Housing options

B.C. not only offers a world class education, it's also a great place to live. There are many safe housing options both on and off-campus.

Homestay

Homestay offers you the opportunity to learn about life in B.C. by living with a host family.

This type of accommodation involves staying with a Canadian host or host family, who offer a furnished room and meals for a set fee. Homestay accommodation is inspected and family members are screened either by your school or the agency.

Kindergarten to Grade 12 students

Children attending an elementary or secondary school in B.C. can also have homestay arrangements made for their care - especially if they are staying here without their parents.

For more information, please contact the public school district or independent school where your child will attend.

Post-secondary students

Please contact your institution's international education office for more information on homestay opportunities. If your institution does not co-ordinate a homestay program, it may be able to provide contact information for an agency that does.

Live on-campus

Living on-campus is a great way for you to meet new friends and learn about the culture of your campus. To find out the availability of on campus housing, contact your institution's international education office.

Live off-campus

Living off-campus is another way to learn more about the area and explore B.C.

Where to search

Rental agencies will save you time by giving you a list of rental places that meet your criteria. These agencies are very helpful in helping you find what you need but you will have to pay a fee.

Newspapers are a great resource to help you find listings in your area. Find the local paper in the area you decide to study in. Many of them will have websites with online rental listings.

Websites provide you with a quick and easy way to find rental places in your area. Most websites will include photos and basic details of the unit. It is important to be aware of online scams and to not pay any rental deposit until seeing the place and meeting the landlord.

Bulletin boards at your campus or your campus website might list places for rent close to your school. Talk to your campus student services or international education office to find out more.

Tips

Tenant's rights

Before you rent make sure to visit www.tenants.bc.ca to become familiar with some of the rights that you the tenant have to protect you.

Before you sign a lease or pay a deposit make sure that you thoroughly inspect the place you are reviewing. Here are some things for you to check:

  • Do the entrance doors lock?
  • Do the appliances all work?
  • Do all the shower and taps work?
  • Do the walls need re-painting? If they require new paint ask the landlord if the walls will be painted before you move in.
  • If there are carpets do they need to be cleaned? Ask the landlord to have the carpets cleaned before you move if they require cleaning.
  • Are there a lot of loud noises that you can hear?
  • How safe does the area look?
  • Are there bus routes close to you if you will be taking the bus a lot?
  • How far away is it from your school?
  • Look out for any water damage (yellow stains on the walls and the ceiling)

Here are some things you should ask before you rent:

  • What is included in my rent? Sometimes the following may be included in your rent: heat, laundry facilities, storage, parking or cable.
  • Is the place pet-friendly?
  • Is smoking allowed?
  • How much will your rent be?
  • How do I contact you if anything needs to be fixed or replaced?

Insurance

You should consider purchasing renters insurance to cover your belongings against fire, theft and damage. To purchase renters insurance visit any insurance broker or credit union in your area. Rates may vary depending on where you go.

Television, internet & phones

Depending on the rental unit, cable television and/or internet may be included in your rent. If they are not included you must purchase a subscription from a local provider like Shaw cable or Telus. Be sure to ask if there are any student discounted rates.

Mobile phones are a popular and alternative choice to regular landlines. If you plan on bringing your own cell phone from your country make sure that your phone will work on B.C. networks.

Furnishing your apartment

If you are renting it is possible to find places that are fully furnished. Most places are not furnished so you may need to buy some items to furnish your place.

B.C. has many shopping malls and big outlet stores. A more economical route is to look in your local newspaper under the classifieds, go to garage sales, look online, or visit the Salvation Army or Value Village for good deals on used furniture. Check your campus bulletin boards for people selling their furniture and household accessories.

Laundry facilities

Depending on your living arrangement, laundry facilities may or may not be included. If it is not included ask your landlord about the laundromats in your area. If you are using laundromats make sure to bring enough Canadian currency coins (quarters and loonies).