Student Support and Services
Career Services
At the Academy of Learning Surrey, our career services team offers a variety of valuable resources to help you plan and launch your professional future. Here are a few of them:
• Seminars on writing resumes, cover letters, interviewing, and networking skills.
• One-on-one mock interview training.
• Job search support, including a database of employers who have hired our alumni.
• Assistance in finding internships and practicum opportunities.
Community Engagement Events
Engaging students on campus as well as in the community is essential. Our campus provides various opportunities for participation in the following events:
1. Volunteer Fairs: AOL Surrey connects students with local non-profit and community organizations looking for volunteers.
2. Environmental Initiatives: AOL Surrey organizes park clean-ups, recycling drives, and tree planting events to encourage sustainability.
3. Health and Wellness Days: We host workshops and activities focusing on mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, and stress management.
4. Field Trips: We organize summer trips to explore Metro Vancouver and nearby cities, helping students meet new people, make friends, and develop social skills by engaging with peers.
5. Student Appreciation Day: A monthly Student Appreciation Day is celebrated on campus with fun activities, food, and recognition for student achievements and contributions.
6. Open House Events: These events allow prospective students and families to tour the campus, meet faculty, and learn about the programs offered.
7. Seasonal Celebrations: We organize events for holidays such as Halloween parties, winter festivals, and spring fairs.
Housing Service
Finding affordable and suitable accommodation can be a challenge, especially for international students and students from out of the province. As soon as you plan your education, begin looking into housing options to make an informed decision.
AOLCC does not provide student housing or placement services at this time. The information provided here serves as a reference to help you get started. The listed companies/websites are not officially affiliated with the college, and any communication with them is solely your responsibility.
• https://liv.rent/rental-listings/city/surrey
• https://www.rentfaster.ca/bc/surrey/
• https://www.zumper.com/apartments-for-rent/surrey-bc
Additionally, please visit your Facebook Marketplace “Surrey Rentals” for more options
Homestay
For newcomers, staying with a local family through a homestay can be a great choice. Several homestay placement companies in Surrey specialize in helping international students. Fees are often charged per week and are generally more affordable than renting your own place. Booking a homestay also provides flexibility, allowing you to try it out and extend your stay, or use it as your first landing place. Other benefits include meals provided by the homestay family and the opportunity to become acquainted with Canadian culture faster.
Average Cost of Rentals:
• Apartments: $2,200 per month
• Condos: $2,250 per month
• Houses: $3,100 per month
• Basements: $1,800 per month
• Private Rooms: $750 per month
• Shared Rooms: $500 per month
Cost of Living (Projected Monthly Expenses):
Projected Expenses:
| Expenses in CAD $ | Cost/month |
| Accommodation (shared) | $500-900 |
| Phone | $45-60 |
| Food | $400-500 |
| Public Transportation | $105-189 |
| Medical Insurance | $75 |
Tenants’ Rights in British Columbia
For newcomers, staying with a local family through a homestay can be a great choice. Several homestay placement companies in Surrey specialize in helping international students. Fees are often charged per week and are generally more affordable than renting your own place. Booking a homestay also provides flexibility, allowing you to try it out and extend your stay, or use it as your first landing place. Other benefits include meals provided by the homestay family and the opportunity to become acquainted with Canadian culture faster.
Transportation
SkyTrain and Bus Transit at Our Doorstep
Academy of Learning Surrey is conveniently accessible through a comprehensive transportation service that primarily focuses on integrating public transit options, including bus transit and the metro system. Please visit https://www.translink.ca/ for more information on transit options.
Compass Card
The Compass Card is a contactless smart card used for automated fare collection in Metro Vancouver, BC.
You can purchase a Compass Card in Surrey at:
• Compass Vending Machines: Located at SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express stations, as well as Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen ferry terminals.
• Compass Retailers: Some retailers include Save On Foods, 7-Eleven, and London Drugs.
• Online: Purchase online at compasscard.ca.
• By phone: Call 604-398-2042.
• TransLink Customer Service Centre: Purchase a Concession Compass Card at the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station.
Your Safety and Security
Academy of Learning Surrey is committed to ensuring that each campus remains a safe and secure place to study, explore, and interact.
1. Evacuation Drills: AOLCC regularly conducts evacuation drills to ensure that students and staff know how to proceed in case of an emergency.
2. Critical Incident and Crisis Management: AOL Surrey is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of its students and staff by providing a safe and supportive environment. The College has established a Critical Incident Management Policy and Plan to ensure prompt, effective responses to incidents and to provide support to those affected.
Measures for Safety
- Physical Safety:
- Comprehensive Health and Safety Policy
- Regular risk assessments and fire drills
- Emergency evacuation plans
- Secured access during college hours
- Regular checks of fire exits and extinguishers
- Psychological Safety:
- Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) integrated into programs
- Clear anti-bullying policy
- Staff training in mental health awareness
3. Harassment Policy
The College is committed to providing a workplace and learning environment that is free from harassment based on any protected classification, including race, sex, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, genetic marker, or any other basis protected by law. Such conduct is unprofessional, unproductive, illegal, and generally considered detrimental. Therefore, all such behavior is expressly prohibited.
4. Addiction and Overdose Support
AOLCC is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. We recognize the challenges posed by addiction and the risks of overdose and are committed to providing resources, training, and immediate assistance.
Education and Training:
All front desk and most student-facing staff are trained to recognize signs of overdose and administer Naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses.
Naloxone Kits on Campus:
Naloxone kits are placed in the first aid room and at the front desk. These kits are regularly checked to ensure they are up-to-date and ready for use.
Emergency Response Steps:
- Call 911 immediately for professional medical assistance.
- Call the campus directly at 604-598-3555.
- Notify trained staff or retrieve a Naloxone kit.
- Administer Naloxone as instructed.
- Monitor the individual and provide supportive care until emergency services arrive.
Support and Resources:
Confidential support is available for students and staff struggling with addiction. We can connect you with trusted local organizations, such as:
- BC Centre on Substance Use (bccsu.ca)
- Overdose Prevention Society (overdoseprevention.ca)
- BC Mental Health Crisis Line (310-6789)
Technology Services
Academy of Learning College Surrey supports students by providing access to campus computers and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, students receive complimentary Microsoft 365 installations during their study period. For more IT services, please contact Peter Vu, our IT specialist, at peterv@bcaol.com.
Academic Support & Personalized Training
At Academy of Learning, we understand that each student has unique learning needs. Therefore, we offer personalized training through one-on-one sessions with dedicated learning coaches. This approach provides tailored support that caters to individual learning styles and paces, ensuring that every student receives the attention they need to succeed. To schedule a one-on-one session, please reach out to us at academic.support@bacol.com. Our team will be happy to assist you with appointment arrangements and answer any questions you may have.
AOL Support Team
Meet our dedicated team members at AOLCC Surrey:
- Manpreet Manpreet
- Oshin Charly
- Radhika Menon
