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 as a students!
We love living in Vancouver, and living in Vancouver as an international student is simple. 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 settle here.
So, how much does the monthly 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 | 800CAD-1100CAD |
| Transportation | 105CAD-190CAD |
| Health Insurance (Medical Service Plan) | 75CAD |
| Outdoor Activities | 250CAD-400CAD |
| Kitchen Expenses | 300CAD-400CAD |
Rent in Vancouver
Most students rent a room and share with friends to 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 800CAD – 1100CAD per month for a room with bills and wi-fi included.
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 104.9CAD for zone-1, 140.25CAD for zone-2, and 189.45CAD 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.
Cost of Dinner With Friends
ancouver has a lot of outstanding places where international students can hang out.
For a dinner with friends, you will pay between 25 – 50CAD. 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!
The weather gets just perfect conditions for international students and tourists because there will be no bothersome 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 freezing. 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 illuminated 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 live 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 spotting 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 favorite 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
Vancouver is home to immigrants from various countries, allowing you to enjoy authentic international cuisine. It’s also great fun to go out and try different dishes from around the world with your classmates.
Also, 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 lineup 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 great lifestyle, so it is understandable that people want to make a life and study in Vancouver.
Those who choose to study in Vancouver will be happy to know that ESL students in Canada, on average, have a great opportunity to be accepted to a university.
Moreover, the minimum wage in Vancouver, British Columbia is 17.40CAD and students can cover part of their living expenses in Vancouver by working part-time!
No matter what your professional background is, you will 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.
Study in Vancouver with Cornerstone
Long story short, Vancouver is the best city for international students in Canada because of all the reasons mentioned above.
If you have any concerns, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to answer all of your questions! Let’s find out how you can study in Vancouver and start your new journey.
