I really love that you want to establish a genuine connection with people. It’s a quality that is hard to come by in this day and age. I’m sure you can make great friends along your journey!
Thank you !!! Thank you so much....for such an insightful & informative video. I'll be soon moving to Vancouver for studying. I've never lived out of my country and I'm very nervous, scared as well as excited to move to Vancouver. Totally loved your video, it'll help me get prepared mentally for my visit and stay over there. Although it has been hard to find a decent place to live, because of the high cost of apartments. My college is in Downtown Vancouver.
I love the way you speak, especially the authentic Kenyan accent:) I'm looking to visit Canada sometime, may visit Vancouver (which is why I ended up on this video). It sounds a lot like where I live -- Copenhagen, Denmark. I had a similar experience/perspective when I moved here for my studies.
Thanks very much for the video. Really helpful and honest. I want to move to Vancouver once I'm done with my master's, and despite all the videos that are quite whiny about it, it looks like a place I'd love. All the best.
You my friend are very intelligent and well spoken man. Excellent perspective. I think most cities are similar insofar as people hanging out with their own crowds, especially with a city like Vancouver with so many people from some many different countries. Welcome to Canada (4 years belated) but I hope you get a chance to visit Toronto, Ontario. :))
Thanks for the awesome comment Trent! And I definitely would love to visit Toronto! I've heard so many nice things about it from so many people that I must make the trip some day!
Toronto is VERY multicultural and open, but extremely fast pace and busy. However some parts of Toronto on the outskirts of the big city are more relaxed. I hope you continue to fall in love with Canada and make many new friends. Welcome to Canada! :D
First of all, I would be happy to be friend with you. Secondly your views are very honest in video. No sugar coating or manipulation. Loved the video. Subscribed. Keep sharing things about this beautiful city
Yesss! Van is so cliquey. I love my hometown with all my heart but the clique thing annoyed me. I prefer befriending people based on their souls because friendships are much more meaningful that way. People used to be surprised that my best friend in uni was this big burly Musqueam guy, but we mentally clicked and that's what's important to me.
Thanks. I am currently living Toronto for the past three years. But I always wanted to live in Vancouver. But the cost living what people are saying it's crazy. Sadly, Toronto is creeping up too. We gave housing issues back this side but there are jobs lots. Rent is so high especially for a tiny to room. I guess everywhere you go just like most big cities cost of living is so high.
Interesting to hear you say Vancouver is fast paced. I find it so laid back and chill here when you compare it to a city like New York. That place is nuts.
Oh yeah for sure! That's why I made sure to mention in the video that it's fast for someone coming from where I'm from. I'm pretty sure Vancouver is mild compared to numerous other cities out there :)
I don't live in Vancouver but my bf does I'm originally from LA and am used to making some eye contact with people when I'm in Vancouver no one makes eye contact and even if I'm polite sometimes people don't say thank you or it's almost too much of a bother to respond....sorry u have to go through that !!!
In Vancouver esp, theres levels to friendship gota earn it. Cus everyone had to earn theirs with time and experience with the circle they with. Depending on what kind of things ur into as well.
I keep hearing this about both Toronto and Vancouver. It seems that all the biggest cities are the same in nature. Very fast, very busy, always have somewhere to go. Like New York. But then in more European cities like Paris or Amsterdam or even Montreal I hear the opposite. That people don't let their busy life affect new friendships.
This is true, I don't know what creates that sense of urgency in cities like Vancouver. And you are definitely right, it does affect personal relationships. I mean, these are very big questions that I don't even know where to begin in grappling with them
great insight, been thinking a lot about going a year to vancouver to study once I'm done with the swedish equivelant to high school. It's 3 years away though :/
Hi Willie, Im from Ireland, Im moving here with my partner in a month. I hope I can meet some nice people like you when I get here. I am afraid i will be lonely there when you say peole stick to their own..I lived in NewZealnd and I loved it so much. the people there are so friendly and nightlife was so fun..lots of dancing. Also it smy dream to visit africa..i want to go to every country there..maybe in my next life haha.
All the best with your new journey! It helps to have someone by your side to explore with so having a partner gives you an advantage to go out and try out new things! Good luck and thanks for your comment!
greeting from Edmonton Alberta I was staying in Abbotsford for 2 months last year, I had an opportunity to tour Vancouver as much as I can.but I realised to much and non stop rain and their street are to narrow compare to Alberta and Saskatchewan
Hadi Telsem it does rain quite a bit in Vancouver. People have even nicknamed the city "Raincouver". Not sure about the narrowness/wideness of the streets compared to other places however so I'll take your word for it 😊
How much does it cost to live there? I'm interested in going for college and rooming with a friend and am just worried we arent going to get by good or not have enough to actually enjoy the city and experience everything. Id appreciate some exact numbers.. so i can budget and look for places to stay. Thank you!
