With stunning scenery, top universities and a friendly, cosmopolitan culture, it’s easy to see why Vancouver is so popular for students. If you’re planning to call one of the most visited places in Canada your new home, Student.com is your most trusted source for student housing in Vancouver.

Our student accommodation offerings in Vancouver consist of purpose-built student houses and apartments, most of which are ideally located in the downtown area – though we also have properties further afield if you’re looking for something cheaper. 

Universities in Vancouver 

Home to some of Canada’s best universities, Vancouver consistently ranks among the top cities in the country for higher education. Whether you’re looking to pursue your studies in science and engineering or arts and humanities, you won’t have any trouble finding a suitable program

University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities and regularly features among the top 50 universities worldwide. Students can pick from a plethora of cutting-edge courses, with the university recognized as a global leader in ecology, social sciences and international relations.

The campus is located at the western tip of the Point Grey Peninsula, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and North Shore Mountains. With over 400 sports clubs and academic societies, there are plenty of opportunities for students to socialize and explore new interests.

International students make up a sizable share of the university’s large student population. From orientation activities to language programs, there’s no shortage of support for new starters, with scholarships specifically for international students also available.

Ready to enroll? Check out our range of student housing for the University of British Columbia. 

Simon Fraser University 

Another popular choice for students making the move to Vancouver is the nationally renowned Simon Fraser University. This research-intensive institution offers a multidisciplinary program, with various highly ranked courses in law, business and social sciences.

The university is especially known for its world-leading criminology and forensics training programs, making it an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a career in the field.

While the university is primarily based in the city of Burnaby just east of Vancouver, it also has a campus in the heart of downtown Vancouver, putting it within easy reach of some of the best student housing in the city.

Interested in this university? Browse our student accommodation options for Simon Fraser University. 

Langara College 

One of British Columbia’s leading post-secondary institutions, Langara College offers a diverse range of programs spanning humanities and social sciences, science and technology, arts, business and health.

The main campus is based in Vancouver’s south-central neighborhood of Oakridge, meaning many of the city’s many attractions are close by. Campus life is vibrant with a sizable student population of around 20,000, including roughly 5,000 international students.

Need somewhere to live during your studies? Take a look at our student housing for Langara College. 

Capilano University 

Based across the waters of the Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, Capilano University delivers over 100 programs in fields ranging from applied arts and education to business and professional studies.

The university fosters a close-knit community with plenty of campus events and student clubs on offer. Its scenic location surrounded by dense forests and rugged mountains is a major draw for students.

If you’re interested in applying, make sure to explore our accommodation options for Capilano University.

Vancouver Island University 

Vancouver Island University is a well-respected university with a wide offering of programs. It’s especially known for its courses in education, health sciences and environmental studies.

Situated in Nanaimo, across the Salish Sea from central Vancouver, the campus is set against a beautiful backdrop of lush forests and ocean views, with easy access to beaches, parks and hiking trails.

Looking for accommodation? Discover our range of student housing at Vancouver Island University. 

Things to do in Vancouver 

From sightseeing and outdoor adventures to festivals celebrating the many cultures that make up the city, there are so many things for students to do in Vancouver. Foodies, partygoers and nature lovers alike will find a vibrant, openly diverse city that meets their every needs.

Arts & culture 

If you’ve chosen to study and live in Vancouver you’ll live among many different cultures, ethnicities and religions. It’s one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada with 52% of the general population speaking a first language other than English.

The city’s thriving arts and culture scene attracts people from all over the world. From museums and concert halls to food and film festivals, students who are interested in the art world are sure to find something that suits their fancy.

The Eastside Culture Crawl is an annual visual art, design and crafts festival held in November where artists on Vancouver's Eastside open their studios to the public. Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), which has been running every year since 1958, is one of North America's biggest film festivals.

Elsewhere, vibrant festivals such as the Celebration of Light, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, the world-famous Pride Parade (an LGBT event), the Santa Claus Parade at Christmas and the Vancouver Folk Fest pulsate the city each year.

And it doesn't stop there! The Sikh Vaisakhi Parade (celebrating the Punjabi New Year), the Persian celebration of Nowruz, Italian Day on The Drive, The German Christmas Market and the annual Chinese New Year festival add to the diversity to the calendar of festivities. 

Food & drink 

There are many restaurants and cafés catering to a wide array of cuisines and every budget in Vancouver. Top picks include The Naam, which serves up delicious vegetarian food, Peaceful Restaurant for incredible handmade noodles and The Eatery for amazing sushi.

Jam Cafe, which has several locations spread across city, is arguably the most popular brunch spot and offers homestyle comfort dishes like eggs benedict, fried chicken and waffles and pancakes with plenty of maple syrup.

Generally held in late January, Dine Out Vancouver Festival is Canada’s largest annual celebration of food and drink and a great way to sample some of the city’s hottest restaurants, especially at reduced prices. 

Nightlife 

Granville Street is the city’s original entertainment district and the go-to area for a big night out. Typically packed with a high-energy, younger university crowd, this street is littered with block after block of pubs, dance clubs and live music venues that stay open until the early hours of the morning.

Main Street has a hipster hangout reputation. As the heart of the city’s craft brewing community, the area is home to plenty of chilled out tasting rooms, farm-to-table restaurants that offer bespoke cocktails, hole-in-the-wall gems and a couple of clubs where you can try out your moves.

If you prefer something a bit more grown-up where you and your well-dressed friends can get together at exclusive lounges and toast to the end of a stressful exam week with designer cocktails, the former warehouse district of Yaletown is home to a robust nightlife scene.

