International Student Handbook: Life in Vancouver

Standard retail hours are Monday to Saturday between 10am and 6pm and Sunday between 12pm and 5pm. Larger stores and grocery stores are generally open seven days a week until 9pm or later. Most BC Liquor stores are closed on Sundays with the exception of a few locations. Most offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from  9am to 4pm; some bank branches will be open on Saturdays but closed on Mondays.

Many businesses, most government offices, and educational institutions (including SFU) are closed on statutory holidays.

Vancouver is located in the Pacific Time Zone and observes Daylight Saving Time. On the second Sunday in March at 2am, turn your clocks ahead one hour. Turn them back one hour on the first Sunday in November. Mark your calendar; it’s easy to forget!

Canada Post operates the Canadian mail service. On the Burnaby campus,there is a Canada Post Outlet in Nesters Market, located in the Cornerstone Building across from the bus loop on the east side of campus. You will often find small postal outlets in stores like Shoppers Drug Mart and 7-11, where you can purchase Canadian, US and International stamps and other related items. For more information, visit the Canada Post website.

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

Tipping
Tipping your server at a restaurant, nightclub and bar or pub is standard custom. In general a tip of 15% to 20% of the total amount before taxes is suggested.

In order to purchase alcohol or attend events where alcohol will be served, you may need to prove that you are 19 years or older. You will need one piece of official ID with your name, photo and date of birth on it (passport, driver’s license or BCID) and a second piece of ID (BC CareCard or Social Insurance Number (SIN) card). If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can obtain an official BC identification called a BCID card. You can get a BCID card at any driver licensing office.

   1. Bring one piece of primary and one piece of secondary identification to any driver licensing office.

   2. Pay the BCID card fee and have your photo taken.

Your new ID card will be mailed to you within four to six weeks.

Newspapers

Local: Vancouver Sun and The Province

National: The National Post and The Globe and Mail

Free community newspapers

    *       Georgia Straight
    *       Terminal City
    *       Vancouver Courier
    *       Xtra West (Gay and Lesbian)

Multicultural weeklies

    *       The Indo-Canadian Link
    *       I’Eco d’Italia
    *       Charhdi Kala Punjabi Weekly
    *       Windmill Herald
    *       Jewish Western Bulletin

Chinese language

    *       Sing Tao Daily
    *       World Journal
    *       Ming Pao Daily News

Magazine: Vancouver Magazine

SFU student newspaper: The Peak (weekly)

Official SFU newspaper: Simon Fraser University News (bi-weekly)

Television

    *       CityTV (local)
    *       BCTV/Global (local)
    *       Shaw (local)
    *       CTV (national)
    *       Channel M (local multicultural)
    *       CBC and CBC Newsworld (both national).

Burnaby Campus
You’ll find many shops, restaurants and services—including a Canada Post Outlet, a hair salon, grocery store, cafés and more—in the Cornerstone Building across from the bus loop on the east side of the Burnaby campus.

Popular Shopping Districts
Fashion shopping in Vancouver includes: Robson Street, Pacific Centre shopping mall, 4th Avenue (in Kitsilano or “Kits”) and Yaletown. More general shopping areas include Granville Street downtown, South Granville, Granville Island, Commercial Drive, Gastown and Chinatown. You’ll also find a number of major shopping malls. These include three large malls in Burnaby: Metrotown, Brentwood and Lougheed.

Sales usually occur at the end of each season. The biggest sales happen on Boxing Day (December 26) and the following week.

Note: As many of the stores listed above have numerous locations, check the business section of the White Pages telephone book for specific names or the Yellow Pages telephone book under the subject to find the location nearest you. You can also search online via myTelus.

Used Goods
Vancouver has a number of great second hand stores. These include Value Village, Salvation Army Thrift Stores and fashion retro stores like True Value Vintage on Robson Street or Deluxe Junk Co. in Gastown on Cordova Street.  Good bargains for household items and furniture can be found in classified sections of newspapers, on community bulletin boards on campus and around town, or at a garage sale.

See the Housing section of this handbook for more suggestions.

