Start your Housing Search
New to Vancouver, to B.C. or to Canada? Start preparing early to make your move easier.
Have key documents ready, like references, ID, a resume, credit report, pay stubs, bank statements and your SIN (social insurance number).
Helpful Resources for Newcomers
Book short-term accommodation and try to arrive early — even a month ahead if you can. Coming from outside Canada? Visit our International Student Services page.
Visit these useful websites too:
Ready to Start your Housing Search?
We recommend GEC Living, Vancouver’s largest off-campus student housing provider and ECU’s official partner. Their blog is a great resource for understanding the cost of rent, food, transit and other essentials.
You can also look into other accommodation types across the city. Hotels and hostels make good short-term options while you search for a more permanent home.
Housing Options to Explore
Homestays
Homestays let you live with a Canadian family in their house. They can be a great way to settle into life in Vancouver. ECU doesn’t endorse specific providers, so you’ll need to contact them directly and confirm all pricing and conditions yourself.
Here are some to check out:
Artist Residencies
Artist residencies offer dedicated time, space and resources for artists to focus on their work, often within a supportive creative community. Some include live/work spaces, mentorship or public engagement opportunities. The application process can be competitive but well worth it for the experience and support they provide.
Here are some to check out:
Rental Websites
There are plenty of online platforms where you can browse listings, compare prices and connect with potential landlords or roommates. Always use caution and trust your instincts when responding to ads, and never send money before seeing a place in person.
Here are some to check out:
Resources for Specific Needs
Looking for housing support tailored to your specific needs? Vancouver has several organizations that offer services for students, youth, families, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and others. If you’re looking for affordable housing, short-term options or accessible living, these resources can help guide your search.
Here are some to check out:
- New Chelsea Society – Affordable housing for families
- The Budzey – Supported housing for women and women-led families
- Safe + Transition Homes – For women fleeing violence
- BC Indigenous Housing Society – Inclusive housing for Indigenous people
- Skwachàys Lodge – Artist residency for Indigenous artists
- QMUNITY – Support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth
- RainCity Housing – LGBTQIA2S+ youth housing services
- Pacific Community Resources Society – Community support and information
- Covenant House – LGBTQIA2S+ friendly emergency housing for youth
- The Right Fit – Accessible, affordable homes with support services for independent living
- SCI BC Marketplace – Find accessible housing, jobs and equipment
- 211 – Free, confidential access to local services and support
- Emergency funding for domestic students who are B.C. residents is available from the Province of British Columbia. Find more information on our Financial Aid + Awards page.