Hey James, I can't give you exact numbers because different parts of Vancouver have different price ranges and it also depends on what you are looking for (Basement suite? Apartment? Number of rooms? etc). Generally, downtown Vancouver is more expensive than most other sub-areas (Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam etc) obviously because it's the epicenter of activity. The price you would get an apartment downtown would get you a bigger space elsewhere. My best advice would be to go onto Craigslist Vancouver and search according to your preferences. Craigslist postings here are quite reliable for the most part. You should be able to find a place that suits your preferences! Hope that helps a bit! Let me know if you have more questions
I Willie,thanks a lot for this hints man. That s what I was guessing about Vancouver-:) .Why? ..Well, I used to live in Toronto for 7 weeks and people where unfortunately pretty conservative and reluctant there. It was sometimes worster as in Germany. Anyways, subjective or not, I think it´s human nature.
Also YESSS, the music appreciation there sucks. I tend to like reggae, or music like 2 Face Idibia, bangra, blues, etc. but DJs in Van and ppl in general only stick to specific types of music and songs. There's little branching out into different genres of music and it kind of speaks to a larger superficiality about the city. When I was in Van, if i wanted to dance I just had to sadly put on my own playlist at home LOL! Sorry I'm talking to much. Have a nice day.
Dani L. Haha! I appreciate your enthusiasm so dont apologize! I agree with your point here too! Funny how after 5years here it hasn't changed one bit in that regard. Thanks for taking the time to watch my vid!
Hi Willie! How large would you say the international community is at UBC? I got accepted to the university and I'm from Toronto, where we have a fairly large international community. Multiculturalism is very important to me as, like you, I have trouble forming relationships with people, mostly due to being very different from others. And your video was immensely helpful btw!
Tala Marashdeh hey! UBC has tens of thousands of students and a fairly large percentage of that is international students. So I think you will find that your yearning for different cultures will be fulfilled.
I'm actually from Toronto and I am surprised that you consider Vancouver fast-paced. It's pretty lax compared to where I come from. I often joke about how slow people walk here
Simi Sanni thanks for watching! 😊 And yeah you're right about the pace of this city! That's why I compared it to my home country because I know people from bigger cities in North America consider Vancouver pretty relaxed
I have been longing to get the real truth about Vancouver because I have heard from other people saying that Vancouver is expensive and full of Asians.
Lol! I'm pretty new to YT so maybe that's a factor. I also don't really have a consistent pattern of posting so maybe once I figure that out I can gain more subs
You are calm, down to earth! I love your character man! I wish you success. Looking forward to joining you soon.
I really love that you want to establish a genuine connection with people. It’s a quality that is hard to come by in this day and age. I’m sure you can make great friends along your journey!
Thank you !!! Thank you so much....for such an insightful & informative video. I'll be soon moving to Vancouver for studying. I've never lived out of my country and I'm very nervous, scared as well as excited to move to Vancouver. Totally loved your video, it'll help me get prepared mentally for my visit and stay over there. Although it has been hard to find a decent place to live, because of the high cost of apartments. My college is in Downtown Vancouver.
I'm so glad this video helped you my friend! I wish you all the best on your new journey! I hope you discover your own version of this complex city!
I love the way you speak, especially the authentic Kenyan accent:) I'm looking to visit Canada sometime, may visit Vancouver (which is why I ended up on this video). It sounds a lot like where I live -- Copenhagen, Denmark. I had a similar experience/perspective when I moved here for my studies.
Thanks for your comment Golda! 😊 Hope you can come during the summer, that's when the city is most lively! All the best!
hi Willie we r like all experiencing the same thing. Am Samy in Lethbridge AB
what is Denmark like? is the language hard to learn? is there racism?
Thank you so much Willie for posting this article on life in Canada as a student from Kenya
Geoffrey Otieno thank you for watching!
Fast pace coming from Kenya.
But a lot of people from Cali, New York and many other places say Vancouver is laid back.
Thanks very much for the video. Really helpful and honest. I want to move to Vancouver once I'm done with my master's, and despite all the videos that are quite whiny about it, it looks like a place I'd love. All the best.
You my friend are very intelligent and well spoken man. Excellent perspective. I think most cities are similar insofar as people hanging out with their own crowds, especially with a city like Vancouver with so many people from some many different countries. Welcome to Canada (4 years belated) but I hope you get a chance to visit Toronto, Ontario. :))
Thanks for the awesome comment Trent! And I definitely would love to visit Toronto! I've heard so many nice things about it from so many people that I must make the trip some day!