Supermarket stores have large selections of both food and general household supplies. Check for what is on “sale”, on “special” and for “discount coupons” for reduced prices. Larger supermarket chains include Safeway, IGA, Save-On-Foods, Superstore and T&T Supermarket (Asian food). Many have free “memberships” which help you save on certain purchases. Smaller grocery stores often offer the best prices on fruits and vegetables. Larger grocery stores and specialty stores are most likely to carry products that meet vegetarian, halal and kosher needs and other special dietary requirements. Check the Yellow Pages for listings or ask around.

Beer, wine and spirits are sold in government-regulated BC Liquor Stores. These items may also be purchased licensed private liquor stores, cold beer & wine stores, and Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) stores, but prices may be higher. In BC, you must be 19 years of age or older to purchase alcohol. You should be prepared to show two pieces of official ID.

“Dollar Stores” are discount stores that you can find in most areas. They are excellent places to buy inexpensive household and personal goods. Generally, most items cost $1 or $2; however, the quality may vary.

Tip: While dining out in Vancouver is usually moderately priced, you will find that cooking for yourself is cheaper and often more fun. To save money, consider taking a bag lunch to school if you are not on a residence meal plan. Hold “potluck” parties with friends where everyone brings a dish to share!

London Drugs, Pharmasave, Shoppers Drug Mart and Safeway’s pharmacy are all large pharmacy chains which carry medicines and personal supplies. While some medicine can be bought over the counter, others require a prescription from a doctor. When ordering prescription medicine, you may be asked to show your BC CareCard or extended health insurance card if you have one. Throughout the city, you'll also find smaller independently-run pharmacies and ones that carry traditional Chinese medicines or homeopathic and herbal remedies.

Hair salons
Big chain stores such as Magicuts or Supercuts and more traditional barbershops may offer cheaper prices for students. There are also numerous upscale trendy salons where prices vary depending on the experience of the stylist.

Department Stores
The Bay and Sears are the two large national chains. Walmart and Zellers are discount options.

Bookstores
SFU has its own bookstores at its three campuses, where you can find course books as well as other subject-related books, SFU merchandise, gifts and office supplies. There are often great deals on books in the “bargain bins.”

Chapters is the largest bookstore in Vancouver with branches on Robson St., in Metrotown and in South Granville, but there are also a number of independent bookstores including MacLeod’s Books at 455 West Pender St. (antiquarian and used books), and the discount store Book Warehouse, which has many locations throughout Vancouver.

You can buy new CDs at a number of local music stores. Some of the most popular stores (those with the largest selection and multiple locations) are Future Shop and HMV.

The Tech Shop on the Burnaby campus (located inside the Burnaby bookstore) sells computers, software and other related items at very competitive “education prices” for students. SFU also carries a selection of technology products at the Surrey and Vancouver campus bookstores.

When you are away from home, one thing you might miss the most is familiar food … but never fear! Vancouver is an exciting, multicultural city with countless restaurants, cafes and shops serving local and international cuisine. It's also easy to find restaurants which cater exclusively to vegetarian, halal, kosher and other special dietary requirements. If you pick up a copy of The Georgia Straight, you can find a comprehensive guide to the Vancouver food scene; Food Vancouver is another great resource to finding a restaurant to suit your mood.

A few tips for the low-budget gourmet: Vancouver neighbourhoods like The Drive (Commercial Drive), Main St, Granville Island Market and the Broadway corridor offer a number of cheap-eat options, with both local and ethnic flavor; Burnaby Heights, Kingsway-Metrotown and Burquitlam are also good options closer to SFU.

Vancouver has coffee culture! In fact, when meeting up with friends, family or coworkers, Vancouverites often go for coffee. There are innumerable cafes and coffee shops in Metro Vancouver; in addition to serving coffee, tea and other beverages, most cafés also sell light dishes, sandwiches and baked goods. Asking around is the easiest way to find the best shot of espresso in your neighbourhood.

It is also common in Canada to order takeout, food which is delivered to you or picked up from the restaurant to be eaten at home. If you are ordering food to be delivered to your home, be aware of any delivery charges; most restaurants will waive a delivery charge if above a specified minimum charge, and if you live within a certain distance to the restaurant. Remember to clarify with the restaurant how you will be paying; while some businesses accept credit card for delivery, you may have to provide your card information ahead of time.

While in Vancouver, you may wish to try some typical Pacific Northwest cuisine. This typical cooking style emphasizes fresh, simple, local flavours, and is influenced by both First Nations and Asian cuisine.

