Q: I am looking to relocate to Vancouver. As a child, I lived there for a few months due to my mom's job (I'm from the Prairies), and after attending a conference there this past February, I am toying with the idea of moving. I love B.C. I know Vancouver is very expensive, but I'd love to try and make this work. I don't know a lot about the city, so it would be so helpful if someone could answer my questions, especially a student. Questions: 1.) What areas are safe and close to UBC? How is/are transit/transit times? Which areas should I avoid, or be cautious in? 2.) What are the average costs to live in those areas? 3.) What are tuition costs for those in Science programs at UBC (approx.)? Do you like attending UBC? 4.) Any other pointers/tips, advice! Thanks so much! P.S. Are there any reasonably priced apartments/condos/homes Downtown? And would it be too far from the university or too long of a transport time via Skytrain/bus? I LOVE "Coal Harbour" and the surrounding areas...but I know they're off the charts expensive.
A: Hi there! I hope this is helpful! Kitsilano and Point Grey are near UBC. If you live in Kits you'll probably have a 15 minute bus ride. Vancouver (West Side) is super safe. I mean, there are drugs, yeah, but it's pretty safe. You need to be very cautious if you're in the Downtown Eastside. To live on the Westside will probably set you back around 600$/month in rent if you share a place, though my last place I got a KILLER deal and was paying 500$, inc. utilities. I am a ubc grad but the tutition has gone up so you'd have to look. There is a per-credit fee (when I started in 2000 it was about 76$ ;)) and it's about 30 credits per year. It's a fantastic school to do science at. One of the best in the country. It's a big school, though, so it's easy to just coast by and grad with 50%. D is for degree. Work hard and volunteer and get in with profs. students.ubc.ca is where you need to go for information. 4)ENJOY YOURSELF! It's so fun. And don't complain about the rain. When it's March and you're sitting naked on Wreck Beach you'll thank me. :) Good luck! I hope this is best-answer-worthy. haha