Current Students

My first year of college was the worst year of my life. During the time of lockdowns and restrictions in the middle of the pandemic, I was isolated and away from everything I had known. I tried to get involved on campus and in the community, but there was nothing to do. In my second year, I became a student ambassador which led to immense personal and professional growth, becoming valedictorian and securing a job here at VIU.

As we start a new school year, many students will be moving into new off-campus rental housing. There can be a lot of unfamiliar language to navigate so it pays to know the basics. This is especially true when vacancy rates are low and we see an increase in unfortunate cases of malpractice. Last year, The Tenants Advice and Advisory Centre stated that about 7 per cent of their inquiries were about no written agreements, illegal fees or breaking leases. Here’s a quick run-down of some common issues VIU’s Off-Campus Housing office offers support for. 

With two upcoming career fairs in the works, we thought now was a good time to offer some advice to help you prepare to put your best foot forward. Don’t miss the career fair for on-campus jobs on September 14 and a career fair for off-campus employment opportunities on September 15. Secure the position you want by following these tips:

As you start university, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the unique language and terminology used in academia. Let’s demystify the common terms and phrases you’ll encounter at Vancouver Island University. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to converse fluently in university-speak, making the most of your time and the opportunities at VIU.

Are you ready for the start of the school year? This week, RockVIU new student orientation is in full swing on the Nanaimo campus. Next week, the VIU Students’ Union has several events lined up to welcome you back and get you connected with each other.
 
In this issue:

Whether you’re just embarking on your journey at Vancouver Island University or you’re about to start your final semester, the year is filled with so many opportunities to engage in unique experiences, create lifelong memories and immerse yourself in campus life. To help you make the most of your time at VIU, we’ve compiled a bucket list of must-do events that showcase the best of what our University has to offer.

Living in Student Residences at VIU is an exciting and enriching experience, offering opportunities for personal growth, academic success and lifelong friendships. To help navigate the ins and outs of life in residence, we asked Kayla Passmore, a former Residence Community Leader, to share some advice.

Bruce Barnard has been renting rooms in his home to students since 2014. Before that, he owned the Painted Turtle Guesthouse in downtown Nanaimo, providing accommodation for 110,000 guests from around the world. He says renting to students is a great way for him and his family to learn different perspectives and meet new people. He’s currently looking for another long-term student. Bruce shares some of the benefits of hosting students and breaks down stereotypes about student renters.