Tipping
Tipping your server at a restaurant, nightclub and bar or pub is standard custom. In general a tip of 15% of the total amount before taxes is suggested; for truly superb service, a tip of 20% is recommended.

There is a flourishing entertainment scene in Vancouver, with lots of concerts and music festivals. You may also want to visit some of Vancouver’s stages to watch a theatrical performance or a stand-up comedy show. Check one of the community newspapers to get an overview of cultural events.

Check out the last section of this page for our suggestions on the top ten things to do on a student budget.

There are several cinemas in Burnaby and Vancouver. For schedules and reviews check Cinema Clock . To save money, see a matinee or go to a repertory (rep) theatre which usually shows two slightly older movies for one low price. Vancouver also has cinemas, like Cinematheque, that show alternative films.

In September, Vancouver is home to an International Film Festival with a wide range of acclaimed screenings. This is a must-go event for every movie lover.

You can also rent DVD and VHS videos at local movie rental stores such as Rogers or an independent store.

Both local and international musicians visit Vancouver frequently. Major venues include Rogers Centre, Pacific Coliseum, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Commodore Ballroom, Orpheum and Plaza of Nations. You will also find many concerts at cafés and nightclubs. To find out what’s on, pick up a community newspaper or visit Ticketmaster Canada for listings and tickets.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has several performances throughout the season at the Orpheum, but also throughout the community. They offer student discounts.

There is also a bustling Jazz community in Vancouver with a number of concerts each month. You will also find live jazz at several dining places. In June, Vancouver is home to an international jazz festival with a wide range of jazz.

Nightclubs and bars
You will find a wide range of nightclubs and bars throughout Vancouver. Most clubs can be found along Granville and adjacent streets as well as in Gastown. Pick the one that plays the music you like and check the “dress code” before you head to the club. You will also find a number of lounges, which are smaller, more intimate clubs and dining places with music. Visit Clubzone for listings and reviews or browse through the community newspapers.

Tip: To purchase alcohol or enter nightclubs and bars in British Columbia, you must be 19 years of age or older. If you look under 25, it is very common to be asked for ID: see BC Identification (above).

It doesn't need to be said that ice hockey is big in Canada. At the NHL level, the Vancouver Canucks have a huge following in the city, and the crowds get pretty big when they play home games at Rogers Arena. Tickets are not cheap, but may be worth the experience. The Vancouver Giants, our local team in the WHL (Western Hockey League) also have a pretty strong following. As this is a smaller league, tickets for games are a little more reasonably priced but just as high-energy.

The BC Lions, Vancouver's CFL (Canadian Football League) team, play at BC Place Stadium. If you are a soccer fan, check out a Vancouver Whitecaps game; games are played at BC Place Stadium, and feature both a men's and women's team.

The Vancouver Canadians are a minor league baseball team that plays throughout the summer season at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Many Vancouverites like to play outdoors. Popular activities include hiking, skiing, kayaking and mountain biking. There are endless ways to explore the great outdoors for every budget or fitness level. Check Tourism Vancouver for some ideas or better yet, join one of the many outdoor student clubs at SFU. Your fellow students will be your best source on the “hidden” places and the cheapest deals.

1. Check out the Vancouver Art Gallery (admission by donation) or the UBC Museum of Anthropology (discounted admission) on Tuesday evenings.
2. Enjoy beautiful Deer Lake Park in Burnaby and check out the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (which sometimes holds free concerts and exhibits).
3. Wander around the Granville Island Market and admire the work of local artisans.
4. Spend a Saturday afternoon in historic Chinatown and sample some tasty treats.
5. Grab a coffee at an Italian café on Commercial Drive and people-watch.
6. Stroll, jog, cycle or rollerblade around the seawall at Stanley Park.
7. Relax on a sunny day playing volleyball or reading a book at one of Vancouver’s many beautiful beaches like Kitsilano, English Bay or Jericho.
8. Take the bus to Lynn Canyon forest and walk over the free suspension bridge.
9. Hop on the bus to West Vancouver and check out the rock climbers on the cliffs at Lighthouse Park. Watch for seals!
10. Physically fit? Do the infamous “Grouse Grind” (a steep hike up Grouse Mountain) and take the gondola down.