The downtown Vancouver skyline looking towards the North Shore mountains.

Living in Vancouver

ACCOMMODATION

Regent College does not have residences of its own. Students find accommodation through the rental of houses, apartments/ condominiums or basement/ground floor suites in the residential areas surrounding the campus.

To service our students better, the Housing Assistant (housing@regent-college.edu) maintains an on-line housing directory of current accommodation, and is available to assist students with their housing concerns. The best way to find accommodation to suit individual needs is to arrive in Vancouver early and make appointments to view rental suites in person. Estimated costs for housing and other expenses can be found in the sample budget. Prices vary according to quality, size of accommodation and proximity to the UBC campus.

Three residence halls located on campus are available to Regent College students. St. Andrew's Hall, Vancouver School of Theology and Carey Theological College accommodate families, couples and single students. Information and applications can be obtained by checking the websites of these three residences.

MOVING TO CANADA

Students entering Canada may bring personal goods (such as a car and furniture) with no import tax. They may be required, however, to sign a document stating they will not sell their goods in Canada. More details are available from the International Student Services Office.

TRANSPORTATION

The Vancouver International Airport is located 20 minutes away from the campus by car.

Once in the Greater Vancouver area, good public transportation is available. Translink offers a good network of buses as well as other services such as SkyTrain and SeaBus. Routes and schedules can be found at their website, www.translink.bc.ca, or by calling their customer information line (604-953-3333) between 6:30 am and 11:30 pm. Regent students participate in the UBC U-Pass program, which gives full access to TransLink’s local network for a discounted fee each term.

Vancouver also has many cycling paths crossing the city. Many students buy a good raincoat for the wet days and cycle to Regent. UBC and Regent are separated from the city by a beautiful forested park which makes cycling and walking a wonderful experience.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Hospital expenses in Canada can easily reach thousands of dollars in a very short period of time. In fact, a major illness would leave the average student with virtually unpayable debts. For this reason, all students coming to Regent are required to have medical insurance in order to register for classes.

Fortunately, the government of British Columbia provides a Medical Services Plan (MSP) which offers thorough coverage for a price which is less expensive than private insurance (see www.hlth.gov.bc.ca/msp for detailed information). However, MSP coverage does not begin until a waiting period has expired (typically between two and three months) after taking up residency in BC. It is mandatory that students have coverage for this interim period. Private insurance to cover this waiting period is available through local insurance companies. Further details and a health insurance application form are included with a letter of admission.

Canadian students who do not intend to have permanent residence in BC can maintain hospital and medical coverage in their home province for the duration of their stay. Each province has different requirements for maintaining health insurance. Canadian students who choose to join the BC Medical Services Plan should be aware that a monthly premium is charged, but also that premium assistance is available from the government for qualified participants.

The AMS (i.e., the UBC student association to which Regent students belong) has an extended health plan that is mandatory for all students. This insurance covers dental work, prescription drugs, travel insurance and other services. Complete details are available from the Student Services Office. Students who already have extended health insurance, and American students who commute from Washington State, may opt out of this health plan by contacting the AMS Health Plan Office in the UBC Student Union Building. For further information on the extended health plan visit www.studentcare.net.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Regent students can access medical services at the UBC Hospital across the street. Also available on campus is the Family Practice Teaching Unit. There are many fine medical doctors and hospitals in Vancouver as well as a wide range of alternative medical practices. Students can get recommendations for medical doctors, dentists, etc. from other students or the International Student Services Office.

MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE/DRIVER’S LICENSES

North American students can either insure their vehicle with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), or they can retain insurance coverage from their province or state providing they go through the process of registering the insurance with ICBC. Details on how to do this are included with a letter of admission.

Students who plan to insure their vehicle in BC should bring a letter from their insurance company stating how long they have had a "no-claims" history (safe driving record); this can give them a significant discount on the insurance rates.

Full-time students can retain their driver's license from their home province or country; a BC license is not required. However, this applies only to a registered student, not to his or her spouse. Spouses can drive on their current license for three months but then are required to get a BC driver's license. This period can be extended to six months if they have an International Driving Permit.

EMPLOYMENT

International students who are engaged in full-time studies at Regent are permitted to work on campus without restrictions on hours or types of work. They can also work for a church or parachurch organization as long as the work is spiritual in nature. For further information see Financing Your Education / Employment Opportunities.

International spouses who hold a work permit may do any type of work in Canada on a part-time or full-time basis. Depending on the type of job desired, an Immigration medical exam may be necessary for the permit. More information is available from Admissions or the International Student Services Office.

DOWNTOWN AND SURROUNDING AREAS

With a skyline located right on the waterfront, downtown offers a variety of shops, restaurants and businesses that line the streets of the city. Approximately 20 minutes from campus by car, and with frequent bus service available, places to visit include Gastown, Granville Island and Stanley Park. Mountain hikes and skiing are close to the city and accessible by public transportation. BC Ferries operates frequent service to Vancouver Island and the beautiful Gulf Islands.

CLIMATE

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located on Canada’s Pacific Coast, its oceanside, mountain-rimmed setting is magnificent. The climate is moderate with warm, pleasant summers and cool, wet winters. Snow falls on the local mountains, but only occasionally on the city of Vancouver. Come prepared, however, for rainfall of every description.

FAMILY LIFE

Many families find that being at Regent is a growth experience for everyone, not just the student. Spouses are encouraged to attend chapel services (child-care is provided during the Fall and Winter Terms) and community groups. Families also attend the Regent Fall Retreat and other social activities. Spouses are able to audit up to three classes per year for just a $35 registration fee when the student is in full-time studies (see Financing Your Education / Tuition Benefits for details). Further information is available from the Student Services Office.

Regent Spouses Network

“Regent Spouses Network” is a network of spouses that gathers several times each term in different parts of the city to provide fellowship, support and a wonderful variety of practical advice and care.

EDUCATION OF CHILDREN

Children of Regent students here for at least one full year can attend public schools in Vancouver free of charge. The education system has a good reputation and offers a variety of school programs within the public system. (See www.vsb.bc.ca for more information.) The BC Ministry of Education has a helpful website, www.gov.bc.ca/bced, with information on curriculum and goals. There are also Christian schools and other private schools in the Vancouver area. For further information, check the websites www.direct.ca/fisa or www.twu.ca/scsbc. Homeschooling networks also exist in Vancouver.

School-aged children of international students do not need to have their own study permit. Parents must show the valid study permit of the Regent student when registering their children in elementary or high school. All children born outside of Canada register for public school at the Vancouver School Board District Reception and Placement Centre. See www.vsb.bc.ca/schools/StudentRegistration.

CHILD CARE SERVICES

There are excellent child care facilities on the UBC campus for students, faculty, staff and alumni with children from four months to twelve years of age, although there is usually a long waiting list. Informa-tion regarding these services may be obtained on the UBC Child Care website www.childcare.ubc.ca, through e-mailing child_care@housing.ubc.ca or calling 604.822.5343.

Another resource for child care is Westcoast Information Daycare which lists child care sources and preschools for Vancouver. For more information visit www.wstcoast.org, or e-mail them at id@wstcoast.org or phone 604.709.5699.