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.
Below are some resources to help with transitioning to life in British Columbia and Vancouver:
The guide contains information and videos in a variety of languages. Topics covered include The First Few Days, Transportation, Finding a Place to Live, Money and Banking, Health Care and more.
The city of Vancouver puts together a guide with downloadable resources and sections. Use the navigation map on the Areas page to link to community-specific information including services, news & events.
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, 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 or your choice of homestay provider directly.
There are many accommodation options for students in Metro Vancouver. Examples include homestays, furnished and unfurnished rentals in houses, basement suites, condominiums and apartments.
Resources for locating available housing can be found online through Google search:
Other resources include newspapers and local communities:
