SELC College provides guidance to help students find safe and suitable accommodation during their studies. Options include homestay placements through trusted partner agencies, student residences, and private rental accommodations.

Your Accommodation in Vancouver

Housing

Start searching for accommodation as early as possible, as the rental market in Vancouver can be competitive.

You can explore several housing options, including:

• On-campus housing

• Homestays

• Shared apartments

• Renting a private apartment or room

As an international student looking for housing in Vancouver, there are multiple resources and avenues available to help you find suitable accommodation.

---

Rental Agencies

There are rental agencies and property management companies in Vancouver that specialize in student housing. These agencies can help you find accommodations based on your budget, preferences, and requirements.

---

Online Listings

When using online rental platforms, exercise caution. Scammers often post fake ads featuring attractive properties at low prices to lure unsuspecting renters.

Popular rental websites include:

• Craigslist

• Kijiji

• PadMapper

These platforms offer extensive listings where you can search for apartments, shared accommodations, or rooms for rent according to your needs.

---

Social Media Groups

Consider joining Facebook groups or online communities created specifically for:

• International students

• Housing in Vancouver

These groups often include postings from landlords and fellow students looking for roommates.

---

Local Classifieds

You can also check local newspapers or classified ads in Vancouver, such as:

• Vancouver Sun

• Vancouver Province

Look in the “For Rent” or “Real Estate” sections for available housing listings.

---

Networking

Reach out to current or former international students at SELC College. They can provide valuable insights, recommendations, and tips, and may even help you find available housing options or roommates.

---

Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

When searching for rental housing in Vancouver, it is important to stay alert and protect yourself from potential fraud. Below are key warning signs and safety tips:

---

Suspicious Requests

Be cautious of landlords or agents who:

• Ask for upfront payments or deposits without proper documentation

• Do not provide a signed lease agreement

It is advisable to view the property in person before making any payments.

---

Wire Transfers or Cash Payments

Avoid making payments through wire transfers or cash, as these methods are difficult to trace and provide little protection if fraud occurs.

Whenever possible:

• Use secure payment methods

• Pay through reputable platforms

---

Unrealistic Prices or Offers

If the rental price seems too good to be true or significantly lower than similar properties in the area, it may be a red flag.

Research average rental rates in the neighborhood to ensure the price is realistic.

---

Absence of Property Viewing

Scammers may:

• Refuse in-person viewings

• Provide excuses

• Offer only limited photos or unclear video calls

Insist on viewing the property in person (or via a verified live video tour) before committing to any rental agreement.

---

Pressure Tactics

Be wary of landlords or agents who:

• Create urgency

• Pressure you to make quick decisions

• Claim high competition to rush payments

Take your time, conduct thorough research, and ensure all necessary documentation is in place.

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Research the Landlord

Before signing any agreement:

• Conduct a background check on the landlord or property management company

• Search for reviews

• Verify they are the rightful owner or authorized representative

• Contact previous tenants if possible

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Trust Your Instincts

If something feels suspicious during the rental process, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

Prioritize your safety and take proactive steps when searching for rental housing in Vancouver.

If you encounter a potential rental scam:

• Report it to local authorities

• Notify the platform where the listing was posted

This can help prevent others from becoming victims.

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Additional Considerations

When searching for housing, consider:

• Location

• Transportation options

• Proximity to SELC College

• Rental costs

• Safety

• Any personal requirements you may have

Starting your search early will increase your chances of finding suitable accommodation.

Reduced-Cost Counselling Services

Metro Vancouver Regional District

 

A resource list of lower-cost, sliding-scale and free counselling services in Metro Vancouver, primarily the city of Vancouver.

 

Listings are categorized; categories, however, are not exclusive and are not intended to be limiting in terms of service provided or population served.

 

Please share widely, in the hope that all who want counselling can access and benefit from it.

