Experience in Kelowna, Canada by Chloe

What is it like to live in Vancouver? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

This is a review on **Kelowna, Canada**, which is where the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia is. I wouldn't recommend living in Kelowna for the rest of your life, but going to school there is great! The pace of the city is quite slow, which is why I wouldn't recommend living there, but that's why I think it's perfect for school! Not too many distractions. The landscape is BEAUTIFUL. The culture is very recreational and active, and about 1/5 of the population is students.

What is the student lifestyle like in Vancouver?

Since there are about 20,000 students / 180,000 people in Kelowna, the student lifestyle is great. Most of the bars and restaurants in the city have student specials throughout the week which make it really affordable. And there's tons of activities to do for free or for really cheap - hiking, going to the beach or to the park.

How much does it cost to live in Vancouver?

You shouldn't pay any more than 600 Canadian dollars per month for rent in the city - and that's high. You can often find quite nice places for 450-550 Canadian dollars per month. If you are living on campus in residence, expect to pay more - around 700 Canadian dollars per month. The campus atmosphere is wonderful, though, and the Residence Advisors work very hard to create a community there; so in my opinion, it's worth spending extra to live on campus, if you are an international student. It's much easier to make friends that way too!

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Vancouver? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes, because most landlords don't like students, and the vacancy rate in Kelowna is practically one percent. I highly suggest doing research two or three days before your arrival, and setting up meetings with landlords before hand, so they are set up for when you arrive. All landlords want to meet with you first before signing a lease, so it's better to wait until you get to Kelowna to be able to see places in person.
A great local website to look on is www.castanet.net

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Really good! Kelowna has great local apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, and root vegetables in the fall. Oh and WINE! DRINK THE WINE! It's fantastic.

What places would you recommend visiting in Vancouver?

Visit the beach! Downtown Bernard Street is beautiful, as well as Knox Mountain for hiking. Hike the Kettle Valley Trail. And if you are feeling adventurous, go to Big White or Silver Star to try skiing or snowboarding!

Is it good to eat out in Vancouver? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes! Really good food in Kelowna. My favorite spots are Mad Mango for cheap and good food (Viatnemese and Canadian), Dawett or Da Tandoor for Indian, Momo Sushi, Sliderz for burgers, BNA for drinks, Rose's for pub food, and the Memphis Blues Barbeque House for meat and fries.

Is the nightlife good in Vancouver? Where is good to go?

It's a small city, so everyone will be at the same nightclubs. If you like clubs, go to Saphire on Saturdays (before 11pm is free), Flashbacks or Level on Thursdays (free pizza/hot dogs, and cheap drinks), and Rose's for a pub/club feel any night of the week.

What advice would you give future students heading to Vancouver?

The winter is very grey, and can be quite depressing. It's not cold, but it's grey. So pump yourself with Vitamin D pills, stay active, or do things that you know will keep you happy. It's really easy to make friends at the school though, and Kelowna is a great place to study!