Dean of Graduate Studies > Current Students > Virtual Orientation > Newcomer's Guide

Virtual Orientation

Being a new graduate student can be overwhelming. This section will help you get settled into your new role and help you find support and resources.

We are committed to helping you throughout your graduate program. If you have a question that's not answered below, please email gradstudies@sfu.ca.

Study Permits

Students who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents in Canada should not leave home until their Study Permit has been approved. For more information, please see the Study and Work Permits section of this website.

If you are having trouble obtaining your study permit or facing other delays, please see deferrals and postponing your arrival.

What to Pack (customs, documents, clothing, household items)

You’ve been accepted to SFU and you’re ready to come to Vancouver. But what do you need to bring? Here is a list of the documents, clothing and household items you’ll need for your arrival.  Remember too, anything you forget to bring can be purchased once you arrive. There are many discount stores and shopping centres near campus that are accessible by public transit.

New to Canada? What you can bring into the country (and what you can’t)

Before arriving in Canada, you should review current Canadian Customs regulations. Prepare a list, in duplicate (preferably typed), of all the goods you are bringing into Canada (including vehicles), listing approximate values, make, model and serial numbers (if applicable). For more detailed information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Important Documents for International Students

  • Valid passport and/or official government-issued identification
  • Letter of Introduction confirming the approval of your Study Permit from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate, if applicable (unless you are a US citizen and will be applying for your Study Permit at your port of entry into Canada)
  • Temporary Resident Visa (if required for your country)
  • SFU offer of admission letter
  • Proof of funds available
  • Credit card(s). If you’ll be arriving late in the evening or on a Sunday or holiday, it’s a good idea to have a small amount of cash with you ($100 to $150 Canadian or US). However, we do not advise carrying large amounts of cash on your person. You can also exchange currency at the airport.
  • Marriage certificate and/or proof of common-law status (if you are married or in a common-law relationship)
  • Identification document with photo
  • Your driver's license or international driver's license, driving insurance records and vehicle enrollment and insurance papers (if you plan to drive or bring your car)
  • Medical records and immunization records, translated if applicable (useful, but not required)
  • Medical insurance documents (if you are relying on medical insurance from your home country)
  • Two years of official school records for your school-age children

Clothing

Vancouver has one of the most temperate climates in Canada, with much milder winters than those experienced by other major Canadian cities. In fact, rain is much more common than snow! Average winter temperatures are 10°C/50°F and average summer temperatures are 23°C/73°F. However, due to our proximity to the mountains and ocean, the weather can be unpredictable. Consult a weather website (such as http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html) to get an idea of the temperatures you can expect during each term. Our rainy season lasts from mid-November until mid-February, so pack an umbrella, a warm jacket or raincoat and waterproof shoes or boots if you have them. Bring a warm jacket, gloves and hat for the winter months and other warm sportswear for outdoor activities. And be prepared to dress in layers. In the summer you’ll wear light clothing during the day, but in the evenings you’ll definitely need a light jacket or sweater. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential. If you are from a country with a warm or dry climate and don’t own a warm jacket or rain boots, there are many inexpensive places within Vancouver where you can buy whatever you need once you get here.

People tend to dress casually in BC (i.e., jeans and a t-shirt/sweater), but you may wish to bring business attire or more formal wear for special occasions.

Household items

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Electrical systems in Canada operate at 110 volts and 60 Hz. Most appliances have a three-pin plug, although some have a two-pin plug. You can purchase an adaptor/converter for your existing electrical appliances if necessary, or wait to purchase appliances in Canada.

ITEMS NEEDED IF LIVING ON CAMPUS
Check the Residence & Housing website for details on moving in.

ITEMS NEEDED IF LIVING OFF CAMPUS
Many students rent private suites or rent a room in a shared suite or house. The majority of rental places are unfurnished, but major appliances (such as a refrigerator and stove) are always included. Furnished suites will include basic furniture but are unlikely to include kitchen utensils, bedding, towels, lamps or phones. When looking for accommodation, check what is included before you sign the rental agreement forms.

Housing (temporary mailbox, temporary accommodation, on campus, off campus, what to expect, contents insurance)

Planning to live on campus in residence? Looking for information on off-campus housing? This section presents information on securing accommodation, insurance and forwarding your mail until you have a permanent address.