 

Provided by the Government of BC

 

Here2Talk

Here2Talk connects post-secondary students with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web.

https://here2talk.ca/home

 

Health Links

 

Red Book Online

http://www.bc211.ca/searchtips/

 

Health Link BC

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/list/o

 

Here to Help

https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

 

Health Families BC

https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/

 

KUU-US Crisis Line Society

Home

 

Overdose Outreach

https://www.vch.ca/en/location-service/overdose-outreach-team-312-main-street

 

Overdose Prevention Society

https://www.vancityops.com/

 

Crisis Services

 

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911.

 

Access and Assessment Centre (AAC) at VGH

For non-life-threatening mental health or addictions concerns, contact the AAC at VGH, available 7:30am-11pm, 7 days a week. Phone, drop-in and outreach support are available for Vancouver residents.

604-675-3700

http://www.vch.ca/your-care/mental-health-substance-use/vancouver-access­ assessment-centre

Joseph & Rosalie Segal & Family Health Centre

803 West 12th Avenue Vancouver

 

1-800-SUICIDE

BC-wide, 24/7

 

Health Link BC – Nurse Line – 24/7

Phone: 8-1-1 or 7-1-1 (hearing impaired)

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/nursing-serviceE

 

Overdose Outreach Team

301 – 312 Main Street, Vancouver

604-360-2874

https://www.vch.ca/en/location-service/overdose-outreach-team-312-main-street

 

Overdose Prevention Society

141 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

https://www.vancityops.com/

 

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line and On-line Counselling Service

Immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people across Canada.

Toll Free: 1-855-242-3310

www.hopeforwellness.ca

 

KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line (24/7)

Toll Free: 1- 800-588-8717

Adult/Elder: 250-723-4050

Child/Youth: 250-723-2040

 

WAVAW 24-7 Rape Crisis Line

604-255-6344

1-877-392-7583

 

 

Kids’ Help Phone – 24/7

1-800-668-6868

Text CONNECT to 686868

 

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC – 24/7

Phone 604-872-3311 (Vancouver)

1-866-661-3311 (toll free)

Chat (noon-1am): https:// crisiscentrechat.ca/

Youth chat (noon-1am): https://youthinbc.com/)

 

Trans Lifeline

Peer support hotline run by and for trans people. 7am-1am Pacific Time.

Toll Free in Canada: 1-877-330-6366

 

Critical Incident Response – WorkSafe BC

Crisis intervention and response for workers who have witnessed a traumatic incident in the workplace. Free.

1-888-922-3700 (9am-11pm, 7 days week)

https://www.worksafebc.com/en/claims/report-workplace-injury-illness/critical-incident­response

 

Mental Health

Vancouver Coastal Mental Health – Vancouver Hospital

Group therapy for depression, anxiety, stress. Individual mental health assessments. Referral through your family doctor, or via a walk-in clinic.

604-675-371

http://www.vch.ca/your-care/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-outpatient­services

 

SAFER – Vancouver Coastal Health

For Vancouver residents, provides counselling for individuals age 19 and over who have made a suicide attempt, are currently suicidal, or have suicidal thoughts; also offers support and education for people who are concerned about the risk of suicide in a significant other or bereaved by a suicide death.

604-675-3700

http://www.vch.ca/Pages/Suicide-Attempt-Follow-up.-Education—Researcb­ SAFER.aspx?res id=474

 

Kelty’s Key Online Therapy – Vancouver Coastal Health

Free, cognitive-behavioural online therapy for qualifying Vancouver residents. Registered online clients are assigned an online psychotherapist for time-limited sessions. The general public may also access the online courses in a self-help capacity (without therapist assistance).

604-675-3700

https://www.keltyskey.com/

 

 

 

Bounce Back Program – Canadian Mental Health Association

Telephone coaching for people with mild-moderate depression with or without accompanying anxiety. Coaching available in English, Cantonese, French and Punjabi. Family doctor’s referral required to access this program. Free.

1-866-639-0522

http://www.cm ha.be.ca/prog_r_ams-services/bounee-back/

 

Mood Disorders Association of BC – Counselling and Wellness Centre

Individual therapy with certified counsellor ($85-$95 an hour) or intern ($50 hour). Group therapy also available.

