Student Housing

Find the Ideal Student Accommodation in Vancouver

As a student in Vancouver, B.C. you have a range of neighborhoods to choose from that can cater to your preferences and lifestyle. It’s important to consider factors like your commute preferences and schedule when deciding where to live in the Greater Vancouver region.

Additionally, it’s crucial to assess employment opportunities, cost of living, climate, proximity to outdoor activities, and your desired lifestyle.

Each area has unique advantages, so it’s worth visiting and exploring various neighborhoods to find the perfect fit for your student experience.

Student checking student housing in Vancouver through Acsenda housing.

Here’s a breakdown of different zones and their commuting times to help you make an informed decision:

Zone 1 and 2 (North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond): 

These municipalities are within a 45-minute commute radius of Vancouver’s central areas. They offer convenient access to transportation systems and are closer to the city’s amenities and employment opportunities.

Zone 3 (Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, Delta):

These areas are within the Zone 3 transportation zone and are known for more affordable housing options compared to central Vancouver. However, commuting from these municipalities can often exceed one hour, depending on the exact location and traffic conditions.

Beyond Zone 3 (Langley, Cloverdale, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, White Rock, Mission):

While some people choose to commute from these areas, it’s important to note that the commuting time, especially during rush hours, can be significantly longer. These municipalities are further away from central Vancouver, and evening classes may pose challenges in terms of commuting back home.

Acsenda school is located at 666 Burrard St #200 in Vancouver,

There are several neighborhoods that you could consider for your accommodation. The school is situated in downtown Vancouver, which offers a central and convenient location for students. Neighborhoods like the West End, Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Commercial Drive are within a reasonable distance and provide easy access to your school.

As a student in Vancouver, you have options when it comes to finding accommodation that suits your needs. You can choose to rent your own apartment or opt for shared accommodation with a roommate.

Off-Campus Student Housing

If you have any questions about off-campus student housing, please contact the Student Services Office at Room 207 or email housing_enquiries@acsenda.com

A diverse group of four Acsenda students sitting on a bench, smiling and laughing together.

Off-Campus Housing Made Easy

Having access to off-campus housing resources is essential for international students. These resources help students find safe, reliable, and verified rental options when moving to a new country. A trusted platform reduces the risk of scams and makes the housing search easier. It’s especially important for those who may not be familiar with local customs, transportation, or neighborhood safety.

Types of Accommodation:

OCH101

acsenda.och101.com

OCH101 (Off-Campus Housing 101) is a trusted platform that connects students with verified rental listings. Since 1998, it has partnered with universities across North America to make the housing search easy and secure.
For over 7 years, Acsenda has worked with OCH101 to give students access to a variety of housing options, including apartments, shared spaces, furnished units, and more. Students can also connect with landlords and potential roommates through the platform.

4stay

4stay.com

4stay is a user-friendly housing platform similar to OCH101. It helps students, professionals, and individuals find short- or long-term housing. 4stay partners with universities across Canada and also operates in the U.S. and other Canadian provinces. It offers a wide range of rental options near campuses.

GEC Living

gecliving.com

GEC Living offers student housing in Vancouver and Burnaby. While they are not directly affiliated with Acsenda, they provide excellent housing solutions for international students. GEC residences include 24-hour security, student-friendly amenities, and comfortable living spaces that support academic success and well-being.

Thinking About a Homestay?

Homestays are a great way to experience Canadian culture and enjoy a warm, family-style environment. You’ll live with a local host family who can support you as you adjust to life in a new country.

An Acsenda international student smiling and interacting with her host family outdoors.

Available Homestay Platform Options:

The Custodian

thecustodian.ca
The Custodian is the largest homestay and custodianship company in Canada since 2015.

Homadorma

homadorma.com
Use filters to find the perfect match based on your lifestyle and preferences.

Vanmates

vanmates.com
A co-living platform made for international students and young professionals.

Casa Student Housing

casacanada.com
Offers affordable, furnished homestays and shared housing in Vancouver and Toronto.

What to Look for in a Homestay

Location & Travel Time

Location & Travel Time

Is it easy to get to school by public transit?

Host Compatibility

Host Compatibility

Will you feel comfortable with their lifestyle? (e.g., dietary preferences like halal, etc.)

Room & Amenities

Room & Amenities

Private or shared room? Is food included? What about Wi-Fi, furniture, and laundry?

Protect Yourself:

Avoiding Rental Scams and Frauds

As an international student in British Columbia, staying informed is key to avoiding rental scams and frauds. Here’s what you need to know to protect your money, your information, and your peace of mind.

How to Stay Safe When Renting:

Common Scam Red Flags

Follow these tips to ensure a safe renting experience:

  • Verify listings by visiting properties in person or requesting a virtual tour if abroad.
  • Avoid making payments or deposits before signing a lease and confirming the landlord’s identity.
  • Use reputable platforms like university housing services or trusted agencies.
  • Be cautious of landlords who pressure you to make quick payments or refuse to provide written agreements.
Avoiding Rental Scams

Avoiding Rental Scams

Staying vigilant and informed is crucial to avoid rental scams.

