COMMUTER LIFE
Home Away from Home
Every year about half of our students commute to campus — some from just next door and some from North Van or Chilliwack. What we hear over and over from our commuter students is that Columbia can be a home away from home, especially when you take the time to hang out on campus before, between, and after classes.
Commuter Perks
FREE FOOD
Commuter Lunches and Snacks happen twice a month — a delicious spread prepared just for you and your fellow commuters. Bonus: Faculty like to hang out at these lunches, so you’ll have a chance to get to know them better. These lunches are so great we sometimes catch residents trying to sneak in!
THE BEST LOUNGE
Commuters have access to a big, bright lounge on the second floor of the Student Centre. There’s a full kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, dining space, a comfy lounge to relax in, snacks for purchase, free coffee & tea, and study space. You’ll also get your own locker to store your stuff (just bring your own lock). It is the perfect place to make friends, build relationships and become a part of the Columbia community. [Open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM]
COMMUTER HOSTS
Our team of Commuter Hosts will be looking out for you. There’s always a Commuter Host on duty in the Lounge, and their role is to keep everything comfy and inviting for commuters. They also plan commuter events throughout the semester (think potlucks, coffee house with live music, and fun contests).
Welcome to Community
Chrissy Funk loves to mentor students. It’s her role to oversee Columbia’s commuter community and lead the commuter hosts. Get in touch with her by email.
Helpful Links
Looking for Off-Campus Housing?
Columbia has a Classifieds page where local landlords post rental listings. Another great option is local church classified listings (like this one: Northview Community Church Classifieds). Other options to try include Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji.
You or someone you know and trust should always view the unit in person (or at the very least via video call) before signing an agreement or paying any money.
CBC assumes no responsibility for agreements about off-campus housing made between students and landlords. We do not screen, inspect, warrant, or approve any landlord, student, or accommodation provided through the rental listing services listed on this page.
Know your renter rights
The Government of B.C. has information for anyone renting an apartment, suite, or room at its Residential tenancies web page.
Preventing fraud
Unfortunately, rental scams do exist. You can learn how to identify potential rental scams:
• Rental scams (RCMP)
Free Legal Advice for Renters
Below are two organizations that provide free legal assistance for renters covered under the Residential Tenancy Act, include dispute settlements between tenants and landlords.
Residential Tenancy Program
TRAC Legal Representation
Student Experiences
“Being a part of the Columbia community has been a HUGE blessing! When you’re a commuter, it can be tempting to head off-campus after class without really engaging, so from two commuters — here are some tips and stories about getting involved!”
—KIRSTYN & BRITTANY
“Being a commuter has been a great opportunity to participate in the CBC community while also maintaining a home and family life away from the school. I have the freedom to be on campus for events or go home for a bit of peace and quiet to myself. If managed well, commuter life is the best of both worlds!”
—BRAYDEN
“Commuter life is great at CBC; not only do you get to come to school to learn and meet great people, you also gain another home away from home. Plus the commuter lounge is a great place to relax and connect with other students who may be on a similar path as you.”