Student Resources

Starting something new comes with a lot of moving parts. This page is designed to make the practical side of student life easier—so you can focus on learning, settling in, and making the most of your time here.

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About Vancouver

Vancouver is a creative, diverse, and highly walkable city with strong beauty, fashion, wellness, and cultural communities. It’s also a place where nature is never far away.

As a student, we encourage you to make the most of both sides of the city: the creative energy of downtown and the grounding effect of being near the water, mountains, and parks.

Good to know

  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located in Richmond, about 30 minutes from downtown

  • Summers are one of the best times to explore the city

  • Rain is part of life here, so good outerwear matters

  • Community centres are a great place to connect locally and take affordable classes

Campus Information

Monday to Friday
8:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Saturday to Sunday
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Location

JCI Institute
Suite 200 – 1155 Robson Street
Vancouver, British Columbia

Hours

Paid parking is available nearby, along with metered street parking and downtown parkades. Availability and rates vary by time and location.

Getting Here

Our campus is accessible by SkyTrain, bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express connections into downtown Vancouver.

Parking

Student Support

From housing to financial aid, wellness support, and career services, you’ll find the essentials collected in one place. If you need help with something not listed here, reach out to your Enrolment Experience & Student Success Director.

    • All students will receive a program-specific handbook that outlines course information, kits, textbooks, additional supplies, dress code, institute information, policies, and procedures. A student orientation will take place during the first day of class to cover the student handbook information and answer questions. 

    • Costs and information regarding program-specific materials can be found under "Tuition and Fees" for each program.

    • International students receive handbooks with specific information relevant to adjusting to life in Canada and available support services.

  • If you have questions about financial aid, you can email our Financial Aid Officer at grace@jcivan.com or call 604-688-0328 and ask to speak with Grace.

    Here are other relevant resources:

  • Like any city, finding housing in Vancouver is a process. We encourage patience and, as always, we’re here to help.

    You can find everything you need to know about Vancouver neighbourhoods, average rental costs, trustworthy rental platforms, rental applications, understanding your rights as a tenant, and how to avoid rental scams here.

    Housing in Vancouver can be expensive, so don’t hesitate to explore other areas in the Lower Mainland. JCI is easily accessible by transit.

    Know your rights as a tenant in British Columbia

  • Students looking for co-op work experience, practicum placements, or post-graduate work support can connect with their program’s industry liaison.

    Program Industry Liaisons

    • Fashion: joan@jcifad.com

    • Design: jason@jcifad.com

    • Makeup: tray@jcimua.com

    • Esthetics: debra@jcispa.com

    • Hair: nicole@jcihair.com

  • Support is part of the student experience. If you need help with mental health, crisis response, youth support, or community care, there are resources available.

    • Here2Talk
      Here2Talk is a Government of B.C. initiative that connects post-secondary students in B.C. with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students registered with a B.C. post-secondary institution will have access to free confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web. http://www.here2talk.ca/

      Toll-Free Phone: 1-877-857-3397
      App: Here2Talk

      Bounce Back Online
      Bounce Back Online is a self-help program for those who want help with everyday problems, such as feeling depressed, stressed or anxious. The program is comprised of modules for you to work through at your own pace. You can choose which modules are appropriate for you.

      https://www.bouncebackbc.ca/
      Urgent Phone: 604-874-7881 ext. 2
      Phone: 1-866-639-0522

      Foundry
      Young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers can utilize the Foundry to access mental health and substance use support, social services, and be able to drop-in or schedule virtual counselling appointments, find peer support, join a group or browse their library of tools and resources. There are multiple locations throughout the lower mainland.
      https://foundrybc.ca/

      Look online for the nearest convenient location for more info.

      Kids Help Phone
      Kids Help Phone provides 24/7 anonymous and confidential phone calling, text messaging or online counselling. Kids Help Phone also offers youth programs and resources.

      https://kidshelpphone.ca/
      Phone: 1-800-668-6868
      Text: 68-68-68

      Covenant House
      Covenant House provides shelter, food, immediate crisis care and a variety of services to homeless youth.

      http://www.covenanthousebc.org/Phone: 604-685-7474

      VGH Access and Assessment Centre (AAC)
      Provides a range of mental health and substance-use services for Vancouver adults (ages 17 up), residents for non-urgent, urgent, and non-emergent intervention.

      http://www.vch.ca/locations-services/result?res_id=1186
      Phone: 604-675-3700

