Live in Vancouver

Vancouver

GEC Student Housing

Homestay

Other Accommodation Options

Medical Insurance

 

Vancouver

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 B.C. Newcomers’ Guide 

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.

Moving to Vancouver

The city of Vancouver puts together a guide with downloadable resources and Areas of the City sections. Use the navigation map on the Areas page to link to community-specific information including services, news & events. 

 

GEC Student Housing

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:

  • Move-in ready: GEC's apartments are fully furnished.
  • Comprehensive services: GEC may offer many services beyond accommodation, including amenities, security, and student support.
  • Convenience: GEC residences are all conveniently located across Vancouver, within walking distance to shopping malls to meet your daily needs.
  • GEC student community: GEC may foster a vibrant student community within its accommodations, providing opportunities for social interaction, networking, and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Services and features included in the rent:
    • Bed with beddings
    • Study desk and chair
    • All-inclusive utilities
    • Wi-Fi
    • Maintenance
    • On-site staff
    • 24/7 on-call emergency assistance
    • 24/7 centralized security
    • ...and more

Inquire Now

 

Homestay

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.

 

Other Accommodation Options

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:

  • The Vancouver Sun
  • Local newspapers in other languages
  • Private ads on bulletin boards at VCC and in local community centres