Temporary Forwarding Address

Some graduate students will have mailboxes in their departments. If you are an international student, you may have your mail sent care of SFU International until you have a permanent address. They do not have storage space and cannot accept large items or boxes. It is your responsibility to check your mail regularly and change your address when you have secured permanent accommodation.

Mail should be addressed as follows (with your name is clearly marked):

Your Full Name
c/o SFU International Services for Students
Maggie Benston Centre 1200
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
Canada

Important: SFU will be sending you important mail while you are a student. If you move, please ensure your personal information and mailing address are updated on the Student Information System.

Temporary Housing

If you have a confirmed place in residence but are arriving in Vancouver before the move-in dates, or if you will be looking for off-campus housing upon arrival, you may need to stay in temporary accommodation for a few days. If you are looking for information on long-term housing options, please visit the sections on On-Campus Accommodation and Off- Campus Accommodation.

Temporary listing websites

On-Campus Accommodation

Living in residence (or “Rez”) is a great way to get the most out of your university experience. Meeting new people, establishing lifelong friendships and having an environment that is favourable for studying are just some of the benefits of living in residence at SFU. It is important to apply as soon as possible if you wish to live on campus, as space is limited. At the moment, there are no student residences available for the Vancouver and Surrey campuses. If you attend the Surrey or Vancouver campuses and would like to live in the Burnaby campus residence, your U-Pass will provide you easy access to travel between campuses.

For families and couples, Residence and Housing offers one type of housing: Louis Riel House, which are one and two bedroom apartments. These apartments come unfurnished.

Graduate students are typically placed in Hamilton Hall, studio-style accommodations that are fully furnished and have a maximum occupancy of one (1). When Hamilton Hall is full, graduate students will be offered space in Louis Riel House when possible

Click here for information on living in residence - including costs and deadlines for applying. 

Missed the Deadline for Residence?
If you have not already applied for and been accepted into residence this term and have missed the deadline, call the Residence office at 778-782-4201 to see if space is available. They can also advise you how to apply for a future term.

Off- Campus Accommodation

Looking for off-campus housing? The resources listed below are the best places to start. You’ll find a wide range of housing options, including apartments, houses and townhouses. Accommodation near campus is very popular and can fill up quickly. If you plan to live off campus, it’s a good idea to arrive a few weeks before the beginning of term to give yourself time to find a suitable place to live and to get settled.

There are a number of places where you can search for suitable off-campus housing:

The following resources are the best places to start:

A number of private companies offer homestay service or assistance with securing accommodation. Three companies past students have used include:

Please Note: These websites are not endorsed nor are they sponsored by SFU. They are simply placed here as a resource to students looking for off-campus housing. SFU does not pre-screen advertisements for off-campus housing and assumes no liability for any disputes arising from tenancies or other services advertised here. It is your responsibility to check out the listings carefully.

What to expect when you are renting

If you intend to live off campus and have little or no experience renting accommodation in BC, you should learn about your rights and responsibilities before signing a rental agreement or contract (also known as a lease). Visit the Tenants’ Rights Action Coalition website  to read the “Tenant Survival Guide” or download multilingual fact sheets on various topics. Typically, landlords or property managers will make appointments to show their suites to potential tenants. It is common for landlords to ask for references from previous landlords. If you have never lived in Vancouver before, you may wish to bring a resume and/or proof of your attachment to SFU.

Private Property Insurance

SFU and Vancouver are generally considered very safe. However, as in most big cities or on large campuses, property theft does occur. You are strongly advised to purchase private property or contents insurance, either in Canada or at home before you leave. This should provide coverage for theft or loss of your belongings, as well as property damage due to fire, flood or other unforeseen or unexpected incidents.

Bringing Family (childcare, childcare bursaries, schooling, employment for spouses)

The spouses, partners and families of our graduate students are an integral and vital part of the SFU community. If you are planning to bring your family while you study at SFU, here are a few things to consider. If you are an international student, please see the Study and Work Permits section of this website for specific immigration information when bringing your family to Canada. The International Services for Students website is another helpful resource for spouses, partners and families of international students.

