Canadian College Student Saves on Rent by Flying 2 Hours to Class: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Commuting
Tim Chen, a final-year economics student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, has taken an unconventional approach to save money on rent. Unable to afford the high off-campus housing prices, Chen decided to fly nearly 2 hours from his home in Calgary to attend his classes at UBC twice a week. This unique transportation method has been dubbed “Super-commuting” by Chen himself.
Chen, who only has two classes on campus per week, found that renting a place in Vancouver was becoming increasingly expensive. After returning from vacation last fall and discovering a significant rent increase, he realized that it was no longer financially viable for him to maintain a residence in the city. Faced with limited options, Chen came up with the idea of flying from Calgary to Vancouver instead.
Using Air Canada for his extravagant commute, Chen completed 7 round trips in January alone. A nonstop, round-trip flight from Calgary to Vancouver costs approximately $111, making it a cost-effective alternative for Chen compared to renting an apartment in Vancouver. With only two days of classes per week, Chen estimates that he will spend around $890 a month on travel expenses while still living at his parents’ house in Calgary.
Chen’s unique commuting method has attracted attention and sparked discussions on social media platforms like Reddit. Some have been impressed by his innovative solution, while others have questioned the practicality and sustainability of such an arrangement. Nevertheless, Chen remains adamant that he is saving money through his unconventional commute.
Calgary and Vancouver may be approximately 430 miles apart, but air travel significantly cuts down the travel time. Chen’s flight takes around one hour and 40 minutes, allowing him to optimize his time and make the most of his commute. While some may view this as an extreme measure, it is not entirely unheard of. In fact, a Wall Street Journal journalist recently revealed that he commutes daily from Ohio to his job in Midtown Manhattan because it is cheaper than buying a place in the city.
Chen is not alone in seeking alternative living arrangements to cope with soaring housing prices. Some UBC students have resorted to living out of vans due to the unaffordability of rent. Xelian Louw, another UBC student, explained that living in a van was the only financially viable option for her. With an enrollment of 58,590, UBC guarantees housing for first-year students and offers options for returning undergraduate and graduate students.
The story of Tim Chen’s unique commuting method sheds light on the challenges faced by students in expensive cities like Vancouver. It also highlights the creative ways in which individuals adapt and find solutions to financial constraints. While Chen’s approach may not be suitable for everyone, it serves as a reminder that sometimes thinking outside the box can lead to unexpected cost savings and opportunities.