Toronto is VERY multicultural and open, but extremely fast pace and busy. However some parts of Toronto on the outskirts of the big city are more relaxed. I hope you continue to fall in love with Canada and make many new friends. Welcome to Canada! :D
Chris Simpson I agree 100% Chris
Thank you for taking your time to tell us what you think of Vancouver. Very informative, asante.
First of all, I would be happy to be friend with you. Secondly your views are very honest in video. No sugar coating or manipulation. Loved the video. Subscribed. Keep sharing things about this beautiful city
Thax Willie for this wonderful,helpful information
Great video man! Video has helped a lot. Can't wait to move out now 👍
Yesss! Van is so cliquey. I love my hometown with all my heart but the clique thing annoyed me. I prefer befriending people based on their souls because friendships are much more meaningful that way. People used to be surprised that my best friend in uni was this big burly Musqueam guy, but we mentally clicked and that's what's important to me.
Dani L. I totally feel you. I like to base my friendships on my vibe with others as well!
Dani L. I HATE THR CLICKY THING!. I CAN'T STAND IT
Thanks. I am currently living Toronto for the past three years. But I always wanted to live in Vancouver. But the cost living what people are saying it's crazy. Sadly, Toronto is creeping up too. We gave housing issues back this side but there are jobs lots. Rent is so high especially for a tiny to room. I guess everywhere you go just like most big cities cost of living is so high.
This video has great insights! I'm also a Kenyan and i'm considering coming to Vancouver to further my studies... Thanks!
mumbi6320 glad it added some value! Thanks for watching!
Interesting to hear you say Vancouver is fast paced. I find it so laid back and chill here when you compare it to a city like New York. That place is nuts.
Oh yeah for sure! That's why I made sure to mention in the video that it's fast for someone coming from where I'm from. I'm pretty sure Vancouver is mild compared to numerous other cities out there :)
Great video man! Always hard to have an objective insight on these matters
thank you!
Great piece, well articulated.
Alex Kamande thank you sir!
I don't live in Vancouver but my bf does I'm originally from LA and am used to making some eye contact with people when I'm in Vancouver no one makes eye contact and even if I'm polite sometimes people don't say thank you or it's almost too much of a bother to respond....sorry u have to go through that !!!
Hey Emily! It can definitely throw you off. I've had to adjust to a lot of Vancouverisms and I must say it is still a challenge sometimes even today
Great insight!
Thank you!
Welcome to canada. Stay away from Hastings lol. Bad area. I'm in Calgary but go to bc a lot. U sound well spoken and good video
+christianrobertson robertson hi
You have a nice accent and thank you for your opinion about life in Vancouver :)
Thanks for watching! :)
Sawa no problem :) I love your country Kenya is a beautiful country
If you move out of the main city and into the surrounding area it's way more chill.
In Vancouver esp, theres levels to friendship gota earn it. Cus everyone had to earn theirs with time and experience with the circle they with. Depending on what kind of things ur into as well.
I keep hearing this about both Toronto and Vancouver. It seems that all the biggest cities are the same in nature. Very fast, very busy, always have somewhere to go. Like New York. But then in more European cities like Paris or Amsterdam or even Montreal I hear the opposite. That people don't let their busy life affect new friendships.
This is true, I don't know what creates that sense of urgency in cities like Vancouver. And you are definitely right, it does affect personal relationships. I mean, these are very big questions that I don't even know where to begin in grappling with them
great insight, been thinking a lot about going a year to vancouver to study once I'm done with the swedish equivelant to high school. It's 3 years away though :/
Erik Lundqvist ah nice! Well, I wish you all the best in your studies!
***** thanks brother
I’m going to visit there, coming from Texas 😉
Hi Willie, Im from Ireland, Im moving here with my partner in a month. I hope I can meet some nice people like you when I get here. I am afraid i will be lonely there when you say peole stick to their own..I lived in NewZealnd and I loved it so much. the people there are so friendly and nightlife was so fun..lots of dancing. Also it smy dream to visit africa..i want to go to every country there..maybe in my next life haha.
All the best with your new journey! It helps to have someone by your side to explore with so having a partner gives you an advantage to go out and try out new things! Good luck and thanks for your comment!
very insightful
thank you!
greeting from Edmonton Alberta I was staying in Abbotsford for 2 months last year, I had an opportunity to tour Vancouver as much as I can.but I realised to much and non stop rain and their street are to narrow compare to Alberta and Saskatchewan
Hadi Telsem it does rain quite a bit in Vancouver. People have even nicknamed the city "Raincouver". Not sure about the narrowness/wideness of the streets compared to other places however so I'll take your word for it 😊
Thanks for the video, keep posting some more. Niko stato lakini nataka kuhama Canada juu ya makaratasi. Uko karibu kupata citizenship?
Compliments to the dude playing the piano in the other room!
