The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Vancouver for International Students

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Vancouver is one of the best cities in Canada for international students, thanks to its multicultural atmosphere, high quality of life, and top-ranked post-secondary institutions. It offers the best of both worlds—stunning natural beauty and vibrant city life. 

Still, moving to a new city—even one as welcoming as Vancouver—can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, with the right support, your journey can be both exciting and rewarding. 

In this ultimate guide to studying in Vancouver for international students, you’ll learn how to navigate student life and find out what to expect while exploring the city’s many cultural and outdoor experiences. 

Why Study in Vancouver, Canada?

Vancouver is an international student-friendly city with five large public universities and many private institutions. New students choose Vancouver as a place to study, mainly because of the following talked about below. 

High-Quality Education

Vancouver is home to some of Canada’s leading universities and educational institutions, including ILAC, the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and Capilano University, known for having top-of-the-line teaching and research facilities and some of the best educational programs in the country. 

A Multicultural City

The city of Vancouver is diverse and welcoming, drawing residents from all backgrounds. With nearly half of its population being immigrants, you’ll find many cuisines, festivals, and neighbourhoods that make it feel like a home away from home. 

Each Vancouver neighbourhood is different, with new sights, smells, and tastes. Vancouver is home to Canada’s largest Chinatown, a colourful neighbourhood with cultural activities year-round, plus many other ethnic neighbourhoods, including Greektown, Japantown, and Little Italy. 

Safe & Vibrant Lifestyle

From hundreds of cafes to study at to the vibrant food scene, Vancouver is known for its abundance of things to do. Look one way, and you’ll see the city; look the other, and you’ll see the mountains. 

You can take a day trip to Grouse Mountain or indulge in a five-star restaurant in the heart of the city. Vancouver is also one of the safest and most livable cities in Canada, especially for international students who move there alone. 

Career Opportunities

Vancouver’s strong economy offers excellent job prospects for students looking for part- or full-time work after graduation. Some top industries include tech, film and TV production, and renewable energy and sustainability. 

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What to Expect from International Student Life in Vancouver

Studying in Vancouver as an international student is exciting, but it can be a different cultural experience than what you’re used to. 

In Canada, classrooms focus on being interactive, with a student-centred approach. Unlike some lecture-based programs, Canadian institutions like ILAC value critical thinking and open dialogue, encouraging students to share their opinions and engage in group discussions. 

Professors and faculty are easily available and welcome students’ questions. Most teachers are available outside the classroom for additional support. 

Studying in Vancouver, Canada, at ILAC International College

Be immersed in British Columbia (BC) culture while improving your language skills when you study English in Vancouver. For international students at ILAC IC, classroom sessions are paired with hands-on experience in Canadian workplaces, so you gain real-world experience and become job-ready right after graduation.

As an international student in Vancouver, you can expect:

• A state-of-the-art boutique-style campus in downtown Vancouver
• Personalized career support with dedicated co-op specialists to help your job search 
• Work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms 
• A variety of co-op programs, from Service Excellence for Business to Canadian Accounting Fundamentals
• Small class sizes for personalized learning

Canada is consistently ranked one of the best countries in the world to study and work in, and you’ll have support to help you settle into your new life in Vancouver with ILAC IC. 

Navigating Vancouver as an International Student

Vancouver is easy to navigate, with most neighbourhoods within walking or biking distance and an excellent transportation system to connect the city. Here are a few tips on what you need to know about international student life in Vancouver, Canada. 

Finding Accommodation

As an international student, look for accommodation that isn’t too far from campus. You generally have three options: 

• On-Campus Accommodation: Living in a student residence is a great way to acclimate quickly to student life and meet other first-year students. Although it can be expensive, many international students choose to live in residence to network with other students and staff and be close to school.
• Apartment/House Rentals: Whether you’re alone or with roommates, renting an apartment is a great way to start your life in Vancouver. It can be difficult to find accommodation right away, but begin your search early and use different websites like Rentals.ca, Padmapper, and Facebook Marketplace to find the perfect accommodation.
• Homestays: Although not as popular as they used to be, homestays are a great option for accommodation. Either your university or a housing program will pair you with a local host family who will welcome you in their home and be a support system in Vancouver. 

Cost of Living in Vancouver

The cost of living in Vancouver is quite high compared to other large cities in Canada, but it’s generally worth living in the city, as there’s so much to do in terms of entertainment, nature, and the high quality of life. 

Because of the high cost of living, budgeting is crucial. Here are some money-saving tips:

• Walk, bike, or use public transportation instead of Uber or taxis. 
• Take advantage of student discounts on dining and entertainment. 
• Shop at budget-friendly grocery stores like No Frills, Walmart, and Save-on-Foods. 

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How to Get Around Vancouver

The public transportation system in Vancouver is reliable and easy to navigate. You can buy a Compass card and use it to travel around the city of Vancouver by SkyTrain, bus, or ferry. 

