Our students enjoy the benefits of living and working in Vancouver, a dynamic city and international digital media hub. Situated between Canada's Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is the most populous and diverse city in Western Canada—while offering some of the best opportunities for skiing, surfing, hiking and kayaking in the world.
This dynamic, safe and multicultural city is consistently ranked as one of the most livable on the planet.
Digital Media In Vancouver
Vancouver has one of the top video game clusters in the world and has the world's largest VFX and animation hub. British Columbia has over 8,000 Digital Entertainment and Technology companies that employ over 140,000 people.
Vancouver is recognized for its wide talent pool, proximity to other global creative hubs, solid industry infrastructure, competitive tax credits, and ability to attract and cultivate top tier talent. Companies such as EA, Microsoft, Sony Pictures Imageworks and Industrial Light and Magic all have studios in Vancouver.
Additionally, digital media companies like Samsung R&D Institute Canada, Cinesite, Finning, Axiom Zen, Truly Social Games, Blackbird Interactive and Ayogo have studios at the Centre for Digital Media.
Read more about Vancouver's Digital Entertainment and Technology sectors.
Costs in Vancouver: Estimated Living Expenses
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
|
Housing ($995 per month at CDM apartments) |
$15,920 |
|
|
Food (approx. $400/month for 1 person) |
$6,400 |
|
|
Basic Health Insurance For International Students ($37.50/month) |
$600 |
|
|
Personal Expenses (approx. $700/month for clothing, entertainment & misc. expenses) |
$11,200 |
|
|
Total For Length of MDM Program (16 Months) |
$34,120 |
|
You can also use the British Columbia Cost of Living Calculator to budget out your costs.
Weather
Vancouver boasts mild temperatures year round. Summer days, averaging 22°C (72°), are long, warm and sunny. The winter checks in at 6°C (43°F) and rarely sees the temperature drop below freezing. Snowfall is usually confined to the local mountains where you can enjoy a number of winter sports.
Average Daily High Temperatures (source: Tourism Vancouver)
- Spring 14°C / 57°F
- Summer 22°C / 72°F
- Fall 14°C / 57°F
- Winter 6°C / 43°F
Vancouver is a casual town, and with mild weather year-round, people dress in layers and smart casual clothes are suitable in most situations.
Transportation
Greater Vancouver has an extensive public transportation system that is convenient and easy to use. For details on routes and schedules, see the TransLink website. MDM student fees include an unlimited local transit pass.
Vancouver is also very walkable and bike-friendly, with kilometers of bikeways & greenways that criss-cross the city. For more information, see the City of Vancouver's 'Cycling in Vancouver' page. Centre for Digital Media has secure bike storage lockers so that you can keep your bike safe while you're on campus.
Things To Do In Vancouver
Vancouver is known for its world-class outdoor activities, international neighbourhoods and laid-back West Coast lifestyle. So what can you do on a weekend in Vancouver?
- Go skiiing or snowboarding at any of the local mountians or head up to Whistler Blackcomb.
- If it's summer, you can hike any of the mountain trails or tackle the Grouse Grind.
- Relax at one of Vancouver's beaches, have a picnic or take part in a game of beach volleyball.
- Go to Granville Island and visit the public market.
- Bike along the Stanley Park seawall.
- Grab a coffee and go boutique shopping in the funky Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.
- Visit Chinatown for world-class international food and the summer night market.
- See an exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery and then go shopping along Robson Street.
- Visit one of the pubs or breweries close to campus—Red Truck Brewery, Tap & Barrel or The Whip Restaurant & Gallery, to name a few.
- Watch a NHL Canucks game.
- Go for dinner and drinks at any of the hipster hangouts in historic Gastown.
_____________________
For more information about living in Vancouver, check out British Columbia's Newcomers' Guide.