SFU Children's Centre

Operated by the SFU Childcare Society, an independent, non-profit and charitable organization, the Children's Centre is an on-campus facility offering full and part-time services for children of SFU students, staff, and faculty. The Centre offers 11 programs for children 3 months to 12 years of age, activity rooms, nap rooms, and outdoor play space. All programs are coordinated by the Centre's staff, who are qualified Early Childhood Educators and School Age Providers. To enroll, please contact the Centre to place your child on the waiting list.

Contact the Children's Centre

SFU Childcare Bursaries

There are a number of bursaries/funds offered available to those seeking financial assistance with childcare. For full information, please visit SFU's Awards and Financial Aid website.

Schooling

If you have school-age children (age 5 - 18), you will need to register them at the school within the designated attendance area where the student ordinarily resides or make application to attend another school or educational program within the district.

University Highlands is a brand new elementary school which opened in September 2010 on the SFU Burnaby Campus. 

If you are an international student, your dependent children are advised to obtain study permits prior to entering Canada. If you have been admitted for temporary residence in Canada for a term of 12 months or more and you hold a valid Study Permit or Work Permit from CIC, your child may be eligible for provincially funded education. However, this policy may change. Some districts may not accept international students and others may charge an international student fee of approximately $10,000 per year. You should take these costs into account when planning your finances and your place of residence, and contact the appropriate school district for details.

The names (and websites) of school districts near SFU’s three campuses are:

Employment for Spouses & Partners of Graduate Students

Spouses & common-law partners of international students are eligible for work permits to obtain employment in Canada. Please see the Study and Work Permits section of this website for specific information.

 Here are some links to employment Web sites that may help in job searches.

 

Directions to SFU by transit or vehicle

Below are a few details to help you get on your way to SFU.

Arriving at Vancouver International Airport (airport pick up, clearing customs)

Before arriving, check out the Vancouver International Airport's Passenger Guides which give you  detailed information about the airport arrival process.

You have a variety of transportation options from the Vancouver International Airport. It’s generally easiest to take a taxi if you have a lot of luggage. Taking public transportation is also possible and very affordable. However, if you are travelling to the Burnaby campus, you should be aware that it will involve several transfers and a 10 minute walk from the bus loop to your Residence. Check the Translink website to plan your trip.

Airport Pick Up Service

Beatons’s Meet & Greet provides welcome & pick up services at the Vancouver International Airport for students arriving from out of town.  

Please note: This website is not endorsed nor is it sponsored by SFU. It is simply placed here as a resource to students looking for airport pick up. SFU assumes no liability for any disputes arising from services advertised here. It is your responsibility to check out the listings carefully.

New to Canada? Clearing Canadian Customs

When you arrive at the Vancouver International Airport or other Canadian land/air port of entry, a Canadian customs officer will check  your passport and entry visa (if required), and your letter of acceptance, and will ask you a few questions about the purpose of your visit to Canada.

After clearing customs, you will proceed to the Canada Immigration Office (At YVR, the Immigration offices can be found in the International Terminal, Arrivals Level 2.) The visa officer will ask to see the documents required for issuing your study permit   Expect this process to be a bit time-consuming, especially during peak travel times (especially summer months when many international visitors arrive in Canada).

Important: Do not leave the airport (or other port of entry) without obtaining your study permit. Before you go, check that your name is spelled exactly as it appears in your passport, and that your date of birth, gender and country of citizenship are correct.

 

Transportation – Getting Around Vancouver  (bus, cycling, driving)

It’s safe and easy to get to SFU’s three campuses and around Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. This section provides information about public transit, the U-Pass (a discounted student public transit pass), cycling and the requirements for driving in BC.

Public Transportation

The public transportation system in Metro Vancouver is operated by TransLink transit authority that operates buses, SkyTrains, Seabuses, the West Coast Express Rail  and HandyDART< services. Visit TransLink for Metro Vancouver bus and SkyTrain schedules and information. If you are new to the area the Transit 101 website offers useful information on traveling on public transit.

U-Pass

The U-Pass provides all eligible SFU students with unlimited access to transit services in the Greater Vancouver area.

Cycling

Visit Translink's cycling website for information on cycling routes, bike lockers, and updates on cycling transit policy. You should also check the website to understand procedures and restrictions for bringing your bike on transit.

Tip:  You must wear approved bicycle helmet when cycling in BC – it’s the law.

Driving in BC

All drivers in BC must have a valid driver’s licence, and be familiar with BC road laws.