604-873-0103 ext. 2

http://www.mdabc.net/counselling-and-wellness-centre-mdabc

 

Youth

 

Kids Help Phone – 24/7

Phone, text or live chat. Anonymous and confidential. No need to give your name.

In English or French.

1-800-668-6868 to talk to a professional counsellor.

https://kidshelpphone.ca/ (to start live chat) or access online resources.

text CONNECT to 686868 for crisis text support.

https://kidshelpphone.ca/text/

 

Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) – Counselling Program

Free individual and group clinical counselling for Indigenous youth, ages 13-24. Or contact the Wellness Centre for drop-in counselling hours.

604-253-5885 or

link.counsellor@unya.bc.ca (intake counsellor works on Mondays) https://unya.bc.ca/programs/alcohol-drug-counsellors/

 

Broadway Youth Resource Centre – City University Community Counselling Clinic

Offers counselling and support services in the areas of youth and family, anger management, and sexual orientation/gender identity issues. Counselling provided by supervised interns completing their Master of Counselling Degree. Free.

604-709-5729

https://pcrs.ca/service-resource-centres/broadway-youth-resource-centre-2/

 

Dan’s Legacy – Therapeutic Counselling Program

Counselling for youth ages 15-25 who have experienced abuse or are affected by substance use problems. Family counselling also available. Bursaries available for those unable to afford therapy.

tom@danslegacy.com

https://www.danslegacy.com/help/

 

 

 

 

Drop-In Counselling Program – The Foundry

Single-session virtual counselling for youth ages 12-24 and their caregivers. Counselling by voice, video or chat.

1-833-308-6379

https://foundrybc.ca/get-support/virtual/dropincounselling/

 

Trauma Counselling for Children Affected by Family Violence (PEACE)

Vancouver and Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society

Counselling available for children ages 3-18 who have been exposed to domestic violence.

604-436-1025

https://www.vlmfss.ca/childrens-programs

 

General Counselling

 

Family Services of the North Shore

604-988-5281

Professional counselling for residents of the North Shore. Sliding Scale.

https://www.familyservices.bc.ca/find-support/counsellinq-support/

 

Oak Counselling

Reduced fee. Secular counselling services provided at the Vancouver Unitarian Centre by supervised volunteers with Master’s degrees in psychology or psychology-related fields. Individual, couples and family counselling.

604-266-5611

http://oakcounselling,_QI_g/

 

JFS Vancouver

Sliding scale professional counselling to the Jewish and broader community. Everyone welcome. Serving youth, adults, seniors, couples, and families. Regular program $50-$105; low-cost program: $10-$20.

604-55-.5717

http://jfsa.ca/counselling/

 

Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Student Internship Counselling Program

Counselling provided by supervised counselling interns, September to April only. Sliding scale fees based on household income. Offices in Vancouver, Richmond and New Westminster.

604-874-2938

https://fsgv.ca/programs/counselling/

 

Adler Centre – Counselling Clinic

Subsidized individual and couples counselling. Counselling provided by counselling psychology graduate students at the Adler Centre, supervised by an experienced clinician. $60-$85 to see a counselling intern; $100-$110 with registered counsellor.

604-742-1818

http://www.adlercentre.ca/clinic.html

 

 

Scarfe Counselling – UBC

Free for adults and children 1O+. Counselling provided by counselling psychology graduate students, supervised by a psychologist. The clinic runs from September to April.

604-827-1523

http://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/counselling-centres/scarfe-free-counselling-clinic/

 

UBC Psychology Clinic

Counselling services provided by doctoral student interns, supervised by registered psychologists. $10-$40 per hour.

604-822-3005

http://clinic.pm,ch.ubc.ca/

 

Simon Fraser University – Counselling Clinics

Counselling for adults, children and youth provided by supervised graduate students in counselling psychology. Services at the Surrey clinic are free and at the Burnaby clinic are offered on a sliding scale.

