Services and Facilities

Experienced counsellors assist students with program and course selections during semester registration periods, career planning, university selections, and personal issues. They also provide Study Permit extension letters and other documents required for Canada Immigration. Students are responsible for keeping their visas and passports up to date.

The Student Life Coordinator organizes various activities, including sports like soccer, table tennis, softball, volleyball, and basketball, as well as dragon boating, hiking, ice skating, hockey games, and skiing. The College competes in annual sports tournaments with other local colleges.

There are also annual special events such as Graduation and Awards Ceremonies, outings to professional sporting events, and ski trips to local mountains such as Whistler. The College also arranges day trips to Victoria and Seattle, and outdoor activities like rafting, canoeing, and hiking.

Students needing assistance with accommodation or airport reception and temporary homestay upon arrival should contact the Homestay Coordinator at least one month before arriving in Vancouver.

Homestay with a Canadian family can be an enriching cultural experience. Host families are carefully screened and regularly evaluated by the Homestay Coordinator. While Columbia College strives to meet special homestay requests, students will be informed of alternatives if specific needs cannot be met. The Homestay Coordinator helps students adjust to their new environment. Interested students should complete the Homestay Application Form and return it with the applicable fees to the Homestay Coordinator.

Columbia College has an elected Student Association that includes a Public Outreach Committee, Event and Promotion Committee, Student Advocacy Committee, and Health and Wellness Committee. Elected representatives gain valuable leadership experience, and the association encourages student involvement in both the college community and external outreach, while providing a vital link to the college high school.

Our College has a dedicated Career Counsellor that helps students find their passion and develop their career paths. They assist in finding off-campus employment and prepare for further education and work post-graduation.

Students studying at the post-secondary level at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can usually accept part-time off-campus employment while studying in Canada. Columbia College is a Designated Learning Institution. For more details, visit:

All students wishing to work in Canada must first obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Information on how to get a SIN is available at Service Canada.

Orientation is provided before each semester and introduces new students to the academic and social life of the College. The program includes previews and planning of academic programs, assessment of Math and English skills, and information about Columbia College and life in Vancouver. The orientation is particularly important for international students, and they are encouraged to attend. A welcome package with the orientation schedule will be sent to each new student.

Orientation for students in High School Programs begins one week before classes start each semester, and attendance is required.

All Columbia College students without MSP (BC Medical Services Plan) coverage effective until the last day of the last month of the semester will be automatically enrolled in the College’s Student Insurance Plan provided by Guard.me at a cost of $190. Students who receive MSP after registering can apply to Guard.me for a prorated refund, subject to specific terms. All students without MSP are encouraged to apply for MSP as soon as possible since Guard.me is intended to cover urgent medical needs until MSP becomes active. MSP for international students costs $75 per month ($900 per year). More information about medical insurance can be found here: Medical Insurance. Specific information about the Guard.me plan can be found here: Guard.me.

Alumni of Columbia College are encouraged to join the Columbia College Alumni Society. Membership provides full access to College facilities (excluding borrowing privileges and tutoring services). Upon leaving Columbia College, students are asked to complete the appropriate form in Student Services to be included in the alumni database. Alumni are encouraged to stay connected through the Columbia College Facebook page. For more information or to join the Alumni Society, please contact the College via email at admin@columbiacollege.ca.

The library partners with students to support their learning journey. The library offers a diverse collection including books, e-books, journal articles, streaming videos, and numerous online resources for student research projects.

Library facilities include group work rooms, silent and quiet study areas, and lounge space. Knowledgeable staff are available to assist students in conducting research and utilizing resources effectively. Additionally, the library features a leisure reading collection for students to enjoy, and hosts speakers and entertainment events to promote both learning and relaxation. For more information about the library and its services, visit Columbia College Library.

The Shop at the Library stocks all the textbooks and supplies required by students for their courses.

The Learning Centre at Columbia College provides a variety of free services designed to support students in their academic endeavors and beyond. Services include individual tutoring sessions in English, Mathematics, and Economics. The Centre is conveniently located on the fourth floor of the Main Campus.

For more details about the Learning Centre and its offerings, visit Columbia College Learning Centre.

The Computer Centre at Columbia College supports six facilities across its campuses:

• Main Campus:
  • Two Computer Labs
  • Study Centre on the 2nd floor (28 stations)
  • Library on the 2nd floor (20 stations)
  • Classroom on the fourth floor (411) with 32 stations
  • Computer Help Desk located on the fourth floor (room 413)
• North Campus:
  • 32-station Computer Lab

These facilities provide students with access to a variety of computing resources and support services.

For more information, visit Columbia College Computer Centre. 

The College has modern Biology, Chemistry and Physics Laboratories, all equipped for experimental work at the university level.

The College Nurses have their office in a fully equipped First-Aid Room. They are available to see students on a regular basis on both the Main Campus and North Campus.

The College provides two large student lounges both are equipped with full-service vending machines, microwave ovens and kettles located in both of the campus.

Clubs provide students with a fantastic opportunity to engage, develop personally, explore various activities, find their passions, and connect with the community. Supported by both students and staff, Columbia College offers a new clubs and events based on student interests.

For more details on clubs and how to get involved, visit Columbia College Clubs.

Students may join a local fitness club at a discounted rate. The fitness clubs have several convenient locations which offer cardio equipment, free weights and machines, showers and lockers, as well as fitness classes and professional health advice. The passes are limited and are available each semester from the first week of classes on a first come, first served basis.