(Photo credit: Perkins and Will).
At BCIT, community is central to residence life, with shared spaces fostering daily connections and friendships, and Resident Advisors (RAs) supporting a welcoming, inclusive environment through events and peer support.
BCIT is committed to ensuring that all students can find a safe and welcoming place to live while pursuing their education.
From casual conversations to meaningful connections, residence life offers countless opportunities to engage with others and build a memorable student experience.
What kinds of housing options are available to students, and how do they differ?
BCIT offers two excellent on-campus housing options, each with unique strengths to suit different student preferences:
- The Townhouses provide a suite-style living experience within seven low-rise buildings. Each townhouse contains four spacious suites with twelve single bedrooms, where students share kitchens, dining areas, living rooms, and laundry. This creates a close-knit atmosphere where suitemates can easily build strong connections.
- The Tall Timber Student Housing, opening in Fall 2025, offers a vibrant, large-scale community in a 12-storey residence that accommodates around 470 students. It features a mix of private studio units and single bedrooms with shared lounges and bathrooms, along with building-wide amenities such as study rooms, communal spaces, and an outdoor plaza that brings students together across floors.
Together, these two housing styles give students the flexibility to choose the living environment that best fits their lifestyle, whether they prefer the smaller, suite-based community feel of the Townhouses or the dynamic, interconnected environment offered by Tall Timber.
What should students consider when deciding whether to live on or off campus?
When choosing between on-campus and off-campus housing at BCIT, students should consider several key factors to determine the best fit for their individual needs.
On-campus housing offers:
- Unparalleled proximity to classes, labs, and campus resources.
- Reduced commute times and a convenient living experience.
- A vibrant, student-centered community enriched by residence life support, organized events, and ample opportunities for peer connection.
Importantly, BCIT on-campus housing includes accessible units designed to accommodate students with mobility needs by providing features such as barrier-free entrances, adapted bathrooms, and proximity to accessible campus pathways.
For more information about on-campus housing, including eligibility requirements, visit BCIT Student Housing.
Off-campus housing provides:
- A more independent living experience, often with a wider range of price points and greater flexibility in lifestyle choices.
- An advantage for students who prefer autonomy, have families, or own pets.
How does the student housing team support students throughout the year?
The BCIT Student Housing team provides continuous, year-round support to ensure residents feel welcomed, supported, and engaged.
Resident Advisors (RAs) live on-site and play a central role in building a positive and inclusive community. RAs offer peer support, guidance, and assistance in the evenings and weekends.
The Housing Office staff manage administrative needs, handle maintenance requests, and respond to general inquiries to keep daily operations running smoothly. Additionally, the team organizes a variety of programming and events throughout the year to promote community engagement.
What resources are available for students who need additional housing support or accommodation?
BCIT offers a range of resources to support students who require additional assistance with their housing needs.
- Accessibility services ensure that students with accessibility needs receive the necessary accommodations to fully participate in both housing and academic life.
- Housing bursaries are available for students with financial challenges, helping to offset housing costs and make on-campus living more affordable.
- Priority access to housing for certain groups, including Indigenous students, formerly youth-in-care students, and students with accessibility needs.
- Resources to help students navigate the rental market and find suitable off-campus accommodations, though students are responsible for securing their own off-campus housing as BCIT does not arrange or manage it directly.
Contact the BCIT Student Housing team.