com
web site: http://www.polartrails.com
RESIDENCES
Provide an opportunity to live with other students and include room rental and optional meal plans. Red River College does not have its own residence. Other College and nursing residences do have space available for Red River College students depending on their own enrolments. Contact the International office for updates.
William and Catherine Booth College (WCBC)
University/college residence located in city centre across from the University of Winnipeg, run by the Salvation Army. The residence is directly associated with the William and Catherine Booth College, a Chrisitan College. Non-WCBC students are still required to follow the WCBC resident student guidelines as expressed in their NON-WCBC Residential Student Manual. This manual is available in electronic form from the contact indicated below.
- Non-smoking facility.
- Walking distance to Language Training Centre.
- Single and double rooms on women only and men only floors, shared bath/floor.
- 24-hour residence staff.
- Optional meal plans available (September to April) from $125 - $275/month.
- Amenities: common room with TV, gym, kitchen facilities, library, chapel, laundry, rooms are air conditioned, no parking available.
2008 - 2009 Housing Fee Schedule
2008 - 2009 Application for University Housing
For further information contact:
Assistant Dean of Student Development, Booth College,
447 Webb Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2P2
Telephone 204-947-6701, Fax 204-942-3856
E-mail: studentlife@boothcollege.ca
University of Winnipeg Residence
The University of Winnipeg Campus Living welcomes Red River College students to its residences! RRC students need only show proof of registration at RRC to be eligible.
Student residence options include everything from furnished single dorm-style accommodations to unfurnished full apartments. All these options are close to Portage Avenue, with many opportunities to participate in residence events and get involved in the larger community. A Visiting Scholar Meal Program is also available for RRC students living in residence.
For more information visit http://uwincampuslife.wordpress.com. You may also contact the UWinnipeg Housing Office directly by phone at 204.786.9900 or by email at housing@uwinnipeg.ca.
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HOSTEL
HI - WINNIPEG
Located right in the heart of Winnipeg’s vibrant downtown, HI-Winnipeg’s brand new hostel is in the center of the country’s most diverse mix of cultures. We are close to the city’s finest attractions including the Forks, the award-winning Manitoba Museum, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and the incredibly dynamic Exchange District with all of its vibrant shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
World Class Hostel Accommodations Be welcomed by the friendliest hostel staff you can imagine and enjoy the luxury of full hotel amenities with hostel pricing at our newly renovated 120-bed hostel. All rooms have ensuite washrooms and showers, with central air conditioning and heating in a clean and modern 1950’s style décor. Treat yourself to a healthy meal in our on-site restaurant, or enjoy a pint and some good conversation at our new on-site bar!
From Point A to B Hop on and off Winnipeg’s FREE Downtown Spirit Bus to whisk you away you’re your next exciting downtown destination. Conveniently situated a 5 minute walk from the bus depot, 20 minutes from the train station, and one bus ride from the airport, HI – Winnipeg’s new Downtown location will be the bright spot in your journey through the prairies.
330 Kennedy St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 2M6
Canada
Tel. 1-204-9435581 Toll-free 1-866-762-4122
Fax. 1-204-947-3041
Winnipeg@hihostels.ca
http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-HI---Winnipeg-Downtowner-011084.en.htm
TRANSPORTATION
Winnipeg is the centre of Canada and accessible from any major airport worldwide. The Winnipeg International Airport is centrally located and a short cab ride to the Red River College Campus and nearby housing. If you require pick-up from the airport, call our International Student Office at 204-632-2143 to arrange a ride to your apartment.
Winnipeg Transit
Full or Part Time Red River College students enrolled in credit courses leading to a recognized degree or diploma are entitled to discount bus rates. Students pay $57.00 (2006 rate) for a monthly pass which gives them unlimited use while enrolled at RRC. Student bus passes can be picked up at the College with valid student identification.
See the Winnipeg Transit website for more details.
Driver’s Licenses
All drivers must carry a driver’s license when they drive a motor vehicle. To obtain a license you must: Go to any Driver Testing Office (listed in the phone book on the Government of Manitoba pages, under Driver and Vehicle Licensing) or visit their web site at: http://www.mpi.mb.ca
ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Winnipeg is a cosmopolitan city offering a variety of entertainment choices throughout the year. Follow the links to the programming that interests you.
THEATRE AND DANCE
Celebrations Dinner Theatre
Le Cercle Moliere
Manitoba Theatre Centre
Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Prairie Theatre Exchange
Shakespeare in the Ruins
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers
DINING GUIDE
Winnipeg has more restaurants per capita than any other city in Canada. For a selection of dining options, follow the links.
