Living in Vancouver: Student Housing and Lifestyle Guide

Housing

Accommodation options in The Greater Vancouver Area

Finding affordable and suitable accommodation in Vancouver can be a challenge, especially for international students and students from out of province. As soon as you have planned your education, start looking into housing options so you can make an informed decision.

LaSalle College Vancouver does not provide student housing or placement services at the moment. The information provided here serves as a reference to help you research and get started. The listed companies / websites are not officially affiliated with the college and any communication students may have with them is solely their responsibility.

Company	Website
Arbutus	Arbutus
Canada Homestay Network	Canada Homestay Network

Homestay

Especially for newcomers, doing a homestay with a local family can be great choice. There are several homestay placement companies in Vancouver specialized in helping international students. Fees are often charged per week and are generally more affordable than renting your own place. Booking a homestay also gives you flexibility; you can try it out and extend your stay, or use it as a your first landing place. The other benefits are that homestay families often provide meals and staying with a local family will help you get acquainted with Canadian culture faster.

Student Housing / Residences

For mature students wanting a more independent living arrangement, student housing is a good option. You will have your own room with shared facilities and common areas. Pricing may vary and availability can be challenge.

Short-term subletting and vacation rentals

Subletting is taking over someone else’s rental space and paying the expenses on their behalf. It is recommended you sublet from people who are recommended by a friend or relative as this is an informal agreement. In case of any issue or dispute during your stay, you may have very limited legal protection.

Vacation rental websites such as Airbnb can be a helpful option if your budget allows. These are often pre-screened listings with the benefit that you can select your dates and length of stay.

Accommodation options in the Greater Vancouver area

Rights & Responsibilities for International Students

As an international student, having a basic understanding of Canadian rental laws can make your housing experience in Vancouver smoother and more secure. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant helps you avoid misunderstandings, protect yourself, and feel more confident when signing a lease or communicating with landlords. If you’re unsure where to start, the BC Residential Tenancy Act is the essential resource to understand what both you and your landlord are responsible for when renting a home. Click here to learn more.

Life in Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful seaside city that is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. The fresh air, culinary scene, and unique energy make it a highly sought-after part of the world. Vancouver is also close to other famous cities, such as Whistler, Victoria, and Seattle.

This multicultural city is also known for its quality of education. With modern conveniences that include trendy restaurants, convenient public transportation, and multiple shopping and entertainment districts, Vancouver has a lifestyle that you will quickly adapt to and love. Vancouver’s mild climate means it is possible to ski, sail, and hike in a single day. We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant city.

Projected Expenses:
Expenses in CAD $	Cost/month
Accommodation (shared)	$900-1400
Phone	$45-60
Food	$400-500
Public Transportation	$105-189
Medical Insurance	$75

Vancouver has the mildest climate of any major city in Canada, but the weather can be unpredictable. Vancouver can see a great deal of rain in the winter, but during the summer months Vancouver gets less rain than most other Canadian cities.

Temperatures: From January to May – 6 °C to 18 °C
Temperatures: From May to Aug: 17 °C to 24 °C

Visit TransLink, Vancouver’s public transportation company, for information on schedules and costs. The bus service covers the most extensive area and travels along most major streets in the city. Passengers must either buy a single travel ticket or use a Compass Card with pre-loaded fund upon entering a bus. Buses accept coins only and will not give change. Single travel tickets and Compass Cards can also be purchased from vending machines in SkyTrain stations that accept coins, bills, debit and credit cards.

The most convenient way to get a Compass Card is at one of the ticketing machines locating in a SkyTrain station. At YVR airport, you can find a ticketing machine right by the SkyTrain platform. You can pay by cash or credit card. If you don’t know how to use the machine, there is always SkyTrain staff in GREEN vest there to help. Don’t be shy; Canadians are friendly and approachable.

Vancouver is a bicycle-friendly city. In addition to the prevalent seawall bike paths along Stanley Park, False Creek and Kitsilano, there is a massive network of bicycle routes that connect the city. Vancouver has also recently introduced a bike share program, which allows you to commute on bike.

Vancouver has two primary car-sharing services: Modo and Evo Car Share. If you only need a car occasionally, their service can come in handy. Car-sharing programs allow you pick up one of the cars on the street, and travel from point A to point B, and end your rental without having to drive back to point A. However, you will need to obtain a British Columbia driver’s license (issued by ICBC) to be able to take advantage of this convenient service. It is also important that you learn about Vancouver’s driving regulations.

Thanks to Vancouver’s multiculturalism, you can find all sorts of high-quality ethnic restaurants around the city. From North American, Italian, European, Latin American, Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, the city has a diverse and thriving culinary landscape. There are also many specialty supermarkets and grocery stores where you can find ingredients from your home country.

What Else You Need to Know...

Taxes

In Canada, sales taxes are not included in the price tags you see in the store. A 5% GST and 7% PST will be added to your total amount at check out. For instance, if you purchase a $10 CDN T-shirt, your total bill will be $12, including taxes.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in North America, including Canada. In restaurants, it is customary to tip approximately 15% on the total bill before tax. Many restaurants may charge an automatic 15%-18% gratuity for large groups. A 10% tip is also common for other service providers, such as hairdressers, manicurists, aestheticians and taxi drivers.

Vancouver Public Library

Vancouver Public Library has twenty-two branches around the city. The main one is located on 350 West Georgia Street Downtown Vancouver. In addition to books and publications, it has computer labs and many other digital resources for its user. To get a free Library Card, you need to be staying in Vancouver for at least six months. You need to pay $25 if you stay less than that. Go to any Library and bring: (1) your passport, (2) your LaSalle College Vancouver student card, and (3) a piece of mail or a bill which has your name and your Vancouver address.

Living in Vancouver