The University of British Columbia

GET A LOCAL PHONE NUMBER

It’s advised that you have a personal phone as it is required for some services. There are multiple land line and cellular carriers available. Prices and packages will vary with each provider so be sure to shop around to find the best option for you. Note that in Canada you are charged airtime for incoming and outgoing cellular calls.

GET USED TO PUBLIC TRANSIT

Living near a major bus corridor (such as Broadway or West 4th) does not guarantee that you'll be living close to an express bus stop; the faster buses only stop every 5-10 blocks, while slower buses stop every 1-2 blocks. Check with Translink for detailed maps of bus routes and stops. Before you pick up your UPass, you will have to pay cash for single fare (exact change required) or purchase a book of 10 tickets from a store. Most grocery and convenience stores sell bus tickets.

GET A BIKE (OPTIONAL)

Vancouver has a well-developed network (by North-American standards) of bike lanes and roads for commuting. There are many options for getting a new or used bicycle. The Bike Kitchen located in the Student Union Building is a great place to find a used bike and get assistance with repairs. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the laws for cyclists.

JOIN A CAR SHARING PROGRAM (OPTIONAL)

If you do not plan on buying a vehicle but would like the option of having access to one on occasion, you may consider joining a car sharing program or c-op. There are a couple of options in Vancouver. It is suggested you complete an internet search to find the best option for you.