Your guide to Vancouver universities

by Megan Jones

Vancouver might not emit strong, ‘college town’ vibes, but with six universities in and around the city, there’s a robust student population and plenty of choice when it comes to post-secondary education. For students and parents considering their options, read on for essential facts about details about each institution. [Photo credit: iStock.com/BraunS]

With more than 50,000 students and thousands more faculty and staff, this beachside university is at once a city by the sea and an internationally esteemed public research institution, attracting talented instructors from around the world.

•  Where to live on campus:  Leafy trees, modern architecture, picturesque views of the North Shore Mountains – why live anywhere else but on campus? Most UBC freshmen opt to live in dormitories, while older students may choose from shared suites to single-family homes to modern townhouses.
• Where to live off-campus: Hunker down in Kitsilano, a funky, student-friendly neighbourhood that’s approximately 10 to 15 minutes away from campus by express bus.
• Student population: 52,721
• Main faculties: Arts, Science, Medicine, Applied Science, Sauder School of Business.
• Known for these programs: Architecture, Forestry, Environmental Sciences.
• Team name: The Thunderbirds.
• Athletics options: Notable sports teams include swimming, alpine skiing, volleyball and football. Or you can try out for Western Canada’s only university-level marching band, the Thunderbird Marching Band.

SFU currently operates two main campuses in Vancouver: Burnaby Mountain and SFU Woodwards in a Gastown heritage building. At both, undergraduate and post-graduate programs are challenging and globally recognized.

• Where to live on campus: SFU Woodwards does not offer on-campus accommodation, but Burnaby Mountain provides dormitory-style or apartment-style dwellings with panoramic views of the city.
• Where to live off campus: East Vancouver. From Commercial Drive to Sunrise-Hastings, apartments here have character, are relatively affordable, and are an easy commute to both campuses.
• Student population: 34,990
• Main Faculties: Applied Sciences, Communication, Art and Technology, and Education.
• Known for these programs: Publishing, School of Communication, Law, School for the Contemporary Arts.
• Team name: Simon Fraser Clan
• Athletics options: SFU is the only university outside the U.S. to qualify for the NCAA division, and boasts a highly competitive football program as well as lacrosse, rugby, rowing and field hockey.

North Vancouver’s small but mighty Cap U – as students fondly call it – offers 100 programs, 12 of which result in degrees, and others providing specializations in niche areas such as music therapy and applied ethics.

• Where to live off campus: Cap U does not offer residences, and North Vancouver’s rental options are limited during busy seasons, so most students migrate to nearby Lonsdale Avenue, Deep Cove and Lynn Valley.
• Student population: 7,000
• Main Faculties: Arts & Science, Business & Professional Studies, Health & Human Development, Fine & Applied Arts, Global & Community Studies
• Known for these programs: Film, Performing Arts, Motion Picture Arts, Global Stewardship.
• Team name: Capilano University Blues
• Athletics options: The Blues compete at the inter-collegiate level in badminton, basketball, golf, soccer and volleyball.

Established in 1925 and named for West Coast artist Emily Carr, ECUAD is nestled amongst the eclectic studios and galleries of Granville Island. It’s an inspiring place in which to learn from award-winning instructors, many whom are artists themselves.

• Where to live off campus: Granville Island is within easy walking and transit distance from apartment complexes and rental homes in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Fairview. Dorms are not offered at Emily Carr.
• Student population: Approximately 2,193
• Main Faculties: Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Media Arts, Communication Design.
• Known for these programs: Sustainable Design, Photography, Industrial Design, Ceramics.
• Athletics options: N/A

A private Christian liberal arts institution – and full-fledged university – TWU in rural Langley, B.C. is about an hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver. Founded in 1962, TWU offers degree programs on a charming 157-acre campus – complete with a duck pond!

• Where to live on campus: All first and second year students are required to live on campus in dormitory-style residences, unless living with family.
• Where to live off campus: Third and fourth years head to Guildford, Surrey or parts of nearby Langley, where high-rise condos offer ample space for students.
• Student population: 4,000
• Main Faculties: Arts, Science, Science of Nursing, Education, Fine Arts, Business.
• Known for these programs: School of Human Kinetics, School of Nursing, School of the Arts, Media + Culture.
• Team name: The Spartans
• Athletics options: High-performing teams include basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, track and field, and cross-country running.

Kwantlen’s Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale and Surrey campuses attract students of all walks of life with career-focused academic degree programs, as well as customized certificates and apprenticeships specializing in technology, fashion, design and the trades.

• Where to live off campus: Kwantlen’s four campuses do not offer student accommodation. Many co-eds find affordable rental options near their campus or connect with homestay programs, which pair students with family sponsors.
• Student population: 20,000
• Main Faculties: Academic and Career Advancement, Arts, Business, Design, Health, Science and Horticulture, and Trades and Technology
• Known for these programs: Kwantlen is known for its industry-focused programs such as Fashion & Technology, Human Resources Management, and Interior Design.
• Team name: Kwantlen Eagles
• Athletics options: KPU is a member of the Pacific Western Athletic Association (or PacWest) and competes primarily against Canadian colleges. Six varsity teams compete in four sports: soccer, badminton, basketball and golf.