Red Flags

Red Flags

Average Rental Prices in Metro Vancouver

An Acsenda international student smiles and interacts outdoors with her host family.

Accommodation Type

Prices vary based on location, number of rooms, and what’s included (furniture, utilities, etc.).

Know Your Rights:

BC Tenancy Act

Before signing any rental agreement, make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities. Always ask for written terms and never rely on verbal promises.

Key Policies to Review:

Tenant Rights:

Landlord Rights:

Things to keep in mind

Located near the SkyTrain station, Acsenda School of Management’s campus allows students to commute to school via public transportation regularly.

Living near public transportation in Vancouver can have many benefits for international students. Firstly, it can greatly reduce the need for a personal vehicle, which can save money on things like gas and car insurance. Additionally, it can make it easier to get to classes and other activities, as public transportation in Vancouver is extensive and reliable.

Furthermore, it allows for a more sustainable way of living, reducing individual carbon footprint and traffic congestion on the road. Finally, it allows for a more connected lifestyle, making it easy to explore the city’s various neighborhoods and cultural offerings.

 

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada has a moderate climate with mild winters and cool summers.

The city is known for its rainy winters, but it generally experiences more moderate weather than other Canadian cities. Average high temperatures in the summer months (June-August) are around 20-25°C (68-77°F) and in the winter months (December-February) are around 5-8°C (41-46°F).

Rainfall and humidity can be high during the fall and winter months, so it is important to look for housing with good insulation and weatherproofing to keep out the dampness. Many students opt for housing near campus or public transportation to minimize the need to walk or bike during inclement weather.

Vancouver has a wide variety of grocery stores that cater to different budgets and dietary preferences.

For international students looking for housing, it is important to consider the proximity of grocery stores when making their decision. Some popular grocery store chains in the area include Safeway, Save-On-Foods, and Whole Foods. These stores can be found throughout the city and offer a wide selection of food items, including fresh produce, meats, and dairy products.

There are also several smaller, independent grocery stores that offer specialty items, such as Asian and Middle Eastern foods. For those looking to save money on groceries, discount stores like No Frills and Superstore can be found in different parts of the city.

Additionally, there are many farmers market where students can find fresh and local produce for a good price. It is important to consider how far you will have to travel to go grocery shopping, so try to look for a housing location that is in close proximity to a grocery store.

Utilities refer to the services that keep a home running, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and telephone. In Vancouver, these services are provided by different companies and may have different billing and usage policies. When looking for housing, international students should ask their landlord or property manager about the utilities that are included in the rental price, and what additional costs they may be responsible for.

Some landlords may include all utilities in the rent, while others may only include certain services or charge extra for them. It’s always best to clarify this up front, especially if you’re signing a lease.

Electricity and gas are provided by BC Hydro and FortisBC respectively. Water is provided by the city. Internet and telephone service providers in Vancouver include Telus, Shaw and Rogers.

You should have many options for your service providers and package, always you can check their websites, prices and compare them. It’s important to note that utilities can be an additional monthly cost, and students should budget accordingly.

Additionally, international students should also be aware that they will likely need to set up their own utility accounts and may need to provide proof of identity and proof of address to do so.

Most housing options for international students will have in-suite or shared laundry facilities, although some may not. If a housing option doesn’t have laundry facilities, students will have to find other ways to do their laundry.

In-suite laundry facilities will typically consist of a washing machine and a dryer, which are often coin-operated and need to be fed with quarters. They’re located inside the apartment or in common area shared between several apartments. In some cases, it could also be shared between several buildings, so students should check on the specifics of the location.

If a housing option doesn’t have in-suite or shared laundry facilities, students can choose to do their laundry at laundromats, which are coin-operated laundries found throughout the city, or use a laundry service, where you can drop off your dirty clothes and pick them up later when they are clean and folded. Some laundromats have also mobile apps, so you can pay and check the status of machines.

It is important for international students to consider the availability and proximity of laundry facilities when choosing housing. You should also consider the cost of laundry, the accessibility, the hours of operation and the amenities provided.

Scenic view of Granville Street Bridge and False Creek, showcasing Vancouver's vibrant urban environment near Acsenda.

Additional Resources:

Different articles can help you understand and discover more about housing in Vancouver, as well as prepare for things like jobs, costs, savings and more.
Click on any of the links below for more information:

Banner featuring Patrick Alano, Student Housing Coordinator at Acsenda, offering support to find suitable and affordable accommodation.

For inquiries or support, please visit Patrick Alano, Student Housing Coordinator, in Room 207 or contact him via email at housing_enquiries@acsenda.com.

BOOK A 1-1 APPOINTMENT HERE

Housing Options

Disclaimer:

Acsenda School of Management disclaims all responsibility for the quality, safety, or features of the properties listed. We recommend reviewing guidelines on avoiding potential scams and seeking advice from trusted housing resources.

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