Living in Vancouver is a rewarding experience. However, rentals and accommodation can be difficult to secure. There are many options for students but be sure to go through a reputable housing management company to protect yourself from fraud or mistreatment from landlords.
Douglas College does not endorse any of the companies on the list. It is solely up to students to choose any service that is appropriate for them or meets their needs.
Many international students at Douglas College choose to live in homestay for their first few months of living in Canada.
FCI, Cypress Accommodations and CanBeHome Canada Homestay will help to place you with a homestay family depending on your interests and individual requirements. Homestay families are all carefully screened and selected to ensure the best possible experience.
Global Education City offers different locations and options for student housing.
Reputable placement services will help to provide quality housing, management, and placement for students looking to rent your own place. Here are a few reliable companies:
Be cautious when searching and remember to view the inside of a property before you sign a lease or pay any money. Ensure you know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant (renter).
To learn more, visit the following websites:
Safety
Crime happens everywhere. Thefts, pick-pocketing and small crimes occur from time to time. For your information, Vancouver Police Department has provided the following website with tips and helpful information to stay safe in Vancouver.
Transportation
Getting around the Vancouver area is easy with our efficient public transportation system, known as TransLink. As part of your student fees, you have paid for a U-Pass, a transit discounted passes for post-secondary students which is loaded on a Compass Card (the image on the right) each month.
Your U-Pass provides unlimited access to bus, SeaBus, and SkyTrain services within the Vancouver area. To begin accessing the public transportation system, purchase a Compass Card at any SkyTrain station or one of these retailers and load your U-Pass BC onto it.
Step-by-Step: How to load your U-Pass onto a Compass Card (download PDF)