Outdoors 

Vancouver’s magnificent oceanside, mountain-rimmed setting on Canada’s Pacific Coast attracts visitors and residents from all over the world. What makes Vancouver’s natural beauty even more enticing is its moderate climate.

The city is surrounded by some of the most amazing landscapes you could hope to find anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a hiker, kayaker, diver, mountain biker or into fishing, Vancouver provides plenty of opportunities for great experiences both in winter and summer.

Beaches, forests, and stunning mountains are all within easy reach of the city center. The nearby mountains provide more than just a beautiful backdrop to the city, with the Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountains offering some of the world’s best ski resorts.

The west coast of Vancouver Island will have you carving waves, spying whales and getting up close and personal with some of the world’s largest trees in Cathedral Grove. During summer, Vancouverites flock to the city’s many beaches to soak up the sun, swim and picnic.

Best student areas in Vancouver 

Vancouver is a vast, densely populated city that’s divided into 22 neighborhoods, each with their own unique character. From the bustle of downtown Vancouver to the relaxed atmosphere of the suburbs, students moving to the city have various options for accommodation. 

Kitsilano 

The beach-side neighborhood of Kitsilano, also known as Kits, is known for its laid-back attitude and sizeble student population. It’s home to one of the city’s most popular beaches in Kitsilano Beach which offers panoramic views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains.

There are plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs where you can grab a beer along the streets that lead down to the beach. The area is not far from to the University of British Columbia while also being a short bus ride to downtown, offering access to some of the best student housing in Vancouver. 

West Point Grey

West Point Grey is another popular student hotspot that sits just west of Kitsilano, putting it within closer reach of the University of British Columbia. Like its neighbor, the area is home to some of the city’s top beaches, namely Jericho and Spanish Banks beach parks.

One of the main student benefits of West Point Grey its 15-minute journey time to the University of British Columbia. While the commute time is short and the area is among the city’s most highly sought places to live, rent is high with many students living in basement suites. 

Gastown 

With its cobblestone streets and striking Victorian architecture, Gastown – ostensibly one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods – is rich in historic charm. From indie art galleries and fashion studies to trendy restaurants and cocktail lounges, the area is a hive of activity and of the city’s main commercial hubs.

Situated just a short walk from downtown, Gastown is a great jumping-off point for exploring some of the city’s main attractions. The neighborhood and its surrounding areas make up one of the main hubs for student housing in Vancouver. 

Public transport in Vancouver 

Vancouver has an extensive public transportation system comprising buses, trains and ferries. It’s managed by a single operator – TransLink – enabling students to easily transfer from one service to another and use the same travel card across all modes of transport. 

Train 

Vancouver’s light rail system, known as SkyTrain, consists of three lines and over 50 stations connecting suburban neighborhoods and other cities in the wider metropolitan area such as Burnaby, Richmond and Surrey to downtown Vancouver. 

Bus 

TransLink buses serve all areas of the city and surrounding regions, providing extensive coverage that goes beyond SkyTrain routes. Many routes are designed to connect with SkyTrain stations, making it easy to transfer from bus to train. 

Boat 

The SeaBus is a good option for students needing to reach North Vancouver. There’s just a single route which runs from Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay on the other side of the Burrard Inlet. 

Frequently asked questions 

How can I apply for student housing in Vancouver? 

Found the perfect student apartment in Ottawa? Applying for the lease with Student.com is simple:

1. Choose your room – browse our properties and find a place that suits your needs. Our team of experts are on hand if you need some help!  
2. Request to book – let us know which property you are interested in & our booking consultants will guide you through the next steps. 
3. Sign your contract – once your contract is signed you will pay your rent. Student.com does not charge you anything for our booking service: you’ll only need to pay the rent to your chosen landlord.

Learn more about how the booking process works here. 

What types of student housing do you offer in Vancouver? 

The student rentals we list in Vancouver have three different types of rooms:

• Shared room – two or more people sleeping in separate beds in the same room. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom are all shared with other rooms. 
• Private room – additional facilities are also shared with other rooms, but you’ll have a private bedroom. In some properties you can also have private rooms with a private bathroom. 
• Entire place – this is a fully self-contained property. This means you don’t have to share with anyone. Your bedroom, as well as living, cooking and bathing facilities, are exclusively for you.

Can you arrange a viewing for me? 

If you think you’ve found your ideal student home in Vancouver, we can definitely arrange a viewing of a property before you book it. Just give us a call and one of our booking consultants will gladly arrange it for you.  

Do I need to pay a deposit to secure my student residence?

Yes. However, many of the student accommodation providers we list are willing to return the deposit in the unfortunate circumstance of you not being able to secure a student visa. Our booking consultants can give you more information on our cancellation and refund policies. 

What bills are included in the rent? 

Different landlords may have different rules as it relates to bills so check with the particular property in Vancouver you are looking to book. But usually, you won’t have to pay for anything else other than your rent, as all bills are typically included. 

What are the best areas for students to live in Vancouver? 

From the bustle of downtown to relaxed beachside neighborhoods, Vancouver has plenty of great student areas. Kitsilano and West Point Grey are popular for University of British Columbia students, while the historic neighborhood of Gastown is ideal for those looking to be closer to the downtown area. 

Do I need a visa to study in Canada? 

To apply for a study permit in Canada as an international student, you’ll need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institute – the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University both fall into this category – along with proof of identity and financial support. The study permit is typically valid for the length of the program plus an additional 90 days.