New KPU partnership to expand off-campus student housing options
The residences will be located near the university’s Richmond and Surrey campuses, with additional housing planned near KPU Civic Plaza
Student housing offered through the partnership will be accessible to KPU Richmond, in addition to the Surrey campus. (File photo)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has partnered with Global Education City (GEC) Living, a Metro Vancouver off-campus student housing provider, to secure 30 beds and offer students one month of free rent with a 12-month lease.
KPU Vice-President Students Zena Mitchell says rent for GEC suites for KPU students start at $1,200 per month for dorm-style shared rooms, with private options beginning around $1,800 per month.
The residences include dorms, one-to-three-bedroom units, and townhouse-style suites. After the first year, if the 30 reserved beds are filled, GEC will make an additional 40 beds available for KPU students.
All GEC residences are fully furnished and equipped with in-suite laundry, high-speed internet, and 24/7 security and emergency assistance. Students also have access to social lounges, patios, and communal spaces designed to build community among residents.
The closest GEC buildings to KPU’s campuses are located on Cambie Street, King Edward Avenue, and Marine Drive in Vancouver — about a 30-minute transit ride to the Richmond or Surrey campuses.
Other options, like GEC’s Burnaby and downtown Vancouver buildings, are also available to students, though they may involve longer commutes.
Mitchell says while some alternatives in the rental market may be cheaper, GEC’s pricing is below market rates considering the included amenities.
“They are competitive with a lot of the other options that you’re going to see out there available to students,” she says.
GEC is planning new residences in Richmond near the Lansdowne Canada Line Station and a large development in Surrey City Centre near KPU’s Civic Plaza campus. The residences are expected to be completed around 2028, potentially expanding options for future students.
The partnership with GEC is part of KPU’s broader housing strategy, Mitchell says. The university is also working with SpacesShared, a home-sharing provider that matches students with local homeowners, and is pursuing plans for on-campus housing.
The institution has submitted a proposal to the province to build a residence with over 350 beds at the Surrey campus, supported by the BC Affordable Student Housing Initiative.
“We’ve had some really productive conversations with the province as they assess the business case,” she says. “We’re hopeful to be able to advance that project.”
Mitchell says that students have already begun inquiring about GEC housing since the announcement. She adds the university will continue to host GEC at future on-campus events to connect directly with students.
Mitchell hopes the GEC partnership, combined with other housing initiatives, will create more accessible housing options for both local and international students.
“We want to make sure that we’re providing options that are accessible for learners at all of our campuses, including students who are local as well as those that are coming from outer regions.”
For information about student housing resources, head to www.kpu.ca/current-students/housing.
