Future Students

Preparing for your first year of university can be stressful. Choosing the right courses, fitting them into a schedule that works – it’s a lot. And the thought of being alone in a crowd of strangers in an unfamiliar place can be overwhelming. A new approach to learning at VIU’s Cowichan campus in Duncan is ready to help you not only manage but thrive in your post-secondary career. Here’s what it’s all about. 

Sarah McClelland dreams of being “that” teacher. The one that students remember long after they graduate. The one that provides a safe place to study and whose classroom is also a fun lunchtime hangout spot.

Vancouver Island, on the west coast of Canada, is a hidden gem for students seeking a unique study experience. With a wide range of programming, breathtaking natural beauty and a thriving cultural scene nearby, Vancouver Island University is a sought-after destination for students worldwide. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider studying here.

VIU President Dr. Deborah Saucier sat down with CKNW Radio host Jas Johal recently to talk about what it’s like to be a university student these days. Here are her answers to Johal’s questions.

Taryn Walker graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Hospitality Management. After working in various positions in the hospitality and tourism industries, she is now VIU’s Alumni Relations Coordinator.

This blog series shares the stories of VIU alumni to help inspire the next generation of learners. In this blog, Taryn tells me more about her career path and what skills she has acquired over the years that have come in handy in other positions.

For many students, the end of the academic year means giving notice on rental housing. With final exams and assignments mounting, it’s easy to lose sight of some important deadlines and checkboxes for doing this right. And for most of us, that means getting that security deposit back, right?

Canada’s senior population is growing, which is why Master of Community Planning student Alicia McLean is researching how communities can be managed to best support older adults. She is conducting this research with the help of a BC Graduate Scholarship.

Alexis Gardner graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts, major in Sociology, and minor in Gender Studies. Alexis originally thought she would become a counsellor or professor but then found a passion for community outreach and social innovation. She is currently employed in the social service industry with Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Victoria, as their Senior Mentoring and Outreach Coordinator.

One of the things that makes Vancouver Island University unique is its success-focused approach to education throughout every part of the student experience, from academics to campus life to interactions with faculty and staff outside of the classroom. This approach recognizes that every single person’s learning journey is unique and requires individualized attention. With that in mind, VIU has created some unique supports to help you navigate key points in your educational journey. Here are five services you may find yourself using at one point or another.

The pandemic uncovered several flaws in the Canadian health-care system, including overburdened long-term care facilities, overworked staff and skilled labour shortages in this vital industry. Luckily, there is a community of innovators that is already working to solve these problems. This includes Vancouver Island University, which has just introduced a new program to help provide more health-care professionals by tapping into the international student market.