Vancouver is the third-largest city in Canada and the largest city in the province of British Columbia. Its beautiful location close to the ocean and mountains attracts residents and visitors from all over the world.
Here are some resources to help with transitioning to life in British Columbia and Vancouver:
There are different accommodation options, such as Student Housing, Homestays, and Rentals. If you decide to rent a place, here are some reminders to get you started.
It is important that you know your rights as a tenant in British Columbia.
If you require additional support, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).
Here are some common scams and tips and resources are how to protect yourself, and what to do if you are scammed.
GEC (Global Education City, or GEC Living) is Vancouver's largest off-campus student accommodation provider, hosting over 5,000 students annually. GEC provides a comfortable and safe living environment and has welcomed students from more than 71 countries, making it a highly sought-after option by international students. Here are some reasons why choosing GEC may be a great option for your stay in Vancouver:
We encourage international students to experience life with a Canadian family until they become accustomed to their new surroundings. Staying with a homestay provides students with the opportunity to practice English outside the classroom and learn about the Canadian way of life.
For example, Liane's Vancouver Homestay places international students with homestay families that provide the following:
Private bedroom with a bed, bedding, dresser, desk, chair, desk lamp, closet
Shared common areas of the house including bathroom, kitchen, and TV room
Use of telephone and laundry facilities
Three meals per day (be sure to check with your Homestay family for exact meal times)
If you're interested in staying with a homestay family, please contact Liane's Vancouver Homestay or your choice of homestay provider directly.
While it is exciting to live in Vancouver, which is constantly ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, finding the right rental accommodation may not be easy if you are new to the city. While there are numerous options available for students such as furnished and unfurnished rentals in houses, basement suites, condominiums and apartments, it’s important to be aware of fraud and know your rights as a tenant - check Renting in Vancouver for additional resources.
Resources for locating available housing can be found below. Please note that we do not endorse these sites, and it is the student's responsibility to carefully choose a rental unit that best meets their needs and preferences.
Other resources include newspapers and local communities:
The cost of living varies by location and lifestyle choices. While studying in Canada may not be as expensive as in other countries such as the U.S. or U.K., it is still a big investment. The proof of financial support required for a study permit application is $20,635 for one student, as of December 2023. International students need to budget accordingly when planning to study in Canada and ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of living, in addition to tuition and school fees.
As of 2024, housing can range between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the type of accommodations, while meals can range between $400 and $1,000 depending on the choices of food, dietary preferences and restrictions, and method of cooking or dining. Utilities can range between $50 and $150 depending on how much is included in the rent, and transportation between $50 and $200 depending on the modes of transportation. Generally speaking, it is safer to budget a minimum of $1,500 to $3,000 per month. The cost may be higher if you are coming with family members.
Here are some online resources that may be helpful budget planning tools:
