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Getting Started

The FIC team is here to support your transition into the local community as a new student! There are other resources and services for you as well. On this page, you’ll find practical guidance on essential services such as public transportation, communication options, and banking. These resources are designed to help you navigate daily life with confidence and ease.

 

Transportation in Vancouver

Public Transit: Getting Around Vancouver by Skytrain and Bus

The Compass Card is the public bus and skytrain card that helps you to easily get around Vancouver. Watch the video about the Compass Card here!

WHERE CAN I BUY A COMPASS CARD?

  • Order one online: https://www.compasscard.ca/OrderCard
  • Get one from a Compass Vending Machine at a skytrain station
  • Go to any London Drugs locations
  • By calling 604.398.2042
  • Go to Compass Customer Service Centre: Stadium–Chinatown Station
  • More info: https://www.compasscard.ca/FindRetailer

HOW DO I LOAD MY COMPASS CARD WITH MONEY?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RIDE THE BUS / SKYTRAIN / SEABUS / WEST COAST EXPRESS?

  • This depends on how many zones you will be travelling through. Check out the fares here.
  • TIP 1: It is cheaper to pre-load your card rather than buying a ticket at the station.
  • TIP 2: The West Coast Express (train) has different prices. Check out the fares here.
  • SINGLE TICKET OPTION (Pay as you go):
    • ZONE 1: VANCOUVER
      • Zone 1 to FIC (Zone 2): distance travelled = 2 Zones
        • Price: 18 years or younger = Concession price = $2 on a pre-loaded Compass card (the price will increase when you turn 19 and you will need to pay “adult” prices. See fares here.)
        • Timing: “ticket” (virtual or physical) will last for 90 minutes
    • ZONE 2: BURNABY / NEW WESTMINSTER / RICHMOND / NORTH VANCOUVER / WEST VANCOUVER
      • Zone 2 to FIC (Zone 2): distance travelled = 1 Zone
      • Price: 18 years or younger = Concession price = $2 on a pre-loaded Compass card (the price will increase when you turn 19 and you will need to pay “adult” prices. See fares here.)
      • Timing: “ticket” (virtual or physical) will last for 90 minutes
    • ZONE 3: SURREY / COQUITLAM / PORT MOODY / PORT COQUITLAM / DELTA / LANGLEY / PITT MEADOWS / MAPLE RIDGE
      • Zone 3 to FIC (Zone 2): distance travelled = 2 Zones
        • Price: 18 years or younger = Concession price = $3 on a pre-loaded Compass card (the price will increase when you turn 19 and you will need to pay “adult” prices. See fares here.)
        • Timing: “ticket” (virtual or physical) will last for 90 minutes

SHOULD I GET A MONTHLY PASS?

  • If you will be using the bus or skytrain nearly every day, it may be worth it for you to get a 1, 2, or 3 Zone monthly pass (depending on where you live – see transit map).
  • A monthly pass will give you unlimited travel in the Zones that you have chosen.
  • Click here to learn about which Zone you live in and how Zones work with public transportation.
  • When you transfer to SFU, you can get a U-Pass! This is a 3-Zone monthly transit pass that is included with your tuition. See more info here about it.

BEST ROUTES TO GO TO FIC:

  • Use Google Maps! Download it to your phone and use the app for anywhere you want to go. It will include different options for taking the bus/skytrain/walking/driving, timing, how busy it is, if there are delays. It is the best navigator for you during your time in Canada!

Using Public Transit to get to class!

FIC / SFU Burnaby Campus

FIC and SFU Burnaby (main campus) are located on Burnaby Mountain, but it is not next to a skytrain station like the other SFU campuses. Below are some different ways you can get to FIC / SFU Burnaby campuses:

  • Take the Millenium Line to Production Way University Skytrain Station, then get off the skytrain and go to the bus loop below the station. The 145 SFU bus arrives frequently throughout the day and will take you straight to SFU. Get off at the main bus loop at the top of the mountain.
  • Take the Millenium Line to Burquitlam Skytrain Station, then get off and take the 143 SFU bus.
  • Take the 144 SFU bus from Metrotown Skytrain Station
  • R5 SFU-Hastings bus (from Burrard Skytrain Station)

TIP 1: Check out SFU’s Public Transit site for more information.

TIP 2: If you’re not sure what direction the bus is going, ask the bus driver for help.

SFU Surrey Campus

The SFU Surrey Campus is conveniently located next to Surrey Central Skytrain Station on the Expo Line. You can also get there by bus. Click here for bus routes and skytrain schedules!

TIP: Download the Google Maps app to get accurate times and directions for your commute. It is extremely helpful, especially when you’re new to the city and learning how to find your way around!

Getting to SFU Downtown Vancouver Campus

SFU Downtown Vancouver Campus is conveniently located walking distance to Waterfront and Granville Skytrain Stations. The Expo Line, Canada Line, and even the West Coast Express all stop at Waterfront Station and most of them at Granville Station as well. There are many bus routes that can take you downtown to the SFU Campus as well. Click here for bus routes and skytrain schedules!

TIP: When the skytrain announcement says “Expo Line to Waterfront,” this means that “Waterfront Station” will be the last station and the direction is towards Vancouver. However, when it says “Expo Line to King George,” this means that “King George” will be the last station and the direction is towards Surrey. Be careful which direction you are going! Check the map at the station to be sure.

 

Importance of Communication

Get a Cellphone Plan! YOU CAN SET UP YOUR PHONE ON FIC ORIENTATION DAY!

  • What do I need to bring to set up my phone?
    • A copy of your passport (ID)
    • A copy of your study permit
    • Canadian phone number
    • Proof of your Canadian Address
      • Examples: lease agreement, letter from landlord/homestay, utility bill with your name on it
    • FIC Enrolment Letter

WHY MIGHT YOU NEED A CELLPHONE PLAN?

A Canadian phone number will be important for you as a student. Canada has long-distance charges and it may be difficult for people to contact you without getting a local phone. If you want to have a phone number and have access to use text messaging, the internet, and do other things on your phone that require data, you will need to get a cellphone plan with a phone provider.

WHAT IS A CELLPHONE PLAN?

There are different phone companies that you can choose from when setting up a phone number. Most likely, you will be signing up for a plan for a specific amount of time, that includes maximums on data, texting, and calling. Plans for phone accounts often change in price and what is on offer.

A phone provider is a company that will offer you a monthly plan where you pay each month for a certain amount of minutes/messages/data. For example, you may pay $50 each month for unlimited calling, text messages, and 5GB of data. Keep in mind that there will be taxes on top of your monthly plan (approximately 12% extra) and a one time fee for your SIM card and a set up fee as well.

WHAT CELLPHONE PROVIDER SHOULD I USE?

Since FIC and SFU are located on Burnaby Mountain, cellphone signal is not very good for many cellphone providers; however, there some providers that work very well on the mountain.

FIDO/Rogers, is a phone company that receives good signal on Burnaby Mountain. To set up a phone number and receive a new SIM Card with a FIDO, visit their website for more details on prices and locations: https://www.fido.ca/plans

IMPORTANT NOTE 1: If you are able to hook up to WIFI somewhere, you will not need to use your data on your monthly plan, so you can access social media, the internet, and other apps for free. Only if you leave the WIFI area do you need to use your monthly data (ex: on the bus, skytrain or another area that does not have WIFI). Most airports, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls have free WIFI. However, places like libraries, colleges, and universities have free WIFI, but only if you have a login. You will get an SFU Computing ID to access the free WIFI at FIC/SFU.

IMPORTANT NOTE 2: If you are 18 years of age or younger, you may experience some limitations when setting up your phone (depending on what you’re trying to do – i.e. getting a new phone and signing a 2-year contract). You will need a guardian to support you with this process if so.

IMPORTANT NOTE 3: Want to bring your own phone from your country and use it in Canada? Check out the following site to make sure your phone is compatible with Canada’s frequencies, bands, and network coverage.

 

Banking in Canada

Setting Up Your Canadian Bank Account

WHICH BANK SHOULD I CHOOSE?

As a student, you can set up a Canadian Bank account with no monthly fees. Scotiabank is a Canadian bank that has a branch/location on SFU Burnaby Campus and Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) have ATMs on campus.

You can start to set up your account online, but will need to visit a branch in-person and provide additional information to receive your Canadian Debit Card. You will also have the chance to connect with banking representatives and start to set-up your account at FIC Orientation Day!

WHAT DO I NEED TO SET UP MY BANK ACCOUNT?

  • A copy of your passport (ID)
  • A copy of your study permit
  • Canadian phone number
  • Proof of your Canadian Address
    • Examples: lease agreement, letter from landlord/homestay, utility bill with your name on it
  • FIC Enrolment Letter

NOTE: You can learn how to open a bank account with a Canadian bank on Orientation Day! Just bring the documents mentioned above with you!

