Answers to common questions about starting at Vancouver Island University
Starting university comes with a lot of questions. Here are answers to questions students asked during our July 30 information session. covering course preparation, RockVIU, housing, campus life, transportation, employment and health services.
Getting ready for classes
How and when will I be able to get my course schedule?
You can find your schedule in your VIU student record. Select Academics, then Course Enrolment History then choose the Course Schedule button for the semester you want to view.
Do I need to manually add my courses to VIULearn?
No need to do this! Your courses will appear automatically when your instructors publish them. For the Fall Semester, most courses become available during the first or second week of September, although some instructors may activate them in mid-August.
When should I buy my textbooks?
Wait until your instructor confirms whether a textbook is required, whether you need the latest edition or whether free online materials will be used. Once you know what you need, you can buy or rent books from the VIU Campus Store or look for used copies. For help confirming course materials, email textbooks@viu.ca, call 250-740-6527 or visit the Campus Store.
How does attending classes at more than one VIU campus work?
Your course schedule will show the campus location for each class. Check the campus and building details before registering, allow enough travel time between classes and review transportation options and campus maps before your first week. Contact Academic Advising if you have questions about your specific schedule or program requirements.
How can I pay my tuition and is it charged by semester or by class?
Tuition is charged by semester, with the total based on your program and the number of courses you take. View your balance, deadlines and payment instructions in your VIU Student Record under the Finances tab, then Fees and Due Dates. For payment instructions, visit the How do I pay? page.
When will VIU scholarship recipients be notified?
Students selected for VIU awards and scholarships are notified by email between May and July. VIU bursary recipients are notified in December and January every year. Visit the Financial Aid and Awards website for details.
Orientation and campus life
Can Trades students attend RockVIU?
Yes! For trades programs, the day includes both classes and orientation. Go to your classroom first at the time provided by your instructor. Your instructor will then bring you to the appropriate orientation activities.
What should students without scheduled classes do on RockVIU day?
If your program has no classes that day, go directly to the RockVIU Welcome Ceremony at the VIU gym (Building 190).
How does the RockVIU prize draw work?
Your phone’s QR code will be scanned before you enter the morning Welcome Ceremony. At the Connect Fair, pick up a passport, have it stamped as you visit booths and submit the completed passport to enter. The draw takes place near the end of the fair and you must be present to win.
Why was RockVIU created?
RockVIU new student orientation was created to help new students feel welcome, connected and excited about starting at VIU. It offers opportunities to meet people, learn where things are and become more comfortable navigating campus.
Where can I find upcoming trips and events?
The VIU Events website is your one-stop-shop for everything happening at VIU. The MyVIU student newsletter sent to your inbox every two weeks will remind you of events coming up in the next week or so.
What if I am worried about meeting people? What clubs are available and can I start one?
Events and VIU Students’ Union clubs are great ways to meet other students. Browse current clubs on the VIUSU website. If you do not see one that matches your interests, you can apply to start a new club and VIUSU can guide you through the process.
How do I use the recreation centre or gym? Is there a pool?
VIU students can access fitness and recreation opportunities at the Nanaimo campus, including the weight room, fitness programs and intramurals. Bring your valid student ID. VIU does not have a pool, but community recreation facilities are nearby. Fees vary, so check the Athletics and Recreation website for current programs, schedules and costs.
Housing and safety
How long is the walk from the student townhouses to campus?
The walk is about five to 10 minutes, depending on which campus building you are visiting.
Can students stay in housing during the winter break?
Yes, if you have an approved housing application for both semesters. Campus is quieter during the break, and Student Housing offers programs to help residents stay connected and socialize.
Can I tour a student room before move-in day?
Possibly. Email StudentHousing@viu.ca. Tours depend on whether a room is available to show and whether staff are available.
Can Student Housing accommodate a student who is moving with a non-student spouse?
Student Housing is generally available only to VIU students who have received a housing offer. Email StudentHousing@viu.ca to ask whether the admissions team can provide additional guidance or support.
What are the kitchens like in Building 7?
The common room on the ground floor has a kitchen with a stovetop, oven, freezer and sink. Residents also receive designated cupboard space for dry goods and utensils.
How much can I decorate my dorm room?
You can decorate your room as long as your decorations follow Student Housing community standards. Review the standards on the VIU Student Housing website.
What food and drinks are allowed in the dorms?
You may bring food and drinks into the dorms as long as you follow Student Housing community standards.
Is it safe to walk on campus at night?
VIU has campus security guards, assistance stations and a Safe Walk service. You can ask a security guard to accompany you between locations such as the library, parking lots, bus loops and student housing. Download the VIU Safety App and review the Safewalk information on the Campus Security website.
Transportation, work and student services
Do students receive discounts on bus passes?
VIUSU sells monthly and semester transit passes. Semester passes are available in September, January and May and are valid for four months. Thirty-day passes can be purchased at any time and are valid for 30 days after first use. Visit the VIUSU office in Building 193 for current prices and details.
Is student parking free?
There is no free student parking on the Nanaimo campus. Payment is required through ticket machines, the Indigo Neo app or an e-permit. Discounted monthly and term permits are available to students on the Indigo website. Bike parking is free. Parking is free during RockVIU on September 8, but regular parking rules still apply.
Should I buy a car if I am staying for only one semester?
It is a personal choice, but many students get around Nanaimo without a car. Public transit, carpooling, walking and shared e-bikes or scooters may be more cost-effective for a four-month stay.
Are there on-campus job opportunities?
Yes. On- and off-campus jobs are posted in the Experience Hub, and fall work-op postings begin appearing in early August. The Career Studio in Building 255, Room 204, can help with job-search strategies, resumes, cover letters, interviews, LinkedIn profile updates and career exploration.
How do I access my VIU student email for the first time?
Go to Outlook and sign in with your @my.viu.ca address and use the temporary password VIU provided. You will be prompted to set a new password and security verification. The same password is used for VIULearn, campus Wi-Fi and other Microsoft services. Contact the IT support team if you do not know your temporary password or cannot sign in.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Email students@viu.ca. The team is happy to help before you arrive and as you get settled at VIU.
Health care coverage
How can an international student arrange medical insurance for an early arrival?
You can purchase an early-arrival policy through guard.me at sites.guard.me/viuinbound.
What should I do if I need a prescription refill and my family doctor is far away?
Ask your family doctor’s office whether it can provide a remote refill or send the prescription to a nearby pharmacy. You can also contact a local medical provider or the VIU Health and Wellness Centre for guidance. Request refills before your medication runs out and bring a list of your medications and relevant records to appointments. If you don’t have a local GP or NP between Cowichan and Comox, registered VIU students can book an intake appointment with the VIU Medical Clinic by calling 250-740-6620 or visiting the Health and Wellness Centre (Building 200, third floor). Clinical Counselling is also free for all registered students. One-on-one counselling sessions are pre-booked with a counsellor and can be booked by calling 250-740-6416 or visiting the Health and Wellness Centre.