School-Sponsored Housing Frequently Asked Questions

Is student housing located on campus?
The school-sponsored housing complex is NOT on campus. It is located at 3433 Crowley Avenue in Vancouver. It is a convenient 20-minute SkyTrain ride from housing (Joyce SkyTrain station) to the Renfrew and Culinary campuses. It is recommended that students use an online mapping Web site to determine the distance of student housing from the two campuses.

Do only Ai Vancouver students live in the complex?
The complex in which student housing is located is a publicly rented facility and is not strictly student housing. The units that The Art Institute of Vancouver contracts for student housing are interspersed with the general population of the complex.

How long will it take me to get to and from school from student housing?
Renfrew and Culinary students can take the SkyTrain from housing to campus. Travel time is approximately 20 to 25 minutes to the two campuses.

How do I find out about public transportation if I don't drive?
Information on Vancouver's public transportation system, including pass information and pricing, can be found at: http://www.translink.ca/Transportation_Services/default.asp

Who will my roommates be?
As often as possible, roommate assignments are based on the common interests and habits listed on the housing application. Please note that the Residential Life and Housing Department makes all reasonable efforts to place students with suitable roommates but makes no guarantee to do so.

How many students live in a unit?
Four students live in a 2-bedroom, 1 or 1.5-bathroom apartment (approximately 850 square feet). Each unit is single sex while the complex is co-ed.

What furnishings are provided?
Each unit is fully furnished with a couch, coffee table, dining table and chairs, desks and chairs, twin beds, dressers, nightstands, and lamps. Kitchens come with refrigerators, stove/oven, and dishwashers. Students are responsible for bringing their own belongings and kitchenware.

What about utilities?
The cost of electricity, water, heat, garbage/recycling, and internet are included in the over all costs of housing. Please note that telephone and cable television services are NOT included and are the responsibility of the student(s) to connect and maintain if they so desire. It is recommended that students bring their own personal cell phone.

Are there laundry facilities?
Yes, the complex has a communal laundry room in each building that is open for resident use. There is a modern common laundry facility equipped with Maytag washers and dryers and current SmartCard technology, making laundry time easy and convenient. The "Smartcard" can be obtained from a Resident Assistant (RA) for a deposit fee of $10. The deposit is returned once the Smartcard has been returned at the end of the student's stay in housing. Increments of funds can be conveniently loaded onto the Smartcard with the student's debit or credit card through the machine located in the laundry room.

Is parking available?
Yes, there is limited parking available for The Art Institute of Vancouver students. Parking will be issued on a first come, first served basis. If there are more cars than spaces, the remaining cars will need to be parked in one of the public spaces by the leasing office or on the street next to the complex. Any car that is parked in a space not issued to that student will be towed at the owner's expense. There is a $65.00 deposit charge for the underground parking transmitters and a $45.00 charge per month per parking spot.

Is there security in housing?
Access to the building is computer controlled and, for added security, the lobby entrance enterphone is video monitored and can be viewed through your television. Security cameras are located in all common areas (hallways, underground parking, entry, exercise rooms, laundry, etc.). In addition, Resident Assistants (RAs) live among students in housing and are available to assist 24 hours a day. The building also provides evening security personnel from 10 pm to 6 am daily. 

Can I bring my own computer?
Most students bring their own computers for their own personal use. Internet is included with the housing costs. You will need to bring a network (ethernet) cable to connect directly to the router.

Are guests allowed in the units?
Guests are welcome during daily visiting hours as long as they do not disturb other students in the apartment or other residents in the complex. No overnight guests are permitted.

Where can I get my mail delivered?
Mailboxes are located in the lobbies of the apartment buildings. One key is provided per suite and students will be responsible for their own mail.

What should I bring with me?
For a list of items not included in the units, please refer to the What To Bring sheet. We recommend that you contact your roommates prior to moving in to avoid duplicating large items.

What does it cost to live in school-sponsored housing?
As of Fall 2010, the cost per quarter is $2,344. Housing rates are subject to change without notice. Housing contracts start at a minimum of two consecutive quarters.

Can housing fees be included in my Financial Aid package?
In most cases, housing costs can be included in your financial aid package. Please contact your Financial Planner for more information.

How do I apply for School-Sponsored Housing?
In order to be accepted into school-sponsored housing, students must do ALL of the following:

• Be accepted to The Art Institute of Vancouver.
• Complete and return the school-sponsored housing application.
• Submit a $380 housing security deposit (cheque, credit card, Canadian funds money order accepted).
• Read and submit a signed Housing License Agreement.
• Complete a Student Financial Plan to include housing costs.

 More questions?

Please contact the Residential Life and Housing Department at

778.373.8956 or sdejesus@aii.edu