Exchange Report

Travel to SFU: I flew into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and took an Uber directly to SFU's Burnaby campus — the most convenient option on arrival day with luggage. The SkyTrain + bus combination is a cheaper alternative, but less practical when you're heavily packed. Visa. As an German citizen, I needed a Study Permit (apply via IRCC, ~3–4 months in advance) plus an eTA for entry by air. Start early — processing times vary and delays are common. Housing: I applied through SFU's Housing & Dining Services portal. Spots for exchange students are limited, so apply as early as possible once the portal opens. Connecting with Students: Before arriving, I joined SFU groups and reached out via Instagram. This made it easy to get practical tips and meet people before day one — highly recommended.

I applied directly through SFU's housing portal on the university website. I ended up in West Towers, which I'd recommend — the rooms are small but nice, and the location on campus means everything is within walking distance. East Towers and Courtyard are solid alternatives if West Towers is full. One thing to be aware of: bathrooms are shared, which takes some getting used to, but it's perfectly manageable and part of the on-campus experience. Tips I wish I'd known: Apply as early as possible. Don't overthink the choice between residences; all three options are close to everything and well-suited for exchange students.

Academic Culture & Teaching Style Compared to WU Vienna, the academic level is generally easier — but don't be fooled. The workload comes from a constant stream of assignments, presentations, and midterms rather than one big exam at the end. If you're comfortable with that style, good grades come naturally. Campus SFU sits on a mountain with stunning views of the city, ocean, and mountains — the vibe on warm days is genuinely amazing. The flip side: during rain season, the brutalist concrete architecture can feel a bit grey and isolating. Facilities are great: gym, football facilities, tennis, ping pong, pool tables, and apparently a swimming pool (under construction during my stay). There's also a pub on campus that was a highlight every Tuesday, and a 24/7 dining hall — something I'd never seen before. Food is never an issue. Course Recommendations Stick to the classics: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Marketing. They transfer well and the format suits the SFU style. Avoid: BUS 362 — way too many assignments for what you get out of it.

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Social Life — the most important tip Don't just stick with the WU group. My biggest recommendation: actively connect with exchange students from other universities and locals. You'll do more, see more, and have a genuinely better time. I spent time with the WU crowd but also built a whole separate group of new friends — it made the experience truly amazing. Use orientation days and the campus pub — both are perfect for meeting people early. Canadian people are noticeably more open than what you might be used to, so take advantage of that and just go for it. Getting Around Public transport is included in your uni fees, but it's slow — getting downtown by bus takes ages. My recommendation: use Evo, a carsharing platform that's convenient, flexible, and much faster. Safety Campus is very safe — the biggest threat is literally bears. Downtown Vancouver has some streets with a visible homeless population; I'd avoid those areas, but overall the city is fine. Nature & Leisure The nature around Vancouver is absolutely stunning. Go hiking whenever the weather allows, hit Whistler for skiing, visit Banff, explore the BC coast and lakes, and do a trip to the US West Coast if you can. Don't waste good weather days on campus. Sports Great facilities on campus as mentioned — more than enough to stay active.

My semester at SFU was one of the best experiences of my life — the combination of stunning nature, a welcoming campus culture, and the people I met made it truly special. Stepping out of my comfort zone, building friendships across different countries, and exploring the Canadian wilderness gave me a perspective I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.