Student Accommodation near Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University, commonly known as SFU, is one of Canada's leading public research universities. Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, within the Greater Vancouver area, SFU has earned a strong reputation for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a vibrant student community. Founded in 1965, the university has grown into a globally recognised institution that consistently ranks among the top universities in Canada and the world. SFU operates across three campuses in Greater Vancouver, with the main campus sitting majestically atop Burnaby Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the city below. The university welcomes over 37,000 students and more than 7,500 international students from over 140 countries, making it a truly diverse and multicultural learning environment. Whether you are a domestic or international student, finding the right accommodation near Simon Fraser University is a key part of your university experience. From purpose-built student apartments in UniverCity to shared flats in Burnaby Heights, there are plenty of housing options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Acolyte Living is here to help you find the ideal student accommodation near Simon Fraser University so you can focus on your studies and enjoy everything Burnaby has to offer.

Simon Fraser University is set within the Greater Vancouver region of British Columbia, Canada. The university's striking location atop Burnaby Mountain gives the main campus a unique identity and a natural setting unlike most universities in North America. Students and visitors regularly comment on the dramatic fog rolling through campus and the sweeping panoramic views of the lower mainland and beyond. SFU has three distinct campuses, each offering its own academic focus and community. Burnaby Campus: This is the original and main campus of SFU, located at 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC. Designed by acclaimed architect Arthur Erickson, the campus opened in 1965 and is celebrated for its bold brutalist architecture. It spans over 170 hectares and houses more than three dozen academic buildings, along with the flourishing UniverCity residential community next door. The Burnaby campus is the heart of SFU and offers the widest range of programmes, student services, and facilities. All on-campus residences are based here. Vancouver Campus: Situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver campus focuses on programmes in business, communication, and interactive arts and technology. The campus is located near the Waterfront SkyTrain station, making it easily accessible from across Greater Vancouver. Surrey Campus: Located within Central City in Surrey, the third campus focuses on technology, health sciences, and business. It sits beside the Surrey Central SkyTrain station, offering excellent transit connections for commuting students.

Simon Fraser University is consistently recognised as one of Canada's top universities. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, SFU is placed at 308th globally and 13th in Canada. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 place SFU at 301st in the world. SFU has also been ranked first among Canadian comprehensive universities by Maclean's for multiple consecutive years, a milestone it has achieved more than 15 times. These rankings reflect SFU's strong performance across research output, academic reputation, teaching quality, and international outlook, making it one of the most respected institutions in the country.

Simon Fraser University has built a strong global reputation across several areas: Research Excellence: SFU is a leading research university, contributing significantly to fields such as computing science, environmental science, biomedical engineering, and social sciences. The university partners with agencies like TRIUMF, Canada's national particle physics laboratory. Comprehensive University Rankings: SFU has been named Canada's top comprehensive university by Maclean's over 15 times, a distinction that highlights its balance of teaching, research, and community engagement. Interactive Arts and Technology: The School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT) is globally recognised for its innovative programmes blending technology, design, and creative arts. Diverse International Community: With over 7,500 international students from more than 140 countries, SFU fosters a rich multicultural campus culture. Unique Trimester System: Unlike most Canadian universities, SFU operates on a three-semester system, allowing students to complete degrees more flexibly throughout the year. Film and TV Location: The Burnaby campus is a popular filming location for Hollywood productions and has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies. Sustainability: SFU is committed to sustainable campus development, particularly through the UniverCity community beside the Burnaby campus.

Simon Fraser University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes across eight faculties. Below are some of the most prominent courses available. 1. Computing Science: One of SFU's strongest programmes, this degree covers algorithms, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science. Graduates are in high demand across Canada's growing tech industry. 2. Business Administration (BBA): Offered through the Beedie School of Business, this programme provides a strong foundation in finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, preparing students for careers in Canada's competitive business landscape. 3. Engineering Science: SFU's engineering programme spans electronics, mechatronics, and software engineering, with access to cutting-edge research labs and industry partnerships. 4. Health Sciences: This interdisciplinary programme equips students with knowledge in public health, health policy, and biomedical sciences, with strong links to research and clinical settings. 5. Communications: Exploring media, journalism, and social communication, this programme is highly valued for careers in broadcasting, public relations, and digital media. 6. Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT): A globally recognised programme blending design, technology, and interactive media, with state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry connections.

