Student housing, apartments, and rooms for rent in Vancouver

Wondering how much it costs to live in Vancouver as a student? A significant part of your monthly budget will go towards rent. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose your accommodation wisely. Look for a place that meets all your needs, with a good location, and an affordable price.

Student apartments for rent in Vancouver

Renting an entire flat in this Canadian city usually comes at a very high cost. In fact, it's normally not one of the preferred options for international students. However, if you want to rent an entire flat, you should know that there are several options.

On the one hand, you can choose between studio flats or flats with several rooms. The former provide more privacy and independence, although they also tend to have a higher monthly cost.

On the other hand, flats can be part of private buildings or student residences. Residence halls usually provide access to facilities such as study and entertainment rooms, but also require more rules to be followed.

Student rooms for rent in Vancouver

International students often prefer renting spare rooms during their stay in this Canadian city. It’s a popular choice for two main reasons. First, it’s cheaper than renting a full apartment since you split the rent and utility bills with your roommates. Second, you get to share the experience with other international students, making everyday life more fun and social.

Most of these rooms are in shared apartments, but some are in student residences. Usually, the rooms are private, giving you your own space. The cost of a spare room in a shared flat usually ranges from $500 to $1960 per month, depending on the room’s features and location.

Student housing in Vancouver

Here are some of the favourite areas where young people like to live during their time in Vancouver:

Apartments for rent in Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is a great option for international students because it’s home to many popular student hangouts and university campuses. Plus, it’s well connected to campuses in the surrounding areas, making it convenient for students!

Kitsilano apartments

Kitsilano offers a quieter vibe compared to downtown Vancouver, but still has plenty of dining and shopping options. This area has many beautiful beaches and parks, as well as various cultural attractions. It’s also close to both the city centre and the University of British Columbia campus.

Rooms for rent in Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is east of downtown Vancouver and is a vibrant residential neighbourhood. Here you’ll find a wide variety of bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural sites. You can reach downtown in about 15 minutes by public transport from here.

Accommodation near the universities of Vancouver

Here are some of the top universities in Vancouver that attract the most international students each year:

University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC’s main campus is located on the western tip of the Point Gray Peninsula, in the UBC district, about 30 minutes from downtown by public transport. This institution also has two other campuses in Vancouver: one in the city centre and another in Strathcona, to the east.

To find convenient housing near the University of British Columbia, check out this article. Also, here's a list of its faculties and schools.

University Canada West (UCW)

UCW has two campuses in Downtown Vancouver, both easily accessible by public transport. One campus is in West Pender, near the Waterfront train and ferry station, and the Vancouver House Campus is located in the Downtown South area.

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

While BCIT is part of the University of British Columbia, it has its own separate buildings. The main campus is inBurnaby to the east, but it also has some buildings in and north of Downtown Vancouver.

University residences in Vancouver

Most universities in Vancouver offer their own residences for their students. Depending on which university you attend, you can apply for different residences. Some universities have multiple residences based on the location of their campuses.

Frequently Asked Questions about living in Vancouver