Westminster College – Student Supports

Westminster College is committed to the success and well-being of all students, both academically and personally. The following information is provided to all current and prospective students before application, after arrival, and throughout their studies. We also make this information publicly available to ensure you know what supports and services are accessible during your time at Westminster College.

A) HOUSING AND RESIDENCE OPTIONS

Finding safe, suitable housing is an essential part of your student experience. Westminster College offers information and guidance to help you secure the right place to live:

Off-Campus Housing Options:

• Shared Apartments: Rent a room in an apartment with other students. Typical monthly rent ranges from $600 to $1,200 depending on location and amenities.
• Basement Suites: Many local homeowners rent private basement suites that are affordable and convenient.
• Homestay Programs: Live with a local family for an immersive cultural experience. Homestays often include meals and typically cost $800–$1,200 per month. For more details, visit Canada Homestay Network.

Searching for Housing:

• Start your search early to find the best options.
• Check public transportation routes to ensure your location is convenient for commuting to campus.
• Always view properties in person or via virtual tours before signing a lease.
• Be cautious of scams; never send money without confirming the legitimacy of a listing.

Useful Housing Search Websites:

• Craigslist Vancouver
• Kijiji Housing
• Rentals.ca
• Facebook Marketplace – Surrey BC Rentals
• Google Search – Surrey BC Student Housing

Tenancy Rights in British Columbia:
Students renting in BC are protected by the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). This law ensures rights such as:

• A written lease agreement
• Privacy protections
• Fair processes for rent increases and evictions

For help resolving disputes:

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): Handles tenancy complaints, offers mediation, and adjudicates disputes.
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): A nonprofit offering education and support for renters in BC.

Tenant Insurance:
We strongly recommend obtaining tenant insurance to protect personal property from damage, theft, or loss. Tenant insurance also provides liability coverage. Compare options and understand coverage details when selecting a provider.

Here are some major providers offering tenant insurance in BC:

• BCAA Tenant Insurance
• Square One Insurance
• Intact Insurance
• Co-operators Tenant Insurance
• TD Insurance – Tenant Coverage

B) HEALTH, SAFETY, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND ADDICTION & OVERDOSE SUPPORTS

Your health and well-being are essential. Westminster College is dedicated to ensuring students have access to vital health, safety, and mental health resources, including addiction and overdose support.

Emergency Health Services:

• Dial 911 for immediate medical emergencies.
• HealthLink BC: Call 8-1-1 to speak to a registered nurse for non-urgent health questions, available 24/7.

Workplace Safety:

• WorkSafeBC: Promotes worker safety through prevention, training, and injury compensation.

Public Health Services:

• BC Public Health: Supports vaccination, sexual health, maternal health, nutrition, and more. Find a local clinic through Fraser Health’s Service Directory.

Mental Health Services:

• Mental health is as important as physical health. BC offers comprehensive mental health resources.
• BC Crisis Centre: 24/7 crisis lines. Call or text 9-8-8, or dial 310-6789 (no area code needed) for confidential support.
• Foundry BC: Youth-focused services for ages 12–24, including counseling and peer support.
• BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services: Specialized treatment for mental health and addiction challenges, including in-person, phone, and online support.
• Here2Talk: Free, confidential counseling for all post-secondary students in BC.

Addiction and Overdose Prevention:

• Take Home Naloxone Program: Free naloxone kits for those at risk of opioid overdose, available at local pharmacies and clinics. Learn how to administer naloxone to reverse overdoses.
• BC Addiction Recovery Programs: Detox services, residential and outpatient treatment, harm reduction, peer support, and mental health counseling available throughout BC.

On-Campus Supports:

• Westminster College offers free virtual counseling services to enrolled students. Contact Student Services to learn more or to schedule a session.

C) EDUCATION / PROGRAM PROGRESSION ASSISTANCE

Westminster College is dedicated to supporting your academic journey from start to finish. We offer guidance and assistance to help you stay on track and succeed in your chosen program.

Academic Supports and Tutoring:

• Free academic support is available for topics including study skills, academic writing (APA formatting), English language development, anatomy and physiology, math, computer skills, and more.
• To access academic supports, contact Admission Officer for a referral.

Program Progression Support:

• Instructors and coordinators monitor student progress and may recommend additional supports or resources as needed.
• Students are encouraged to seek help early if they encounter challenges in their studies.

D) LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES

Westminster College provides a variety of learning resources to help you succeed in your program.

Online Resources:

• Our learning platform (Moodle) hosts dozens of resources, including:
  • Navigation guides
  • Research and study skills tips
  • APA formatting and academic writing guides
  • Instructions for accessing online research databases

ProQuest Health Research Database Access:

• Students benefit from access to hundreds of online health and allied health journals through ProQuest’s Health Research Premium Collection, including:
  • Nursing & Allied Health Database
  • Family Health Database
  • Health Management Database
  • MEDLINE®
  • Psychology Database
  • Public Health Database
• More info: ProQuest Health Research

Open Labs:

• Certain healthcare programs include scheduled “open lab” time for students to practice skills under instructor supervision. Check your program schedule for availability and sign-up procedures.

One-to-One Coaching:

• Personal coaching sessions to help with time management, test anxiety, peer and instructor relationships, and general goal setting.
• First five coaching sessions free; additional available as needed.

E) LOCAL COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SUPPORTS

Westminster College believes in helping students connect with and thrive in the local community.

Libraries and Community Centres:

• Surrey Public Libraries: Surrey Libraries
• Notable branches: City Centre Library, Fleetwood Library
• Community Centres: Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex, Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre

Community Services:

• Canada Post locations including Surrey Central: Canada Post
• Internet and Mobile Services: Providers include Telus, Rogers

Employment Supports:

• International students in full-time programs ≥ 6 months can work off-campus 24 hrs/week.
• Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada
• Employment standards governed by BC Employment Standards Act
• Career services and alumni support available via Westminster College.

F) DAILY LIFE INFORMATION (TRANSPORTATION, CHILD CARE, COMMUNICATIONS, BANKING)

Transportation in Surrey:

• Public transit by TransLink (bus and SkyTrain)
• HandyDART accessible service: HandyDART info
• Ride-sharing: Uber, Lyft
• Car sharing: EVO Car Share
• Cycling and walking routes across Surrey.

Child Care Services:

• Licensed child care search: Fraser Health Child Care Directory
• After-school care programs via Surrey School District and community centres
• Financial assistance: Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)

Communications:

• Major internet and mobile providers: Telus, Rogers

Banking Services:

• Major banks: RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank
• Credit unions: Vancity Credit Union
• Online/mobile banking widely available.
• To open accounts, students usually need passport, study permit, and proof of address