The following resources are to get you started. Please contact Off-Campus Housing or book a meeting for further support.
On-Campus VIU Supports: Academic Advising, Accessibility Services and Counselling.
Counselling: Here2Talk offer free, 24/7, confidential counselling and community referral services to domestic or international students. Support services in various languages are available on request and are subject to availability and/or a waiting time.
Financial: VIU Financial Aid and Awards can help you manage your money while studying. They can also support you with finding financial assistance.
Food: Apps to help you save on local groceries include Flipp and Flashfood. The Nanaimo Foodshare Good Food Box is a group vegetable buying program that can save you around 25%. Loaves & Fishes are a community food bank.
Guides: The BC Newcomers’ Guides are great for 'getting settled' questions and are in multiple language. The Surviving In Nanaimo Guide has links for Emergency, Basic Needs (clothing, water, food, housing, hygeine), Health Services and other Community Services.
Insurance: TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Program is VIU's preferred partner and offers discounts for VIU students.
Legal help: the BC Federation of Students (BCFS) Legal Assistance Plan is a free service for students. They can advise you on tenancy matters - and more. Ask an Advocate offer advice and support for tenancy and housing, income assistance and disability assistance.
Safety: The Nanaimo FB Marketplace (RCMP) Safe Pickup is at 303 Prideaux St. The wikiHow: Stay Safe at Night gives general advice about getting home safely.
Short-term or last-minute accommodation: visit out Temporary Accommodation page for ideas about where to stay.
Tenancy issues: our Tenancy Issues and Support page has information about dealing with with landlord and rental housing problems.
Travel: If you're arriving from out-of-town, use the Travel to Nanaimo resource. The Nanaimo Bus Routes will help you get around when you arrive.
Contact Us
Please contact Off-Campus Housing or book a meeting.