STUDENT RESOURCES

STAY EQUIPPED

WELCOME TO JCI

Whether you’re new to the institute, the city, or both—it’s important to us that you feel resourced and ready to take charge of your future.

Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to studying and living in Vancouver. Curated by our team, it’s designed to help you navigate this exciting new chapter.

If you need support with anything that isn’t listed, please reach out to your Enrolment Experience & Student Success Director directly. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about how to make the most of your student experience.

POLICIES

View our institution policies below.

STUDENT RESOURCES

Dig deeper with our resource guide: a curated list of need-to-know information for navigating your student journey at JCI.

  • Vancouver is a diverse playground for creative and entrepreneurial minds alike. Known for its natural beauty, it provides endless inspiration for those of us who are lucky enough to live here year-round. Vancouver is a safe city that’s relatively easy to navigate.

    As a student, we encourage you to make the most of what Vancouver has to offer—by immersing yourself in the creative, cultural scene, as well as grounding into nature.

    Here’s what every Vancouver-transplant needs to know:

    • The Vancouver Airport (YVR) is located in Richmond—just 30 minutes from the downtown core

    • Vancouver summers are legendary (July, August are great times to explore local islands and be near the water)

    • It rains most of the year here—part of living in Vancouver is braving the rain with proper gear and umbrellas

    • To stay up to date on all things Vancouver, check out these resource:
      Scout Magazine
      The Georgia Straight
      Step Your World App
      NYT 36 Hours in Vancouver

    • Connect with your neighbours and take classes at local community centres

  • 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 just minutes from Waterfront Station, so commuting to campus is totally doable.

  • JCI Institute was established in Vancouver in 1978 and is designated by PTIRU (Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit) of BC, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, EQA (Education Quality Assurance) and Student Aid BC.

    Key Contacts 

    Institute Hours and Location:

    220 Cambie Street, Vancouver
    BC, V6B 2M9, Canada

    Monday - Friday
    8:30am - 9:30pm

    Saturday - Sunday
    8:30am - 5:30pm

  • JCI’s campus is conveniently located in the heart of Gastown. Waterfront station is a 5-minute walk from us and is the central hub for Canada Line, Expo Line, Seabus and Westcoast Express. 

    Getting to JCI

    • Transit Access: Located in the downtown core, our campus is accessible via multiple bus lines, as well as the Canada Line, Expo Line on the SkyTrain, Seabus, and Westcoast Express.

    • Westcoast Express runs Monday - Friday and services Port Moody, Coquitlam, Poco, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and Mission. The latest train arrives at waterfront station at 8:45am and the last train leaves waterfront at 6:20pm.

    • Parking: Find paid parking next to JCI on Water St. at the Easy Park Lot. They offer daily and hourly rates, or at nearby lots and meters in front of JCI and the surrounding area.

    • 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:

  • 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.

  • For co-op work experience, practicum placements or post-graduate work assistance contact: 

    Program Industry Liaisons 

    Fashion: joan@jcifad.com

    Design: jason@jcifad.com

    Makeup: jennine@jcimua.com

    Esthetics: Debra@jcispa.com

    Hair: nicole@jcihair.com

  • 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 and Resources 

    QMunity

    Youthco

    Vancouver Pride Society

    HiM

    Prism Services

    THiP

    Big Bros Barber Shop

    Prideline: 1-800-566-1170