Surrey Clinic

604-587-7320

http://www.sfu.ca/education/centres-offices/sfu-surrey­ counselling-centre.html

Burnaby Clinical Psychology Centre

778-782-4720

https://www.sfu.ca/psychology/ clinical-psychology-centre.html

 

Canadian Mental Health Association: North and West Vancouver Branch

Brief Counselling Service.  Up to 12 sessions of counselling for North Shore residents without open ICBC, WCB or other insurance carrier claims. Counselling provided by intern ($25) or registered clinical counsellor ($50).

604-987-6959

https://northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca/programs-services/counselling/

 

Living Systems Counselling

Individual, couple and family counselling using Bowen Family Systems Therapy. Lower­ cost counselling provided by supervised interns ($15-$50). Interns at North Shore and Vancouver locations only.

604-926-5496

https://livingsystems.ca/counsellingLfilm!:ices-and-fees/

 

Vancouver Women’s Health Collective – Wellness Counselling

Counselling and art therapy available on select days.

604-736-5262

https://womenshealthcollective.ca/counselling/

 

Moving Forward Family Services

Counselling for individuals and families. Counselling primarily offered in Surrey, with limited availability in Vancouver, Port Moody and Abbotsford. Graduate-level counsellors ($50-$65) and counselling interns ($20). Limited free counselling available in exceptional circumstances.

778-321-3054

https://movingforwardfamilyservices.com

 

Gordon Neighbourhood House

Free counselling provided in partnership with supervised master’s level counselling interns from City University. Individuals, couples and groups. Downtown Vancouver.

604-683-2554

counselling@gordonhouse.org https://gordonhouse.org/programs/free-counselling/

 

South Vancouver Neighbourhood House – Counselling Services

Free program offered twice a week by counselling interns from City University. Individuals, couples and families.

counselling@southvan.org

http://www.southvan.org/program category/community-programs/

 

Little Mountain Neighbourhood House – Counselling and Art Therapy Programs

Counselling provided by counselling interns, by appointment only.

604-879-7104

https://web2.lmnhs.bc.ca/counseling-and-art-therapy/

 

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House – Counselling Sessions

Counselling by phone or Zoom, in partnership with Moving Forward Family Services and City University; provided by counselling interns. Free to those with a Kitsilano Neighbourhood House membership.

604-736-3588 ext.128

counselling@kitshouse.org

http://www.kitshouse.org/counselling-sessions/

 

Living Through Loss Counselling Society of BC

Professional grief counselling related to life change or loss. Group therapy also available. Small fund available for limited, subsidized counselling. Call to inquire.

604-873-5013

Addictions

 

Addictions Services, Vancouver Coastal Health

Substance use assessment, counselling and treatment planning for individuals, couples and families. Group counselling also available. Free.

604-675-371

http://www.vch.ca/your-care/mental-health-substance-use/substance-use-services

 

Overdose Outreach Team

301 – 312 Main Street, Vancouver

604-360-2874

https://www.vch.ca/en/location-service/overdose-outreach-team-312-main-street

 

 

 

Overdose Prevention Society

141 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

https://www.vancityops.com/

 

Native Court Worker and Counselling Association of BC

Walk in or call to set up an appointment. One-to-one adult, youth, family and group counselling for Indigenous people, part of an intensive outpatient treatment program.

604-628-1134

Drug and Alcohol Outpatient Services

520 Richards St. Vancouver

https://nccabc.ca/health/alcohol-drug-outpatient-services/

 

BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program

Free professional, multilingual counselling for any British Columbian struggling with their own or their family member’s gambling. Counsellors have a minimum of a Master’s degree in a counselling-related discipline.

1-888-795-6111 (available 24/7)

https://www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca/getting-help/find-counsellor

Trauma

 

Specialized Counselling & Trauma Services – Family Services of Greater Vancouver –

Professional counselling for women, children, survivors of incest/trauma/sexual abuse, pregnant women with a trauma history and those experiencing family violence. No fee, however, may require a referral from a social worker.

604-874-2938

https://fsgv.ca/programs/counselling/

 

Battered Women’s Support Services

Counselling and support services for any woman who has been abused in an intimate relationship as well as women survivors of childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault and Indigenous residential school survivors.

