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 in June/July 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 $200 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.)
· Parking
· 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 four to five 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 may keep their 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?

Parking is currently free for residents. 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 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 recreationalactivities
· 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's 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)


What do I need to bring with me?

· Sheets, blankets or comforter, and a pillow for a single bed
· Towels and toiletries (including toilet paper)
· Cleaning products for your room and shared bathroom
· A small oscillating fan (September can be a warm month)
· A flashlight in case of power failure
· Laundry basket or hamper to carry your clothes to the laundry room
· Dishes for cooking and eating
· Cutlery and cooking utensils
· A tray to carry food and dishes to the common kitchen
· Liquid soap, pot scrubber, tea towels and dish cloths
· Other decorative accessories such as throw pillows, a bathroom or bedside mat, or a decorative shower curtain (a white shower curtain is supplied)

In Dunsmuir House

Also bring;
· A curtain and curtain rod for the closet area
1. A tension rod or elastic plastic covered wire to hold the curtain
2. Curtain sizes:
Morden-4 feet by 6 feet
Dunsmuir-4.5 feet by 6.5 feet