6 Things That You Must Know to Study in Vancouver in 2023
Living and studying in Vancouver is a unique experience and has something to offer for everyone, no matter what you are interested in studying or doing.
There is a very simple question for those who would like to study in Vancouver! Is Vancouver good for international students??
Vancouver is absolutely one of the best places to live in Canada for students!
We love living in Vancouver and living in Vancouver as an international student is simple. And we want to share some of the reasons you should choose to study in Vancouver.
Have a look at the 6 important things that you need to know about living and studying in Vancouver below!
- Cost of living in Vancouver
- Climate in Vancouver
- Public transportation and safety
- Things to do in Vancouver
- Food habits
- Finding a job in Vancouver
Cost of Living in Vancouver
Vancouver has been voted one of the most livable cities in the world. It is one of the best cities to live and work in Canada (and we think even the world 😉)
It is also well known that Vancouver can be an expensive city to live in, but this is not always the case.
Many activities are free, and there are great deals everywhere you go, which makes living and working in Vancouver an ideal balance of work and play.
Especially, living in Vancouver as a student is like a dream that many people have!
Vancouver’s cost of living for newcomers could be a little more than usual for some reasons. It takes time to find out where to buy your groceries or where to find the most affordable and livable apartment unless you know someone who can help you to settle here.
So, how much does the monthly life cost of living in Vancouver, British Columbia for international students?
Monthly Cost of living in Vancouver, Canada
| Type of expense | Average Amount of the Monthly Expense |
|---|---|
| Rent for a room | 600CAD-900CAD |
| Transit | 98CAD-177CAD |
| Health Insurance (Medical Service Plan) | 75CAD |
| Outdoor Activities | 150CAD-200CAD |
| Kitchen Expenses | 200CAD-300CAD |
Rent in Vancouver
The cost of studying in Vancouver for international students is around 1,400CAD on average.
Most students rent a room, share with friends and so they can share the cost of bills! That is the most typical student life in Vancouver to handle your rent cost in Canada.
It is common for young professionals and students to rent a room in a nearby suburb or city (such as Burnaby or Surrey). Rent can cost between 600CAD – 900CAD per month for a room with bills and wi-fi included.
A rental contract will start on 1st or 15th of the month – be sure to check!
If you would like to see all options that you can find accommodation in Vancouver.
Cost of Transportation in Vancouver
You should buy a Compass Card as soon as you arrive at YVR Airport. Vancouver’s public transport is safe, clean, and easy to navigate.
It is best to buy a monthly pass, which will cost between 98CAD for zone-1, 131CAD for zone-2, and 177CAD for zone-3.
You can also buy a day pass or just pay a single fare, which is valid for a 90-minute journey on the SkyTrain, bus, or SeaBus!
Click here is to see the full information about costs and zones for transportation in Vancouver.
Cost of BC Medical Services Plan (BC MSP)
The Canadian Healthcare system is great for international students in Vancouver! The insurance cost is considerably cheap and easy to apply for every student.
You can feel free to apply for insurance in Canada! Once you get approval and complete 3 months of living in Vancouver, BC, feel free to visit any walk-in clinic to get checked.
You pay every month for access to hospitals, emergency services, doctor appointments, and more.
It costs 75CAD per month for international students in Vancouver.
For how to apply for BC MSP, check out this blog post
Cost of Dinner With Friends
Vancouver has a lot of outstanding places that international students can hang out.
For a dinner with friends, you will pay between 12 – 20CAD. It depends on what you are looking for!
For advice about the best places to visit for cheap deals, speak with your new classmates, co-workers, and even your teachers.
TOP TIP: Happy Hour is between 3 – 6 pm!
Climate in Vancouver
Okay, we won’t lie. It rains here in Vancouver during the Winter season, quite a lot.
Contrary to the popular myth regarding freezing weather conditions in Canada, Vancouver has comparatively warmer weather than many other areas in Canada.
