Accommodation
British Columbia 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.
British Columbia 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 offers you the opportunity to learn about life in BC 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.
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.
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.
Living off-campus is another way to learn more about the area and explore BC.
Where to search:
Before you rent make sure to visit tenants.bc.ca to become familiar with some of the rights that you have as a tenant, designed 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 to check:
Here are some things you should ask before you rent:
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.
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.
BC 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.