As a visiting student, you can drive in B.C. with a valid out-of-province license as long as you are registered full time at SFU or another recognized institution. Any restrictions you have on your home licence also apply here in B.C. You may need a vehicle permit. All other new residents will need to obtain a valid BC driver’s licence within 90 days.

While driving, you must carry your valid driver’s licence from your home province/country (and a certified translated copy or International Driving Licence, if applicable), your SFU student ID, a copy of your Study Permit (if applicable) and proof of valid vehicle insurance. If you are in Canada on a visitor visa, you will only be permitted to drive in Canada for up to six months with your out-of-province license.

Please visit the ICBC website if you do not have a BC driver’s licence and wish to obtain one.

If you bring a vehicle into BC, you will normally need to register and insure it within 30 days of arrival, providing it passes the required mechanical inspection. Students can apply for a Student Exemption. For more information, visit the “Moving to BC” pages on the ICBC website.

Whether you rent, lease or buy a vehicle, you must have automobile insurance in BC before you take it on the road. If your vehicle is insured in another Canadian province or in the United States, contact ICBC's Interjurisdictional Licensing/Financial Responsibility Office at 604.443.4624 or toll-free (BC only) at 1.800.665.4336 for more information. If your vehicle is insured outside of Canada or the United States, contact a local insurance broker; they are listed on the ICBC website.

Driving to Campus and Campus Parking

If you are driving to SFU, download driving directions.

For parking at SFU Burnaby, please see parking map for details and directions and Parking Services for rates and other information.

For parking at SFU Surrey, please see this page for more information about parking at SFU Surrey. SFU does not own or manage the parking lots located at the Central City mall (home of the Surrey campus) but has been provided a limited number of Surrey campus parking decals for students.

For parking at SFU Vancouver, please see this page about parking at SFU Vancouver. 

To park at SFU Burnaby and SFU Surrey, you will need to apply to purchase a parking pass at the beginning of the term if you wish to drive regularly. Parking is limited on campus so passes are sold to students on a lottery system where permits are released based on parking availability.

Accessible Parking on Campus for students with disabilities

Tip: SFU Campus Security provides updates on road conditions as well as information on bus access to the campus. This is useful during the winter season when SFU can receive snowfall.

 

Banking

Depending on your country of citizenship, it may be possible to open a Canadian bank account from your home country. Many of the major banks offer accounts designed specifically for newcomers to Canada and for students.  

What you need to open a bank account

To open a bank account in Canada, you will need:

  1. Valid Passport
  2. Valid Study Permit
  3. Proof of Address (i.e. phone bill, lease agreement or letter from landlord/homestay family)
  4. Proof of Enrollment (To qualify for student account, which will have lower service fees, most banks will need a confirmation of enrollment letter which can be downloaded from your Student Account.)

You may need to call the bank in advance to make an appointment. When creating an account ask about lower rates offered to students. Ask about the details related to the services and applicable fees tied to the plan you are considering as each bank has different plans. Review details such as monthly fees, transactions per month such as those for debit, online, telephone banking, in-person services and also the costs linked to using your bank card at other institutions. If you are withdrawing money from an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) not associated with your bank, there may be extra charges associated with the transaction. Be sure that you understand the details in your contract. 

Cheques may be used for paying rent, but many students prefer to pay their tuition and bills through online banking. When you open a chequing account, there is generally a fee to print cheques and it will take time to order, but the bank will usually provide you with a few temporary cheques to get you started.

Tip: If you receive any scholarships or awards from the Dean of Graduate Studies, you will be asked for your Canadian banking information for the SFU Payroll/Direct Deposit process. You can either obtain a void cheque or your banking institution can provide you with a form, variously called Pre-authorized Payment Instructions, Pre-Authorized Payment Service, Direct Deposit Notification, or similar name. The bank will need to complete it with the banking institution number, the transit number, and your bank account number. It must include your full name, and be signed by you. Incomplete forms will delay payment of your award. If you are employed as a TA or RA, your department will also request this information in order to process your payroll.

Banking Options

The following is a list of the major banks offered on and off campus. Visit the websites to find branches near your new place of residence.