604-687-1867

htt12s://www.bwss.org/support/programs/counsellng/

 

WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre

Individual counselling and group support for cis and trans women, two-spirit, trans and/ or non-binary people who have experienced sexual assault.

604-255-6228

https://www.wavaw.ca/counselling/

 

Crime Victims Assistance Program

Funded counselling for victims of crime, their immediate family members and witnesses. Contact for eligibility.

Victim Link BC 1-800-563-0808 (available 24/7) http://www2.gov.be.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if­you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits

 

MMIWG2S Family Counselling Program-WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre

Free counselling for family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. Family members includes extended families, community families and self-identified family members.

604-255-6344

http://www.wavaw.ca/mmiw-family-counselling/

 

Atira Community Services Society – Stopping the Violence Counselling

Free individual and group counselling for women and transwomen who have experienced relationship abuse, sexual assault, or physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

604-331-1407 ext. 106 or 107

 

VAST

Trauma-focused psychological counselling for refugees in one-on-one and group settings. Services provided in over a dozen languages.

604-255-1881 or Toll Free: 1-866-393-3133

http://vast-vancouver.ca/#

Residential Historical Abuse Program

Free counselling for those who were sexually abused while under the care of the province (foster care, group homes, etc.)

604-875-4255

https://counsellingservicevancouver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/RHA ­ general-information.pdf

LGBTQ+

Heath Initiative for Men (HIM)

Brief professional counselling (8 sessions) is available to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men either by donation equivalent to hourly wage. Vancouver, New Westminster, Surrey, Abbotsford.

604-488-1001 ext. 230

https://checkhimout.ca/gay-mens-health/mental-health/counseUlng_-support/

 

Qmunity – Counselling Program

Counselling for members of the LGBTQ+ communities provided by Registered Social Workers and Clinical Counsellors. $60-$80 a session. Daytime only. 10-session limit.

604-684-5307 ext.107

https://qmunity.ca/get-support/counselling/

 

Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre

Drop-in professional counselling for trans and gender-diverse people. Call to find out when the next counselling clinic is being held.

604-442-4352

 

Indigenous

 

First Nations Health Authority

Provides coverage to access mental health providers, including counsellors, social workers, and psychologists. FNHB covers three mental health programs: Short-Term Crisis Intervention, Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – Health Support Services.

1-800-317-7878 (Toll Free)

http://www.fnha.ca/benefits/mental-health

Mental health provider list:

 http://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-Eirst-Nations­ Health-Benefits-Mental-Health-Provider-List.pdf

 

Indigenous Counselling Program – WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre 

Free one-to-one counselling for Indigenous including trans, non-binary, and Two Spirit people, incorporating Aboriginal healing approaches and traditions based on the Medicine Wheel.

604-255-6344

https://www.wavaw.ca/indigenous-counselling/

 

Health-Related

 

Callanish Society

Counselling for adults and youth affected by cancer at any stage, and for their family members. Counselling also available for family members grieving the loss of a loved one from cancer. Sliding scale rate ranging from $50 to $150 I session.

604-732-0633

https://www.callanish.org/callanish-in-vancouver/

 

Friends for Life

Free counselling for residents of Vancouver City Centre facing life challenges associated with HIV, cancer, hepatitis C and other chronic illnesses.

604-682-5992

https://www.vancouve rfriendsforlife.ca/copy-of-services-2

 

Chuck Jung Associates Psychological & Counselling Services

No-cost counselling for individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBls) and their family members, delivered at Port Coquitlam and Burnaby offices by supervised psychology doctoral students.

604-874-6574

https://www.chuckjung.com/pro-bono-counselling-tbi/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multilingual

 

SUCCESS – Individual and Family Counselling

Counselling offered in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Farsi and English with a focus on helping new immigrants of Chinese and other ethnic origins. Play and art therapy also available. Fees charged on a sliding scale based on income.

604-408-7266 or 604-684-1628

Individual & Family Counselling

 

MOSAIC – Stopping the Violence Family Counselling

Free, confidential counselling support and multicultural outreach services for women who have experienced, or are at risk of, abuse, threats, or violence in an intimate relationship, sexual assault or childhood abuse. 1:1 counselling and group support. Services available in English, Punjabi and Hindi.

