Best Student Accommodation for International Students in Vancouver 2026

Best Student Accommodation for International Students in Vancouver 

Finding the best student accommodation in Vancouver for international students in 2026 comes down to university location, budget, contract length and whether you want a meal plan.

For UBC students, Walter Gage, Marine Drive and Orchard Commons are among the strongest choices for different needs. SFU students have several comparatively affordable options on Burnaby Mountain, while students who want more independence can look for shared off-campus housing in East Vancouver, Burnaby or New Westminster.

Vancouver remains an expensive rental market. CMHC forecasts an average two-bedroom purpose-built rent of CAD 2,398 per month in 2026, so securing university accommodation or splitting rent with roommates can make a major difference to an international student’s budget.

Best Student Accommodation for International Students in Vancouver

1. Walter Gage – Best Value for UBC Students

Walter Gage Residence is one of the strongest options for students who want to live directly on the UBC Vancouver campus without paying for a mandatory meal plan.

For the September 5, 2026 to April 28, 2027 Winter Session:

• Single room in shared unit: CAD 8,763.
• Two-bedroom apartment: CAD 9,742 per student.
• Studio: CAD 11,996.
• One-bedroom apartment: CAD 16,101.

ResNet internet and utilities are included.

Walter Gage is also near the UBC bus exchange and recreation facilities, making it particularly convenient for students who want to minimize commuting.

Best for

International students seeking good-value furnished accommodation directly on the UBC campus.

2. Marine Drive – Best for Year-Round UBC Housing

Students staying through the summer should consider Marine Drive Residence.

For May 1, 2026 to April 28, 2027:

• Three- or four-person shared unit: CAD 13,633/year.
• Two-person shared unit: CAD 16,478.05/year.
• Studio: CAD 16,478.05/year.
• Large studio: CAD 17,827.03/year.

Internet and utilities are included.

The least expensive shared option works out to roughly CAD 1,136 per month over the contract, which can compare favorably with Vancouver’s private rental market.

Best for

Upper-year, graduate and international students needing accommodation for almost the full year.

3. Orchard Commons – Best for First-Year UBC Students

For new undergraduate students, Orchard Commons provides a traditional first-year residence experience.

UBC states that many students qualifying for its First Year Guarantee are placed in Orchard Commons, Place Vanier or Totem Park. These residences have furnished rooms and shared community spaces, and students purchase a required residence meal plan.

UBC estimates that a typical first-year undergraduate room plus meal plan costs approximately CAD 14,000–18,100 for the Winter Session, depending on residence and room type.

Best for

Students arriving in Canada for the first time who prioritize:

• Furnished housing.
• Campus proximity.
• Easy access to meals.
• Student community.
• A simpler transition to university life.

4. SFU North Towers – Best for First-Year SFU Students

International students attending Simon Fraser University should strongly consider residence on the Burnaby campus.

For Fall 2026, SFU North Towers costs:

• Single room: CAD 3,780 per four-month term.
• Super single: CAD 4,272.
• Single with bath: CAD 4,764.

A CAD 3,727 meal plan is required for these options.

Living directly on Burnaby Mountain can eliminate much of the daily commute to SFU.

Best for

First-year SFU students who want an easy campus transition and a residence community.

5. SFU McTaggart-Cowan or Townhouses – Best Without Mandatory Meal Plan

Students who prefer to cook and control their food budget may prefer McTaggart-Cowan Hall or SFU Townhouses.

Fall 2026 room fees are:

• McTaggart-Cowan single: CAD 4,320.
• McTaggart-Cowan super single: CAD 4,880.
• Townhouse single: CAD 4,400.

Unlike the Towers, the meal plan is optional for these accommodation types.

This can make them attractive for students who want residence convenience without committing to a large dining-plan expense.

6. Shared Off-Campus Housing – Best for Independence

For many international students, the best long-term value is a private bedroom in a shared apartment or house.

UBC identifies several areas students can consider, including:

• East Vancouver.
• Burnaby.
• Richmond.
• New Westminster.
• Dunbar.
• Kitsilano.
• Point Grey.

UBC notes that East Vancouver and surrounding cities can be more affordable than areas immediately around the university, although commuting can take 45–60 minutes or longer.

Sharing a two-bedroom unit at CMHC’s forecast Metro Vancouver average of CAD 2,398 would equal about CAD 1,199 per student before utilities if split evenly.

Best for

Returning students, couples, graduate students and anyone who wants more independence.

On-Campus or Off-Campus: Which Is Better?

Choose university residence if you want:

• Furnished accommodation.
• Predictable housing costs.
• Campus access.
• Less risk when arranging housing from abroad.
• Student activities and community.
• Utilities included in many residences.

Choose off-campus housing if you want:

• More independence.
• More neighborhood choices.
• Your own kitchen.
• No mandatory meal plan.
• The ability to choose roommates.
• Potential savings through shared housing.

How to Choose the Best Vancouver Student Housing

Before accepting a room, compare the total cost, not simply the advertised rent.

Calculate:

Rent + utilities + internet + food + transportation + insurance + furniture

Also check:

1. Contract length.
2. Cancellation conditions.
3. Whether the room is furnished.
4. Whether a meal plan is compulsory.
5. Distance from university.
6. Public transit access.
7. Whether utilities are included.

UBC also warns students searching off campus about rental scams, particularly listings requesting money before the student has been able to verify or view the property.

Which Vancouver Student Accommodation Is Best in 2026?

For most international students:

• Best affordable UBC Winter Session option: Walter Gage shared unit.
• Best UBC year-round option: Marine Drive.
• Best for first-year UBC students: Orchard Commons or another First Year Residence.
• Best first-year SFU option: North Towers.
• Best SFU option without mandatory meal plan: McTaggart-Cowan or Townhouses.
• Best for independence: Shared off-campus apartment.
• Best budget strategy: Share housing and stay close to reliable public transportation.

Apply for university housing as early as possible because availability can be limited, especially for popular residence types.

Official Sources

• UBC – Residence Fees and Payments 2026–2027
• UBC – Walter Gage Residence Fees
• UBC – Marine Drive Residence Fees
• Simon Fraser University – Fall 2026 Residence Fees