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Accommodation Choices

Homestay and Peerstay

When living in homestay students will have their own private bedroom, an area to study quietly, while sharing the rest of the house with family members. In homestay, food is provided by the family while cooking/meal preparation is shared by all family members. Students may be taught to make their own breakfast and lunch while family members prepare dinner. Most families share household chores. Due to the layout of Nanaimo, students may need to travel up to 45 minutes by public transit to VIU.

Peerstay is the same except students will buy their own food, prepare all of their own meals and clean their own dishes.

Please note: There is a strong likelihood that late applications received after December 10, 2010, will require temporary accommodation. We will do our best to accommodate where and when possible.

Please refer to the following attachment and links for alternate and short term accommodation choices in Nanaimo:

Homestay/peerstay application process

Six(6) weeks prior to arrival:

  • Return your completed Student Profile (student to complete)
  • Submit your homestay deposit and homestay application fee to Vancouver Island University. This is in addition to the application processing fees.
  • Complete the arrival information form attached to the profile.

    Cancellation Policy

  • Students who cancel after being placed with a host family will forfeit 50% of the deposit. If students cancel before placement with a family they will only forfeit the application fee.

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For more information on homestay and peerstay

Phone 250.740.6159
Fax 250.740.6471
Email homestay@viu.ca

 

On-campus residence

Our on-campus residence village is located near the heart of the campus, close to classrooms, cafeterias, gymnasium, library, bookstore, and the Centre for International Education. The 389 spaces offer a mix of accommodation choices from single private rooms with semi-private bathroom to 4 bedroom apartments. Rooms are wired for telephone, cable television, and Internet access. There are specially-designed suites for students with disabilities.

Residence application process

  • Complete an application form and fax or email it along with the $25.00 application fee. Form can be completed or downloaded online

    Space is limited so apply early to avoid disappointment

Residence costs

  • $375-$475 per month not including food

For more information on residence

Phone 250.754.6338
Fax 250.754.4291
Email manager@viuresidences.ca

Off-campus housing

There are many different types of apartments, room and board, and shared housing opportunities in Nanaimo. Students can find an apartment on arrival in Nanaimo; they may want to stay in homestay or peerstay for their first month while they look for an apartment. It is also possible to rent an apartment before arrival by checking our Housing List on-line.

Temporary accommodation

If you are arriving to Nanaimo and have not yet arranged your accommodation, please refer to the attachment below.

Temporary Accommodation (pdf)