Paying for university studies can be challenging. The good news is, there are lots of options available to help you manage expenses and reduce costs while having a great university experience. We’ve compiled these resources and tips for students - reach out to us with questions!
Budgeting and Planning
A budget is a plan that helps you manage your money. It will help you figure out how much money will be coming in and how much you can expect to spend during your studies. It also might help you see where you might fit in some part-time work to help finance your studies, or where a student loan or a scholarship, award or bursary could make a difference.
Centre for Experiential Learning
VIU’s Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL) offers courses that contribute to academic success. Developing great study habits and time management can help you achieve success, and help you make time for other activities, including paid work. These courses can also help you if you are pursuing Co-operative Education or Internship programs, or seeking work experience within your field of study.
Student jobs at VIU
Did you know that more than 400 students worked in jobs on campus last year? Learn about campus student employment– from co-operative education, practicum and internships to general jobs available on campus.
External job postings
It can be challenging to work while attending university, however many students successfully combine work and studies. Staying organized and developing excellent study habits can help you combine work and studies. You might pursue off-campus work - check out the following resources to get started:
For more options, check out
Budgeting does not have to be complicated. Here are some ways to help you be financial responsible and stay on top of your money:
- Download the VIU Student Budget Sheet to capture your educational costs.
- Review this Tip Sheet on how to stretch your dollars from VIU students
- Review Budgeting for Student Life
- Check out how to create financial stability in your life
- Here's some tips on how to manage your money as a student
- Use an online Financial Goal Calculator tool to help you plan your finances
- Check out Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's helpful financial tips and tools.
- Check out the 7 expert tips for staying on top of your digital spending
- Review Higher Ed's Ways to pay for school
- Are you a new graduate? Check out these 7 Steps to Thriving as a New Graduate
- Looking for housing? Check out VIU's off-campus housing
- Affordable Child Care Benefit is a monthly payment to help eligible families with the cost of child care.
- Nanaimo's FoodShare - The Good Food Box to access a bag of fresh fruit and vegetables at a low cost.
Community Income Tax Service
Under the Nanaimo Volunteer and Information Centre Society, this program is sponsored by the Canada Revenue Agency. Trained volunteers provide essential assistance for people on low and fixed income, to individuals on pensions, or disability claims, and to the unemployed. They process personal income tax returns at no charge to individuals. Appointments are available year round to people who qualify for this valuable service.
Free CRA webinars: Learn about benefits and credits, being scam smart, and more!
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is hosting a series of free webinars for Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 on various topics. Join us to learn about the benefits and credits you could be eligible to receive, how to protect yourself against fraud, and other services and tools to help you file your taxes.
There are webinars for students, international students, adults 65+, newcomers, Indigenous Peoples, and people with a modest income. There are also webinars about being scam smart, the Disability Tax Credit, and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program grant. We will hold a Q&A during the webinar to answer your questions live.
View all of our webinars and register for the ones that interest you.
Education Planner BC
Education Planner BC helps learners make well informed decisions about their education and career options. Use the Plan Your Education section to find articles and information about the different paths along the student journey.
Help for new Immigrants Planning for Post-Secondary
Each year the Immigrant Welcome Centre at the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society welcomes hundreds of new immigrants from over 50 countries around the world – and almost as many different languages!
With specialized programs, services and supports for newcomers, this Nanaimo-based organization can help you make the transition to a new life in Canada a little easier.
Connect with the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society if you need help to get settled in Nanaimo, want to learn English, or need assistance finding a job.