604-254-9626 (Ask tor the Stopping the Violence Counsellor and/or the Women’s Support Worker). https://www.mosaicbc.org/services/counselling/stopP-in.9.:lbe-violence/

 

MOSAIC – Vietnamese Family Support Program

One-on-one or family support and counselling for a variety of life issues. Services available in Vietnamese and English.

604-254-9626 ext.1030 (Ask for the Vietnamese Family Support Program). https://www.mosaicbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/T56770Vietnamese_VFC_June06_Web.pdf

 

Vancouver and Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society Multicultural Outreach/ Stopping the Violence Program

Individual counselling, group counselling, advocacy, crisis intervention and referrals for women experiencing any form of abuse or violence, provided in numerous languages.

604-436-1025

https://www.vlmfss.ca/multicultural-outreach

 

Faith-Based/Religious

 

Linkage Family Counselling – Chinese Christian Mission

Reduced-cost Christian counselling by interns ($40) and professional counsellors ($70) available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Individual, couples and family counselling. Offices in Burnaby and Richmond.

604-629-2266

http://www.en.ccmcanada.org/?_p_age id=2327

 

SELC College does not offer any programs that are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program.

📘 Our language training programs are not PGWP-eligible.

Students are encouraged to carefully plan their study pathway and future academic goals accordingly.

⚠️ Enrolment at SELC College should not be considered as a basis for PGWP eligibility.

If you have questions about study pathways or future program options, please contact our team for guidance.

🌎 Daily Life Information for SELC College Students

1️⃣ School Life & Expectations

🗣 English Only Policy

• English must be spoken at all times on school grounds.
• Applies to classrooms, hallways, shared spaces, and electronic devices.
• Violations may lead to warnings, suspension, or dismissal.

⏰ Attendance Requirement

• Minimum 80% attendance required.
• Falling below 80% may result in:
  • No certificate issued
  • Written warning
  • Possible dismissal
• Doctor’s note required for absences exceeding 2 consecutive days.

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2️⃣ Health & Insurance

🏥 Medical Insurance (Mandatory)

• All students must have valid health insurance for their entire stay.
• Proof of insurance required on first day.
• Without insurance, students may face dismissal.

🩺 Walk-In Clinics (Downtown Vancouver)

Clinics that specialize in international students:

• Ultima Medicentre
• Stein Health Clinic

Other clinics may charge upfront but accept insurance.

🦷 Dental Care

• Most insurance covers emergency dental only.
• Low-cost options available (e.g., UBC Emergency Clinic).

🧠 Mental Health Support

• Free counseling available through:
  • Surrey Counseling and Education Clinic
• Services include help with:
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Transition issues

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3️⃣ Transportation in Vancouver

🚆 Public Transport Options

• Bus
• SkyTrain
• SeaBus
• West Coast Express

💳 Compass Card

• Tap in (and tap out where required).
• Valid for transfers within 90 minutes.
• Required for seamless travel across all systems.

💲 Fare Zones

• Bus: Always 1 zone.
• SkyTrain/SeaBus: 1–3 zones depending on travel distance.
• After 6:30 PM & weekends: 1-zone fare across all zones.

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4️⃣ Banking in Canada

You may open a Student Bank Account at:

• RBC
• TD Canada Trust
• CIBC
• BMO

📌 Bring:

• Passport
• Study Permit

Student accounts usually:

• No minimum balance
• No monthly fees

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5️⃣ Cell Phones & Communication

📱 Options

• Monthly contract plans
• Prepaid plans (good for short-term students)

Major providers:

• Fido
• Rogers
• Bell
• Virgin
• Koodo
• Freedom

⚠ Breaking contracts can be expensive.

📞 Calling Home

• Use prepaid international calling cards (cheapest option).
• Avoid using your mobile phone for calling card access.