      Support Groups in Vancouver

      http://vancouver.angloinfo.com/information/healthcare/support-groups

      Alcoholics Anonymous

      http://www.vancouveraa.ca/
      Phone: 604-434-3933

      Narcotics Anonymous
      Phone: 604-873-1018

      Cancer Support
      Phone: 604-877-6000

      Mental Health Issues
      Phone: 604-872-4902

      Mental Health Support Line
      Phone: 604-310-6789

      Suicide Crisis Centre
      Phone: 1-800-784-2433

      Crisis Center BC
      https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/

      Online Chat Service for Adults
      http://crisiscentrechat.ca/
      Noon to 1 AM, BC residents

      Health Link BC Resources
      http://find.healthlinkbc.ca/

      Online Chat Service for Youth
      http://youthinbc.com/
      Noon to 1 AM, BC residents

  • Indigenous groups

    MVAEC (Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council)
    Metro Vancouver Indigenous Services Society

    LGBTQ2S+ Community & Resources 

    QMunity

    Youthco

    Vancouver Pride Society

    HiM

    Prism Services

    THiP

    Big Bros Barber Shop

    Prideline - 1-800-566-1170

  • JCI Institute is committed to supporting Indigenous students with their studies and beyond

    Jennine is an Indigenous professional, entrepreneur, and proud JCI alumna who brings both lived experience and over two decades of hands-on business expertise to her role as Indigenous Resources & Support Advisor with JCI.

    Jennine holds an MBA in Indigenous Business Leadership, and has built a strong foundation in creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Through her industry experience, she understands what it takes to build opportunities from the ground up and turn ideas into reality.

    In her role, Jennine supports Indigenous students and alumni by connecting them to meaningful career paths, entrepreneurial resources, opportunities for growth, and Indigenous supports that strengthen both personal and professional journeys helping them turn their talents, creativity, and dreams into prosperous futures.

    Contact:

    Jennine Cook                                               
    jennine@JCI-Indigenoussupport.com

Our Policies

International Student Resources

Moving to a new country to pursue your education is a big step—and we’re here to make sure you feel confident, prepared, and supported every step of the way.

  • All international students must have an approved study permit to attend JCI. For the most up-to-date study permit application process, please visit this website.

    All international students are required to have medical coverage or health insurance.

    The BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the standard medical insurance in British Columbia. It covers hospitalization, most physician services, and referrals—but it does not include prescription medications, eyeglasses, or dental care. If you are new to British Columbia, it is strongly encouraged that you apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in Vancouver. Without coverage, you will be responsible for paying for any medical services you receive.

    How to Apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP)

    You can learn how to apply online or download the application form from the BC Government website here.

  • The BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the standard public medical insurance in British Columbia. Students should apply as soon as they arrive in Vancouver and review the BC government’s current application process and eligibility requirements.

  • Orientation will walk you through everything and introduce you to the JCI community. You’ll also receive your program-specific student hand book, which outlines course information, kits, textbooks, additional supplies, dress code, institute information, policies, procedures, adjusting to life in Canada and available support services.

  • Finding the right place to live is a big part of feeling at home in a new city. Vancouver offers a range of housing options—from furnished student residences to shared apartments, homestays, and private rentals. We recommend starting your search early and using trusted platforms like Craigslist, PadMapper, or Facebook Marketplace.

    Tips for international students:

    • Look for housing close to transit for easy access to our Robson campus

    • Consider homestay programs for a more supported living experience

    • Be cautious of rental scams—never send money before verifying the space

    • Know your rights as a tenant in British Columbia

    • Read this resource before starting your housing journey

    About Vancouver, Neighbourhoods, Average Rental Costs, and Tips

    ​Rental Costs in Vancouver

    Housing prices vary by location and condition. Use these general guidelines to plan your budget:

    • Shared Housing (room in a house or with roommates): $1000+

    • Studio/Bachelor: $1,500+

    • One Bedroom: $2,000+

    • Two Bedroom: $2,800+

    • Three Bedroom: $3,500+

    Additional Expenses to Consider:

    • Utilities: Heat, water, electricity, internet, cable

    • Deposits: Security deposit, pet deposit (if applicable)

    • Furnishings: Furniture and décor for your space

    • Living Costs: Food, laundry, entertainment

    • Insurance: Tenant’s insurance for your belongings

    • Transportation: Transit pass, bike, or vehicle costs (parking, insurance, gas)

    Housing in Vancouver can be expensive, so don’t hesitate to explore other areas in the Lower Mainland.

    Tenancy Rights in BC

    Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre

Key Contacts

  • Main Phone: 604-688-0328

  • General Inquiries: frontdesk@jcivan.com or info@jcinstitute.com

  • Admissions: hello@jcivan.com

  • Financial Aid: grace@jcivan.com

  • International Student Contact: savannah@jcivan.com

  • Learning Support Contact: marie@jcivan.com

  • Instagram: @jcinstitute