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Student Orientation

Vancouver Premier College > Student Orientation

Student orientation at our colleges provides a comprehensive introduction to academic programs, attendance and progression requirements, student policies, dispute resolution procedures, and employment rights and conditions in British Columbia. It also includes essential information about living and housing costs, availability of suitable accommodation, and tenants’ rights. In addition, students are introduced to the campus environment and enjoy entertainment and excursions to some of Vancouver’s most iconic sites—must-see attractions on every student’s bucket list.

Orientation sessions are offered either virtually or in person during the week before classes begin. Orientation packages are accessible to all students through our learning management system, Canvas.

If you are an international student, your primary point of contact is our Student Services team. Our colleges offer a range of support services for all students and provide additional assistance to help international students adjust to life in Canada and succeed in their studies.

Additional resources:

IRCC Welcoming toolkit
While You are Studying in British Columbia – Work while you study
Employment Standards and Workplace Safety
Daily Life in British Columbia
Indigenous Peoples in B.C.
Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre

Student Safety, Well-being, and Health

Our institution is dedicated to ensuring the safety, well-being, and health of all international students. We offer accessible mental health resources, including on-campus counselling and services like Here2Talk, and provide addiction and overdose prevention support, including access to free Naloxone kits and information on how to respond to overdoses.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. Students and staff are provided with information and training to recognize and respond to racism, bullying, and discrimination. Institutional policies on harassment and discrimination are clearly communicated, with established procedures to address and resolve concerns.

International students in programs lasting 15 weeks or more must have adequate health insurance. We offer guidance on enrolling in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) and other medical insurance options, and maintain student insurance records as part of our support process. We also provide information about available healthcare services on campus and in the community, including walk-in clinics, 811, and emergency contact information (police, fire, ambulance).
Information on all supports—healthcare, mental health, safety, and inclusivity—is easily accessible on our website. We actively work with international students to understand and accommodate diverse needs, helping ensure every student feels safe, supported, and connected throughout their educational journey.

All students, instructors, staff and community members collectively contribute to making our Colleges a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for learning. Campus Operations is committed to ensuring the safety of our students, employees and visitors through proactive public awareness, effective policies, communication, educational programs and community involvement. Click here to view our Emergency Management Policy.

Resources:
• Here2Talk
• Trauma-informed Care
• Ecomm911
• Crisis Centre BC
• Anti-racism
• BC Campus
• Health Fee for International Students
• Active Bystander Intervention
• International Student Safety Guide
• HealthLink BC 8-1-1

Food and Dining

Vancouver and Richmond are vibrant cities, producing fruit for local markets as well as being seafood and salmon fishing hubs. Each year, many festivals celebrate the various harvests from surrounding communities and areas. Vancouver and Richmond are home to some of the best restaurants in the world and offer diners a wide range of eating experiences for virtually every appetite and preference from North American fare to seafood, from French and Middle Eastern to Chinese cuisine. Vancouver and Richmond are among the best cities to eat, live and enjoy life!

• Restaurants near our Richmond campus
• Guide to Vancouver’s Best Restaurants and Foods | Noms Magazine

Athletics and Recreation

A wide range of sporting and recreation facility options are available to students in relatively close proximity to the Richmond and Vancouver Campuses and throughout Metro Vancouver.

╴ Vancouver Community Centres
╴ Richmond Community Centres
╴ Burnaby Community Centres
╴ Surrey Community Centres
╴ Coquitlam Community Centres

Start your journey today!
Contact us for any questions about our academic programs and/or admission requirements.