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 six locations and eight 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 5,000 students from 79 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.
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Heading off to college as an international student is an exciting adventure. Your on or off-campus student residence is not just a place to live; it’s your home away from home. To make it feel truly yours, decorating is key. However, decorating a shared apartment in line with residence guidelines can be a bit tricky. […]
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 […]
Vancouver winters may bring rain and chilly, short days, but they’re also filled with opportunities for cozy connections, outdoor adventures, and mental health resets. From transforming your GEC Living space into a winter sanctuary to exploring the Seawall’s rain-kissed beauty or planning a getaway to Whistler, there’s so much to embrace about this season. With the right mindset and a few thoughtful tips, winter in Vancouver can be your time to thrive.
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