Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, celebrated for its cobblestone streets and historic brick storefronts. As a vibrant downtown district, it blends heritage charm with modern shops, restaurants, and tech startups. Vancouver itself is known as a top student city with strong education and business sectors—and Gastown sits right in the middle of it all.
For college students—both local and international—Gastown offers a mix of culture, convenience, and opportunity. But is it the right fit for student life? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Gastown during college, along with insights on housing, co-op programs, education, part-time work, and student support.
Pros of Living in Gastown
Unique Character and Culture
Gastown’s vintage vibe draws in creatives, students, and professionals alike. From its cobblestone streets to the famous steam clock, the neighbourhood is packed with character. Cafes, boutiques, and art galleries line the streets, offering students plenty of options to study, relax, or hang out between classes. The area is especially appealing for students in creative fields, hospitality, tourism, and marketing.
Central Location and Transit Access
Living in Gastown means being right in downtown Vancouver. Public transit is extremely accessible—Waterfront Station connects students to the SkyTrain, SeaBus, and buses across the city. This makes it easier to reach different campuses or part-time jobs. Living downtown also puts students within walking distance of grocery stores, banks, libraries, gyms, and other essential services.
Education and Co-op Opportunities
Gastown is home to several schools and training centres. Gastown Business College (GBC), for example, offers programs in business, hospitality, and marketing. Many of these programs include practicum and co-op components, helping students gain real-world experience while studying.
Other nearby institutions offer courses in tourism, hospitality, technology, and entrepreneurship. Many programs focus on building hands-on skills and include built-in job placement support. For students interested in business or tech, living close to downtown provides easy access to co-op jobs, networking events, and growing enterprises.
Vibrant Community and Networking
Gastown's community is a mix of residents, students, artists, and tourists. It has a tight-knit feel despite being in a busy area. The local business community regularly hosts events, markets, and social gatherings that allow students to meet new people or even connect with local organizations. From casual cafés to networking meetups, Gastown offers plenty of ways for students to expand their social and professional circles.
Cons of Living in Gastown
Higher Cost of Living
One of the biggest drawbacks of living in Gastown is the price. Rents in Vancouver are high in general, and Gastown’s downtown location means monthly rent can easily exceed $2,000 for a studio or one-bedroom. Add in fees for utilities, internet, transit passes, and groceries, and the monthly cost can stretch a student’s budget.
Some colleges offer scholarships, grants, or bursaries to help students cover education costs and rent. Still, many students living in Gastown either share accommodations or take on part-time jobs to make ends meet.
Smaller Living Spaces and Noise
Downtown apartments are usually compact. Students may have to sacrifice space or share a unit with roommates. Gastown is also a lively area with bars, music venues, and tourists—great for socializing but potentially noisy for studying or relaxing. Weekend evenings can get especially loud.
Distance from Some Campuses
Gastown is perfect if your school is located downtown. But for students attending colleges or universities outside the city center—such as those studying at UBC or Capilano University—daily commutes can be long and expensive. Living in Gastown is ideal if your program is close by, but not always practical for everyone.
Rental Rules and Tenant Rights
For students unfamiliar with Canada’s rental market, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Lease terms can be strict, and deposits, contracts, and tenant rules should be reviewed carefully. Many schools offer guidance or support services to help students—especially international students—understand their housing agreements and avoid issues with landlords.
Housing and Student Life in Gastown
Most student rentals in Gastown are furnished studios, apartments, or shared units. On-campus housing is limited downtown, so most students rent privately. The charm of Gastown’s historic buildings—exposed brick, high ceilings, vintage details—attracts many, but affordability and availability are key concerns.
To manage costs, many students share housing. Roommate finder services and student housing groups can help connect students. Living with others not only cuts costs but also offers social support. Just make sure everyone is clear about bills, responsibilities, and schedules.
Student life in Gastown is active and fun. There are lots of budget-friendly cafes and restaurants, perfect for casual meals or study sessions. The area also hosts events like walking tours, pop-up markets, and holiday festivals. Public spaces are vibrant, and Gastown’s walkability means you don’t always need a car.
Students can also take advantage of downtown Vancouver’s community centres, public libraries, and student clinics. Many services are within a short walk or transit ride. International students, in particular, will find Gastown’s inclusive community and support services helpful during their transition to studying in Canada.
Education, Training, and Co-op Programs
Gastown is more than just a cool neighbourhood—it’s a great place for career-building, too. Gastown Business College offers diplomas in business, hospitality, marketing, and related studies. These programs include practical training, such as practicum placements and co-op experience, which are vital for career readiness.
For example, students studying hospitality learn the fundamentals of service, business growth, and hotel operations. Marketing students develop digital presentation skills, and business students focus on strategy and customer communication. These skills are directly applicable to real jobs, and many students land placements at local enterprises and tourism companies nearby.
Other nearby colleges offer programs in culinary arts, tourism, and information technology. These programs often include hands-on training or industry placements. Living in Gastown makes it easier to commute to work-study roles or attend local workshops and events.
Students gain valuable experience by working with real organizations during their studies. Many also receive support through mentorship programs, career coaching, or co-op prep courses. Living in Gastown provides easy access to all of this.
Work Experience and Career Support
Vancouver’s economy is strong in business, tourism, and technology. Many companies are located downtown or have offices in the area. This opens up opportunities for students to get part-time jobs, co-op placements, or even internships while studying.
From local cafés and hotels to digital marketing agencies and tech startups, there’s a wide range of employment options. Students studying business, marketing, or hospitality will find plenty of entry-level positions in Gastown. These roles help students develop customer service, communication, and teamwork skills—critical for long-term career growth.
Some schools in the area help students build resumes, practice interviews, and prepare for placements. Gastown Business College, for example, supports students through career services that include job search assistance, industry networking, and practicum planning.
Co-op programs are also popular in Vancouver. These placements give students a structured opportunity to work with businesses in their field of study. It’s a valuable way to build confidence, gain experience, and increase employability after graduation.
Financial Help and Student Support
Living in Gastown can be expensive, but there is financial help available. Many colleges in Vancouver offer scholarships, bursaries, and grants for students with strong grades or financial need. Some awards also support international students.
Students can also apply for government loans, grants, and work-study programs. Some schools offer support services to help students manage their finances, create a budget, or apply for aid. These services are especially helpful for international students who are new to Canada’s education system.
Student support doesn’t stop at money. Many schools offer counselling, tutoring, study skills workshops, and wellness programs. Gastown’s location makes it easy to access these services, either on campus or in the surrounding community.
Final Thoughts
Gastown offers a one-of-a-kind experience for college students. Its historic charm, central location, and strong connection to industry make it a top choice for students in programs like business, hospitality, marketing, and tourism.
The neighbourhood is full of energy and opportunity, and students benefit from proximity to training centres, organizations, and institutions that support hands-on learning. For those enrolled in co-op or practicum-based programs, living in Gastown can be especially valuable.
However, it’s not for everyone. The cost of living is high, spaces are small, and it can be loud and busy—especially on weekends. Commutes can also be long if your school is outside the downtown core.
So, should you live in Gastown during college? If you value convenience, cultural energy, and easy access to education and career-building resources, Gastown could be the perfect fit. But if you’re on a strict budget or need peace and quiet to focus, consider nearby areas with lower rent and more student-friendly housing.
Gastown is a great place to live and study if you plan ahead, know your rights, and make the most of the opportunities around you.
Thinking about making Gastown your home during college?
I’ve helped countless students and first-time renters find the right place in Vancouver—and I can help you too. Whether you’re looking for a cozy studio, shared housing near your program, or want insight on the best buildings for student life, let’s chat.
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