Exploring Student Life in Vancouver: A College Student’s Guide
- Vancouver Student Network Podcast
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Moving to Vancouver for College? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Imagine moving to a brand-new city, surrounded by mountains and the ocean, where you’ll meet people from all over the world. Sounds exciting, right? But it can also be a little overwhelming. What’s student life like? How do you make friends? What’s the best way to balance studying, working, and having fun?
We spoke with Luis, an international student from Mexico, about his experience studying at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and adjusting to life in Vancouver. His story is full of valuable insights for anyone thinking about studying in Canada.
Exploring Student Life in Vancouver: A College Student’s Guide
Why Vancouver? (Hint: It’s More Than Just the Scenery!)
Vancouver is one of Canada’s most student-friendly cities, offering:
✔ Top-tier universities like UBC and SFU.
✔ A diverse, multicultural student community.
✔ A strong job market for students and graduates.
✔ Easy access to nature and city life—best of both worlds!
For Luis, the mix of academic excellence and vibrant city life made Vancouver the perfect place to study.
What’s It Like Studying at UBC?
UBC is home to nearly 40,000 students, with people from all over the world.
Cultural Diversity: Every day, you meet students from different backgrounds, which makes learning way more interesting.
Endless Opportunities: UBC has clubs, associations, and research projects to join—whether you’re into politics, business, or gaming.
Events & Activities: From career fairs to cultural festivals, there’s always something happening on campus.
Luis loved this multicultural environment, even though he couldn’t always attend social events due to his busy schedule. His advice? Pick one or two clubs that match your interests and dive in!
How to Balance Studying, Working, and Social Life
Like many international students, Luis needed to work part-time while studying. He found a job at a local café, which helped him:
Support himself financially in an expensive city.
Meet new people and practice English.
Learn time management skills.
His biggest challenge? Balancing everything. Studying full-time while working isn’t easy, but with the right mindset and organization, it’s totally doable.
Pro Tip: Make a weekly schedule that includes study time, work shifts, and fun activities. Don’t overcommit!
Adapting to Life in Vancouver: What’s Different?
Moving from Mexico and France to Vancouver, Luis experienced some culture shocks:
Nightlife is different! Compared to France (where house parties are common), Vancouver has more of a clubbing culture, which felt more like Mexico.
People are friendlier than expected. While Vancouverites have a reputation for being reserved, Luis found that people were warm and welcoming—more than in France!
Staying connected with home takes effort. Between studying and working, it was hard to keep up with friends and family back home. His solution? Weekly calls and messages!
Best Places to Eat & Hang Out in Vancouver
Vancouver is a foodie’s paradise, with amazing sushi (better than what Luis had in Mexico and France!). However, he felt that authentic Mexican food was still lacking.
Luis’s Top Picks in Vancouver
🍝 Best Italian Food: DBP (a must-visit!).
☕ Top Coffee Spot: Timbertrain Coffee.
🏙 Best Place to Chill: David Lam Park in Yaletown.
🎭 Vibrant District: Gastown – A historic area with cool cafés and shops.
Pro Tip: Explore different neighborhoods—each one has a unique vibe!
What’s the Weather Like? (Spoiler: It Rains. A Lot.)
Coming from Yucatán, Mexico, where it’s warm all year, Luis had to adjust to Vancouver’s rainy and chilly weather.
It rains more than it snows. Unlike other Canadian cities, Vancouver doesn’t get as much snow.
Layer up! You’ll need a good waterproof jacket instead of heavy winter coats.
Cozy indoor spaces become your best friend. Coffee shops and libraries are great for studying and socializing.
Luis’s advice? You don’t really “adapt” to the rain—you just power through it!
What Makes Studying in Canada So Valuable?
Studying abroad isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about:
Experiencing different education systems. Learning styles vary by country, and adapting to them helps you grow.
Gaining global insights. Studying political science, Luis enjoyed discussing global issues with classmates from different countries.
Building an international network. The friends and connections you make today can open doors in the future.
Should You Stay in Vancouver After Graduation?
For Luis, the answer is yes! He plans to build his career in Vancouver, particularly in urban planning and city development.
Vancouver is growing fast, and he wants to be part of shaping its future.
The job market is competitive, but full of opportunities for international graduates.
Canada offers great pathways to permanent residency for students who want to stay.
Thinking about staying in Canada after graduation? Start researching the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) early!
Luis’s Advice for International Students
Go beyond campus. Explore the city, make local friends, and experience Canadian culture.
Build strong connections. Networking isn’t just for jobs—it helps you find support and community.
Find balance. Don’t let school take over your life. Make time for fun and personal growth.
Embrace challenges. Cultural differences, financial struggles, and even the weather are all part of the learning experience.
Is Studying in Vancouver Worth It?
Luis’s experience proves that studying in Vancouver can be life-changing. From academic challenges to exciting new friendships, every moment helps you grow.
📌 Thinking about studying in Vancouver? Take the leap, embrace the adventure, and make the most of it!
📢 Want to hear more student experiences? Stay tuned for the next episode of the Vancouver Network Podcast!
👉 Catch the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you podcast.
Exploring Student Life in Vancouver: A College Student’s Guide
Comments