On Campus:
  • Scotiabank
    www.scotiabank.com
    • Scotiabank: Newcomers to Canada
    • http://www.scotiabank.com/startright/landing-page.html
    • ADDRESS: Cornerstone Building
      8972 University High Street, Burnaby
      Phone: 604-294-6862 ext. 2003
      (The beginning of a new term is a busy time on campus, so you may want to make an appointment to visit a branch off campus to set-up a new bank account.)
  • Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) or Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
    There are 4 ABM/ATMs on campus for cash withdrawals only:
    • West Mall Complex
    • Academic Quadrangle (next to Education dept)
    • Maggie Benston Centre 2000 and 3000 Level
Off Campus:

Transferring funds to Canada

You can wire transfer money into your Canadian bank account from your home country. Obtain a bank draft for the amount you wish to transfer and bring it with you to Canada. Before making the transaction, you should ask how long the transfer will take, as Canadian banks can place lengthy holds on deposits (sometimes up to 20 business days). Remember to keep copies of all transaction records for future reference. If you have an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) bank card for your bank in your home country, you may be able to withdraw money from your account at ATMs in Canada. Check with your home bank about this option, but keep in mind that you may need to pay service charges and that exchange rates fluctuate.

Credit cards, debit (Interac) cards, and travelers’ cheques

Canada is not solely a cash based society, as most retailers accept credit cards or debit (Interac) cards for purchases. The most widely accepted credit cards include MasterCard and Visa. Retailers who do not accept credit cards or debit cards will have a sign displaying this on the front door or a sign will say “Cash only.” Due to counterfeit concerns, many stores do not accept large bills such as $100. So if you are bringing cash from overseas, it may be useful to bring some $20 bills for smaller purchases while you are settling in. However, there are many places around the city where you can exchange your own currency into Canadian currency. Currency exchange services are available at the Vancouver Airport and at major banks in the city.

Travellers’ cheques are also widely accepted in Vancouver, and can be easily cashed at a bank or credit union for a nominal fee. (i.e. Scotiabank has a flat fee of $2 to exchange travelers’ cheques, if you do not hold an account with them.)

Obtaining a credit card in Canada typically requires having credit history in Canada or the United States. Discuss your options with your financial institution. Some banks will be willing to issue credit cards if you can prove that you have a reliable source of income in Canada or some collateral. Shop around and be aware of the monthly interest rates.

 

Paying Sales Tax and Income Tax

This section contains a brief overview of sales and income tax. International students should consult the Income Taxes for International Graduate Students page for important information  about filing taxes in Canada.

Income Tax

If you earn any income from Canadian sources, you will have to file taxes for that calendar year and pay the requisite amount, depending on tax treaties between Canada and your home country. Your moving expenses may be eligible tax deductions, so remember to save all receipts for costs that you incur moving to Vancouver (such as costs for transportation, temporary accommodation, storing your belongings, etc.). Most scholarships & awards are non-taxable but must be reported. For information, please see the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

Most purchases in BC are subject to the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). This tax (currently 12%) is usually not indicated on the price tag and will be added to the listed price of most retail goods and services.

Health Insurance & Services

This section contains a brief overview of health insurance, health and counselling, and physiotherapy services available to students.

Health Insurance

Health and dental care in Canada can be extremely expensive if you do not have insurance. For this reason, each province has a mandatory basic health care plan (Medical Services Plan) as well as a variety of private extended health and dental plans which cover many medical costs. SFU requires that all students obtain adequate medical insurance. If you are new to BC, you should apply for health insurance for yourself and any dependants for the duration of your stay.

For more information, see Health Insurance for Graduate Students.

Health and Counselling Services (HCS)

Health and Counselling Services (HCS) runs a number of clinics across all 3 SFU campuses.  The SFU Burnaby and SFU Vancouver clinics offer students confidential access to nurses, physicians, counsellors and psychologists.  At SFU Surrey, HCS offers counselling services only.  If students are feeling ill, stressed-out, want to discuss birth control, need vaccinations, feel overwhelmed, generally concerned about anything to do with their health and wellness they are encouraged to make an appointment at HCS. Here is a complete list of contact information to make an appointment.

Nightline is another resource that is available for students. It is an organization that offers students someone to talk to when students are having difficulties.  It is free, and available every evening and 24 hours a day on the weekends and holidays.  Call 604.857.7148 or visit their website for details.

HCS offers a number of online resources including: audio and videocasts to relax, The Dish: SFU’s Nutrition Blog, and Candid Conversations: SFU’s Sexual Health Blog.

