Who can apply for residence housing?

Students who are eligible for admission to VIU and who follow a recognized educational program on a full-time basis may apply for on-campus student residence accommodation. Priority is given to full-time students, but part-time students are also encouraged to apply.


When should I apply?

You should apply for residence when you apply for admission to VIU.

Acceptance to VIU does not necessarily mean that you will be accepted in housing.

Apply for residence early!


How do I apply?



How are room assignments made?

Room assignments are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Letters of acceptance are distributed to students from May-August for the fall semester; in November for the spring semester, and in early April for the summer semester.

Once you receive a room assignment, you will have be required to provide a non-refundable $250 deposit. Failure to meet the deadline will result in cancellation of your room assignment. Your deposit will be applied to the first month's rent.


What is included in the rent?

· Heat, light, hot water
· Wireless internet service
(Note: Some restrictions apply. Click here for details.)
· Bicycle storage
· Fully furnished rooms and apartments
· Full kitchen facilities
· Comfortable lounges with cable TV
· Educational, social and recreational events


When can I move in?

Semester start dates vary each year. You will be allowed to move in approximately two to three days before the start of the college term. Check "Important Dates" under "Current Students". If your program has a different start date, please ask the Businesss Manager if it is possible to make other arrangements..


Do I have to apply for residence again for the second semester?

Students living in residence are guaranteed a room for any additional semesters, provided they meet all the deadlines for paperwork and prepay for the next semester.


How are the rooms heated?

All buildings are heated with electric heat. Each room has an electric baseboard or wall heater, controlled by an in-room thermostat.


Where can I do my laundry?

Morden Hall and Dunsmuir contain coin-operated laundry equipment within the building.
All other buildings are serviced by a Laundromat, located in the Activity Centre.
Washers, dryers, irons and ironing boards are supplied.


Is there parking or bike storage available?

Limited parking is currently available for residents for a fee. There are locked bike storage locations available outside the buildings.


Is there additional storage outside my room?

Storage is not provided outside of student rooms or apartments, except for additional locking kitchen cabinets in some of the Residence ( 20 bed) Houses (Ladysmith, Cowichan, Qualicum, Powell River and Nanoose Houses).


What does VIU have to offer?

· Two cafeterias, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner
· Library
· International Centre
· Gym facilities, intramural athletics, and recreational activities
· Student pub and restaurant
· On-campus dances, clubs and special events
· Theatre and art gallery
· Counselling and advising services
· Inexpensive hairdressing and barbering
· Dental check-ups/cleaning
· Car maintenance by students


What other extra-curricular activities can I be involved in?

VIU student residences are close to downtown Nanaimo (a four minute bus ride), with access to many amenities. These include:

· Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (50-metre swimming pool, gym and water slides
· Port Theatre (live music and theatre)
· Hiking, biking and walking trails
· Local parks including Newcastle Island, Westwood Lake, Bowen Park, Colliery Dam, Buttertubs Marsh Sanctuary
· Movie theatres and shopping
· Downtown night life
· Port Theatre (live music and theatre)