Simon Fraser University has three library branches, one on each campus. The W.A.C. Bennett Library on the Burnaby campus is the largest and serves as the main library, housing millions of print and digital resources, rare collections, and specialist research databases. The Fraser Library serves the Surrey campus, and the Belzberg Library supports the Vancouver campus. Each library provides students with comfortable study spaces, group collaboration rooms, research support services, and access to an extensive range of academic journals and e-books. The libraries also offer borrowing privileges and interlibrary loan services to ensure every student has the academic resources they need.

SFU's on-campus residences are located exclusively on the Burnaby campus and offer a range of housing types to suit different student lifestyles. Options include traditional residence towers, studio-style apartments, and townhouses, all featuring private single bedrooms. The residences house approximately 1,500 students and are part of a close-knit living and learning community. For students who cannot secure on-campus housing, the surrounding areas offer a strong range of private accommodation near Simon Fraser University, including purpose-built student apartments in UniverCity, shared flats in Lougheed Town Centre, and private rentals in Burnaby Heights and Brentwood, all within easy reach of the campus.

Simon Fraser University provides an excellent range of facilities to support student wellbeing, academic success, and social life. The Burnaby campus is the most comprehensively equipped of the three campuses. Recreation and Fitness: The Student Recreation Centre on the Burnaby campus offers a fully equipped gym, fitness studios, rock climbing wall, and a range of fitness classes. Students also have access to a swimming pool and sports courts. Only the Burnaby campus currently offers these full recreational facilities. Dining and Cafes: Multiple dining venues are spread across the Burnaby campus, including casual cafes, food courts, and sit-down dining options. UniverCity beside campus also has a growing selection of independent cafes and restaurants. Sports Facilities: SFU competes in several sports leagues and provides facilities for football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and more. The campus has dedicated outdoor sports fields and courts. Health and Counselling: A student health clinic and counselling services are available on campus, providing mental health support, medical care, and wellness programming free of charge or at low cost. Student Services Hub: The Maggie Benson Centre on the Burnaby campus is the central hub for student advising, ID services, financial aid, and registration support. Innovation and Research Labs: SFU provides access to specialised research laboratories, design studios, and technology labs, particularly through SIAT and the engineering and science faculties.

Simon Fraser University's Burnaby campus sits atop Burnaby Mountain, approximately 15 kilometres from downtown Vancouver. While the setting is scenic, accessible transport links make commuting to and from campus straightforward for students living in nearby neighbourhoods. SkyTrain: The closest SkyTrain stations are Production Way-University Station on the Millennium Line and Lougheed Town Centre Station. From Production Way-University, students can take the 145 bus directly to the SFU Burnaby campus. This route runs frequently and is included in the U-Pass transit pass bundled with SFU student fees, meaning students can ride at no extra cost. Bus Routes: Several TransLink bus routes connect to the Burnaby campus, including the 143 and 145 from Lougheed Town Centre, and the R5 RapidBus along Hastings Street, which connects students from Burnaby Heights and North Burnaby to the campus. Cycling: The slopes of Burnaby Mountain offer dedicated cycling and hiking trails. Some students commute by bike, especially those living in UniverCity directly beside campus. Car and Parking: Limited paid parking is available on campus, operating on a lottery system during peak periods. Students are encouraged to use public transit where possible. Vancouver Campus: Accessible from Waterfront SkyTrain station, just one block away. Surrey Campus: Adjacent to Surrey Central SkyTrain station, providing seamless transit connections. Finding accommodation near Simon Fraser University close to a SkyTrain or bus route significantly improves the daily commute.