Students are encouraged to make an appointment at HCS, but can also be seen on a walk-in basis. Students with no BC MSP health insurance will have to pay for the services received at the time of the visit.  For more information about HCS services please visit their website or call our Burnaby campus clinic at 778-782-4615. You can also the Vancouver campus clinic at 778.782.5200 or the Surrey campus (only for counseling) at 778.782.8022.

Physiotherapy

HCS operates a physiotherapy clinic at SFU Burnaby.  Many students complain of back pain and/or other injuries as impacting their academic performance.  Our staff physiotherapist often helps students reduce pain and prevent further injury.  Check out all that physiotherapy has to offer SFU students.

Safety and security

At SFU, we pride ourselves on our safe campuses, and we have many programs and services to help you stay safe and secure. Vancouver is also a relatively safe city compared to other large urban centres around the world. Even so, if you are new, you should be aware that safety may be different from that in your home town.

In a new environment, it is critical to familiarize yourself with emergency procedures. Please also pay careful attention to basic guidelines for your personal safety and the security of your possessions.

SFU's Campus Security office offers services including keys, lost & found, parking, a safewalk program and a list of safety tips. They note that the largest percentage of security incidents on campus is theft.

If you need the police, fire department or an ambulance, call 911. This is a free call from any telephone.

If you are on campus, phone Campus Security:
for the Burnaby campus, phone 778-782-4500 (or 2-4500 from a campus phone)
for the Surrey campus, phone 778.782.7511 (or 2-7511 from a campus phone)
for Vancouver, phone 778-782-5252 (or 2-5252 from a campus phone)

Phones and Computers

Mobile Phones

There are a variety of cellular phones and providers that offer plans that vary from: Pay As You Go, Month to Month plans, and 1-3 Year long locked contracts. You can find providers that offer phones and services at Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby which is British Columbia’s largest shopping centre. (#144 Bus to METROTOWN STN from SFU Burnaby Campus) or at other major shopping centres.

If you choose to bring your mobile phone with you, it is possible that you can use it in BC. However it must be an unlocked phone that is compatible to the networks supported by our major carriers such as Rogers, Telus, Fido, and Bell. Their network is GSM standard with development currently focused on UMTS, HSDPA, and EUL service.  If you have an unlocked tri band or quad band phone, than you should be able to use your phone by replacing the SIM card. If you have a dual band phone it must have 850 or 1900 MHz bands to function on our major networks.

Long-Distance Phone Cards

You can purchase long-distance phone cards from convenience stores. On the Burnaby campus, they are available at Minimart 101 in the MBC or from Nesters Market Grocery Store at the Cornerstone. Shop around and ask others from your country if possible as the rates vary greatly.

Pay Phones (Burnaby Campus)

There are pay phones available in each of the residence buildings. Other locations include:

  • 2000 level of WMC
  • top two floors of the MBC
  • throughout the AQ

Computers 

The SFU Tech Shop sells educationally-priced computer hardware, software, supplies and accessories to current students, staff and faculty.

Click here for a list of computer labs on campus.

Shops & Restaurants On Campus

Burnaby Campus

You’ll find many shops, restaurants and services—including a supermarket (with a Canada Post Outlet and pharmacy inside), a hair salon, cafés and more—in the Cornerstone Building across from the bus loop on the east side of the Burnaby campus. Click here for more information on the shops and services at Cornerstone.

The SFU Bookstore is located in the Maggie Benston Centre.

If you are living in Residence, the Attic sells gently-used household items by donation.

Food on Campus 

Microwaves on Campus

Surrey Campus

SFU Surrey adjoins the Central City Shopping Centre, which includes shops such as Best Buy, Shoppers Drug Mart, T & T Supermarket, Zellers, and many more. A few of the stores and restaurants at the Central City Shopping Centre provide discounts to student as well as staff for a list of those stores.

Vancouver Campus

At SFU Vancouver, the Harbour Centre Mall contains various stores, including gift shops, card shops, a newsstand, and an optical store. The mall also contains a Tim Horton’s and a food court (on the bottom level). Since SFU Vancouver is located in the downtown core, there are plenty of retail stores and cheap eats nearby.  Pacific Centre Mall is the largest mall in Downtown Vancouver and is located within walking distance.

Other Resources for Newcomers

 

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