When the weather is good, you can bike almost anywhere with the city’s bike-share program. Purchase a pay-per-ride, 24-hour, 30-day, or one-year pass. 

Things to Do in Vancouver

There are lots of places for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Vancouver. Whether you want to shop downtown or go on a day trip, the city has something for everyone. 

When you’re not in school, look at some of the best things to do in the city:

• Bike or jog around the seawall in Stanley Park
• Shop on the main shopping street, Robson Street 
• Eat at one of the city’s top restaurants
• Go to Granville Island Public Market

Student Activities at ILAC IC

One of the best parts about studying at ILAC is the vibrant student life. Every month, the school organizes various student activities, including city tours, social events, and cultural activities. These events are a great way to explore Vancouver while having fun outside the classroom and connecting with other international students. 

Discovering the Best of Vancouver as an International Student

Vancouver offers the perfect combination of study and adventure. If you’re looking to study over coffee, eat well, or discover the city’s mountain trails, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy. 

Outdoor Activities

Vancouver is perfect for those who love being out in nature. Some of the best outdoor activities include:

• Hiking: Try the challenging Grouse Grind hike, explore the many trails of Lighthouse Park, or trek the famous Capilano Canyon loop for beautiful river and mountain views. 
• Beaches and Waterfronts: Kitsilano Beach and English Bay Beach are great spots to relax in the city. 
• Take a Day Trip: Visit Deep Cove, Squamish, or Whistler, or take a trip to the famous Sea to Sky Gondola. 
• Skiing and Snowboarding: Vancouver is the perfect place for ski trips, snowboarding, or participating in other winter activities. If you like to ski, visit Whistler, one of the world’s top ski resorts. 

Cultural Experiences

Vancouver is a diverse, welcoming city. A few of the top arts and cultural experiences include the following:

• Richmond Night Market 
• Punjabi Market or Little India
• Vancouver Chinatown Festival
• Vancouver Art Gallery
• VanDusen Botanical Garden

Making Friends in Vancouver

The best way to meet people in Vancouver as an international student is through networking events, meetups, or simply through your school. It’s easy to make friends who have the same hobbies as you—if you like running or other outdoor activities, join one of the many run clubs in the city or participate in hiking groups to take advantage of the city’s natural beauty.  

Here are a few social groups and resources to check out to make off-campus friendships:

• We Should Be Friends: A social group with a mission to make Vancouver less lonely. 
• Meetup.com: Many groups organize events to meet people from the city. 
• Run Clubs: Join one of the many run clubs across the city, from Slow Pokes to Beer Run Run Club. 

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Top Tips to Succeed as an International Student in Vancouver

Moving to a new country and starting life as an international student can be challenging. However, these tips can help ease your transition: 

Adjusting to a New Culture

No matter where you move from, Vancouver is probably quite different, and it can take some time to get used to living in a new country. The city has a casual, laid-back atmosphere with friendly, environmentally conscious citizens. 

British Columbia is known for its beautiful scenery. Many people enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and cycling. 

Stay open-minded and embrace cultural differences. If you need support, ILAC IC and other post-secondary institutions offer counselling and mentorship programs, as well as health services and other programs offered by international student advisors. 

Managing Studies, Work, and Social Life

The life of an international student in Canada can be difficult, especially if you’re new to the country. You have to juggle your studies, work, and social life. It’s important to try your best to balance all three for a fulfilling student experience—time management is key here. 

Besides your studies, explore part-time work opportunities. With ILAC IC, you can enroll in a specialized co-op program or work up to 24 hours per week off campus. Be sure to take breaks to enjoy Vancouver’s attractions and natural beauty—you’re in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, after all. 

Essential Resources for International Students

Some important resources for international students in Vancouver include the following:

• BC Medical Services Plan (MSP): The government-run public health insurance plan. If you’ll be in British Columbia for more than six months, you must enroll in the BC medical services plan. 
• Study in BC: A government-run resource covering student life, visas, and work permits. 
• MOSAIC BC: Language support, settlement services, and career workshops. 
• WorkBC: Job postings, career resources, and support. 
• Here2Talk: Free mental health counselling for post-secondary students. 

Here are some additional resources for international students in Vancouver. 

Study, Stay, and Work in Vancouver with ILAC International College

Studying in Vancouver, Canada, as an international student is a thrilling and enriching experience. ILAC IC’s Vancouver campus is the perfect place to begin your academic journey and career in Canada. Featuring a diverse student body, experienced instructors, and over 85 partner colleges and universities in Canada, beginning your studies at ILAC International College gives you a strong foundation for academic and career success. 

Ready to start learning and exploring one of the best cities in the world? Start your journey with our graduate programs at ILAC IC today, and experience the best of studying in Vancouver for international students. Learn more and apply now!