Finding the right neighbourhood makes a huge difference to student life. Here are the best areas for accommodation near Simon Fraser University. 1. UniverCity: Built right beside the SFU Burnaby campus, UniverCity is the most convenient option for students. The walk to campus takes just 5 to 15 minutes depending on your building. The community has a growing selection of shops, cafes, and services. Rents in UniverCity are higher than elsewhere, typically starting at CAD 1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, but the proximity and zero commute time make it a popular choice. 2. Lougheed Town Centre: Located at the base of Burnaby Mountain, Lougheed is one of the most popular student areas. The 143 and 145 bus routes connect directly to campus in about 15 to 25 minutes. The area has excellent amenities including a large shopping mall, supermarkets, and restaurants. One-bedroom rents range from around CAD 1,600 to 2,100 per month. 3. Capitol Hill and Burnaby Heights: These adjoining neighbourhoods offer more affordable rents, with one-bedroom flats ranging from CAD 1,400 to 1,900 per month. The R5 RapidBus connects the area to SFU and to downtown Vancouver, making it popular with students who want easy access to both. 4. Brentwood: Served by the Millennium Line SkyTrain at Brentwood Town Centre Station, this modern neighbourhood has seen significant development in recent years. High-rise apartments, shopping, and dining are all available here. Commute to SFU is around 30 to 40 minutes. 5. Burquitlam: Located where Burnaby meets Coquitlam, Burquitlam is served by the Millennium Line SkyTrain and offers newer apartment buildings at competitive prices. It is a great choice for students looking for modern accommodation near Simon Fraser University with good transit access.

The cost of accommodation near Simon Fraser University varies depending on the type of housing, location, and amenities included. Here is a breakdown of typical costs. On-Campus Residences: SFU's Burnaby campus residence costs vary by room type. Students can expect to pay approximately CAD 800 to CAD 1,200 per month, often including utilities and some meal plan options. UniverCity Purpose-Built Apartments: Fully furnished studios and one-bedroom apartments in UniverCity start from around CAD 1,800 per month. Properties like Koto offer all-inclusive packages covering Wi-Fi, laundry, and air conditioning. Lougheed Town Centre Apartments: One-bedroom apartments in Lougheed range from CAD 1,600 to CAD 2,100 per month. Shared rooms in this area can be found for CAD 800 to CAD 1,200 per month. Burnaby Heights and Capitol Hill: These areas offer some of the most affordable private rentals near SFU. One-bedroom flats typically range from CAD 1,400 to CAD 1,900 per month, with shared rooms available for CAD 700 to CAD 1,100 per month. Brentwood and Burquitlam: Modern high-rise apartments here cost approximately CAD 1,700 to CAD 2,200 per month for a one-bedroom unit. Shared apartments provide more affordable options. Shared Housing: Sharing a flat or house with other students is the most cost-effective approach. Room costs in shared houses across Burnaby typically range from CAD 700 to CAD 1,300 per month depending on the location and room size.

In most cases, yes. Living off campus near Simon Fraser University is generally more affordable than on-campus residences, particularly when sharing a flat or house with other students. On-campus rooms are convenient but limited in supply, with around 1,500 places for a student body of over 37,000. Off-campus neighbourhoods like Burnaby Heights, Capitol Hill, and Lougheed Town Centre offer private rentals at lower monthly costs, especially when splitting bills with housemates. Students also benefit from the U-Pass included in their SFU fees, which covers TransLink transit and reduces commuting costs significantly.

Burnaby and Greater Vancouver offer a wealth of attractions within easy reach of SFU. 1. Burnaby Mountain Park: Located right next to the SFU campus, this park offers hiking and cycling trails, panoramic views of the Burrard Inlet and downtown Vancouver, a rose garden, and open green spaces. It is a favourite spot for students to unwind between lectures. 2. Burnaby Village Museum: A free, open-air museum recreating a 1920s village with 31 restored buildings and costumed staff. It is a charming cultural attraction located about 20 minutes from campus. 3. Deer Lake Park: A beautiful lakeside park featuring paddleboating, forested walking paths, and picnic areas. The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is located here as well, hosting cultural events and exhibitions. 4. Metropolis at Metrotown: British Columbia's largest shopping centre, located in central Burnaby. It features hundreds of stores, a food court, restaurants, and entertainment options, all accessible by SkyTrain. 5. Barnet Marine Park: A short distance from campus, this peaceful waterfront park on the shores of Burrard Inlet is perfect for hiking, beach walks, and taking in stunning coastal scenery.