TIP 1: When you are opening an account at the bank, find out about the kinds of accounts available and what the fees are. Sometimes, you can be charged when you put in (deposit), move (transfer), or take out (withdraw) your money. Some accounts pay interest on the money in your accounts. Ask questions about banking fees and interest rates.

TIP 2: Cash is not commonly used anymore, so it’s important to have a debit card and credit card (many people are even using “Apple Pay” as a way to pay with their credit card through their phone). However, it’s good to keep a small amount of cash and coins with you just in case it is needed.

TIP 3: In Canada, it is common to do banking-related tasks online from your computer or smartphone. You can check your account balance, send or receive money, transfer money between accounts, and pay your bills. Some banks may have services in different languages. You can also do your banking by telephone. For this, you have to call the bank and answer security questions.

(Source: WelcomeBC – https://www.welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/Daily-Life)

 

Groceries, Meals and Shopping!

Finding the best places to shop may take you some time as you explore the Vancouver area, but we’d like to give you a head start with that by offering some recommendations! There are always options for shopping in-person and online (delivery) so depending on your lifestyle, there will be something that works well for you. When you go grocery shopping in person, don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bags because it’s better for the environment and many grocery stores no longer offer plastic bags; however, you can purchase reusable shopping bags at the checkout if you didn’t bring one with you.

GROCERIES / MEALS

  • IN-PERSON GROCERY SHOPPING (AT THE STORE)
  • GROCERY DELIVERY (TO YOUR HOME)
    • Instacart (app available / can deliver groceries from many different stores / delivery fees will apply)
    • Walmart (app available / minimum order and delivery fee may apply)
    • Save-on-Foods (app available / minimum order and delivery fee may apply)
    • Kiki’s (connected to a local supermarket called Persia Foods / minimum order and delivery fee may apply)
    • T&T Supermarket (app available / delivery fees will apply)
  • MEAL KIT DELIVERY (TO YOUR HOME)
    • Meal kits are a great way to still cook for yourself but have only the exact ingredients delivered to you so there’s no waste! You can choose from many different recipes so there’s lots of variety:
  • TAKEOUT FOOD (READY TO EAT FOOD DELIVERY APPS)
    • Uber Eats (food that you can order from any restaurant or cafe in the Vancouver area and get it delivered right to your home)
    • Skip the Dishes (same idea as Uber Eats)
    • Door Dash (same idea as Uber Eats)
    • FanTuan (known for its variety of East-Asian restaurants)
  • AHMED’S PANTRY
    • FIC has a community pantry that is stocked with non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, as well as essential toiletries and supplies, such as toothpaste and soap. Students can take supplies that they require and also donate supplies for others. Students who may be facing financial difficulties can connect with advising@learning.fraseric.ca to discuss arranging contactless pick up or delivery of items from Ahmed’s Pantry.
  • TIPS
    • When buying food, consider how long the food will last and if you will be able to consume it before it expires.
    • Perishable foods, like fresh fruit/vegetables/meat/seafood will not last a long time and most require refrigeration.
    • Non-perishable foods, like canned goods/pasta/rice/dried fruits/beans often last a long time and do not require refrigeration.
    • If you plan out your meals for the week and only buy what you need, you will avoid wasting food and the planet will be happier for it (a sustainable lifestyle choice indeed!).
    • When you go grocery shopping in person, don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bags!

SHOPPING

  • IN-PERSON SHOPPING
    • Metrotown (large shopping mall in Burnaby)
    • Robson Street (busy shopping street in Downtown Vancouver)
    • Guildford Town Centre (large shopping mall in Surrey)
    • Coquitlam Centre (shopping mall in Coquitlam)
    • Value Village (thrift store / second hand clothing store / there are many other thrift stores in the Vancouver area where you can save some money on clothing while living a more sustainable lifestyle!)
  • ONLINE SHOPPING (DELIVERY)
    • Amazon
    • Most physical stores have delivery options on their websites

 

Get your BC identification

Medical Insurance in BC – Apply for MSP ASAP!

  • Every resident in Canada (including international students), must apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP). There is also a monthly fee you will need to pay. This will be your primary/basic health insurance that covers doctor and hospital visits. You must apply for it as soon as you arrive to Canada because the process takes a few months to be completed.
  • Check out our page on Medical Insurance to get more information on how to apply!

