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CanadaC$1,800–2,800/month (rent is the big cost)Free guide
🇨🇦 Student Guide to Vancouver
Home to UBC and SFU, Vancouver offers world-class study with mountains and ocean on your doorstep — beautiful, but plan for high housing costs.
▶ Pre-departure checklist & visa timelineCost & getting around
- Monthly budget: C$1,800–2,800/month (rent is the big cost)
- Transport: SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses with a Compass Card; a U-Pass is included at many universities.
- Where students live: Kitsilano, Burnaby (SFU), Downtown, Point Grey (UBC), Surrey
Tips for students in Vancouver
- Start your housing search months ahead — Vancouver rent is high.
- A study permit usually allows up to 24 hours/week of off-campus work.
- Get a U-Pass through your student union for cheap transit.
- Layer up and carry a rain jacket — winters are wet, not freezing.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Vancouver as a student?
- A typical international student in Vancouver budgets around C$1,800–2,800/month (rent is the big cost), depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
- Where do students live in Vancouver?
- Popular student areas include Kitsilano, Burnaby (SFU), Downtown, Point Grey (UBC), Surrey.
- How do students get around Vancouver?
- SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses with a Compass Card; a U-Pass is included at many universities.