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6️⃣ Accommodation & Housing

🏠 Temporary Options (Downtown)

• Hostelling International
• Cambie Hostel
• YWCA Student Residence
• Lord Stanley Suites

🖥 Finding Housing

• Craigslist (use caution — avoid scams)
• Always meet in person before sending money.
• Never wire money through Western Union or MoneyGram.

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7️⃣ Legal & Safety Information

🚬 Legal Age

• Drinking age: 19
• Smoking age: 19

🚭 Smoking Laws

• No smoking within 3 meters of doorways or windows.

🚗 Drinking & Driving

• Extremely strict laws in BC.
• Immediate penalties for BAC 0.05 or higher.

🌿 Marijuana

• Not legal (as stated in manual).

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8️⃣ Immigration & Study Permit

• Study permit required for programs longer than 6 months.
• Apply at least 30 days before expiry for renewals.
• Always check official Canadian immigration website for updates.

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9️⃣ Safety & Emergency Procedures

🔥 Fire Emergency

• Call 911
• Evacuate to Cambie Street meeting point
• Instructor brings class list

🌎 Earthquake

• Take cover
• Evacuate when instructed
• Re-entry only when authorized

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🔟 Daily Living Tips in Canada

🇨🇦 Canadian Culture

• Canadians are polite and friendly.
• Say “please” and “thank you.”
• Saying hello to strangers is normal.

💵 Taxes & Tipping

• Prices do NOT include tax (approx. 12% added in BC).
• Restaurant tipping: 15–20%
• Bar tipping: ~10%

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1️⃣1️⃣ Things to Do in Vancouver

Popular attractions:

• Stanley Park & Seawall
• Granville Island
• Grouse Mountain
• Lynn Canyon
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Science World
• Victoria & Whistler day trips

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✅ Important Reminders

• Maintain 80% attendance.
• Speak English on campus.
• Keep valid health insurance.
• Inform school if you change address or contact details.
• Protect personal belongings — school not responsible for theft.

Detailed information is available in our Welcome Package. Students may also contact our team for assistance with housing arrangements before arrival.

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Tenant rights

SELC College

SELC College is committed to supporting students in achieving their educational and career goals. Limited institutional financial assistance may be available to eligible students in the form of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and approved payment arrangements.

Financial assistance is subject to availability and institutional approval.

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1. Scholarships

SELC College may offer scholarships to recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, or outstanding performance.

Eligibility Criteria

• Acceptance into an eligible SELC College program
• Meeting minimum admission requirements
• Demonstrated academic merit (where applicable)
• Compliance with SELC College policies and academic standards

Scholarships may be awarded prior to program start or during the course of study, depending on institutional criteria.

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2. Bursaries

Bursaries may be available to students who demonstrate financial need.

Eligibility Criteria

• Enrollment in an eligible program at SELC College
• Demonstrated financial need (documentation may be required)
• Good academic and attendance standing
• Compliance with institutional policies

Bursaries are limited and awarded at the discretion of SELC College administration.

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3. Institutional Awards

SELC College may provide awards to students who demonstrate:

• Academic excellence
• Outstanding attendance
• Professional conduct
• Exceptional performance in practicum or co-op placements
• Meaningful contribution to the college community

Awards may be granted at graduation or at designated evaluation periods.

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4. Tuition Payment Options

To support accessibility, SELC College may offer structured tuition payment plans for eligible students.

Payment Plan Eligibility

• Approval from Admissions or Finance Department
• Compliance with payment deadlines
• Signed payment agreement (if applicable)

Installment plans must be approved prior to program start and may be subject to administrative conditions.

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Application Process

Students interested in applying for financial assistance must:

1. Submit a written request to Admissions or Student Services.
2. Provide supporting documentation (if required).
3. Meet any applicable deadlines.

All applications are reviewed individually. Approval is not guaranteed.

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Important Information

• Financial assistance, scholarships, bursaries, and awards are limited and subject to institutional availability.
• Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the program and funding type.
• Decisions regarding financial assistance are made at the discretion of SELC College.
• Financial assistance does not replace the student’s responsibility to meet tuition and fee payment deadlines unless formally approved in writing.