Top Rated
4.9(11)
+18

GEC Viva Tower, Vancouver

1311, Howe St, Vancouver, V6Z 2P3, Canada
From
CA$500
per week
0.6 mi from City Center
( 5m. 12m. 12m)
See Universities on Map
Canadian College of Technology ... | 0.84 mi
University Canada West | 0.85 mi
Simon Fraser University - Vanco... | 0.97 mi
Vancouver Film School | 0.97 mi
Emily Carr University of Art an... | 1.78 mi
Pay In Instalment
bills included
mountain view
fitness centre
Wifi

About the Property

Located at Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2P3, GEC Viva, Vancouver stands as a highly sought-after choice for student housing in Vancouver. The property boasts various room configurations to cater to different preferences, including shared and private room setups. For students studying at nearby institutions, the Canadian College of Technology and Business and the University Canada West are conveniently accessible, making GEC Viva an ideal hub for academic life.

In the heart of Vancouver, GEC Viva, Vancouver represents not just a residence but a lifestyle choice for students. The city itself is a mosaic of cultural experiences, merging outdoor recreation with urban sophistication—an educational center that consistently ranks among the top places to live and learn. With a vibrant student population and a strong commitment to academia, Vancouver nurtures ambitious minds within its picturesque surroundings. It is a city with historical roots deep in innovation and progression, ensuring that students at GEC Viva Vancouver are positioned at the crossroads of past and future. GEC Viva offers a unique living experience where convenience meets tranquil urban living. Students can immerse themselves in Vancouver's cultural tapestry, rich with art, technology, and nature. Amidst this bustling city, GEC Viva serves as a serene retreat where students can focus on their studies and personal growth. This property, delivered by Casa Canada, ensures that every student has the support and environment they need to thrive. Selecting GEC Viva not only means choosing a place to live but also embracing an environment conducive to academic success and a fulfilling student life.

Features

Settle into your new home at GEC Viva, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Vancouver. Students looking for quality GEC Viva, Vancouver student housing can choose from room types such as Private Bedroom / Shared Bathroom or Shared Bedroom / Shared Bathroom. Each room at GEC Vica comes equipped with essentials for a comfortable student life including a bed, desk, closet, chair, and a window for natural light, as the GEC Viva reviews suggest. Preparing meals is easy with amenities like a fridge, freezer, oven, microwave, stove, and cooking essentials such as cutlery, plates, and pans.

Beyond the room, GEC Viva offers an array of common amenities. GEC living Vancouver promotes a healthy lifestyle with the on-site fitness center, or enjoy the ease of weekly housekeeping in common areas, which keeps your living space neat and tidy. The community kitchen is a place to cook and socialize, whereas the proximity to local attractions like Granville Island Market and the scenic False Creek are bound to enrich your leisure time. Also, you’ll appreciate the Mountain View and the convenience of being close to the waterfront where you can unwind. For those with bicycles, bicycle storage ensures your ride is safely stored. Stay connected with friends and family or stream your lectures with comprehensive Wi-Fi access throughout the property. In-house washer & dryer facilities add to the ease of living, making laundry days a breeze. Keep in mind that in your GEC Viva, certain bills like water, heating, and electricity are covered in your rent, eliminating any additional worries. Your comfort is our priority, and at GEC Viva, you’ll have everything you need for a memorable and convenient study experience.

Location and What's Hot?

Vancouver, a vibrant city known for its stunning natural scenery and cultural diversity, is also home to prestigious institutions like the University of British Columbia, University Canada West, and the Canadian College of Technology and Business. Situated in the heart of this dynamic cosmopolitan, GEC Viva, offers student housing in Vancouver that is just moments away from a host of local amenities. Students residing at this housing can satisfy their culinary cravings at nearby eateries such as Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca for budget-friendly meals or Blenz Coffee for a cozy coffee break. Health-conscious individuals will appreciate the Whole Foods Market for organic grocery shopping, while local flair can be indulged at the Granville Island Public Market. Social evenings are easily enjoyed at Relish The Pub which offers a lively atmosphere perfect for winding down after a busy day. For health and wellness needs, GEC Viva is positioned near well-established medical facilities like Vancouver General Hospital and the Seymour Health Center ensuring students have easy access to healthcare services.

