The vocabulary used in housing ads might leave you puzzled! Use the short glossary below to get familiar with Québec-specific terms.

• Lease: Rental agreement used by most landlords to outline mutual commitments. Read it carefully before signing.
• Appartment size: 2½, 3½, 4½, etc. This indicates the number of rooms (the half-room refers to the bathroom). A 2½ means a two-room apartment—likely a bedroom and a kitchen—plus a bathroom. A 4½ usually has two closed bedrooms.
• Utilities not included: Heating and electricity are usually not included in rental units. Before signing, ask the landlord about the typical monthly bill for the unit you're considering.
• Tenant insurance: It’s strongly recommended to get home insurance, even if you’re renting (not owning) your place. Insure your personal belongings in case of incidents (fire, flood, vandalism, etc.), and get civil liability coverage.

Since phone and internet plans vary widely between providers and regions, ask your cégep contact person for advice before signing any telecom or phone contract.

Food stores are commonly called “épiceries.” Ask your cégep about the options available near campus. Some grocery chains are known to offer lower prices, which might be worth a detour to save money. There are also public markets where farmers sell their products—great if you want to eat seasonal and local foods.

Corner stores, called “dépanneurs,” are small shops offering basic essentials but at higher prices. They usually have extended opening hours for last-minute purchases.

Some cégeps or community groups organize “collective kitchen” workshops, where participants cook together and leave with several portions of a recipe. It’s a budget-friendly and fun way to meet other students!

In Québec, the first meal of the day is called “déjeuner.” Lunch is called “dîner,” and dinner (typically around 6 p.m.) is called “souper.”

You’ll absolutely need warm outerwear to live comfortably in Québec during winter. To save money, consider thrift stores (second-hand clothing) or big-box stores, which offer more affordable options than specialty boutiques.

You’ll need at least: a winter coat (down-filled if possible), mittens (or gloves), a tuque (beanie), a scarf, and winter boots. If you plan to do winter sports, it’s recommended to get insulated and waterproof snow pants.

Adapting to life in Québec might bring up a range of emotions: excitement, sadness, missing loved ones, stress, fatigue, etc. All cégeps in the network offer free psychological support services. Don’t hesitate to ask about them and use them—they're free.