Vancouver is such a diverse city, so many vibrant neighbourhoods each with their own unique histories and atmosphere. Searching for a place to live off campus can be very stressful, especially when thinking about what type of neighbourhood to live in and what type of people and cultures you want to surround yourself with. As a student entering my fourth year at UBC, I’ve come to live in quite a few locations around Vancouver as well as meet a variety of people who also live in diverse neighbourhoods. These are my top four neighbourhoods to live off-campus, based on affordability, things to do outside of school and commuting time – because at the end of the day we all want to live in an area that doesn’t take a million years to get to school from.
1. Kitsilano
By far one of my favourite neighbourhoods to spend time in, one of the nice things about living in Kitsilano is the proximity to UBC, the beach and downtown. Kitsilano is about a 20–30-minute bus ride away from UBC. When not studying hard on campus (or in the library) there are an abundance of cafes to study at, clothing stores to shop at, and beaches to sit on. Despite the costly rent, this neighbourhood is one of the best to live in.
2. Kerrisdale
Another one of my favourite neighbourhoods to live in is Kerrisdale, located on the west side of Vancouver and a 40-minute commute by bus to UBC. While the bus ride may be long, the cost of living is fair and there are an abundance of restaurants and small stores to shop in that really make this neighbourhood a great place to call home.
3. West Point Grey
West Point Grey is one of the closest neighbourhoods to UBC, only a 10–15-minute bus ride away, if a short commute from campus is what you are looking for. While the commute time is short, rent is high and with most student living in basement suits, it can be difficult to being willing to pay a pretty penny for a subterranean experience. Even though basements may not be for everyone, West Point Grey has a close-knit feel, with plenty of small restaurants and fantastic places to meet with friends for a night out.
4. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is located closer to the east side of Vancouver, just pass Cambie Village. Mount Pleasant is filled with vibrant murals, trendy restaurants, and several outdoor stores. Mount Pleasant is a 30–40-minute bus ride from UBC and has a multitude of apartment buildings and single-family homes to rent. While the housing price varies, restaurants and cafés are generally quite expensive.
While the thought of finding housing off campus can be stressful and finding the perfect neighbourhood can be daunting, I hope these rankings of neighbourhoods are helpful when trying to determine which areas to live in. Let me know your favourite neighbourhood in Vancouver in the comments!