This prime location is a treasure trove for students eager to explore the richness of Vancouver’s cultural scene. The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre provides a space for creative engagement, while the Vancouver Art Gallery showcases world-class exhibitions. Literary enthusiasts can delve into a wide selection of books at the Vancouver Public Library, only a short distance from the property. For those who adore nature, the scenic views of False Creek and the majestic mountains act as a backdrop to this splendid Vancouver student housing, allowing students to bask in the locality’s natural elements. A picturesque stroll or bike ride along the Vancouver Seawall is an ideal way to embrace the tranquility of the waterfront. The accommodation's proximity to local sports venues and the bustling energy of Granville Island Market signifies that students have the privilege of experiencing the true essence of Vancouver's lifestyle. An abundance of art galleries and museums add a layer of sophistication to weekend plans, easily accessible from GEC Viva. In essence, this property not only presents top-notch Vancouver student housing but also serves as the gateway to an immersive student life enriched by convenience, culture, and community. This student housing in Vancouver sits at the intersection of academic pursuits and the vibrant beat of urban living — a perfect home for those seeking a balanced and enriched student lifestyle

Commute

Students looking for an easy commute from their property will appreciate the convenience offered by the property's prime location. The surroundings are well-equipped with public transportation options to help students navigate the city with ease. Just a short walk away from GEC Viva are the two most accessible bus stops, NB Granville St @ Drake St and Southbound Granville St @ Davie St. These stops serve multiple bus routes, simplifying travel to various parts of Vancouver. In addition to bus services, the property is also favorably positioned near key subway stations. Students can quickly reach the Yaletown-Roundhouse Station and Vancouver City Centre Station of the SkyTrain system, allowing for fast and direct access to both local and wider Vancouver areas. With these nearby public transportation options, residents at GEC Viva will find everything within their reach, ensuring a hassle-free commute to wherever their day takes them.

Video Tours

Explore the property through a virtual walkthrough and discover a variety of in house amenities all at highly affordable rents.

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Room Types (2)

Clear
All (2)
Non Ensuite (2)
Non Ensuite
A private room with a shared bathroom — Provides privacy at a more affordable price
8

Shared Bedroom / Shared Bathroom

Starting From:CA$500/week
Non Ensuite
Shared Room
Shared Bathroom
Shared Kitchen
8

Private Bedroom / Shared Bathroom

Starting From:CA$575/week
Non Ensuite
Private Room
Shared Bathroom
Shared Kitchen
Amenities
Common Amenities
Fitness centre
Weekly housekeeping in common areas
Community kitchen
Close to waterfront
Local sports venues
Granville Island Market
Safety and Security
Lock on the door
Bills Included
Water
Electricity
Heating

Payment Policies (6)

  • Booking Deposit
    This property requires booking deposit.
  • Security Deposit
    This property requires security deposit.
  • Pay In Instalment
    This property offers flexible instalment plan.
Booking Deposit
<p>1. You need to pay <strong>CA$ 250</strong> at the time of booking.</p> <p>2. This is non-refundable if you do not wish to move ahead with the booking.</p> <p><strong>Note:</strong> Rooms are held for <strong>24 hours</strong> after initial confirmation — the student must pay the <strong>CA$ 250 (non-refundable)</strong> placement fee apart from booking deposit within this window to secure the booking.</p>
Security Deposit
<p>1. You need to pay <strong>2 months</strong> of rent payable before move-in.</p> <p>2. The property holds the deposit until move-out (details in the rental contract).</p>
Pay In Instalment
<p>1. Rent needs to be paid <strong>upfront 4 weeks before moving in</strong>.</p> <p>2. Property <strong>also offers Installment Payment Plan </strong>to the students who have received Financial aid (Scholarship, loan, grant).</p>
Mode Of Payment
<p>Credit/Debit Card &amp; Bank Transfer.</p>
Guarantor Requirement
<p>1. You need to provide a guarantor to book a room with the property.</p> <p>2. Your guarantor can be both international or Canada based.</p>
Additional Fees
<p>Washing and drying machines are coin-operated:</p> <p>Washing: <strong>CA$ 4 </strong>per cycle</p> <p>Drying: <strong>CA$ 2</strong> per cycle</p> <p>Machines only accept <strong>CA$ 1</strong> coins</p> <p><br></p> <p>Residence Placement fee (non-refundable): <strong>$250</strong></p> <p>Airport Pick up Service: <strong>$120</strong></p> <p>Airport Drop-off or Transfer Service: <strong>$120</strong></p> <p>Residence/Room Change Fee: <strong>$135</strong></p> <p>Change of Dates: <strong>$50</strong></p> <p>Late Extension Fee: <strong>$100</strong></p> <p>Re-placement Fee: <strong>$125</strong></p>

Cancellation Policies (1)

  • Cooling Off Period
    This property does not offer cooling-off period.
Cooling Off Period
<p>The property does not offer any cooling off period, all contracts are legal &amp; binding.</p>
.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the office hours for the Management Shared and Private Living Coordinator?

The Coordinator’s Office Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 am - 6 pm.

Do I need Medical Insurance?

Guests are strongly advised to obtain medical insurance that covers any medical expenses that may occur during their stay in Canada. Management is NOT responsible for guest medical or emergency medical expenses. They does not assume any responsibility for any injuries you suffer, or death. Guests are to consider getting insurance that covers both health care and emergency medical.

How do I get from the airport to my student housing?

