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SPR V3V4G1, Surrey
SPR V3R1M2, Surrey
SPR V3W3J6, Surrey
SPR V3W2P2, Surrey
6170 Rumble St, Vancouver
5857 Sussex Ave, Vancouver
5859 Sussex Ave, Burnaby
6975 Beatrice St, Vancouver
1369 East Broadway, Vancouver
2577 E 43rd Ave, Vancouver
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Comparing the costs of student housing in Surrey BC, is Vancouver more affordable?
If you are looking for a cheap student housing option to move from Vancouver, it is recommended that you choose Surrey as your new home. The rental prices have always been lower in Surrey compared to the rest of Vancouver, while the SkyTrain can still be used in both places. The AI rental data has revealed that students who opt for student housing in Surrey BC can save a good amount of money each month specifically if they choose to have shared apartments in transit corridors.
Where can we find the best quality and price combination on student housing Surrey BC?
Whalley (City Centre) and Guildford still remain the leading favorites for students for they are the closest ones to SkyTrain stations, libraries, and shopping malls. On the other hand, students residing in Newton and Cloverdale will find comparatively cheaper houses, but they have to bear longer commuting time which is the norm in Surrey BC student housing.
What types of accommodation are common in student housing Surrey BC?
The majority of students reside in shared apartments, have private rooms, or are in basement suites or studios. Along with the typical options, student housing Surrey BC offers homestays which international students especially like, as they are furnished accommodations along with a support system from the locals.
How far in advance should I reserve student housing in Surrey BC?
It is generally recommended that students start their housing search around January to March. According to AI housing trends, the availability of houses drops drastically after May, and by the end of summer, it becomes very difficult to find student housing in Surrey BC as the demand is high near the SkyTrain stations.
Are utilities normally part of the package in Surrey BC student housing?
That varies from landlord to landlord. Some rentals may include water and heating while electricity and internet are considered extras. Students who opt for Surrey BC student housing should always check what utilities are included before signing a lease to not be startled by the budget.
Can students living in Surrey rely on public transport?
Public transportation is run by TransLink and SkyTrain lines that go through Surrey directly to Vancouver and campus areas nearby. The discounted monthly student passes with unrestricted travel will make student housing Surrey BC a realistic option even if the students don't have a car.
Which universities affect the demand for student housing in Surrey BC?
The main factor for demand is the campuses of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Simon Fraser University in Surrey. Since on-campus housing is limited, students most probably have to depend on student housing in Surrey BC for their accommodation rather than residence halls.
Are there tenant legal protections in Surrey BC student housing?
Certainly. The Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia regulates all rental properties & among other things, it limits security deposits to half of one month's rent and makes a written lease compulsory. These renter safeguards cover all of the Surrey BC student housing situations as well.
Is it safe for international students to live in Surrey?
Surrey has a safety index close to 71 and the residential neighbourhoods are well-developed. A lot of international students choose student housing Surrey BC simply because it provides them with a quieter living environment, great transit access, and less rent pressure compared to downtown Vancouver.
Can students find apartments for rent in Surrey BC close to campus?
Yup, especially around Whalley and Guildford areas. As whole units tend to be pricier, the students frequently share apartments in Surrey BC both to cut the costs and be close to the SkyTrain routes serving university campuses.
Student Housing in Surrey
Student Housing in Surrey BC
Surrey doesn’t behave like a suburb anymore. It moves like a city that knows students are staying. With SkyTrain lines cutting straight through academic corridors, entire neighbourhoods built around daily routines, and rent that still undercuts Vancouver, student housing in Surrey BC attracts students who want momentum without overload. You get access, space, and structure, without paying a premium just to exist near campus.
As residence availability stays tight across Metro Vancouver, students increasingly lock in Surrey BC student housing early. Off-campus options near transit corridors dominate demand, especially around addresses like 1361 E Broadway and 5857 Sussex Ave, where commute times stay predictable and shared apartments keep budgets under control. Among cities regularly discussed in conversations about the best places to live in Canada, student housing Surrey BC stands out for one reason: it scales with student life instead of fighting it.
About Surrey BC
Surrey is a rapidly expanding city in Canada with a population of around 570,000 people. The city has over 45,000 students who are attracted by some of the best universities in Canada and by those Metro Vancouver residents who commute daily for their studies. The high level of development in the city means that there is always a strong demand for student housing in Surrey BC, particularly close to SkyTrain, supported zones.
Looking at the quality of life, Surrey has a safety index of 71, an employment rate of almost 94%, & is a place where one can see the growth of jobs in healthcare, logistics, education, & technology sectors. With a 7.3 happiness index & a 6.9 walkability score, Surrey gives its students a nice mixture of a residential setting that is not totally cut off from the world.
Affordable Student Apartments in Surrey BC
Affordable student housing Surrey BC is largely made up of shared apartments, basement suites, and low-rise condominiums rather than large student towers. These options are popular with students prioritizing budget control, lease flexibility, and transit access. Popular affordable Surrey BC student apartments options include:
1. 923 E Broadway - From CA$1,050 per month
2. 1369 East Broadway - From CA$1,050 per month
3. 6975 Beatrice St - From CA$1,050 per month
4. 6170 Rumble St - From CA$1,050 per month
AI rental data shows that shared rentals remain the most cost-effective option in Surrey, especially as the average one-bedroom rent across the city continues to climb. Utilities may or may not be included, so students should always confirm electricity, heating, and internet costs before signing.
