Starting college is a big step in life, but at Western Community College (WCC), students aren’t expected to figure it out on their own. Whether it’s emotional support, academic help, housing guidance or a friendly face to talk to, WCC is built around the idea that success starts with feeling supported.
Just ask Rania Lagasca, a Medical Lab Assistant student currently studying at Western Community College.
“At WCC, I never felt like I was on my own. If you’re struggling in any area, academically or personally, there’s always someone ready to help,” she says. “The one-on-one support from instructors, flexible payment plans, student aid guidance and just the way the staff genuinely care, it makes all the difference.”
Whether students are local or international, that kind of care begins even before they arrive on campus.
For many, finding a safe and affordable place to live is the first major hurdle. WCC partners with trusted platforms like Vanmates and Sparrow to help students find rentals and homestays that match their needs. Staff even assist with budgeting and understanding tenant rights.
And looking ahead, on-campus housing for more than 750 students is in development, with dorm-style living, 24/7 security and flexible payment options slated for 2028.
Beyond housing, financial constraints can also weigh heavily on prospective students. However, money shouldn’t be a barrier to education – and at WCC, it isn’t.
An on-campus Financial Advisor is available to help students navigate their options, from applying for student loans to setting up flexible, easy monthly payment plans. WCC also offers a range of financial supports, including scholarships like the SMT Amarjeet Kaur Dhaliwal Academic Award.
And through its Surrey High School Scholarship Program, WCC provides more than $100,000 in financial support annually – further showcasing its commitment to making education more accessible by rewarding academic excellence and community involvement.
Once on-campus, resources help ensure a successful student experience that prepares individuals for their future.
For Business Management graduate Joyce Pamilar, WCC was a turning point.
“WCC didn’t just prepare me for a job; it helped me find my purpose,” she says. “The encouragement I received from faculty and staff gave me the confidence to lead, take initiative, and step into the world of business with clarity and ambition.”
Academic tutoring, job fairs, co-op placements and résumé coaching are all part of the package. Students also have access to more than 700 learning resources via the WCC Library and can work up to 20 hours a week while studying – earning income and experience at the same time.
Similarly, international students can count on WCC for a smooth and supportive start.
A pre-arrival orientation gives students the tools they need to start strong – covering essentials like housing, health insurance, study permits and more. Virtual and in-person campus tours help students meet future classmates and faculty, while welcome events and workshops smooth the transition to college life and Canadian culture.
And recognizing that student success encompasses their emotional and physical health, too, WCC’s Health and Safety Officer works to ensure student wellness is central to the school’s programs and practices, from access to mental health resources like Here2Talk and Simply Counselling to wellness activities and medical insurance assistance.
Western Community College, education is just the beginning. From the moment students arrive, they’re welcomed into a community that sees their potential – and walks beside them every step of the way.
Questions about a program? Contact the Surrey campus at 604-594-3500 | info@wcc.ca, or reach the Abbotsford campus at 604-776-1301 | abbyinfo@wcc.ca for information on enrolment, programs or student support.