David Edward lol! It's background music
I really enjoyed this video
How much does it cost to live there? I'm interested in going for college and rooming with a friend and am just worried we arent going to get by good or not have enough to actually enjoy the city and experience everything. Id appreciate some exact numbers.. so i can budget and look for places to stay. Thank you!
Hey James, I can't give you exact numbers because different parts of Vancouver have different price ranges and it also depends on what you are looking for (Basement suite? Apartment? Number of rooms? etc).
Generally, downtown Vancouver is more expensive than most other sub-areas (Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam etc) obviously because it's the epicenter of activity. The price you would get an apartment downtown would get you a bigger space elsewhere. My best advice would be to go onto Craigslist Vancouver and search according to your preferences. Craigslist postings here are quite reliable for the most part. You should be able to find a place that suits your preferences!
Hope that helps a bit! Let me know if you have more questions
Prior to relocating to Canada, and living in Kenya. What made you move to Vancouver?
I moved here to further my education 😊
what program? also, what school did you go to in Kenya where it was multicultural?
I graduated with a degree in Communication and a minor in business. I went to St. Mary's School, Nairobi
Willie planning to join you soon in Vancouver also to further my education.How can I kindly contact you?
I Willie,thanks a lot for this hints man. That s what I was guessing about Vancouver-:) .Why? ..Well, I used to live in Toronto for 7 weeks and people where unfortunately pretty conservative and reluctant there. It was sometimes worster as in Germany. Anyways, subjective or not, I think it´s human nature.
Also YESSS, the music appreciation there sucks. I tend to like reggae, or music like 2 Face Idibia, bangra, blues, etc. but DJs in Van and ppl in general only stick to specific types of music and songs. There's little branching out into different genres of music and it kind of speaks to a larger superficiality about the city. When I was in Van, if i wanted to dance I just had to sadly put on my own playlist at home LOL! Sorry I'm talking to much. Have a nice day.
Dani L. Haha! I appreciate your enthusiasm so dont apologize! I agree with your point here too! Funny how after 5years here it hasn't changed one bit in that regard. Thanks for taking the time to watch my vid!
No problem. :)
Hi Willie! How large would you say the international community is at UBC? I got accepted to the university and I'm from Toronto, where we have a fairly large international community. Multiculturalism is very important to me as, like you, I have trouble forming relationships with people, mostly due to being very different from others. And your video was immensely helpful btw!
Tala Marashdeh hey! UBC has tens of thousands of students and a fairly large percentage of that is international students. So I think you will find that your yearning for different cultures will be fulfilled.
Tala Marashdeh and thanks for watching! I appreciate the comment!
:) enjoyed watching this
I'm actually from Toronto and I am surprised that you consider Vancouver fast-paced. It's pretty lax compared to where I come from. I often joke about how slow people walk here
Simi Sanni thanks for watching! 😊 And yeah you're right about the pace of this city! That's why I compared it to my home country because I know people from bigger cities in North America consider Vancouver pretty relaxed
I have been longing to get the real truth about Vancouver because I have heard from other people saying that Vancouver is expensive and full of Asians.
Finally found a kenyan you tuber....you should be doing more of this willie...this is good ...how can i get you on fb. Awosome vedio😍😍
Kindly get back to me. Thank you in advance
Which school did you go to in Vancouver.
I went to Columbia College for my first 2 years then SFU
Come to fort McMurray Alberta a lot of jobs here there’s no need to stay in big city
Hey Willie! Im from Brazil , and im thinking to live in vancouver in 2017.. can we change emails or talk in facebook?
Hey Tauan! Yeah, sure we can chat on fb
Me too please my email : Zakaria.benzina@gmail.com
Facebook : Zakaria Benzina
How are you guys fitting in that side? I’m moving there soon
nice video, how do you have only 4 subscribers.
Lol! I'm pretty new to YT so maybe that's a factor. I also don't really have a consistent pattern of posting so maybe once I figure that out I can gain more subs
thats Nice, know a new city, the only inconvenient was new city, new faces 🤔
Come to Toronto 😋
akuna matata obama from Vancouver
In summary, people in Vancouver have no life. Sad!!!
say hello to your new subscriber *subbed* this is awesome how is everything going?
Thanks dude! Everything is going well! Hope you are doing well yourself
To Willie.....we've started a Go Fund Me for you to raise the price of airfare so you can go back to Toronto.
Four years in Vancouver? Your English is very good. You must have spoken English prior to arriving.
David Edward Yeah. The British colonized A LOT of countries. Kenya was one of them
David Edward He literally said he was from Kenya 🇰🇪. They speak English over there
why dont you guys ever move to african countries?
Good question. I actually moved back home about a month and a half ago. No more Vancouver for me 😊
KaKa Reflections .Yo,haurudi huku tena for good?