Future Students

Maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself is key to academic success and to your ability to support others. Neglecting personal care elevates anxiety, inattentiveness, frustration and could lead to burnout. When self-care starts to become equivalent to doing a chore, rather than a mental nudge to be grateful, it’s a sign that something needs to change in your life.

Are you looking for accommodation in Nanaimo? The housing market in Nanaimo can be a challenge – for example, right now, there are few empty rental properties (although it looks like this could be improving!). The sooner you start your search, the better. On top of that, there are various types of accommodations to choose from, like single-unit apartments, secondary suites (for example the converted basement of a house), condos or even private homestays (living with a family). Finding the right housing fit can take some time.

November is always a busy time at uni, with tests, final projects and exam prep looming. If you’re feeling like you need a little extra support these days, VIU offers many resources to help you not only survive but thrive. All you need to do is reach out. And hey, a few days off next week during fall study days will also help, right?

Vancouver Island University (VIU) alum Samuelle Simard-Provençal led a bird banding demonstration this September to allow girls and Indigenous youth to learn about biological sciences and the different career paths they can pursue.

We hope you’re having a spook-tacular October! If you’re haunted by thoughts of missing out on the Halloween fun happening around campus, never fear, this newsletter has you covered. 🎃

As mid-terms approach, we wanted to check in to see how everyone is doing. Need some extra help? We share some resources below. What about a break from studying? We’ve got some suggestions for you. If you’re not sure where to go, you can always start by hitting reply to this email. 

Vancouver Island University’s ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Aboriginal student mentorship program is celebrating its 10^th anniversary in September 2021. In honour of this important milestone, we are sharing stories of people closely connected with the program every month leading up to the anniversary. Stay tuned for a celebration of this important milestone in February 2022 – when we hope to be able to gather in-person.

How have the first three weeks of class been going? We know this is a busy time of year and even more so this year as we all adjust to learning and working back in-person.

With more than 120 programs to choose from ranging from trades certificates and diplomas, to undergraduate and graduate degrees, it's safe to say there's plenty of opportunities to discover a variety of places, courses and connections at Vancouver Island University.

September 30 is an annual statutory holiday to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools. On this day, we honour those who were lost and the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve.