Welcome to Vancouver, a city known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and world-class education. As you embark on your academic journey at Alexander College, we understand that finding the right place to call home is crucial to your overall university experience. To assist you in navigating the student housing landscape in Vancouver, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to essential housing options tailored for all students.
Vancouver offers a diverse range of housing options, catering to various preferences, from shared apartments to private studios, allowing you to customize your living arrangements to suit your needs. For students who prefer a student housing, we proudly recommend GEC Living, a trusted provider known for its quality student accommodations. GEC Living offers a supportive environment conducive to both study and leisure, empowering students to manage their own space while exploring the city at their own pace.
Move-In Ready Apartments
All-Inclusive Amenities
For those seeking an immersive cultural experience, the Homestay Program offers a unique opportunity to live with local families. Experience Vancouver through the eyes of its residents, sharing in their traditions and customs while benefiting from a supportive and familial environment. Our carefully selected host families from two reputable homestay providers, Vanmate Consulting and Travel and Learn Interchange are committed to providing a welcoming home, facilitating not just a place to stay but a chance to form meaningful connections within the community.
Vanmate Consulting provides a welcoming and supportive homestay experience for international students studying at Alexander College in Metro Vancouver. In addition, Vanmates Accommodation strives to create a home away from home where students feel comfortable, supported, and immersed in Canadian culture. Their goal is to foster meaningful connections between students and host families while ensuring a safe and enriching environment for all.
Travel and Learn Interchange prioritizes student comfort and satisfaction. With a focus on exceptional service, their dedicated team goes above and beyond to ensure the homestay experience is nothing short of excellent. From personalized assistance to round-the-clock support, their team to make your stay comfortable and stress-free.
Part of the homestay experience is trying Canadian foods. You are expected to eat the same foods as the rest of the family, your host will not cook special meals for you. Be prepared to try many new tastes and maybe even develop a new favorite food.
Yes, please specify your food allergies in your application form so that we can match you with a host family capable of accommodating your dietary needs.
Many of our homestay families have pets, such as cats and dogs. These pets are friendly and considered members of the family.
We recommend booking your homestay at least one and a half months in advance to secure your accommodation.
Ready to book your accommodation? Submit your Housing Preference Form online. Or contact housing@alexandercollege.ca to inquire more information.
Fill out the following form to indicate your housing preferences:
The housing market in Vancouver is very competitive. We recommend you begin your search for rental as soon as you receive visa approval letter.
DISCLAIMER: Listings on these sites aren’t approved or recommended by Alexander College. The college doesn’t conduct information, background, or clearance checks on landlords or listing authors, and the information in listings is unverified. Alexander College disclaims responsibility or liability for the information within the listings and encourages students to search cautiously, understanding their rights as tenants.
Rental prices in Metro Vancouver vary based on factors like location, type of accommodation, and amenities offered. For instance, renting a high-rise apartments or neighborhoods such as West Vancouver or North Vancouver generally costs more than options like house basements or locations in other cities.
To provide an overview of current market trends, we’ve summarized data from above three rental websites for October 2024, focusing on Burnaby and Vancouver rental markets:
| Source | Burnaby | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| liv.rent | $2,281 for 1-bedroom $3,143 for 2-bedroom |
$2,850 for 1-bedroom $3,595 for 2-bedroom |
| Rentals | $2,398 for 1-bedroom $3,062 for 2-bedroom |
$2,610 for 1-bedroom $3,430 for 2-bedroom |
| Zumper | $2,380 for 1-bedroom $3,050 for 2-bedroom |
$2,600 for 1-bedroom $3,600 for 2-bedroom |
For more information on rental data, you can also explore resources provided by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a federal Crown corporation of the Government of Canada. Monitoring these sites regularly will help you stay informed and find accommodation that aligns with your budget and preferences, especially as rental prices are subject to change.
When renting accommodation in a new city like Vancouver, there are several important considerations for international students to ensure a smooth and positive experience as tenants. Here’s a list of key factors to keep in mind:
Carefully review the lease agreement, including terms, conditions, and any additional fees. Clarify the lease duration, renewal options, and notice period required for moving out.
For reference, you can download the standard Residential Tenancy Agreement from the Government of British Columbia’s website.
Consider all costs associated with renting, including rent, utilities, internet, and any other additional fees. Factor in living expenses, transportation costs, and potential unforeseen expenses.
Identify the campus where your course is held and consider the travel distance from potential rentals. Use Google Maps to assess distances, accounting for potential weather-related delays in commuting. Allocate ample time for travel to the campus.
Move-in dates for off-campus housing typically coincide with the first day of each month. Plan accordingly, as providing a full month’s notice is often required for moving out. Landlords may also request a damage deposit, usually half a month’s rent, refundable upon move-out if the property is well-maintained.
Confirm what furnishings and appliances are included in the rental. If the accommodation is unfurnished, consider options for obtaining necessary furniture and household items.
Check whether rental insurance is required or recommended. This can help protect personal belongings in case of theft, damage, or other unforeseen events.
Establish clear communication with your landlord or property management team. Report any maintenance issues promptly and document communications for future reference.
Research the safety of the neighborhood where you plan to rent. Explore local amenities, public transportation options, and proximity to essential services.
Canada is a relatively safe country, and your chances of being the victim of a scam are low. However, it’s crucial to be aware of potential rental scams that target international students when searching for accommodation.
One of the most common scams involves fraudulent property adverts. In this scenario, a scammer posts a fake property listing online.
When a student inquires about the property, the scammer asks for a holding deposit or a bank statement as proof of financial capability, taking the deposit and then disappearing.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, follow these tips:
* By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, international students can make informed decisions when renting accommodation in Vancouver and ensure a positive and hassle-free living experience.
As a tenant in British Columbia, it’s important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities under local laws. Understanding your tenancy rights can help ensure a fair and positive rental experience. For detailed information on tenant rights in BC, please refer to the Government of British Columbia’s Tenancy Rights page.
If you encounter tenancy issues, such as disputes with landlords or questions about your rental agreement, various resources are available to assist you. While Alexander College’s housing services team cannot provide legal advice, we’re here to offer guidance and connect you with the appropriate resources. Feel free to reach out to us for suggestions or to discuss your concerns.
Additionally, the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC), a non-profit organization, offers free legal education, advocacy, and representation on tenancy matters. Furthermore, the BC Residential Tenancy Branch also provides guidance and dispute resolution services to support tenants and landlords with tenancy concerns.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
+1 604-435-5815
4805 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC
V5H 4T6 Canada
+1 604-435-5815
#101 - 4603 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC
V5H 4M4 Canada
+1 604-681-5815
#100 - 570 Dunsmuir
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1Y1 Canada
