Moving to a new place can be quite overwhelming. From where to live to where to go, every city is different and poses its own set of challenges. Luckily, Vancouver has recently been ranked the friendliest city in the world! Below are our top 5 tips to settling in Vancouver:

1. Where to live: Downtown Vancouver is great, however it can be pricey to live there. Our suggestion, live anywhere that’s near a sky train station or a bus station. Our Public Transport system has been ranked the best in Canada, so you don’t need to worry about a car or living near work. Any place within a 20 minute sky train or bus ride from Downtown is considered a catch! Head to Craigslist and explore your options. 
2. Transport: You can subscribe to a monthly Compass Card membership which is super affordable and works on both buses and skytrains. The monthly membership allows you unlimited access to the public transport system whereby single fare trips can add up, and you’ll end up spending more money than you expect! Moreover, you have the option of buying memberships based on the area zones you use the most. 
3. Meet-Ups: Sometimes it might be difficult to meet people in a new city, especially if you’re looking for people in your line of work. Luckily Vancouver has countless Meet-up groups across the city, where you can connect with like minded professionals, students, or people who love the same hobbies that you do! You can sign up for meetups online and join the group you want!
4. Groceries: Going to the wrong grocery store means that you might end up with unwanted expenses. In terms of pricing, nothing beats The Real Canadian Superstore. The prices are excellent, the food is fresh, and you’ll have a range of options to choose from. Find your superstore and get your optimum loyalty card!
5. Entertainment: You can have a great time here in Vancity and not break your bank account! You can rent bikes, camping gear, and hiking gear, and enjoy the beautiful BC landscape on a budget. You can also enjoy happy hour deals in most pubs, and head to the park and beach on your lazy days. On rainy days, enjoy various indoor activities such as trivia nights and escape rooms. Groupon has amazing deals that newcomers can take advantage of!