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Accommodation

Finding Your Home in Beautiful British Columbia

At FIC, we are here to support you in finding the perfect housing as you embark on your academic journey in stunning British Columbia. Below, you’ll find a variety of housing options, each with detailed information to help you make the right choice.

As part of your pre-departure preparation, we offer workshops dedicated to housing guidance, helping you select the option that best suits your needs.

We are pleased to guarantee homestay options through our trusted partners, including Vanmates, Vancouver Central Homestay, and First Choice International Placement.

Please note that SFU Residence and Housing has specific application deadlines, which must be adhered to. Our team is happy to assist you throughout the application process to ensure a smooth transition.

We can’t wait to welcome you to FIC! If you have any questions about your housing options, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@fraseric.ca.

 

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SFU residences (On-Campus Accommodation)

FIC students may choose to live in SFU residences at the Burnaby campus, just a short walk from classes. The residences feature single-room accommodation with extra-long beds and high-speed internet access, and common rooms with shared TVs and microwaves. They also have a dining hall and a meal plan that is available to the entire residence community.

Buses operate between the campus and Greater Vancouver’s rapid transit system at the foot of Burnaby Mountain on a regular basis. SFU also has an on-campus hotel where visiting family members can stay.

Living in residence means being at the centre of it all: barbecue nights, movie nights and ‘rez’ challenges are just some of the regular activities that make on-campus residence fun! SFU students, staff and volunteers are there to help make the most of the residence experience — whether it’s sharing study tips, finding the best cup of coffee or joining in a volleyball game. For many students, residence life is one of the most memorable aspects of their undergraduate experience.

Find out more and apply online via the SFU Residence and Houses website.

The fees for SFU residence and housing can be found here. It is important to not that SFU Residence and Housing has a non-refundable application fee of $50 CAD which must be paid to complete your application.

Students wanting to live in SFU residence should apply early, as there are limited places available.

Please note that residence fees are due August 1 for Fall term; December 1st for Spring term; and April 1st for Summer term.

Students may pay their fees by logging into MyPlace@SFU and completing the following steps:

  • Selecting My Account.
  • Viewing their residence fees, including printing an invoice.
  • Selecting their fees to pay.
  • Choosing a payment method of credit card, or Flywire for international banking.
Vanmates

Looking for housemates? It is a simple process- fill out the form and Vanmates will reach out with the best options for you.

Experience living among other students in a shared apartment while enjoying a fully furnished room, ready for move-in. With the privacy of your own room, Vanmates also provides a vibrant and communal living environment for students, complete with shared spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and community events.

Enjoy the best of both worlds in a lively and accommodating student community.

Homestay

For many students, the opportunity to stay with a Canadian family in the local community offers special appeal. As a homestay student, you will have the chance to be a part of the family, taking part in family activities and celebrating special occasions.

All families are within commuting distance of FIC and SFU. Your homestay arrangement may include breakfast, lunch and dinner, and may be upgraded upon request to include special amenities such as internet access or a private bathroom. FIC’s preferred homestay providers are:

We will support you in finding the right homestay for you. We can guarantee homestays for students arriving. Depending on your selection the prices will vary but costs can be found on each homestay website. There is a fee associated to registration for each homestay.

GEC Living

GEC provides fully furnished, comfortable accommodations to international and domestic students at affordable rates. GEC Burnaby Heights is a four-storey residence located in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Burnaby. The close proximity of this residence to public transit make this a popular choice for FIC students. Similar to other GEC properties, controlled access, 24/7 video surveillance of all entrances and public areas, smart locks, as well as live-in caretakers are just some of the features at GEC Burnaby Heights. Apartments are shared, usually with two students sharing a room.

Off-campus Accommodation

A wide range of off-campus accommodation is available to FIC students, including private rentals and shared accommodation. The SFU Residence and Housing resources will provide you comprehensive and up-to-date listings and are the best places to start looking for off-campus accommodation.

 

Tenancy Rights in British Columbia

It is important to know your rights as a tenant in BC as your rent your accommodation. The best place to visit to ensure that all the correct steps are followed is the here. On this page you will be able to find the following important information:

  • Understanding your tenancy agreement
  • Right to dispute problems
  • Quiet enjoyment
  • Illegal lockouts
  • A landlord cannot physically remove a tenant
  • Tenant relocation and protection plans
  • I need help

If you have questions about navigating this the website please feel free to reach out to one of our Student Success Advisors, available Monday-Friday from 9:00 Am to 5:00 Pm at the FIC Welcome Desk (no appointments needed) or contact us at advising@learning.fraseric.ca.

Cost of Living

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These are estimated costs of living. This does not include the cost of clothing (estimated $300 CAD per term) and social life (estimated $400 CAD per term). These two are really dependent on the students preference.

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