Housing Services
At Vancouver Film School we aspire to help our students find a home away from home. While renting in Vancouver can be expensive, we aim to provide convenient accommodations, allowing you to focus on academic and personal growth.
GEC Living
GEC Living, VFS's primary student housing partner, has been collaborating closely with VFS for several years and accommodates over 300 VFS students annually. VFS’s partnership with GEC secures us preferential rates, which we provide directly to our students.
As Vancouver's largest off-campus provider, GEC offers five student residences strategically located across Metro Vancouver, all within a 30-minute commute to VFS’s campuses. These residences come fully furnished and serviced, ensuring a hassle-free living experience. GEC's move-in-ready units are equipped with all necessary amenities and additional perks such as on-site gyms, housekeeping, 24/7 security, and more.
For more information, or to inquire about living arrangements with GEC, CLICK HERE.
If GEC is not the right option for you and you are looking for assistance with accommodations, our Housing Coordinator’s well-established connections with Vancouver landlords will help meet your needs and budget. Whether you’re renting your own apartment, cohabitating with roommates, or living in a homestay, a wide selection of options are available to choose from.
Below are a few commonly asked questions:
VFS Housing Services are only for students (international or domestic) 19 years of age and older. Student minors cannot legally sign tenant agreements with landlords and rental management companies.
Full acceptance to Vancouver Film School is first necessary to apply for housing. The VFS Housing Department begins contacting students 2 months prior to program start date. Once the housing email inquiry is received, please inform us if you require housing immediately.
VFS Students under 19 years of age are considered “minors” in the province of B.C. and must be cared for by an adult.
VFS Housing Services are available for students (international or domestic) who are 19 years and older, as student minors cannot legally sign tenant agreements with landlords and rental management companies.
Minor-aged International students require a custodian. For information about custodianship, click here.
Minor-aged VFS Students can choose to stay in homestay or find accommodations on their own.
Vancouver’s rental costs vary depending on the location, size, and condition of an accommodation. Rent begins on the 1st day of the month. Apartments normally come unfurnished, aside from a stove and fridge. Heat and hot water are typically included with rent, while electricity, Internet, TV and Phone Services often carry extra fees.
Can I find accommodations close to campus?Vancouver has many housing options. Accommodations can be found within walking distances and up to 30 minute bus or Skytrain rides. Closer locations to VFS are typically more expensive. Use TransLink’s website for up-to-date transit routes and schedules. www.translink.ca.
| Housing type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared with roommates | $1,100+ |
| Studio | $2,150+ |
| One bedroom | $2,500+ |
| Two bedroom | $3,700+ |
| Three bedroom | $4,500+ |
Check the link below in order to view price trends in the Metro Vancouver housing market.
- Email housing@vfs.com
- Send a $350 Housing Fee Payment through credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express), wire transfer, or direct transfer to your VFS account.
- One (1) housing consultation.
- Up to 3 housing options supplied including photos of the accommodations offered to you.
- Information on housing regulations.
- Representation—VFS Housing staff works with the Landlord and supplies them with all necessary documentation and information.
- Tenancy and/or Lease Agreement exchange support.
- Receipt and delivery of your security deposit and first month’s rent to secure your accommodation (should you choose to pay through us).
- Coordination for move in.
For any questions regarding housing, please contact our Housing Coordinator, Irina Tuzlukova.
Tel: 1.604.631.3078
Email: housing@vfs.com
Housing Arrangements
Vancouver’s vacancies usually open 1 month in advance. About 1 month before your desired rental start date, we check accommodations with our landlord contacts. This takes about 1 week. We then compile a list of available units for your specific rental date.
We begin emailing options to applicants once an available unit list is compiled. You will receive a housing offer email with a confirmation deadline. We ask that you confirm as soon as possible as the rental market in Vancouver is very tight. Once approved by the landlord, you will be sent an email with payment amounts for the first month of rent and the security deposit.
- Address
- Roommates (if applicable)
- Rent amount
- Lease start date
- Photos
- Landlord’s application (if applicable): unit number, rent, lease start date
VFS Housing provides no pre-accommodation services. Students are required to make their own arrangements upon arrival to Vancouver, and prior to the start of their tenancy date. Also, many attractions and events take place in Vancouver, so accommodations can quickly become unavailable. Students are recommended to book accommodations for any dates before their tenancy begins as soon as their arrival date in Vancouver is confirmed.