Get a SIN if you are looking to get a job

 

Get To Know Your Campus Community

There’s lots to get involved with in the large SFU campus, from student clubs to volunteering, to participating in campus events, you can find lots of new activities to try and opportunities to meet new people who share similar interests with you!

SFSS Clubs

With over 100 different clubs, there’s bound to be something of interest for you! Check the club list to see what you’d like to learn more about. Most clubs have contact info or a social account and remember, at the beginning of each semester the SFSS hosts Clubs Days where clubs will run a table and you can connect with current members and learn more!

SFU Student Groups at the SUB

Alongside clubs, there are also 8 SFU student groups that have spaces on the first floor of the Student Union Building (SUB) to provide resources and support community such as Embark Sustainability, Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry (SOCA) and CJSF Radio. So make sure to explore the SUB and check out these student groups as well as the gamers lounge, nap room and community kitchen!

SFU Recreation

SFU Rec has a bit for everyone whether you want to commit to joining an intramural team for the semester (non-competitive semester-long team) or just pop by for drop-in sports. There are also many different classes to choose from like Yoga or Dance taught by experienced instructors. Make sure to check out Trial Week at the beginning of each semester (usually Week 2) where you can join a class for free!

SFU Athletics

Rep the Leaf! You can also get into the SFU spirit by attending a sports game! SFU is the only Canadian member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)  which is the largest collegiate sports organization in the world. Cheer on the Red Leafs at a basketball, soccer or volleyball game!

Know Before You Go!

With many resources located on the Burnaby Mountain Campus, make sure that you are checking any weather advisories and campus closure status’ – you’ll need to dress for the weather and consider it when planning your travel to class!

It is very important to keep in mind that FIC and SFU Burnaby campuses are situated on a mountain – Burnaby Mountain. Mountain weather in Canada can change quickly, so dressing in layers is a good idea!

  • summer: short sleeves, but bring a jacket just in case! (mornings and evenings can get a little cool)
  • fall/spring: long sleeves and always have a jacket with you
  • winter: warm layers like gloves, toque (winter hat), scarf, and a warm coat
  • rainy weather is also common, so make sure you get some waterproof footwear and and a rain jacket!
  • SFU/FIC campus is very large! This means lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes every day!

If you’re coming to Canada during the cold winter months (ex: Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb), then packing warm clothes you can layer like sweaters, long sleeved-shirts, coat, and boots will be helpful if you have the space in your luggage. BUT if you don’t have enough space, then just buy them when you get to Canada. Wearing layers on campus is so important because the temperature changes so often (it’s important to control your body temperature so you’re not too hot or too cold). You can buy a base layer (thin underlayer) for shirts and pants/leggings to keep you warm/cool. There is a brand at UNIQLO called “HEAT TECH” or “COOL TECH” that provides this type of clothing. Or you can buy similar clothing at most other clothing stores.

Make sure you’re prepared when coming to campus for your in-person classes at FIC. This means, planning your transit route and giving yourself extra travel time if necessary in case of heavy rain or snow. Also, make sure to dress for the weather! Rain jacket, umbrella and water-proof shoes will all be essentials when coming to campus.

In case of stormy weather, always check the homepage of the FIC Student Portal, FIC’s social media – Instagram (@myfic), and Facebook (@fraseric) and your FIC email for notice of any campus closures.

Also stay updated on road conditions and public transit advisories!

 

 

Wider Community Support

There are lots of ways to learn more about your new community, meet new people, and understand support services available near you.

Public Libraries and Community Centres/Recreation Facilities (often located together) are great places to meet new people, try new activities and learn new skills.

Here are a few nearby FIC:

There are also local support services available for newcomers to communities that offer many services and host events to connect with other members of your new community, such as neighbourhood houses.

Check out some of these links for more information and services:

ISS of BC – Welcoming Newcomers: https://issbc.org/

MOSAIC BC – Settlement and Employment Services for Newcomers: https://mosaicbc.org/

SUCCESS BC- Social Service for Newcomers: https://successbc.ca/learn-about-us/

DIVERSEcity- Community Resources Society: https://www.dcrs.ca/

PICS Society- Progressive Intercultural Community Services: https://pics.bc.ca/

Association of Neighbourhood Houses: https://anhbc.org/

NewToBC- Settlement Information: https://newtobc.ca/settlement-information-for-newcomers/settling-in-bc-questions-and-answers/

 

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