The city of Vancouver has been re-named ‘Raincouver’ by local people. But the rain becomes part of the charm and personality of the city. It is what makes the city’s natural beauty stand out even more!
During the summer, the temperature can reach 35°C. A perfect opportunity to spend the day at one of Vancouver’s beautiful beaches, or hiking in the great outdoors!
We highly recommend for you take a look at the best hiking spots in Vancouver!
The weather gets just perfect conditions for international students and tourists because there will be no bothering high temperature for any outgoing activities.
That is absolutely one of the best things about living in Vancouver, Canada.
But even in the coldest months, the temperature does not usually drop below the freezing level. Many Canadians even choose to live in BC because it is the warmest part of Canada!
Vancouver is just so beautiful in every season of the year. Especially, the entire city gets enlightened with Christmas Lights in Vancouver and it is absolutely free to visit for everyone.
We recommend embracing the climate and getting involved in some skiing or snowboarding at the nearby mountains, where you will experience fresh white snow and excellent views of the city of Vancouver.
Public Transportation and Safety
When you decide to come to Vancouver, you will discover that it is one of the safest places in the world to travel, live, and work. It has a low crime rate overall and it is especially good for those who move to Canada alone.
If you study and living in Vancouver then you will quickly realize that the public transport system is convenient, safe, and generally very reliable.
You can buy a Compass Card at the Skytrain stations and head out on your adventures around Metro Vancouver by Skytrain or Bus! Find out more here translink.bc.ca
There are also great connections to Vancouver Island and even to Seattle. You can check out the best routes to these great places here:
Things to do in Vancouver
There is really something for everyone. Whether it is hitting the hiking trails, snowboarding at an Olympic mountain resort, shopping at one of the many malls, or celebrity spots in Downtown Vancouver.
Student life in Vancouver is just amazing, especially, with Summer Events in Vancouver!
You will make a lot of new friends when you study in Vancouver. Here are some of our favourite local places that you can visit together:
- Granville Island
- Stanley Park
- Grouse Mountain
- Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
- Whytcliff Park
When you decide to live and study in Vancouver, you will quickly discover a new experience, achieve new goals, and make friends for life.
Food Habits in Vancouver
Living in Vancouver would not be complete without Brunch! It comes somewhere between breakfast and lunch and we can guarantee that it will make you happy.
If you see a line up outside a restaurant or cafe, it is probably because people are waiting for brunch. It is a great way to get your new friends together and share some quality time. And the best thing is, there are usually free coffee refills!
Finding a Job in Vancouver
When you choose to study in Vancouver, you will quickly realize that the city welcomes immigrants and international students from all over the world.
It is known worldwide for its natural beauty, diversity, and a great lifestyle, so it is understandable that people want to make a life and study in Vancouver.
British Columbia has the second-highest immigrant population compared to any other province in Canada. According to an official report in 2016, a total of 1,292,675 immigrants made B.C. their home, representing 17.1% of Canada’s total immigrant population.
Those who choose to study in Vancouver will be happy to know that ESL students in Canada, on average, have a great opportunity of being accepted to a university.
Vancouver, BC has the highest employment rate in Canada, with unemployment being only 4.2% – the lowest in the whole country!
Moreover, the minimum wage in Vancouver, British Columbia is 15,20CAD and students can cover their living expenses in Vancouver by working part-time!
https://www.workbc.ca/Labour-Market-Information/Regional-Profiles/British-Columbia
No matter what your professional background is, you will be sure to find work in Vancouver. Especially with the support of Cornerstone College staff, who make it a personal mission to help you find a job in Vancouver.
Every year students need to declare their income to the Government of Canada for their income tax return if applicable. We help all our students for their process to be completed.
After finding the job that you love to work in, you will also need to open a bank account in Canada to deposit your paycheque and keep your money safe.
Health insurance services are very important for international students and do not forget to learn how to apply for MSP in Vancouver!
