GEC (Global Education City, or GEC Living) is the largest off-campus student accommodation provider in Vancouver, Canada. Our vision is to be the preferred accommodation for students studying in Vancouver by providing a comfortable and safe living environment.
Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in terms of the cost of living in Canada due to its beautiful environment and popularity among international students from around the world. Students and schools often face challenges in finding safe, comfortable, and affordable housing for their needs.
GEC has a unique beginning with a history rooted in the education sector. GEC’s parent company, Global Education Communities Corp., has been providing education-related services since 1992, helping students succeed in their academic pursuits.
In 2015, Global Education Communities Corp., addressed the student housing shortage problem by acquiring Viva Tower, a luxury serviced residence in Downtown Vancouver. The tower was transformed into GEC Viva, the first off-campus student residence in Vancouver, offering turnkey student accommodation services such as fully furnished suites, on- site management, security systems, and housekeeping services at an affordable cost. GEC Viva quickly became home to more than 1,000 students worldwide in its first year of operation.
Since 2015, GEC has expanded its portfolio and established partnerships with nearly 100 schools throughout Vancouver, providing them with student accommodation services. GEC has five locations and seven fully operational residence buildings, with seven additional buildings currently under development.
With operating assets and a development budget exceeding C$1.3 billion and home to more than 4,000 students from 71 countries annually, GEC has become Vancouver’s largest off-campus student accommodation provider.
At GEC, we are on a mission to provide a safe and supportive community so students staying with us can focus on their education instead of living conditions.
To embrace new concepts and technologies to enhance the student living experience at an affordable cost.
To support students with a deep understanding of their needs away from home.
To create a supportive social atmosphere that encourages personal growth and friendship in our community.
Emily Carr University (ECUAD) is the only post-secondary institution in BC that focuses on professional learning experiences in arts, media, and design. The university integrates traditional techniques with advanced technology in its programs, and emphasizes the importance of ecological and social sustainability in the creative process, inspiring students to incorporate these values into their art […]
Capilano University (CapU) is one of the public universities in Vancouver, Canada that has been educating students from around the world. Currently, approximately 12,700 students attend CapU, and 2,500 of them are international students Where is Capilano University Located? The main campus is located at 2055 Purcell Way in North Vancouver, surrounded by the scenic […]
Vancouver Film School (VFS) is the most well-known private post-secondary entertainment arts institution located in Vancouver, Canada. It offers various programs in film production, game design, animation, and other related fields. The school is recognized for delivering industry-standard techniques and applicable skills to students. Many of its graduates have secured employment within the industry both […]
Trinity Western University is a well-known private Christian university in Canada, and it is also the largest liberal arts university in the country. While the university is committed to educating Christian leaders, it is open to students of all faiths and backgrounds. TWU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including 48 undergraduate degrees, […]
Key Takeaways Do you find renting a place is a stressful experience for you? It may be even worse if you are an international student and a first-time renter in Vancouver. From finding a trustworthy landlord to navigating through the complicated rental process, we understand the whole experience can be overwhelming. To begin your search […]
Renting in Vancouver is expensive, stressed, and competitive, as Vancouver’s average vacancy rate is around 2%. Finding a roommate on top of that is even more stressful. Finding a roommate before arrival in Vancouver? It’s almost like move-in without meeting your Tinder dates. Sure, you will save money, but what if you don’t get along […]
As an international student in Canada, you may be interested in purchasing a home rather than renting a place to live. Canada is known for its high-quality education, open-minded society, and diverse career opportunities. This makes it to be one of the top destinations for studying abroad. While it may seem daunting to go through […]
The rental market in Vancouver is highly competitive, with high demand and low vacancy rates. The rental prices in the city are relatively high, especially for popular neighborhoods. According to the January 2023 Vancouver report from liv.rent, the average rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit in Metro Vancouver is around $2,227. While the price has […]
As a student in Vancouver, finding the perfect rental can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to begin. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your student rental in Vancouver. Understanding […]
Planning to pursue your studies in Vancouver, BC, Canada? We’re GEC Living – the largest off-campus student accommodation provider in Vancouver. We have prepared an overview information list of major schools in Vancouver based on feedback from the 10,000+ students we have welcomed over the past years. Public Universities University of British Columbia (UBC) UBC […]
Searching for a place to settle down in Vancouver can be a difficult, overwhelming, and expensive experience – particularly if you’re a student or a newcomer. You might need guidance on where to begin and which apartment rental platforms in Vancouver are trustworthy. At GEC Living, we are the biggest off-campus student accommodation provider in […]
Finding the right rental place might be a little challenging if you do not know the common tips for renting in Vancouver as a first-timer. We’re GEC Living, Vancouver’s largest off-campus student accommodation provider, and we have outlined valuable information to guide you on how to find the right accommodation without hassles. 1. Knowing Your […]