If you did not arrange airport pick-up directly with Management, you can take a taxi or public transportation to your Residence.

What do I need for my arrival?

Along with your Welcome Package, you will receive a confirmation letter with details including accommodation address, as well as your airport pick up/drop off information (if applicable), so please ensure you have it handy.

What time can I Check-In?

Check-In time is between 2 pm and 9 pm. You are not able to check-in outside those hours unless arranged ahead of time with  Management. Checkin after 9 pm is not permitted. You are responsible to make arrangements with them if your flight arrival time will affect your ability to check-in between 2 pm and 9 pm. If your flight is arriving late in the evening, you may need to plan to stay in a hotel, and check-in the following day. Please send a text or WhatsApp to the SPL Coordinator to confirm the time of your flight arrival. Free WIFI and free public telephones for local calls are available at the airport.

Can I check in early?

If you are arriving earlier, you will be able to make yourself comfortable in the lobby of 101 Lawton Blvd any time after 8 am until you are able to check-in to your unit at 2 pm. If you advise us ahead of time of your early arrival, they may be able to get your room ready earlier and can advise you on check-in day if/when the unit is ready for you before 2 pm.

What do I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If you have not arranged pick up service, you must contact Management directly to advise of change. If you have pick up service through property; first call your driver, and then contact Management.

Will my unit be freshly cleaned before I arrive?

Your bedroom will be cleaned with fresh linens on your bed. As for the unit, housekeepers only provide a very basic weekly cleaning service, and that happens sometime during the week, not on the weekends. This is shared student housing, and the responsibility of the cleaning will have been in the hands of your housemates before your arrival. Management does regular inspections of the unit to encourage cleaning standards.

How do I access WIFI in my unit?

You will find the network and password for you to use in your unit in the FAQ binder.

What do I do if I cannot access WIFI in my unit?

Contact the Management Shared and Private Living Coordinator. The IT technician is only available until 7 pm. If you have issues after-hours, but before 6:45 pm, you may use the Emergency Line to ask for assistance.

What happens if I need to cancel my stay BEFORE my check-in date?

You need to advise us in writing as soon as you can. The timing of when they receive the written notice determines if/what penalties occur.

What happens if I want to change my date of arrival or cancel my stay BEFORE my check-in date?

You need to advise Management in writing as soon as you can. The timing of when Management receive the written notice determines if/what penalties occur. If the guest requires a change of date prior to arrival, the guest needs to advise Management in writing as soon as possible. The timing of when Management receives the written notice determines If/what penalties occur. No charge for More than 2 weeks in advance of check-in date and first request. $80' administration fee/change for More than 2 weeks in advance of check-in date and NOT first request. Charged for say from original expected date of arrival, up to 4 weeks for Less than 2 weeks in advance of check-in date. If new date is longer than 6 months apart from your existing date it will be considered a cancellation not a change of aval dates, and any rate increases would apply. If formal written request is received 4 weeks or more in advance the new date can be up to one year apart from your existing date Any rate increases will apply. Anything longer than a year, will be considered a cancelation not a change of arrival date

Where Should I apply Homestay?

For homestay - Application form needed to be filled for preferences.

Is property a gender specific?

Not guaranteed.

Do Management allows Couple Accommodation?

Couple accommodation - Shared room option.

What is the age Limit to book a room?

Age limit = Minimum 18 and max no limit.
GEC Viva Tower, Vancouver

Reviews
4.9

Summary curated from web
Location
4.5/5
Social Experience
4.0/5
The property offers a prime location in downtown Vancouver with stunning views and a vibrant community atmosphere. However, there are significant issues with cleanliness, management responsiveness, and bed bug infestations. Despite some positive experiences with the amenities and social environment, many guests have reported dissatisfaction with the overall maintenance and service quality.
11 Reviews
MP
Megha P
5.0
It is friendly, comfortable and I would also say homely for the students! The staff is quick at responding to questions and issues if we face any. I came to know about GEC from my school website's accommodation section. I even emailed back to my school about this place is really good for us international students and asked them to recommend GEC to any student who asks about a good and secured home that's at an affordable price and quite near to the school as well!
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NQ
Natalia Q
5.0
I had an amazing time in GEC viva while I was studying English. Their prices are competitive, and all the services are included; I would definitely stay with GEC if I decide to go to Vancouver again. I had a great experience at GEC Viva while studying English. Their prices are competitive, and all their services are included. If I decide to return to Vancouver, I will stay with GEC again.
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JC
Jim C
5.0
It was more than I expected, it has a very good location, all services are first class and at a convenient cost. I highly recommend it, especially for people visiting Vancouver for the first time.
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RI
Raima I
5.0
GEC is a very secured place in downtown Vancouver for students. The location is really good, and all the food restaurants and shopping malls are close. There are many grocery marts, too, including shoppers drug mart. As you will be living with your roommates, you will get opportunities to make friends here.
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