Vancouver combines Pacific Ocean coastline, ski-able mountains, and a multicultural food scene — it’s consistently voted one of the world’s most livable cities. For students at UBC and SFU, the natural setting is spectacular, but housing costs are among the highest in Canada.
UBC (Point Grey)
UBC’s campus sits on a stunning peninsula at Vancouver’s western tip. On-campus housing is available but competitive.
- UBC Campus Housing: UBC guarantees housing for first-year international students. Residence halls from CAD 800–1,200/month. Upper-year apartments from CAD 1,000–1,600/month.
- Point Grey & West Point Grey: The neighborhood bordering campus. Mostly houses, some basement suites. Rooms CAD 900–1,500/month.
- Kitsilano (Kits): Vancouver’s beach neighborhood. 15 min bus to UBC along the 99 B-Line express route. Trendy, active, expensive. Rooms CAD 900–1,600/month.
- Dunbar-Southlands: East of UBC, more family-oriented, quieter. Rooms CAD 800–1,300/month.
SFU (Burnaby Mountain)
SFU’s main campus sits on top of Burnaby Mountain, with panoramic views of the city.
- UniverCity: The master-planned community on Burnaby Mountain, adjacent to SFU. Modern apartments, all within walking distance. Rooms CAD 800–1,300/month.
- Burnaby (Metrotown area): At the base of the mountain. Major shopping at Metropolis at Metrotown. 20 min bus (R5 RapidBus) to SFU. Rooms CAD 700–1,100/month.
- East Vancouver (Commercial Drive): Hip neighborhood with Italian and Latin American roots. 30 min transit to SFU. Rooms CAD 700–1,200/month.
FAQ
Is Vancouver more expensive than Toronto? Rent is similar at the student level, but groceries and gas are slightly higher in Vancouver. Budget CAD 1,400–2,000/month all-in for shared housing. Can I live without a car? Yes. UBC’s 99 B-Line and SFU’s R5 RapidBus provide frequent, reliable transit. Vancouver also has excellent bike infrastructure and a mild climate that makes cycling viable year-round. What health insurance is required? BC requires MSP (Medical Services Plan) for students staying 6+ months. University-specific plans (iMED for UBC) cover the waiting period. SafetyWing for travel outside Canada.