Living in Abbotsford: A Student Guide

Abbotsford, known as the "City in the Country," offers international students a unique blend of urban amenities and stunning natural surroundings. Located in British Columbia's Fraser Valley, just an hour's drive from Vancouver, this vibrant city provides the perfect setting for your English language learning journey. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate life in Abbotsford as an international student.

Finding Accommodation

Securing comfortable and affordable housing is one of the first challenges international students face. Here are your main options in Abbotsford:

Homestay

Living with a Canadian host family provides an immersive cultural and language experience. Homestays typically include:

• Private bedroom
• Shared bathroom and living areas
• Meals (usually 2-3 per day)
• Internet access
• Cultural exchange opportunities

Cost: $800-1,000 CAD per month

AbboTalk can arrange homestay placements with our network of approved host families. Contact our student services team for details.

Shared Rentals

Sharing an apartment or house with other students is a popular and economical option:

• Typical cost for a shared apartment: $500-700 CAD per month per room
• Utilities may or may not be included ($100-150 CAD extra per month)
• Usually requires signing a lease (minimum 6 months)

Popular areas for student rentals include:

• Central Abbotsford (close to shopping and services)
• West Abbotsford (near University of the Fraser Valley)
• Clearbrook area (convenient access to public transportation)

Getting Around

Abbotsford offers several transportation options to help you navigate the city:

Public Transit

The Central Fraser Valley Transit System operates throughout Abbotsford and connects to neighboring Chilliwack and Mission:

• Single fare: $2.25 CAD
• Monthly pass: $52 CAD (students may qualify for discounts)
• Main routes: 1, 2, 3, and 4 connect major areas of the city
• Route 66 FVX provides service to Langley and Carvolth Exchange (for connections to Vancouver)

Download the BC Transit app for real-time schedules and route planning.

Cycling

Abbotsford is becoming increasingly bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and trails:

• Discovery Trail spans 30km across the city
• Used bikes can be purchased from $100-300 CAD
• Remember to use a helmet (mandatory by law in BC)

Car Options

While not essential, having access to a car offers greater flexibility:

• Car-sharing: Modo operates in Abbotsford (requires BC license)
• Used cars: Expect to pay $3,000-8,000 CAD for a reliable used vehicle
• Insurance: ICBC is the provincial insurer (budget at least $150/month)

Cost of Living

Understanding the cost of living helps you budget effectively for your time in Abbotsford:

Monthly Budget Estimate (in CAD)

• Accommodation: $500-1,000
• Food: $300-500
• Transportation: $50-150
• Phone/Internet: $60-100
• Entertainment: $100-200
• Health insurance: $50-75
• Miscellaneous: $100-200

Total: $1,160-2,225 CAD per month

Abbotsford is generally more affordable than Vancouver, with lower housing costs and many free or low-cost recreation options. Many students find part-time work to supplement their finances, with the current minimum wage in BC at $15.65 per hour.

Local Attractions

Abbotsford and the surrounding Fraser Valley offer numerous attractions to explore:

Natural Beauty

• Sumas Mountain - Hiking trails with panoramic views
• Mill Lake Park - Walking paths, playgrounds, and fishing opportunities
• Cultus Lake - Popular for swimming, boating, and picnicking (30 minutes from Abbotsford)
• Clayburn Village - Historic area with trails and creek

Cultural Experiences

• The Reach Gallery Museum - Art exhibitions and cultural programs
• Abbotsford International Airshow - Annual event attracting aviation enthusiasts
• Raspberry Festival - Celebration of local agriculture
• Castle Fun Park - Indoor and outdoor activities including mini-golf and go-karts

Food and Dining

Abbotsford's diverse population is reflected in its varied dining options:

International Cuisine

• Indian - Punjabi cuisine is particularly well-represented
• East Asian - Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese restaurants
• Mexican - Several authentic options available
• Italian - From casual pizza to fine dining

Local Specialties

• Farm-to-table restaurants showcasing local produce
• Berry farms with fresh fruit and preserves
• Craft breweries including Field House and Ravens
• Farmers' markets operating seasonally

Budget-friendly options include food courts at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre and casual eateries along South Fraser Way.

Practical Tips for New Students

Banking

Major banks in Abbotsford include:

• RBC Royal Bank
• TD Canada Trust
• Scotiabank
• CIBC

Many offer special student accounts with reduced or waived fees. Bring your study permit, passport, and AbboTalk enrollment letter when opening an account.

Healthcare

International students studying for 6+ months are eligible for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) after a waiting period. Until coverage begins, private insurance is essential. AbboTalk can assist with arranging appropriate coverage.

Mobile Phones

Major providers include:

• Rogers
• Bell
• Telus
• Freedom Mobile (more affordable)
• Public Mobile (budget option)

Monthly plans range from $35-85 CAD depending on data needs.

Weather Preparedness

Abbotsford experiences:

• Mild, rainy winters (November-March)
• Warm, generally dry summers (June-September)
• Transition seasons with variable conditions

Essential items include a waterproof jacket, umbrella, and layerable clothing.