Written by Alexander College in Vancouver on June 21, 2024
As a future international student in Vancouver, congratulations! Choosing to study in another country is no small decision and we are happy to welcome you to Vancouver! 🙌
Vancouver is a beautiful place for you to explore and embrace all it has to offer. Living in Vancouver as a student, you will find a plethora of things to do during every season whenever you need a break from your studies.
Vancouver is also known for its diversity. You’ll be able to meet people from all around the world here, each bringing their own culture and viewpoints.
If you’re an international student that is awaiting your flight to Vancouver, there are several things that you should be aware of. This international student guide will hope to answer some questions you may have about your future life in Canada!
Topics this guide will cover:
Double Check Your Admission Requirements
Before you arrive, you should always double-check the admission requirements needed to be a student at Alexander College.
At Alexander College, we serve approximately 4500 students a year and we welcome students both internationally and domestically.
Here is a quick list of things you will need to do once you arrive:
- ✅ Fill out important forms
- ✅ Submit original academic documents such as transcripts and English test scores
- ✅ Submit a copy of your study permit
- ✅ Book placement tests if needed
It is also a good idea to check our student tuition costs to make sure you have enough funds for the duration of your studies here.
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Accommodation in Vancouver
Key Points
- 🛏 Two main options: Homestay or rentals.
- 🏡 Homestay: A great option for students who want to learn about Canadian culture by living with a family.
- 🏢 Rentals: Rentals offer more independence than homestay and there are options specifically catered to students.
Prior to arriving in Vancouver, you need to ensure you have made the necessary living arrangements, whether that be living with a homestay or other accommodations.
Among the options for accommodations that you can choose from include homestay, room rental or apartment rental.
If you are unsure about which type of accommodation is the best fit for you, Alexander College offers Student Housing Services where our staff will help you review your options.
Homestay in Vancouver
The Pros
- ✅ Good company: Living with a family may reduce some feelings of homesickness.
- ✅ Personalized matching: Homestay companies carefully review the information they receive from students through their application forms in order to place you with a family that has a positive match for both interests and hobbies.
- ✅ Legal guardian available: Homestay companies can also provide guardianship services for international students if you require it.
If you’re looking for a truly Canadian experience, homestays are a popular choice for many of our students.
Host families provide security, protection, and care for their homestay students. In addition, you will feel a part of the family as you’re slowly integrated into Canadian culture.
This makes your homestay a convenient and educational option, and an incredibly enjoyable one!
Homestays should be booked at least one and a half months in advance to secure your accommodation.
If you’re under 19 years of age, it is required by law in British Columbia that you stay in a homestay with a family and have a local, legal guardian.
Homestay Tips for International Students
You can learn a whole lot about Canada by staying with a Canadian family during your time as a student!
Canada is a hub of multiple cultures and we embrace diversity! You will be able to experience both Canadian culture and share your culture and traditions with your host family.
If you are interested in homestay programs, here are some things to keep in mind
Be Open and Communicate
Let your homestay family know if you need anything or if something is making you feel uncomfortable.
Communication is especially important if you have any allergies or medical conditions that the host family should be aware of.
Practice English
The best way to learn English is by speaking English. Practicing English with your homestay family is a great way to improve your skills!
Experience New Customs
You can use your homestay experience as an opportunity to learn something new.
Embrace the opportunity to learn the mix of customs and culture that is celebrated in Canada!
Apartment Rentals and Student Housing
The Pros
- ✅ Independence: You get to make your own decisions regarding meals and activities.
- ✅ Freedom of choice: Deciding where to live is entirely your choice based on personal preferences, proximity to various services, and budget.
- ✅ Student housing: Student housing is an option specifically catered to students and has its own advantages.
Renting in Vancouver can provide you with the urban surroundings of the city, and you will also be in walking distance to all the exciting things that Vancouver has to offer.
Convenience comes with a cost, however. The cost of renting and living in Vancouver is among the highest compared to other locations in the area.
On that note, the cost to rent an apartment for living in Vancouver varies from one neighbourhood to another. You should also include any additional costs such as utilities and groceries into your budget.
We always encourage you to do your own research as each person’s situation is different.
Some examples of more affordable neighbourhoods include:
- East Vancouver
- Commercial Drive
- Fraserview
- Marpole
- Burnaby
Some examples of expensive neighbourhoods include:
- Downtown
- Yaletown
- Cambie Village
- West Vancouver
Shared Rentals
You can choose to share accommodations with other international students. This can be a good way to make friends and save money!
Students at Alexander College may post advertisem*nts for available shared accommodation on the student notice bulletin boards at either campus.
