Living in Vancouver

Moving to a new city is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. VanArts students are responsible for arranging their own housing, transportation, and personal needs, but we’re here to point you in the right direction.

General Resources

• WelcomeBC Newcomers Guide – The B.C. Newcomers’ Guide will help you settle into B.C. quickly and easily.

Housing Resources

• VanArts Housing Page – list of housing links/resources maintained by Student Services.
• Tenant Survival Guide – The TSG offers plain language legal education on tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities in BC.

Transportation

• TransLink – metro Vancouver’s public transit system
• Compass Card – reloadable transit pass

Banking

• Major banks: RBC, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust, CIBC

Childcare Resources

• ChildCareBC Programs
• Getting childcare in Vancouver – Resource provided by the City of Vancouver.

Cell Phones

• Newcomers to Vancouver can easily purchase SIM cards at major Canadian airports, mobile carrier stores, electronics stores, and convenience stores