Welcome to Commuter Life!
With over half of the student body population being Commuters we work hard to provide quality services and
programming to provide a Commuter friendly campus!
2009/10 Commuter Services Leadership
Seeking to Serve You!
Benefits of Commuter Living
There are two main things that are important for our Commuters to know in order to get the most out of
their experience here at Columbia: The first is to get involved. There are many tremendous opportunities here at Columbia, ranging from
sports, music, drama, to student leadership and a variety of committees etc. We really encourage you to take part, not only in extra-curricular
activities, but campus events as well. Secondly we want to invite you into our family here and hope that you will contribute in developing our
community.
One of Columbia’s hopes for all students is that they feel connected in a community. That is one of the
primary reasons why Columbia is so intentional about encouraging new students under the age of twenty to live in residence. We believe that if a
student is connected, their overall educational experience will be one that is enjoyable and memorable.
For those who choose to be commuters, we want to offer intentional community as well. Although it is
certainly more of a challenge to be connected as a commuter, we have strived to provide connection opportunities for all commuters so that you can
fully enjoy your experience as part of the Columbia Family.
Community Groups
As part of these connection opportunities, we invite all first year commuter students to take part in a
Community Group. Community groups meet once a month in a social setting, with the intention of getting to know the “family”. We do understand that
many commuters have great connections with their church, family, care groups and friends, and we do not want to take away from the richness of that.
We do, however, want to get to know you and give connection opportunities that will hopefully be a mutually beneficial experience.
The Commuter Lounge
~ A Home away from Home for Columbia’s Commuters ~
The Commuter Lounge is intended to be "a home away from home" for those who wish to participate. It will be a fabulous
place to meet new people, build friendships, get involved and develop community. It is a one stop shop that includes a kitchen and dining area,
computer work stations, and a comfy lounge that has a large screen TV with a surround sound DVD player. Commuters also have access to a phone
with free local calling, printing paper as well as a locker on a first come first serve basis.
The Commuter Lounge has been a place where students have found community and hosted such events as Open Houses, Pancake
Breakfasts, Pizza Lunches, Ice Cream Socials, Movie Nights, Cave Arts and Media Concerts and Porthole Coffee Breaks. Games such as Rook, Uno, Crib
and Cranium are some of the favorites that are often played throughout the week. Some students have hosted a Community Dinner once a week,
where those who wanted to be involved would chip in and prepare dinner on a rotational basis. Eating a meal together can be a wonderful
experience in getting to know new people! Take a look at what this facility offers . . .
A Kitchen
The Kitchen is equipped with a fridge, a double sink, two microwaves, a toaster oven, coffee maker, and
a kettle. Dishware, cutlery and kitchen linens are provided.
A Dining Area
The dining area has tables that sit six people each, making room for 18 people to dine. This past
year commuters were invited to be a part of a group dinner - it was a popular event!
A Lounge
Our lounge has the best real estate of the entire student centre! We are located in the southeast
corner of the building, and have huge windows, that allow the sunlight to surround us. We have great furniture, presenting a rich & comfy coffee
house look.There is a large screen TV complete with DVD and Surround Sound Stereo system, with a selection of Movies and CDs to choose from. We
desire to make a cozy & relaxed environment that will cultivate community building.
A Work Station
The workstation is equipped with three computers {Internet & homework capabilities on all}, a printer
and basic office supplies. We also have additional ports for laptops with wireless internet access.
Having a community at Columbia will help enrich your experience here, while you
pursue your academic education.
Events
• Open Houses happen five times a year around the “festive” seasons. Come out for Food,
Fellowship and Fun!
• Porthole Coffee Breaks where students can meet with different faculty members and get a
porthole peek into their lives.
• Married Student Pizza Lunches and Married Student Muffin Break – Bring the family and
meet other married students!
• Cave Arts & Media Events are open for all to come! We often have concerts in the Commuter
Lounge featuring local musicians, we’ve had poetry readings and art shows, so make sure you don’t miss out!
THINGS A COLUMBIA COMMUTER SHOULD KNOW …..
The Commuter Information Board is located downstairs in the Teaching Building, in the main hallway.
There you will find the Car Pool System, CBC Times, Upcoming Events, Commuter of the Week, Places to Rent etc. Make sure you drop by to peruse it
frequently.
Always read the “CBC TIMES”. It is the main way of Communication here at Columbia. This School news
paper is always in the cafeteria at lunch, and posted on the Commuter Info. Board. If you need to put an ad in the CBC TIMES, talk to Charmaine
in Student Development. If you wish to have the CBC TIMES emailed to you, please give you name and email address to Charmaine in Student
Development in the Registration Line Up.
Parking - for more information click
here
Carpool System. There is a self-running Carpool System that is located on the Commuter Information
Board. If you need a ride, or have a ride to give, please post it in accordance with the directions given. Please remember to update your card, or
take it down if you are no longer in need of a ride, or you have filled your passenger space.
Lockers. Limited locker space if available for Commuters, on a first come, first serve basis. 
Phone. There is a phone for our Commuters to make local calls in the Commuter Lounge.
Lunch Packages. Commuters can choose to purchase a lunch plan, and may purchase it at Registration.
Commuters are also welcome to eat their bag lunches in the cafeteria.
Microwave & Fridge. Commuters have a microwave and fridge to use at their convenience located in
the Commuter Lounge.
Come drop by the Student Development Office and introduce yourself.
Charmaine will arrange a time for you to meet with The Dean of Men or Dean of Women . If you have further questions, please feel
free to ask. It will be helpful to read the Student Handbook in its entirety prior to your arrival. It is available on the web. If you
would like to read it now click here. Please make it a priority to come to
Orientation during first week. You will have the chance to meet other commuters and get to know your leaders! We want you to be in the loop and get
off to a strong start
Available Housing
Information on local housing possibilities can be obtained through the receptionist at the Front Office in the Resource Centre upon acceptance.
You may also contact one of the neighbouring apartment complexes below.
Apartment Complexes in the area of Columbia Bible College:
Meadowood Manor
3046 Clearbrook Rd
604-852-4696
Avinlea Court
101-32435 George Ferguson Way
604-855-3345
Charlotte Manor
119-3065 Clearbrook Rd
604-864-8565
Chelsea Manor
2977 Dahlstrom Place
604-850-2355
Montecito Place
32121 George Ferguson Way
604-864-2303
BC RENTER'S GUIDE
1-888-424-7368
Policy for Living Off-Campus
Columbia has learned that one of the very profound learning dynamics at College is residential life. The interaction with other
students, staff, and student leaders, opens doors for personal growth and life-long relationships. All single, full-time students under the age of 20
(as of September 1st) are expected to live in residences.
Parents/Guardians with students under the age of 20 with extraordinary or unique circumstances must make a written appeal for
special permission to an admissions counsellor. The letter must include reasons for the exemption request. Exemptions will be considered if the
student will be living with parents/guardians or close family members (i.e. grandparents, older sibling, aunt/uncle, etc).
Exemption letters are NOT required if you are age 20 as of September 1st or if you have 60 or more credits
from another post-secondary institution that are recognized and transferred in by CBC.