Popular local websites providing rental listings:
More on Rentals
*Keep in mind Alexander College does not review or approve listings posted on the sites listed above. It is your responsibility to determine the legitimacy of these listings and understand your rights as a tenant in British Columbia.
More on Rentals
Just as you are weighing your options and determining whether or not a rental listing is a good fit for you, landlords are also reviewing whether or not you would make a good fit to live on their property.
There is no standard list of requirements when it comes to renting but a landlord may ask for the following things:
- Proof of income/funds or current employer
- Personal references
- Lifestyle (whether you will be owning pets etc.)
A landlord cannot ask for:
- Information unrelated to the tenancy
- Credit card numbers
- Banking information
If possible, ask for a tour of the apartment to make sure the property is suitable.
Student Housing
Unlike apartment rentals, student housing, as the name suggests, are housing units which are rented to students only.
They are usually located near post-secondary institutions, making it a convenient choice for those who want a short commute to class.
Student housing is a great option if you are unsure of what to look for in rental housing, but you want the freedom of managing your own space and meals.
In addition, you will also be able to meet other students from around the world! 🌎
No matter which part of the Greater Vancouver Area you choose to live in, and whether you’re renting an apartment on your own or sharing with a roommate, it can be a new and exciting experience for you!
Transportation in Vancouver
The Vancouver transit system, known as TransLink, is a great way for you to quickly familiarize yourself with getting around the city. You can use the SkyTrain and various bus lines to get to where you need to go.
From the airport, you can easily travel to the core of the city through the Canada Line, which is part of the SkyTrain system.
A great app to download that would help navigate the system is the Translink Phone App. The app allows you to check schedules and plan your route.
Alternatively, you can also use Google Maps or Apple Maps to look up where you need to go. 🗺
Purchasing a Compass card, a reloadable stored value card that can be used for public transportation, is highly recommended so you can transit with ease.
More About Compass Cards
More About Compass Cards
Fully implemented in 2015, the Compass card is a contactless smart card that was introduced as part of the automated fare collection system we see in Metro Vancouver today.
Compass cards can be purchased at SkyTrain, SeaBus, West Coast Express stations as well as select London Drugs locations with a $6 refundable deposit. You can then add stored value at Compass vending machines or online.
Auto reload is an option for Compass card where if you have a valid form of payment saved to your Compass card account, the system will automatically add more money to your card when the stored value falls below a certain threshold.
You can learn more about Compass cards at compasscard.ca or by calling 604 398 2042.
You can also use your credit card at any fare gate, but the fare cost will be higher than using a Compass Card. Using a Compass card is the cheapest form of payment across the TransLink system.
For more information on how TransLink fares work, check out our TransLink guide.
We also now have ride-sharing services such as Lyft available in Vancouver, as well as various taxi companies.
Keep in mind, these tend to be the most expensive methods of transportation and the costs may vary during different times of the day based on distance and demand.
Alexander College campuses are located central to a variety of public transport options.
You can easily find your way to the Alexander College Burnaby campus via the Metrotown SkyTrain station and our Vancouver campus is located right by the Waterfront SkyTrain station.
| Method of Transit | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Ride-Sharing Services | 💲💲💲 | Cost may vary based on distance and demand |
| TransLink (Without Compass Card) | 💲💲 | |
| TransLink (With Compass Card) | 💲 | Up to $1.40 discount per trip compared to other payment methods |
Health Insurance for International Students
Proof of valid medical insurance is mandatory for all students at Alexander College. You cannot register for courses without medical insurance.
Life happens and as an international student in Vancouver, it is important for you to get medical insurance. You can get access to comprehensive public healthcare in the province of British Columbia, through BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Obtaining temporary private medical insurance is highly recommended as there is a 90-day waiting period before MSP coverage begins, starting from the day of your arrival.
Who Do I Talk to About My Study Permit?
At Alexander College, we provide free Regulated International Students Immigrations Advisor (RISIA) services to all current and future students.
Our certified RISIAs can help answer any questions related to study permits, PGWP, and more.
Each member of the team is also proficient in multiple languages in case you prefer to communicate in a language other than English.
While the main method of advising is through emails, our advisors are also available for in-person or virtual advising by booking an appointment.
In addition to one-on-one advising, our RISIAs also host monthly webinars regarding various immigration topics and policies so you can stay up to date on updates from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Starting a New Chapter in Canada
We hope this article answered some questions you may have about life in Canada. This is a major chapter in your life, and we hope this article was able to answer some questions you may have about living in Vancouver.
The next step of your journey happens after you arrive in Canada. We will be covering what life is like living in Vancouver from food, shopping, tourist spot, and more. We will also be introducing what life is like as a student of Alexander College.
Have a safe flight! ✈️
After You Arrive
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