Relocating to Vancouver

Our Vancouver campus is in the heart of the city, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Northshore Mountains.

Here’s an overview of local resources and links to help you get started as you prepare for your graduate program in Vancouver. If you have any questions or concerns, or simply need more information, please feel free to reach out to us at Vancouver@northeastern.edu.

Transportation

Within the city of Vancouver,  we are located in the city centre. The campus is easily accessible by public transportation. The city of Vancouver is also easily cyclable and we have bike storage available on and close to Campus.

Air
The largest airport in Vancouver is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), serving both domestic and international flights. We recommend the following steps to travel from YVR to the Northeastern location (about 13 km) using public transportation. During peak hours this will cost you $9.35 by public transport.

  1. Take the Canada Line (Translink). Board the train with Terminus Station Waterfront Station.
  2.  At Vancouver City Centre, exit towards West Georgia Street up the main escalator.
  3. Open Google Map walking directions here to view the route to campus.
  • Exit the Station on West Georgia Street and turn Right towards Granville street
  • Walk about 300m to Hamilton Street and West Georgia
  • Enter the Building on the right 410 West Georgia

You may also choose to take a Taxi or a Ride Sharing App such as Lyft or Uber from the airport at the cost of approximately $30.


Public Transit
To get around the Greater Vancouver Area using transit, purchase a Compass Card at any transit station.  You’ll add money to this card  to be used for reduced fares on most of the various transit options both within and around the city. Skytrain, SeaBus and Bus. For fare zones visit Translink.

 


Driving

In order to obtain a BC driver license, please visit the  ICBC Drivers Licensing.  This page details how to apply for a license coming from another country.

Lyft and Uber are also available throughout the region, as well as several carsharing programs available to the public like Evo and Modo . Each one allows you to rent cars by the hour or minute in Vancouver for simple trips to the grocery store or adventurous day trips to explore.

Bicycling
Check out this Vancouver bike map for bicycle-friendly roads with designated bicycle lanes. Learn more about British Columbia bike laws before you start biking.

Public bicycle options are available throughout the city with Mobi Bike Sharing.  

British Columbia Identification Card (BCID)

Students living and studying in the British Columbia may consider getting a British Columbia Identification Card (ID). The ID card serves as official identification, but does not authorize driving. It is useful to have legal identification for activities like banking or proving your age. To learn how to apply for an ID, please visit this page.

Banking

National banks with banking centers throughout the Vancouver Area include:

Before signing up with a bank, please check requirements for non-Canadians and associated fees to accounts. Additionally always inquire about student accounts and student rates.

Phones

National mobile phone companies include:

* Most Phone companies also offer internet in BC.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

For information on how to get a Social Insurance Number please visit our government website here.

Housing

There are various rental options for both single and shared living in the Vancouver area. Many students live in buildings with studio or one-bedroom apartments. Often, single-family houses are rented out with individuals inhabiting different bedrooms while sharing the kitchen and living area.

First, check out the Off Campus Housing and Support Services website for useful information and resources on what to look out for during your housing search. Off Campus Housing and Support Services is available to review lease contracts and assist students with any landlord concerns, questions about renter’s rights, sublet issues, or roommate conflicts that may arise while living off campus.

Next, check out Northeastern Vancouver’s Housing Guide.

Then check some of the below online common resources which provide information about available rentals Vancouver region.

Since a number of cities make up the Greater Vancouver Area , review the breakdown of the nearest neighborhoods and cities to our campus below. Keep this Google map open as a visual reference while you explore the area.


Vancouver

  • Northeastern — Vancouver  is located in downtown
  • Although housing prices in the downtown core can be quite pricey, surrounding neighbourhoods offer more affordable rent and a short commute to campus.
  • When considering the cost of rent further from campus also take into consideration the higher cost of transit from cities further away.  Transit fares can be found on the Translink website.
  • Many students choose to live in East Vancouver, South Vancouver, Richmond and Burnaby.

DISCLAIMER:

Northeastern University provides information on housing in the Vancouver area for your convenience only. The University makes no representation as to the condition or suitability of any of the listed resources, or with respect to any particular neighborhood or housing. The University assumes no liability or responsibility for any housing you may find using the information provided nor for any agreement you enter into with the owner or operator of any housing.

Culture

There are endless ways to experience Vancouver  through local museums, outdoor activities, and cultural events. As an introduction on insights to the life in the BC, please check out the  BC Newcomers Guide.

For a comprehensive list of fun and educational activities to enjoy in Vancouver please visit:

Learn more about Vancouver at Vancouver.ca

Sports & Entertainment

Vancouver hosts many events, concerts, and shows, with tickets widely available through Ticketmaster and Vividseats.

Vancouver is also proud to be home to sports teams in soccer, hockey, football, and baseball. Join in on the spirit of being a fan and connecting with local residents by cheering on the teams or checking out one of the games.

Important Emergency Information

  • For emergencies, call 9-1-1.*
    *This number is intended for life-threatening emergencies. Calling this number for any other purpose may be considered a crime.
  • For general public safety information and non-emergencies, call the Vancouver Police Department  Call 604-717-3321
  • For Non Emergent Health inquires and or 24/7 Health Support call 8-1-1