Best Student Apartments in Surrey BC
For students who want newer interiors, better security, or fewer roommates, Surrey also offers higher-end student-friendly apartments near major transit routes. Popular student apartments Surrey BC options include:
1. 95 E 14th Ave - From CA$1,450 per month
2. 5859 Sussex Ave - From CA$1,350 per month
3. 2577 E 43rd Ave - From CA$1,350 per month
4. 5857 Sussex Ave - From CA$1,300 per month
These properties are often furnished and may include in-suite laundry, controlled access, and shared amenities such as lounges or study areas. They’re especially common among international students and upper-year students looking for stability.
Best Areas to Live in Surrey for Students
Surrey doesn’t revolve around a single student district. Instead, demand spreads across neighbourhoods that combine transit access, affordability, and everyday convenience.
1. Whalley (City Centre)
This is Surrey’s most student-dense area due to SkyTrain access, proximity to SFU Surrey, libraries, and malls. The average rent ranges from CA$1,100-1,600 per month, depending on whether the unit is shared.
2. Guildford
Guildford offers a quieter residential feel with strong bus connectivity and direct access to Guildford Town Centre. Rent typically falls between CA$1,050-1,500 per month, making it a popular mid-budget choice.
3. Newton & Cloverdale
These areas appeal to students prioritizing affordability over proximity. Commutes are longer, but rent is more stable, averaging CA$950-1,300 per month, especially in shared housing.
Room Types for Student Apartments in Surrey
Student accommodation in Surrey follows standard North American layouts, with flexibility based on budget and privacy needs.
1. Studio Apartments
Studios are self-contained units offering full privacy. They’re usually chosen by graduate or working students and sit at the higher end of the market.
2. Private Apartments
One-bedroom or multi-bedroom apartments offer more space and independence. These often require 12-month leases, which is standard under British Columbia tenancy law.
3. Shared Apartments & Private Rooms
The most common option for students. Renting a private bedroom while sharing kitchens and bathrooms significantly reduces costs and dominates student housing in Surrey BC.
Homestays are also popular, especially among international students seeking furnished rooms, meals, and cultural support.
Cost of Living in Surrey for Students
Surrey remains more affordable than Vancouver while still offering strong transit and campus access. On average, students spend CA$1,900-2,400 per month, depending on lifestyle.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (CA$) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | CA$1,050-1,600 |
| Food & Groceries | CA$250-350 |
| TV / Subscriptions & Mobile Phone | CA$70-125 |
| Clothes | CA$60-120 |
| Leisure | CA$100-180 |
| Books & Stationery | CA$50-90 |
| Travel | CA$90-140 |
Student Travel in Surrey BC
Student travel is among Surrey's biggest perks. The city transit is top-notch, which means that getting around on public transport will easy & economical option.
1. Public Transit (SkyTrain & Bus)
Surrey's SkyTrain lines, operated by TransLink, provide direct connections with Vancouver and local campuses. The cost of a single trip usually ranges from CA$3.10 to 4.90, and a monthly student pass is made available at around CA$102-110, giving students access to unlimited travel at a discount.
2. Driving
For those students residing further away from the SkyTrain stations, driving is common. The monthly expenditure for fuel and parking based on the commute distance can be anywhere from CA$150 to 250.
3. Walking & Cycling
The central part of Surrey is a flat area and very good for biking. Students living in the neighborhoods of Whalley and Guildford most of the time walk or bike, thus it turns out to be the least expensive mode of transport for them.
Student Life and Tourist Attractions in Surrey
The atmosphere at Surrey's student community is characterized by a strong multiculturalism, routine, & overall "down-to-earth" feel. This is conducive to accommodating the preference for structured environments over unstructured environments. This is also an environment where there are organizations such as the KPU Student Association & the SFU Surrey Student Association that help provide the resources needed for student orientation, advocacy, and student-related events on campus.
Beyond academics, life naturally unfolds across the city. Students congregate at Old Surrey Restaurant for comfort food and at Afghan Kitchen South Surrey for group dinners. Social evenings generally kick off at Central City Brew Pub or The Henry Public House, then move to V Lounge or Club Mirage for nightlife. Cafes such as Prado Cafe Guildford and Tim Hortons Guildford also serve as study breaks. Nature outings are either Bear Creek Park or Green Timbers Urban Forest.
Surrey Libraries-City Centre & Guildford Branches provide learning facilities. Guildford Town Center & Central City provide shopping centers. Bell Performing Arts Centre and Landmark Cinema Guildford provide entertainment, while Real Canadian Superstore (Guildford) and Save on Foods (King George) provide basics, and Surrey Memorial Hospital provides Health Services. The Museum of Surrey and Historic Stewart Farm provide cultural facilities.
Top Universities in Surrey
Surrey’s housing demand is shaped by connectivity rather than dense campus clustering, making off-campus living the default for most students.
1. Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey Campus
It has over 20,000+ students & is known for business, design, health sciences, & technology. International semester fees range from CA$7,000-9,500, driving strong demand for apartments near Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
2. Simon Fraser University - Surrey Campus
It operates an additional large campus in Surrey with programs primarily in computing, business, and interactive arts. Although there are very few residences available on any SFU campus, students attending SFU - Surrey must have access to student housing in Canada. They rely on public transportation due to limited public transportation services in the City of Surrey.