NIGHTCLUBS AND CONCERTS
Winnipeg’s MTS Centre was named the 24th busiest arena in the world and showcases world renowned performers such as Rod Stewart, Pearl Jam and Greenday. If dancing is your interest, visit some of Winnipeg’s hottest nightclubs found on the link below.
Pollstar provides information to live concerts
TicketMaster is another source for live concert information
Clubzone is a website for dance clubs and live entertainment in Winnipeg
FESTIVALS
Winnipeg is home to a variety of festivals celebrating our cultural diversity, ethnic diversity and Canadian living. Check out the links for the festival that interests you.
Winnipeg
Festival de Voyageur (February)
Folklorama (July/August)
Jazz Winnipeg Festival (June)
Red River Exhibition (June)
Winnipeg Folk Festival (July)
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival (July)
Winnipeg International Children’s Festival (June)
Festivals Outside of Winnipeg
Travel Manitoba is a website operated by the Province to provide information and travel options for people visiting Manitoba. Please visit the Travel Manitoba website for detailed information on Festivals located outside of Winnipeg
MUSEUMS
Manitoba Museum
Manitoba Children’s
For a more complete guide to museums visit www.relocatecanada.com/winnipeg/artent.html
SPORTS
Winnipeg is the home to three professional sports teams which provide high quality entertainment for a reasonable price. If you prefer participating in sporting events, the Sports Manitoba website will provide complete information for all your sporting needs. Red River College is pleased to provide access to fitness facilities and varsity sports for its students. Visit our Athletic and Recreation Services web for more information
Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club
Winnipeg Moose Hockey Club
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club
Manitoba Soccer Association
Indoor Swimming Pools
Sports Manitoba (information on amateur sports)
GOVERNMENT
The City of Winnipeg website will provide you with everything you need to know from transit to parks and everything in between.
The Province of Manitoba website will connect you with everything you need to know about Manitoba.
The Canadian Government website will provide you with information about Canada.
The Manitoba Youth website is targeted at Manitobans under the age of 30.
The Canadian Government Youth website provides information to help Canadian youth under the age of 30.
Live Learn Succeed website provides information for students wanting to study in Canada
LOCAL NEWSPAPERS
Stay current on local and national news with Winnipeg’s two daily newspapers.
CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS RESOURCES
Manitoba is one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Canada and Winnipegers celebrate the diversity of its residents with many cultural groups.
Multiculturalism Information from the Government of Manitoba
Winnipeg has a wide range of religious and spiritual options at our houses of worship plus community activities and volunteer opportunities.
OTHER WEBSITES
If you are planning to live or looking for more information about living in Winnipeg, bookmark these important sites.
Destination Winnipeg
My Winnipeg
Winnipeg Movies
Winnipeg Guide
GROCERIES, NUTRITION AND HEALTHCARE
Winnipeg has a variety of grocery stores in every neighborhood ranging from national chains like Safeway, Superstore and Sobey’s to small ethnic supermarkets catering to the needs of every culture.
Pharmaceutical and health care products can be found at one of our many drug stores such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmasave and PharmaPlus.
HEALTHCARE
Red River College students healthcare is administer by Great West Life Assurance Company. If you require non-urgent medical treatment, visit the MTS Yellow Pages for the clinic nearest you. For detailed information please visit the insurance plan website at http://www.miship.ca/. To find a doctor visit the Manitoba Regional Health Authority.
BANKING
Students can easily access the many banks and ATMs in Canada. In general, there are two types of accounts: chequing and saving. A chequing account is useful for paying rent, tuition or bills and other expenses. A savings account pays higher interest if you are planning on keeping your money in the bank for a longer period of time. Contact the bank for the account which best suits your needs. You should always ask about the transaction fees that the bank charges for writing & cashing cheques and for using an ATM Card. You can arrange for an ATM Card, Internet banking and telephone banking services when you open the account. For a complete list of Canadian banks visit:
COST OF LIVING IN WINNIPEG
Winnipeg has one of the lowest costs of living in North America. This results in a high standard of living. Some typical day to day costs are: (shown in Canadian dollars)
Bus fare (one way $2.35)
Local telephone call $0.50
Average restaurant meal $5.00-$20.00 (plus 15% gratuity)
Movie ($3.00-$10.00)
Postage within Canada $0.54
International Postage ($0.98-$1.65)
Litre of milk $1.50
Loaf of bread $1.50
