Deciding Where to Live
When choosing a place to live, you should several factors: the neighbourhood atmosphere, the living costs, and transit routes are all important when deciding where to live. If you don't have a car, the farther away you are living from campus, the more important it is that you live near a direct bus route to UBC. Direct buses travel along 4th, Broadway (9th), 10th, 16th, 25th, 41st, and 49th Avenues. Below is a step by step process to help you search for an off campus housing solution.
VANCOUVER NEIGHBOURHOODS
West side
• Convenient because it's close to campus (approximately 15 to 20 minutes by bus)
• University Town and the University Endowment Lands are very near campus
• Kitsilano - also called "Kits," this fashionable neighbourhood has many apartments and is very close to the beach
• Point Grey and Dunbar/Southlands - there are many basement suites in these neighbourhoods
• Arbutus Ridge and Kerrisdale - there are mainly single-family homes and apartment buildings in these neighbourhoods
West End
• In Downtown Vancouver
• Trendy area
• Direct transit routes to campus (approximately 35 minutes by bus)
• Close to beaches and Stanley Park
East Vancouver
• Farther away from campus (approximately 40 minutes by bus)
• Less expensive than the West End or the West side
• Commercial Drive and Mount Pleasant - these trendy neighbourhoods are popular for having diverse cultures and lifestyles
Suburbs of Vancouver
• Within commuting distance if you have a car or live near transit
• Can take up to 90 minutes each way
• Rent is much cheaper than in the West side, East Vancouver, or the West End
• Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, and Surrey are the main suburban neighbourhoods
COST OF RENTING
The cost of renting in Vancouver varies greatly depending on the rental suite's location, age, and condition.
| Type of accommodation | Approximate cost per month | Typical Rental Range |
| Shared accommodation | $700 | $600-800 |
| Bachelor suite/Studio | $900 | $800-$1,000 |
| One-bedroom apartment | $1,050 | $1,000-$1,100 |
| Two-bedroom apartment | $1,500 | $1,400-$1,600 |
| Three-bedroom apartment |
$2,050 | $1,800-$2,300 |
Security Deposit
A security deposit (sometimes called a damage deposit) - usually equal to half a month's rent - will be required before you can move in. The deposit will be returned to you when you move out, if the apartment is clean and in good condition.
One Time Costs
• Telephone installation fee
• Buying a phone
• Furnishings
Additional Monthly Costs
In addition to rent, you may have to pay any of the following on a monthly basis:
• Utilities
• Cable television
• Telephone
• Internet
• Laundry
• Parking
• Tenant's insurance (optional)
• Food
TRANSPORTATION
When deciding on where to live, consider transit routes. If you don't have a car, it's important to live near a direct bus route to UBC.For more information on transit routes, visit the TransLink website.
