When I was in Korea before coming to BCIT, I knew very little about life in Canada. I tried to find some things to do that would prepare me for being an international student. After receiving an admission letter from the international office at BCIT, I was concerned about finding a place to live. After that, I discovered the BCIT dormitory, Maquinna, through the BCIT site - www.housing.bcit.ca -. I applied promptly, but there was no vacancy. I waited for two months to reserve a room, and I finally got one. Now, I've been living for three months in the Maquinna residence. I am very pleased with dormitory life. I can save time and living expenses, make many Canadian friends, and get office support.

First, it takes only 10 minutes from the dormitory to get to anywhere else on campus. I don't have any transportation cost and don't have to worry about bus strikes. I spend just $375 per month on living costs and I gave a $70 deposit fee that I will get back. My dormitory fee provides for a room, a bed, two chairs, shared refrigerators, shower booths, and stoves.

Second, I am making many Canadian friends. In my dormitory, I am the only international student. All my Canadian friends have good English proficiency. Some already have a degree, and others also have had various careers. Naturally, my English listening, speaking, and comprehension skills are getting better. Every Friday night, we usually order a pizza and eat it while watching TV. I've learned a lot of about Canadian customs and life styles. During the midterm exam period, we studied accounting in our living room, solved difficult problems and encouraged each other. Thus, I got high marks in accounting.

Third, each house has its own residence advisor. There are seven houses, seven residence advisors, and one residence office. Officers and residence advisors support all residents 24 hours a day 365 days a year. We also have emergency service supported by BCIT security. The office handles my mail and packages, and provides one or more interesting events in a week. Next week's event is a Vancouver Canucks hockey game. I already listed my name on the sign-up sheet.

Finally, thanks to my residence life, I don't have difficulties studying at BCIT or living in Canada. I strongly recommend that everyone who wants to study at BCIT chooses the Maquinna life and not forget my tip "Apply as early as you can, because Maquinna never has enough rooms to accommodate the students."

CONTACT
By E-mail: housing@bcit.ca
By Phone: (604) 432-8677
By Fax: (604) 438-4174
By Mail: Housing Office,
Maquinna Residence
4200 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4J3 CANADA

Suite floor plan

November 19, 2001