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Student Support

Table of contents:

1. Housing for International Students

When planning your study journey in Canada, finding the right accommodation and understanding transportation options are crucial. Here’s a guide to help international students navigate these aspects, with a focus on Vancouver.

What Types of Accommodation Can You Choose From?

In Vancouver, students can choose from a variety of rental options, including student residences, apartments, townhouses, and houses. The choice will depend on your budget, preferences, and specific needs. Common options include condos, townhouses, duplexes, and detached dwellings.

Main Types of International Student Accommodations Canada offers diverse accommodation options for international students, such as on-campus dormitories, off-campus shared apartments, homestays, and both furnished and unfurnished student apartments. Selecting the right type of accommodation will enhance your study experience.

On-Campus Housing vs. Off-Campus Housing

On-Campus Housing: On-campus housing is typically owned by educational institutions and located on or near the school’s property. This option is popular among first-year students due to its convenience and support services. Benefits include a strong sense of community, easy access to academic resources, safety measures, and amenities that support physical and mental well-being.

Off-Campus Housing: Off-campus housing includes private rental units that are not affiliated with the school. This option may include shared apartments, townhouses, or individual rentals. While generally more expensive, off-campus housing offers more flexibility in lease agreements, independence, and a chance to experience local culture. It also provides opportunities to develop essential life skills and enjoy greater privacy.

Host Family/Homestay Homestays offer international students the chance to live with a local family, providing a culturally immersive and often more affordable housing option. This is ideal for students seeking a temporary housing solution or those who wish to experience life in Vancouver with a host family.

Market Rentals for Students in Vancouver Additionally, traditional student accommodations, market rentals in Vancouver include houses, townhouses, basements, and apartments. These may come furnished or unfurnished and offer a wide range of price options.

Cost for International Student Accommodation in Canada Rental prices in Vancouver can vary significantly based on location, type, and size of the property. Generally, prices range from CAD 850 to CAD 2,300 per month. It’s possible to find more affordable options by looking outside the city center or opting to share a rental with other students.

How to Find Housing Options for International Students in Canada

  1. Determine Your Budget: Research the cost of living in your chosen city and consider your income if you have a work permit.
  2. Research Neighborhoods: Ask classmates or visit student centers to get a sense of the best neighborhoods. Consider proximity to amenities, safety, access to transportation, and overall comfort.
  3. Decide on Housing Type: Choose between on-campus and off-campus options based on your preferences and budget.
  4. Compare Choices: Look at listings, visit potential properties, and consult real estate agents if necessary.
  5. Visit Properties: View properties in person to ensure they meet your needs and standards.
  6. Check What’s Included: Confirm if rent includes utilities, internet, or furniture, and ensure you understand the lease terms.
  7. Know Your Rights: Educate yourself on tenant rights in Canada to ensure fair treatment and avoid potential issues.

Key Takeaways International students in Canada can choose from on-campus housing, off-campus apartments, or homestays. Each option offers unique benefits, whether it's the community feel of on-campus living, the independence of off-campus housing, or the cultural experience of a homestay. It’s essential to research thoroughly, understand costs, and be aware of your rights as a tenant. For further guidance, consider reaching out to your school’s international student resource center or housing services like BorderPass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Deposit Required for Accommodation?

  • Yes, most landlords require a security deposit, typically equivalent to one month’s rent. This deposit is refundable upon move-out, provided there is no damage to the property.

When Should I Start Looking for Student Accommodation in Canada?

  • You should start looking for accommodation as soon as you receive an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). Early searches can also help in deciding which school to attend.

What Are the Typical Rent Costs for Students in Canada?

  • On-campus accommodation can range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 7,500 per year, while off-campus options might cost between CAD 2,000 and CAD 36,000 per year, depending on location and type.

2. Transportation Services

Navigating Vancouver’s public transit system is a breeze, thanks to its well-developed network. The city’s primary transportation service, TransLink, offers a variety of options including buses, SkyTrain (light rail), SeaBus, and the West Coast Express. Here's how you can make the most of Vancouver's public transit:

Public Transit Overview The TransLink system operates on a fare zone structure, with fares varying depending on the number of zones you travel through. Vancouver is divided into three fare zones: • Zone 1: Covers downtown Vancouver. • Zone 2: Includes areas like North Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond. • Zone 3: Reaches the eastern suburbs.

