Discover Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia and the third largest city in Canada. The population, over 2.3 million people in the metro Vancouver region, is ethnically, racially and religiously diverse. Vancouver’s proximity to the ocean and to the mountains attracts residents and visitors from around the world.
Metro Vancouver
Metro Vancouver, also known as Greater Vancouver, is a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area in British Columbia, Canada. It includes the city of Vancouver and surrounding municipalities like Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and North Vancouver. Here is a map that highlights all of the different cities and populations:
Specifically, Langara is located in the city of Vancouver in the Oakridge neighbourhood. To learn more about this area and other surrounding neighbourhoods, check out the City of Vancouver website.
Here are some other resources that you may find helpful in navigating your new College and home:
Pre-Arrival Guide for International Students: Written by international students for international students, this guide contains detailed information to prepare you for travel and studies here in Canada.
WelcomeBC – Start your life in BC: Get the information you’ll need to prepare for your arrival to B.C. Find out what steps to take in the first few days to help you settle in. Learn about B.C. life.
Phones and Internet
To call an international number from Canada, dial:
011 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number
International calling cards offer reduced rates and can be purchased from most convenience stores.
If you are living off-campus you may need to set up telephone service. Landline services are available (generally through Telus or Shaw) but most students choose the convenience of a cell phone.
Note: Residents in Vancouver use the following terms interchangeably: cell phone, cellular, mobile, and smart phone.
If you have an unlocked cell phone, it will work in Canada with a new SIM card from any service provider. Your international cell phone may also work in Canada, but understand your international fees before using your phone in Canada.
There are many cell phone providers with stores and information stands in the mall. Information is also available online. Ask about student plans as you may get a discount rate. Understand the terms of your contract including:
- How much data is included
- Fees for international calls
- Limits on text messages or calls
- Length of the contract or month-to-month terms
- Financial penalties are for ending a contract early
Free wi-fi is available on campus with a Langara ID and all students will be issued a Langara email address.
If you are living off-campus you may choose to install high-speed Internet and/or cable (television) through a service provider for a monthly fee. These services can sometimes be bundled for a discount rate.
The two major service providers for home telephone, Internet, and cable services are Telus and Shaw – although there are many others that you may wish to consider.
Shopping
If you are new to Canada, get familiar with the currency right away so you can pay with the correct amount and receive the correct change.
Canadian paper bills are in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Many businesses will not accept $50 bills or higher. Coins are in denominations of:
- 5 cents = nickel
- 10 cents = dime
- 25 cents = quarter
- $1 = loonie
- $2 = toonie
All stores accept purchase payments using Canadian currency. In addition, most stores accept credit cards or debit cards and will have signs indicating which cards are accepted.
Do not carry too much cash as it cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
When you make a purchase, keep a copy of the receipt in case you need to return or exchange the item (policy varies by store, terms are often printed on the receipt).
Specialty stores
Supermarkets – largest variety of food and household items with many locations. You can meet most of your grocery shopping needs at these stores.
Shopping mall – different stores at one location, the closest shopping mall is Oakridge Centre (Canada Line station: Oakridge-41st).
Convenience stores – small family-owned businesses or national chains located on street corners. Relatively expensive, but convenient.
Bulk and discount stores – least expensive shopping alternative, but a membership fee may be required. Shoppers may be required to buy large quantities of individual items.
Major grocery stores
- No Frills
- MarketPlace IGA
- Safeway
- Save-On-Foods
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Fruiticana
- T & T Supermarket (Asian foods)
- H-Mart (Korean foods)
Transportation
It’s easy and convenient to get around Vancouver without a vehicle. Public transportation system is managed by TransLink and includes:
- Bus
- SkyTrain, an elevated and underground light rail train
- Seabus, a commuter boat connecting downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver
You can visit the TransLink to find schedules, plan your trip, and determine fare costs.
Students enrolled in Regular Studies (University transfer and Career studies) are eligible for a U-Pass Compass Card. The U-Pass Compass Card allows unlimited use on all Translink bus, SkyTrain and Seabus services.
All eligible students are required to participate in the U-Pass program, regardless if they use transit or not. Fees for the U-Pass program are automatically included with registration.