Details

• Canada
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The application process at WU is well structured. However, it is important to make thoughtful and realistic choices when selecting partner universities and not to focus solely on the most competitive options. It is advisable to consider academic fit, course offerings, and personal preferences rather than prestige alone. Prospective exchange students should also not be afraid of the interview process. Most professors are very friendly, and the interview is more of a conversation than an examination. It is a good opportunity to explain your motivation and academic interests in a relaxed and supportive environment. When preparing for the semester abroad, early planning is key. In particular, I strongly recommend applying for student housing as early as possible, as spots are limited and tend to fill up very quickly. Since our stay in Vanocuver was limited to four months, a study permit was not required. Instead, we entered Canada with a regular visitor visa, which made the application process relatively fast and straightforward. Regarding travel arrangements, booking flights early is highly recommended, as prices increase significantly closer to the departure date. Usually, the first few days consist of welcome and orientation events, and students are allowed to move into their accommodation one day prior to the start of these activities, which makes the arrival much smoother.

2. Accommodation

Students at Simon Fraser University can choose between living on campus or off campus. I was slightly late with my application for student residences, which meant that I did not receive my first choice (Townhouses) or my second choice (Courtyard). For this reasion, I would strongly recommend applying as early as possible, as accommodation preferences are allocated quickly. Overall, I would still strongly recommend living on campus, as the majority of exchange students stay in the university residences. This makes it much easier to connect with other exchange students and to become part of campus life from the very beginning. There are several types of student residences available on campus. Courtyard is the most modern option, while West Tower, where I lived, is slightly older but still perfectly fine and comfortable. The rooms are furnished with the basic essentials, such as a bed, desk, chair, and shelves. However, students need to bring their own bedding, including blankets, pillows, and bed sheets, as well as other personal items. Bathrooms are usually shared, and while they can sometimes be unpleasant in terms of cleanliness, this is part of the overall residence experience. Despite this minor downside, living on campus is definitely worth it due to the social atmosphere and convenience. If you choose to live in the student residences, you are also required to select a meal plan. I would strongly recommend taking the meal plan, as it offers a wide variety of food options that are generally of good quality. In addition, the dining hall is an important social space where students often spend time together, meet friends, and connect with other exchange students, which further enhances the overall campus experience. As mentioned above, all student residences are located directly on campus, which is extremely practical. Classrooms, libraries, and other facilities are within walking distance. In addition, the campus feels very safe, and personal safety was never a concern during my stay. Most important tip: If you wish to live on campus, APPLY EARLY!

3. Academic life at host university

Regarding campus facilities, Simon Fraser University offers everything students need directly on campus. There are several cafés, including Starbucks and Tim Hortons, as well as a variety of restaurants located in the main building. Additionally, just a five-minute walk from campus, in the UniverCity area, there is a Nester’s Market where students can purchase groceries, household items, and cleaning supplies. This makes everyday life on campus very convenient. If you are planning to drive while staying abroad, I would highly recommend using the EVO car-sharing service. The EVO app allows for easy and flexible car rentals, and many EVO cars are parked directly in the Simon Fraser University parking garage. This makes spontaneous trips and transportation very convenient, especially for exploring the surrounding area. The teaching style at SFU depends largely on the type of course taken. In larger classes, the teaching style is relatively similar to lectures (LVs) at WU Vienna, where students mainly listen to the professor in a lecture hall. In addition, many courses require attendance in tutorials alongside the main lecture. In smaller classes, however, professors expect active participation, discussion, and engagement with the course content. Overall, the workload at SFU is significantly higher than at WU. Students are required to submit assignments almost every week, and most courses include two to three exams within a four-month semester. However, despite the high workload, it is generally easier to achieve good grades due to the Canadian grading system, which often includes grading on a curve. During my exchange, I took three courses: Principles of Macroeconomics, The World Economy, and Society and Ethics. The topic of The World Economy was particularly interesting, while Society and Ethics had a very heavy workload. However, this course was especially valuable, as I learned many things that will be useful not only academically, but also for my future life. I would not recommend taking too many courses, as the workload can be intense and time-consuming. Since the semester is relatively short but academically demanding, it is important to leave enough time to enjoy the exchange experience outside of university life as well.

5. Every day life in the host country

There is a bus station located directly on campus, from which students can travel to downtown Vancouver. However, public transportation in Vancouver is generally not very efficient, especially when commuting from the Burnaby campus. The journey from Simon Fraser University to downtown Vancouver takes approximately one hour. For this reason, I would recommend choosing courses that are offered on the main Burnaby campus when selecting courses, as the downtown campus is relatively far away. If you live on campus, public transportation is not needed very often for everyday university life. To use public transportation in Vancouver, students need a Compass Card, which is the standard ticket for buses, SkyTrain, and other public transport services in the city. In terms of safety, the Burnaby campus felt very safe at all times. Vancouver as a city also felt safe to me, and I never felt uncomfortable or insecure while moving around, even alone. Simon Fraser University offers a wide range of student clubs, including outdoor clubs, sports clubs such as volleyball, and many others. At the beginning of the semester, a Clubs Fair is organized, where all clubs present themselves. This is a great opportunity to find activities of interest and meet new people. The campus is located on Burnaby Mountain, which is ideal for running, walking, or spending time outdoors, and the surrounding nature is very beautiful. You have to go watch the sunset on Burnaby Mountain!! The university also has a gym that students can use free of charge. In addition, various sports courses such as Pilates are offered; however, these courses require an additional fee. In addition to the gym, all sports fields on campus are publicly accessible. These facilities are often used informally by students, for example for casual football matches in the evenings. This created a relaxed and social atmosphere and offered another easy way to spend free time and meet other students outside of classes. While there are some events organized for exchange students, I was slightly disappointed by the limited number. Only two to three events were organized at the beginning of the semester, after which there were no further exchange-specific activities. Therefore, I would strongly recommend attending the initial events, as they are important for meeting people and building social connections early on. In terms of leisure time, Vancouver has a lot to offer. From a vibrant downtown with many shops and areas such as Gastown to breathtaking natural landscapes, the city provides a great balance between urban life and nature. During our free time, we often went hiking, and we also traveled to different parts of Canada to experience the country beyond Vancouver. The nature in Canada is truly stunning and was one of the highlights of my exchange experience. In terms of party life, Vancouver is relatively calm. If you are looking for a very active and intense nightlife with frequent parties, SFU might not be the ideal choice. However, there are still opportunities to socialize and go out. On campus, there is a pub called “Beercraft”, where many exchange students met regularly, especially on Wednesdays. In downtown Vancouver, there are several bars and clubs as well. One place I would recommend is The Portside Pub, which offers a lively atmosphere and is popular among students. Overall, nightlife is present, but it is not the main focus of student life in Vancouver.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at Simon Fraser University was an unforgettable experience for me. It allowed me to grow both academically and personally, while stepping out of my comfort zone. I met amazing people who quickly became close friends and are still an important part of my life. Looking back, I am very grateful for this experience and would highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad.