What to know as a new student inVancouver
Student communities for new students in 2026
Get help with housing, socializing, activities and meetups. Join the Facebook groups that other students shared with us. Access the main WhatsApp for this semester to start your friendships and get support even before you arrive.
Do you know more groups we should add here? Just contact us.
Facebook groups
Facebook communities shared by other students.
Where everyone is
The chat that comes with your package.
About Vancouver
Vancouver is Canada's west coast student magnet, home to the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), Emily Carr University and BCIT, with a famously outdoorsy, multicultural crowd.
- 🏔️Mountains meet the seaYou can ski, surf and study in the same week, and the seawall loop is right on your doorstep.
- 💸Rent is the real challengeVancouver is one of North America's priciest rental markets, so sort housing and a community before you land.
- 🍜A proper food citySome of the best Asian food outside Asia, endless food trucks and a flat white on every corner.
Vancouver is one of the most expensive rental markets in North America, so start your search early and be ready to move fast. Most students rent a room in a shared flat or a spot in a purpose-built student residence, with a single room averaging around CA$1,300 a month. Expect to spend close to half your budget on rent, look at the east side and along SkyTrain lines for better value, and never send a deposit before viewing in person or on a live video call.
Socials HomesThe easiest way to find accommodation
Your Frosh Festival Package includes 50% off Socials.Homes, so finding a home is effortless and cost free. socials.homes scans every housing site at once so you see new listings first and apply before anyone else.
- 250+ housing sites scanned every minute
- Get more matches and more viewings
- Be the first to apply to every listing
What's on in Vancouver this semester
Every event below is part of the season for new students. Grab your spot and arrive already part of the crew.
What other students say:
Good to know.
The Frosh Festival Package gives you access to the main student event each semester, bringing together international students from all universities for an unforgettable night full of new connections.
It also includes:
- Preparation Guide: a complete resource to help you settle smoothly into your new city, with essential tips on housing, opening a bank account and more.
- WhatsApp Group access: connect with other international students before arrival, organize meetups and start making friends early.
- CityGame experience: explore your new city through a fun mystery solving adventure while discovering key spots and resources.
- Community Support: join a large network of students, including students from previous years, ready to share advice and help you feel at home.
Definitely yes! The Frosh Festival Package is open to all new international students, regardless of your university, course or age. Students from every university in your city are invited to join the main event, meet fellow new students and start connecting early.
Tickets are not refundable but can be transferred to another student if you like. Refunds are only available if an event is canceled without a rescheduled date. The refund process will be shown after you purchase a ticket.
Most events are open to all ages, however some may have specific age restrictions. Always review the event details before registering to confirm age eligibility. In some cases events are 18+ or 20+, depending on the venue. Don't forget to bring your ID, as there will be an ID check at the entrance. Without it, you won't be allowed to enter.
Yes! Interactive activities like the City Game and the Frosh Festival are designed to help you discover hidden gems, make friends and get familiar with your new city. With the package you will also have the chance to explore the local nightlife and some of the city's best spots.
The Virtual Meetup is an online event that takes place two weeks before the semester starts. It is your first chance to connect with other students moving to the same city as you. We will send you a Google Meet link and all the details two weeks before the event. The Virtual Meetup is part of the Frosh Festival Package, which you can find on your city page. Find your city and get Virtual Meetup access there!
The Semester Pass gives you access to both the Frosh Festival Package and all its perks, plus all the nightlife experiences and parties of the semester. You will join every party with all the new students throughout the semester, starting from the first event and continuing each week with a different party in a new venue around the city, together with locals and internationals. If you are a party person, the Semester Pass is exactly what you need. You can get it in the shop by selecting the Semester Pass instead of the Frosh Festival Package option.
We have partnered with Socials.Homes, and you can enjoy a 50% discount to find the best listings in the fastest way possible, before you even move to the city. Next to that, through the WhatsApp Community, the Preparation Guide and meetups, you will get practical advice on finding housing, setting up local banking, choosing a SIM provider and accessing student discounts.
Discover our upcoming events on the website, or subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page to get the latest updates. Join our WhatsApp Community to stay connected with other students and hear about meetups, housing and uni life. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram @jointhestudentlife for the newest event highlights and announcements!
Yes, we are a community of former international students. We organize these events every semester, and our experienced international student teams help run them to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all attendees. In most cases a member of our team or one of our partners is on site to make sure everything runs smoothly for all students.
The dress code varies based on each event's theme. Some events, like the Welcome Parties, have no specific attire requirements, while others, such as the Halloween or White Party, have themed dress codes. For detailed information on dress codes, please check the event details.
At some of our events a professional photographer captures moments of fun, smiles and connections. If that is the case, a few days after the event we upload all photos to our social media pages, where you can easily view and download them. You will also receive an email with that information if it applies to your event.