If you require housing, please let us know as soon as possible. Note that Housing Services are subject to availability. The earlier you inform us of your needs, the more options you can be provided.
Find a Roommate
This service is designed to help you to connect with other upcoming, current, and graduate students of VFS, to arrange shared accommodation.
VFS shall bear no liability for any risks associated with transactions that occur through the Roommate Board.
Each user of the Roommate Board bears full responsibility for determining the suitability of other users’ accommodation offers.
Although VFS screens accommodation postings to filter out questionable offers, it is important for students to be alert and take appropriate precautions.
Use caution and vigilance when dealing with prospective landlords as there are many scammers targeting renters in Vancouver. Please read through How to spot a scam for steps you can take to protect yourself before you start contacting prospective landlords or roommates through the Roommate Board.
GEC Living, VFS's primary student housing partner, has been collaborating closely with VFS for several years and accommodates over 300 VFS students annually. VFS’s partnership with GEC secures us preferential rates, which we provide directly to our students.
As Vancouver's largest off-campus provider, GEC offers five student residences strategically located across Metro Vancouver, all within a 30-minute commute to VFS’s campuses. These residences come fully furnished and serviced, ensuring a hassle-free living experience. GEC's move-in-ready units are equipped with all necessary amenities and additional perks such as on-site gyms, housekeeping, 24/7 security, and more.
For more information, or to inquire about living arrangements with GEC, CLICK HERE.
If GEC is not the right option for you and you are looking for assistance with accommodations, our Housing Coordinator’s well-established connections with Vancouver landlords will help meet your needs and budget. Whether you’re renting your own apartment, cohabitating with roommates, or living in a homestay, a wide selection of options are available to choose from.
How to Spot a Scam
liv.rent is a trusted partner of VFS, helping students to search verified apartments & homes for rent from trusted landlords. It is important to remember that in the renting process, there is great potential to fall victim to scams. Follow these important tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
- Never send money to an individual or organization outside of Vancouver.
- Make sure each listing has a physical address that can be verified on a map.
- Ensure you have all details regarding the individual providing the listing, including 1) full name, 2) address, 3) phone number, 4) where they work/address, etc.
- When you receive a contract, always read the entire text carefully (including the fine print) and be sure you fully understand the document before signing.
- If possible, you (or a friend) should view a property before signing a contract.
- Always meet the landlord or property manager in person to inspect the unit together and receive the keys.
- Be careful with the information you provide; remember, a Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank account and credit card are NOT required to rent an apartment.
- Most importantly: follow your instincts. If something is too good to be true - it probably is!
If you have any doubts or are unsure whether a posting is legitimate, do not hesitate to contact our Housing Team at housing@vfs.com.
*Please note: VFS is not responsible for any and all Terms & Conditions imposed by third-party services
Homestay
Homestay allows students to live with a local family while studying at VFS. Students can choose between private or shared rooms with access to Internet, TV, laundry and kitchen with meals included. Homestay families are a great way to experience local culture and adjust to the way of life.
- Meet Vancouverites and experience local culture first-hand.
- Share a meal with your hosts and taste authentic Canadian cuisine.
- Receive good value for money by having accommodation and meal options.
- Improve your language skills.
- Enjoy a real ‘home away from home’ experience.
A great alternative for regular housing in Vancouver is Homestay! Homestay is a type of accommodation that allows students to live with a local family during their studies at VFS. Students can choose between private or a shared room with access to Internet, laundry, kitchen and TV. In addition, meals are included. The cost for a homestay placement ranges between about $880.00 – $1050.00/month depending on which family you are placed with and how many meals you would like per day (you can choose between 2 and 3 meals). Homestay families are a great way to experience culture and adjust to a local way of life.
Cypress Accommodations - https://www.cypressaccommodations.com
NorthWest Homestay - https://northwesthomestay.com
Casa Vancouver - https://casa-toronto.com/vancouver
For information on preferred homestay agencies, please contact VFS Housing.
Tel: 1.604.631.3078
E-mail: housing@vfs.com
Note: Vancouver Film School is not affiliated with the homestay companies listed above, and assumes no liability for any disputes arising from custodianship or other services advertised. This information is intended to provide only general information and guidance