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A homestay gives you an opportunity to live with a Canadian family while you pursue your studies. Homestays are a great way to transition into your new city–they typically include a furnished private room in a family home, a meal plan and utilities such as wifi, as well as meaningful family time, conversations and excursions.

Emily Carr does not recommend any particular homestay provider and is unable to review the host families and their homes. You should take the time to do your own evaluation of each homestay provider and find the one that works best for you.

Please note that we are not responsible for the information provided by homestay providers. The prices and conditions should be negotiated directly by the student with the homestay provider.

Liane's Homestay Vancouver

Homadorma

Airbnb is a community marketplace where guests connect with hosts who have space to spare.

Less expensive than a hotel, this is a great way to check out different neighbourhoods in the city.

Hotels can be pricey in Vancouver, especially during the summer and when there are special events happening in town. Here are some to check out.

GEC Granville Suites

GEC Granville Suites is a premium boutique hotel in Downtown Vancouver, located in the Granville Entertainment District.

GEC Granville Suites is surrounded by the countless amenities of downtown living. Experience Vancouver’s fantastic nightlife, trendy restaurants, and exceptional shopping, or take in the city’s natural beauty at Sunset Beach and English Bay.

Sandman Suites on Davie

Sandman Suites on Davie is a full-service property situated in Vancouver’s West End, minutes from English Bay, Granville Island and Robson Street.

Immediately outside our front door you will also find Starbucks Coffee, Cob’s Bread, Kin’s Market and Moxie’s Classic Grill and Lounge.

We are an all-suite property in downtown Vancouver and offer
a variety of services and facilities that we are sure will meet the needs of our guests. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available, with long-term options. Please contact the email address above for details.

Best Western Downtown

The hotel is located by the Yaletown district, steps to the Granville Entertainment District and minutes away from Granville Island and Stanley Park.

The hotel is pet-friendly and features 143 guest rooms with a Penthouse Level whirlpool, fitness centre and dry sauna.

The YWCA Hotel

Located downtown, The YWCA Hotel is less than 3kms (a 35-minute walk) from Emily Carr University. Daily, weekly or monthly accommodation is available for both female and male students.

Single and double rooms are available, with a choice of semi-private or hallway bathroom. All rooms are private and equipped with AC, mini fridge, TV, desk, telephone, vanity area and shelving unit.

Three large guest kitchens, lounge area and coin-operated laundry facilities are also available, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

As a not for profit hotel by YWCA Metro Vancouver, revenue generated from the hotel, goes to support YWCA community programs and services.

Hostels provide dormitory-like rooms that you share with other guests. The accommodations are more basic and cheaper than a hotel.

Hostelling International Jericho Beach

The HI (Hostelling International) Jericho Beach hostel offers affordable, semi-private student accommodations on a month-month basis between September and May.

Cambie Hostel Gastown

The Cambie Hostel can be a very reasonable choice with its central location and excellent breakfast opportunity near by.

However the rooms can be loud since the hostel also has a busy bar and restaurant. It is a good place to connect with other travelers.

Samesun Backpackers

This hostel is located right in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Breakfast and free wifi included, as well as laundry facilities and guest computers.

St. Clair Hostel

The St. Clair is an international backpacker’s hostel located right in the heart of downtown. Emily Carr students could probably get to school with a 30 min walk, or 10 minute bus ride.

The St. Clair is cheaper than most hostels in Vancouver and offers low season specials. During the summer they tend to fill up with backpackers, but in the winter months when school is in session for most they have plenty of space and offer private rooms with shared bathrooms.

Pacific Spirit Hostel – UBC

Summer hostelling only.

University residences are used as hostel accommodation May 15th to August 15th. The University of British Columbia campus is located about 8 kms from Emily Carr. The bus connections are very good.

HI Vancouver Jericho Beach Art Student Dormitories is an art student dormitory program hosted by the HI Vancouver hostel.

Skwachàys Lodge  has an Artist-In-Residence program caters to Aboriginal self-identified artists at any stage in their development. The program is under the umbrella of Vancouver Native Housing and BC Housing. Artists are expected to volunteer 8 hours/month and are supported by an award-winning artist community.

321 Railway are artist live/work studios in the Downtown East Side.

Arc Live Work Studios  are artist live/work studios between the Downtown East Side and North of Commercial Drive.

City of Vancouver Artist Studio Award Program  is competitive award studio program held by the City of Vancouver.

liv.rent is a all-in-one rental platform for rent, landlord and property managers. Secure rental profile allows you to apply directly online. Get the app here.

Craigslist is a well-known advertisement website. There a wide range of options. The downside is you'll complete with a lot of other applicants. You must be vigilant about possible scams and frauds on this site.

Zumper is an online rental platform for renters and landlords. It offers long-term, monthly and vacation rentals, with different housing options and ability to filter by amenities.

Aptliving offers self contained, fully furnished “micro” studio suites. Micro-suites are small bachelor-style apartments, usually with an induction cook-top, microwave, bed, desk and sink. They may come with or without a private bathroom. The building also has a number of communal amenities including a gym, sauna, pool, hot tub, large kitchen, living room, art studio and extra storage space. A one year lease is usually required. Located near Vancouver General Hospital.

These are an option if you are interested in living alone with few personal belongings and plan to be outside rather than stay at home. They are typically in central locations and should be seen in-person to see if it’s a good match. Many students try them and find it too cramped and small but this type of housing may work for some people.

More rental sites:

ApartmentLove

RentSeeker

PadMapper

SparrowShare

There are a variety of local Facebook groups you can search.

Vancouver Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets

• Widely used by students looking for accommodations in Vancouver.

Vancouver

• Find rental apartments, houses, rooms. Landlords will post housing photos to group chat format.

Vancouver apartments/house for rent/rental/roommates/room share/liv.rent

• This group is managed by liv.rent.
• It uses a verification process to help you avoid scams and all landlords are verified by liv.rent.