1) difficult to find the place to rent around UBC
2) you need to increase your budget in order to rent 1 bedroom suite/apartment. If apartment, you need to budget for utlities, cables, internet, etc
3) $800 is a bit difficult to survive for 3 persons. You need $1,500 at least including fuel, food.
BC childcare subsidies depending on how much your family earn, see below:
Families that earn $40,000 or less should apply – families that earn up to $55,000 may also be eligible
Families may be eligible for full or partial subsidy, depending on their circumstances and income
Depends on which part of Vancouver. If you have limited budget and just stay 1-2 years, I would suggest to rent a basement that usually includes utilities(electricity + gas + heat + internet + cable TV). For 1 bedroom suite(basement), it still over $1,000.
Thanks for your reply. I started to look for some other options like what you said --basement units. Seems to me there are not much choices as well. I have a strong feeling that the life is harder in Vancouver than that in Toronto.