Long story short, Vancouver is the best city for international students in Canada because of all reasons just mentioned above.
Get in touch with us to find out how you can study in Vancouver and start your new journey.
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I’m a student who is hoping to study in Vancouver. This is very important for me. Thank you very much.
Dear Shamila, we are pretty sure that you will be able to find your success path by studying in Vancouver.
I would like to study with You but i wonder how much i need for start
Hi Juan, thank you so much for your amazing feedback. Our college has different prices for each diploma program to study in Vancouver. You can feel free to contact us at any time to learn about our scholarship options for you to study in Canada.
I will start college next year (2022) but my dream since I was a child is to go to Canada, both to visit and to live. I love this country a lot and I would like to have the chance to do an exchange.
Hi Marcelo, studying in Vancouver will be an amazing experience for you and we look forward to meeting you!
I am very interested in going to study in Vancouver I love Canada and I love English and French and I speak them I have an intermediate level and I mean studying but I am 39 years old age influenced to study there.
Hi Yunior, there is no age limit to learning something new in your life. We are here is to assist you to build a career in Canada!
Thank you so much, this has been useful. I have always wanted to study and become a health care assistant.
Hi, i’d like to study a software development diploma, I already have knowledge in this area so I wonder is it so difficult to find a related job?. Otherwise, I´d like to know what level of english do I need to start studying this diploma?.
Hi Juan, you are in right place to become a web or mobile app developer in Canada. If you are familiar with programming, that is a huge advantage for you because this field is a high-demand industry, especially in Vancouver. You will need an advanced level of English skills to start studying in Vancouver in this field. However, we also have English courses if you need more English training to study in Vancouver. Please follow the link below to find more details about the Web and Mobile App Development Diploma Program.
https://ciccc.ca/programs/web-mobile-application-development-diploma/
Hello Cornerstone!
I am Chit Ko Ko from Myanmar. Currently, I am in Israel as a translator and leader of Myanmar students at Arava International Center for Agricultural Training-AICAT, Israel.
I am starting the visa application procedure with the help of the cornerstone branch in Israel to study at Cornerstone. Thank you for your message and these are pretty useful and interested for us. I am pretty excited and happy to study and live in Vancouver. See you very soon!
Hi Chit Ko Ko, thank you so much for your message! We would love to see you here and to be part of your success in Canada! Studying in Canada is the dream of many international students and hopefully, that dream comes true for you! We wish you the best of luck!
Hello I’m Martín, I would like to study and live un Vancouver. Your información was very interesting.
For me It could be muy second chance to hace a verter life.
I’m a good and devoted worker.
I’m 50 years old and I would like to know if I can get a job there.
Dear Martín, thank you so much for your question! we are doing our very best with our dedicated co-op department to assist international students to assist them finding a job in Canada.
Hello! I am on the way to get a visa for studying in Vancouver, Canada. I would like to say thank you very much for your information. These are really useful for me. I am really excited to live and study in Canada. I hope, we will see you soon.
Thank you so much for your comment, Seng! We look forward to seeing you here in Vancouver!
I would love to study in Vancouver.. I had my bachelor degree of nursing in Philippines. For the mean time I am working as an ESL teacher in China.
I would like to further my education in Vancouver. How I can get admission because it’s my intention to study in your school And I hope that I would be heard from you very soon Thank you.
Hi Kwame, thank you so much for contacting us. We will do our best for your career in Canada!
I hope to be in Canada next year
That’s awesome! If you would like to study in Vancouver where is the best place to live in Canada, feel free to contact us!
Hope so all the informations are correct.
Hi Ahtasham, we are doing our best to update our articles very often. If you are planning to study in Vancouver, please feel free to ask your questions at any time.
Learn more english to study in Vancouver
You are so right Peter! We also provide English courses in Canada!
These tips are really helpful to travel anywhere in the world. keep posting like this. thanks