I’m an Indian(from India) coming to UBC this September. University residence doesn’t seem like it’ll work out, so I need to rent a place/room. As with all students, low rent and easy access to the university (close to campus, or at least to a direct bus route) are priorities, everything else is secondary. The problem is I know nobody in Vancouver, and next to nothing about how renting works there, especially since I’m in India and will be until the course starts. Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks!
Wouldn’t it be a good idea to come a few weeks early, get a room in a hotel, consult the university accommodations office, and go flat-hunting?
I wish that were an option. Unfortunately contract obligations at work don’t allow me to get there early.
Here is a place to start:
http://www.housing.ubc.ca/off-campus-housing/looking-for-a-place
When we came to Vancouver, we found what is known as a “garden flat” (=furnished ground-floor suite in a private home but with a separate entrance) on Craigslist as a three-month summer sublet. Costwise, it might be worth just getting one of those so you have a place to crash. We used the time to find a permanent apartment. Ours and similar places were quiet and clean but on the small side for us—as an international student they might be perfect.
In general, there is about a six-week lead time on apartments. The rental market here is brutal. Have you checked out the page for international students? I have no idea how useful it is but there’s a housing link.
For UBC, you would probably like something in Kitsilano or on the 99 bus line (which is crowded but runs every 3–4 minutes).
I work part-time at UBC. PM me if I can be more helpful with specifics.
Mona Lisa Simpson is also a friendly local and will have good advice.