Erasmus in Vancouver

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Vancouver

Are you wondering why Vancouver is one of the favourite Canadian destinations for international students? For all the aspects that it brings together! This city has a lot to offer young people: a diverse and vibrant community, top-quality education, a safe environment, and access to all the facilities and infrastructure that a big city has. And all this while you are surrounded by nature! In this article, we tell you about the most important aspects for young people who choose to study in Vancouver.

Cost of living in Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver isn't exactly a cheap city. It has the most expensive cost of living in the entire country due to the high quality of life it offers. But don't let this discourage you! It all depends on how you manage the money and take advantage of the discounts for students that the city offers you.

Depending on the area in which you live and the size of the apartment, the prices of the accommodations range between CAD1,400-2,000 (€930-1,330) per month. On the contrary, if you decide to rent a room in a shared flat, the price is reduced to about CAD 600-1,000 (€400-660). Keep in mind that, in case your rent does not cover it, you will have to add the cost of services (such as heating or internet) which are usually between CAD 50-90 (€30-90).

Supermarket prices are not the lowest either, a student normally spends CAD 260 (approx. €160) per month just on the purchase. For this reason, students often choose to shop at stores like Costco, where you can buy in bulk and split the total among your flatmates.

The rest of your expenses will be much less in comparison. There are many establishments and points of interest throughout the city that offer discounts of between 10-30% to students. In addition, getting around the city is quite affordable since almost all roads in Vancouver have bike lanes, you can ride a bike wherever you want. You have establishments to rent bikes everywhere and you can choose between a few weeks or months. If you prefer to have your own, one of the best portals for buying second-hand bikes at a good price is Craigslist. On the other hand, Vancouver is divided into 3 zones, so the price of public transport varies depending on which one you go to. We recommend that you consider acquiring a monthly pass for areas where you are going to move frequently since it is cheaper than buying single tickets.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Vancouver

Whatever day it is, in Vancouver you have plans insured. There are a thousand things you can do in the city: walk around Stanley Park (one of the largest urban parks in the world), visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, go to the Rogers Arena to watch a hockey game... Do you fancy a change of scenery and an escape from the city? No problem! Vancouver is surrounded by mountains, forests and amazing beaches, so you can get on a cable car, ski, hike, take a dip in the sea, learn to sail, kayak, and much more!

If you still have some energy left after all this, here are three places where you can end the day, Gastown, Granville Island and Yaletown. The first site is the city's oldest neighbourhood, full of shops and vintage bars. The second is the busiest of the three since you will find a great offer of drinks (especially craft beer), food and fun. Finally, Yaletown is one of the chicest districts in the city. You can visit boutiques, art galleries and have a cocktail almost without moving.

Culture and gastronomy in Vancouver

The country of maple is not known precisely because it has its own very distinguished culture. However, one of the things that most characterise Vancouver is the numerous people from all over the planet that it hosts. Thanks to this, the town enjoys a strong atmosphere of multiculturalism, integration and tolerance. This allows you to meet a lot of people from different cultures with great stories to tell.

Regarding the local cuisine, it also reflects the multiculturalism of its residents. On its streets, you will find a wide variety of restaurants and food trucks with dishes from around the globe, such as Korean, Indian, Mexican or Italian. Some of the dishes you can try are:

• Seafood and Fish Dishes: Vancouver is famous for its fresh, sustainable seafood. Being a coastal city, you will find many restaurants that serve fish. Some of the most popular dishes are chowder (fish soup), crab and, above all, sushi. Finally, don't forget to try the maple-glazed salmon.

• “Poutine”: it's a typical Canadian dish, originally from Quebec. It consists of chips covered in sauce and cottage cheese.

• “Dim Sum”: It is a type of Cantonese appetiser. They are very popular in the town for its large Chinese population. Some of the most popular varieties sold in stores are “siu mai” (pork meatballs) and “cha siu bao” (steamed pork buns).

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Vancouver

• Living in this city will allow you to make friends from all over the world and experience a multitude of different cultures. Not only will you become proficient in English (as it is the official language of the region), but you will also likely pick up at least some knowledge of another language, as more than half of the inhabitants have a mother tongue other than English.

• Being a community where different languages, cuisines and religions coexist, you will see life from many points of view, which will help you to have a more open mind and improve your communication skills.

• Vancouver offers the perfect balance between city living and outdoor activities, so you get the best of both worlds!
• Canadians are very kind and polite and Vancouver is one of the safest places in the country. You can walk down the street without having to worry about pickpockets or stay up late partying with your friends without fear of going home alone.

Cheap student accommodation in Vancouver

Do you need accommodation in Vancouver but don't know how to find it? With Erasmus Play you will discover the best flats, rooms and apartments for students in Vancouver quickly and easily. Choose the accommodation that best suits what you are looking for and make the reservation 100% online!

Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Vancouver

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