Before making your accommodation selection, please review the following information to ensure you clearly understand the choices available to you. If you are a new international student, we recommend you spend at least your first semester in Homestay or Peerstay.
On-Campus Residences
Our on-campus residence village is located near the heart of the VIU Nanaimo campus, close to classrooms, cafeterias, gymnasium, library, bookstore, and the Centre for International Education. The 389 spaces offer a mix of accommodation choices from single private rooms with semi-private bathroom to 4 bedroom apartments. Rooms are wired for telephone, cable television, and Internet access. There are specially-designed suites for students with disabilities.
The following is a selection of some of the fun, adventurous, and community-oriented activities that residents can be involved in:
- Community Barbeques
- Pot luck dinners
- Movie nights
- Sports tournaments
- Games nights
- River rafting
- Community kitchens
- Community Watch Program
- Food Drives
- Yoga and relaxation activities
- Christmas tree decorating
- Theme parties
- Volunteering for recycling and safety programs
Our new residence village features
- Outdoor Sand Volleyball court
- Outdoor basketball
- Picnic areas and walking paths
- Indoor community lounge with table tennis and video games
- Indoor quiet lounge for study and socialization
Students living in residence also have easy access to VIU events, activities and nearby Nanaimo Parks and Recreation facilities, including the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.
- VIU Events
- VIU Campus Rec
- International Student Activity Calendar
- Nanaimo Parks and Recreation Leisure Guide
The Residence Advisor program has been established to enhance the overall well-being of all residents, as well as to offer student Resident Advisors (RAs) the opportunity to gain leadership skills. RAs will be your guide to maximizing the benefits of living in residence, and will support you in reaching your academic goals.
Student residence does not provide bedding, dishes or food. In emergency cases, bed linens and pillowcases are available for a short-term loan. Students can bring all bedding supplies from their home country or purchase them upon their arrival in Nanaimo. Kitchen facilities are available in the Student Residences; meals can also be purchased in two campus cafeterias, open weekdays during school hours.
If you want to live in the Student Residence, please call Western Student Housing directly or e-mail them for additional information. Application for a room in Student Residence must be made well in advance.
Contact:
Western Student Housing, 750 Fourth Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 6C5,
Phone: 250-754-6338
Fax: 250-754-4291
Email: VIU Residences