You can pay for your journey using exact change or by purchasing tickets or a Compass Card, available at SkyTrain stations and other outlets.

Using a Compass Card The Compass Card is a convenient, reloadable smart card that provides a seamless way to pay for transit. It can be loaded with stored value or a monthly pass. Simply tap in when boarding and tap out when you exit the SkyTrain, SeaBus, or West Coast Express. On buses, just tap when you board. It’s a great option for both regular commuters and occasional riders.

How to Get a Compass Card You can purchase a Compass Card at a variety of locations, including: • Retailers like 7-Eleven, London Drugs, Safeway, and Shoppers Drug Mart. • SkyTrain stations, SeaBus terminals, and the West Coast Express office. Cards are also available online at the official website.

Planning Your Trip To plan your journey, use online maps like Google Maps or transit-specific apps like Transit or Moovit. These apps provide real-time information on bus arrival times, train schedules, and alternative routes to help you reach your destination efficiently.

SkyTrain Schedules and Maps: Visit here.

TransLink Park&Go: Visit here.

For more resources and updates on Vancouver's public transit, check the official City of Vancouver website.

3. Medical Insurance, Pharmacare, and Government Health Care Programs for International Students in Canada

All international students studying in Canada are required to have health insurance for the duration of their program. In British Columbia (B.C.), this is provided through the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Health Fee for International Students International students with a study permit valid for six months or longer who enroll in MSP will be invoiced for a health fee. You can find more details about the health fee here.

How to Apply for MSP Students can apply for B.C.'s MSP through the official BC Government website. For additional assistance, including multilingual support, contact or visit a Service BC Contact Centre.

Health Links by Province To access health services in your area, you can use Health Link BC's services for up-to-date information and support.

COVID-19 Vaccination Proof Information on obtaining proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including how to use it, can be found here. Additionally, students in British Columbia can use the B.C. COVID-19 app for proof of vaccination. More details are available here.

4. Community and Cultural Services for Students

Students in Vancouver have access to a variety of support services, including family support, addiction treatment, and resources for immigrants. These services are designed to provide assistance and foster a sense of community for those in need.

Embassies and Consulates For students requiring consular services, the Consul General of Vancouver is available. You can find more information here.

BC Services Card In British Columbia, there are three types of BC Services Cards that provide access to healthcare and other government services. Learn more about obtaining a card here.

Why is Vancouver Important? Vancouver is not only a hub for high-technology industries but has also emerged as a key center for television and film production.

Culture, History, and Sports Canada’s rich culture, identity, history, and sports are integral to its national identity. Learn more here.

Vancouver Recreation Explore Vancouver’s recreational activities and register for various programs here.

Recovery Services and Treatment Support Every individual’s journey through substance use challenges is unique. Support and recovery services are essential resources for those on their healing path. More information can be found here.

5. Academic Support Services

With our VANAS Plus learning platform, students have access to over 400 courses in Digital Entertainment. These courses cater to various educational levels, from elementary to university, and come with comprehensive learning materials, including assignments, exercise files, and assessments. Explore more at VANAS Plus.

The Vancouver Public Library offers extensive English as a Second Language (ESL) resources, both physical (books, CDs, DVDs) and digital, accessible with a library card. Additionally, the library provides a range of programs and services to support English-language learners. Learn more at Vancouver Public Library ESL Resources.

6. Employment Resources for Students: Preparing for Success

What is the VANAS Career Center? The VANAS Career Center offers free live webinars each term on various career-related topics, including opportunities in digital entertainment, such as animation, visual effects, and video games. If you can’t attend the live sessions, you can access recorded webinars through the video archive. Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter for event announcements. Visit the VANAS Career Services to learn more.

Professional Career Development The Professional Career Development for Artists certificate course at VANAS equips students with essential skills for entering the Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game industries. This course covers the roles of studio recruiters and hiring practices, including job applications, interviews, and negotiation. By the end of the course, students will have developed cover letters, resumes, demo reels, and portfolio breakdowns. Click to learn more.

What Employment Services Are Available? WorkBC Centres and the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program provide personalized support to help you find a job that matches your strengths, needs, and interests, while ensuring it offers a living wage. Discover services.