According to the news media "Vancouver is Awesome" posted on Jul 19, 2023,

The unfurnished solarium in downtown Vancouver rents for more than $1,000 per month.

For those seeking cheap rent in Vancouver's core, it's a struggle.

One option recently posted to Facebook's Marketplace is a very bare-bones situation: an empty solarium. The rent for the small, empty room is $1,050, plus utilities (another $20 per month).

The unfurnished space has enough room for a double bed and not much more. That said, the new roommate will have to bring their own bed.

And while the view is big, given two of the walls are windows to the outside world, a third wall is made up of sliding glass doors, entering into the apartment's living room.

Aside from the solarium, the apartment has three bedrooms (each occupied) and three bathrooms. The building also features a pool, hot tub, and parking.

You can dive into the article in the description.

https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/events-and-entertainment/vancouver-rental-housing-solarium-shared-apartment-monthly-7298221

Today we will talk about renting a room in Vancouver. First of all, for those seeking affordable rent in Vancouver's core, it's a real struggle. Generally speaking, compared to Japan, where the rooms are larger and more expensive, young people here often opt for shared living spaces or what's known as a shared house. This means having individual rooms but sharing the kitchen, dining area, bathrooms, and entrance with roommates which is usually annoying. The number of roommates and bathrooms usually depends on the size and location of the house.

Now, let's dive into the unique types of rooms you might encounter when looking for accommodation in Vancouver, like dens and solariums. Starting with dens, they're incredibly small and often windowless rooms found in urban condominiums downtown. For those who prioritize living in a convenient metropolis with modern amenities, dens can be a reasonable option, even though they are relatively small. Dens are usually filled with just a single bed and maybe one suitcase, resembling a "storage room". 

Now, let's move on to solariums. A solarium is a glass room which is really commonly seen in a downtown condominium, typically used for sunbathing or enjoying therapeutic experiences. It's a relatively larger space than a den but still smaller than usual Japanese 1K, and features many windows and glass walls that allow plenty of sunlight.

As you can easily imagine, solariums have their downsides too. The lack of insulation due to the glass walls makes them less durable against extreme heat and cold. It can be quite chilly in winter and toasty in summer, which might not be ideal for many people.

Now, coming back to the article we mentioned earlier, even though the solarium offers a unique view and experience, the price tag of $1,050 per month, plus utilities, is undeniably a nightmare for many.

As for me, I've always chosen rooms relatively far from downtown but with personal bathrooms and spacious bedrooms. Regardless of your choice, it's important to note that the average rent keeps rising every year in Vancouver. One of the primary reasons for this is the serious shortage of available rooms, leaving potential renters with limited options when rents skyrocket.

If you're considering moving to Canada as a student, it's crucial to be flexible and patient, both in terms of your budget and living with people from all over the world.

That's it for today's podcast on renting in Vancouver from a former international student's perspective. We hope you found this information helpful. Stay tuned for more exciting topics and discussions in the future.