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Welcome! If you’re planning your experience in Canada, choosing a student residence in Vancouver may be an ideal decision. Whether you’re coming for an exchange programme or to study full-time, these residences are one of the most popular accommodation options among young people arriving in the city. Here we tell you everything you need to know: from the advantages and disadvantages of this type of accommodation to information about university and private residences. We also explore affordable alternatives and answer the most common questions about living in a residence in Vancouver. Let’s do it!
Below we mention the most notable pros and cons of living in this type of housing in this Canadian city:
The reality is that, compared to other cities of this size, there aren’t a large number of private residences available. However, you’ll find alternatives in different parts of Vancouver, in neighbourhoods such as Marpole, Downtown Vancouver, and Burnaby.
In private residences in Vancouver, you’ll find a variety of accommodation types to choose from. The most economical option is usually a place in a shared room between two students, which has two beds and study areas for each. The intermediate option is a single room, which provides a private space to sleep but shares a bathroom and kitchen. The more expensive alternatives are usually studio flats or one-bedroom flats, which offer greater independence and privacy. There may also be two-bedroom flats, where the cost is per person.
The common facilities are a notable feature of residences, as they are spaces that all residents can use and that encourage socialising and friendship building. In Vancouver, there are usually gyms, lounges, study rooms, and terraces with panoramic views of the city.
The residences provide a range of services to ensure a comfortable stay. Those that are usually included in the price typically include: internet, water and electricity costs, 24-hour security, cleaning of common areas and access with electronic keys. They may also offer additional services for an extra cost, such as cleaning of the room or flat.
In this section, we refer to student residences that are run by universities, i.e., for those who study there. In Vancouver, these university residences are usually on-campus, which means that they’re located within the grounds of each institution.
In terms of accommodation types, each residence may offer a range of options at different prices. For example, the most economical options usually offer single or shared rooms, where residents share bathrooms and kitchens. There may also be one- to four-bedroom flats, where the bathroom and kitchen are shared only among those who live there. The most expensive type of accommodation is usually studio flats, as they have their own bathroom and kitchen, offering more privacy and independence.
Each residence has various communal facilities available for shared use by residents. Most residences in Vancouver include study areas, recreation rooms, sports facilities, dining rooms, and laundry areas.
University residences in this Canadian city also offer a variety of included and additional services. Included services are internet connection, furniture, utility costs, and meal plans (although these tend to increase the price). Additional services may include organised activities and events, optional meal plans, and access to other sports facilities.
This prestigious university has a variety of residences available, most of them in Point Grey, where its main campus is located.
If you’d like to know about accommodation near the University of British Columbia, read this article.
This institution has several residences, all located on the Burnaby Campus. Some of them have compulsory meal plans, while others offer shared kitchens.
To know more about accommodation near Simon Fraser University, read this article.
At Erasmus Play, you can easily compare different verified private student residences in Vancouver. Our platform has customized filters and an interactive map that will help you find the option that best suits your needs. What's more, you can make your booking online, securely and hassle-free. This will give you more time to plan your experience in the city, such as exploring its cultural scene or enjoying its famous natural landscapes!
In this Canadian city, private residences typically range from CAD$1,200 to CAD$2,400 per month, depending on the type of accommodation. University residences, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable, with average costs ranging from CAD$900 to CAD$1,500 per month, including basic services and meal plans in some options.
In Vancouver, a room in a shared flat is usually more economical, with prices ranging from CAD$700 to CAD$1,200 per month, depending on location and amenities. However, residences include services such as internet, furniture, and common areas, while in a shared flat these costs are usually additional.
For both private residences and university residences, it’s recommended that you make your reservation several months in advance, normally between three and six months. However, remember that university residences usually open their applications in spring for the autumn semester.
Student residences in Vancouver typically include high-speed internet, full furnishings, laundry facilities, access to common areas (study rooms and gyms), and 24/7 security. Some university residences also include meal plans. However, services such as room cleaning, organised activities and events, and personal contents insurance aren’t usually included and may incur additional costs.
You can use Erasmus Play, our platform that compares accommodation options in different locations. You can filter by price, services included and type of accommodation. It’s easy to use and shows verified accommodation options.