Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University is located on beautiful Vancouver Island, in the city of Nanaimo (http://www.tourismnanaimo.com/ ) where recreation is a way of life year round. International students are encouraged to participate in activities with Canadian students and students from around the world. Some activities could include: - day trips to Victoria and Vancouver for sightseeing and shopping - summer-time beach days at Long Beach and Parksville - movie nights, parties, festivals - river rafting, kayaking, climbing, hiking - ski and snowboarding trips to Mt. Washington and Whistler - Pilates, weight training, dance workshops, yoga - volleyball, table tennis, basketball, soccer, golf, squash - varsity athletics, student clubs - Canadian student buddy program - Multicultural Week at Vancouver Island University The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, with an olympic-size swimming pool, water slides and wave pool, is located within a 5-minute walk of the campus. Playing fields, tennis courts, bicycle trails, a 400-metre track, and baseball diamond are all located next to the campus.

On-Campus Residences www.viuresidences.ca Vancouver Island University’s 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. The following is a selection of some of the fun, adventurous, and community-oriented activities that residents can be involved in: - Community Barbeques - Pot luck dinners - Movie nights - Sports tournaments - Games nights - River rafting - Community kitchens - Community Watch Program - Food Drives - Yoga and relaxation activities - Christmas tree decorating - Theme parties - Volunteering for recycling and safety programs The new residence village features: - Outdoor Sand Volleyball court - Outdoor basketball - Picnic areas and walking paths - Indoor community lounge with table tennis and video games - Indoor quiet lounge for study and socialization Students living in residence also have easy access to Malaspina events, activities and nearby Nanaimo Parks and Recreation facilities, including the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. - VIU Events - VIU Campus Rec - International Student Activity Calendar - Nanaimo Parks & Recreation Leisure Guide The Residence Advisor program has been established to enhance the overall well-being of all residents, as well as to offer student Resident Advisors (RAs) the opportunity to gain leadership skills. RAs will be your guide to maximizing the benefits of living in residence, and will support you in reaching your academic goals. Student residence does not provide bedding, dishes or food. In emergency cases, bed linens and pillowcases are available for a short-term loan. Students can bring all bedding supplies from their home country or purchase them upon their arrival in Nanaimo. Kitchen facilities are available in the Student Residences; meals can also be purchased in two campus cafeterias, open weekdays during school hours. If you want to live in the Student Residence, please call Western Student Housing directly or e-mail them for additional information. Application for a room in Student Residence must be made well in advance. For more information visit: www.viuresidences.ca Contact: Western Student Housing, 750 Fourth Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 6C5, Phone: 250-754-6338 Fax: 250-754-4291 manager@viuresidences.ca reslife@viuresidences.ca Homestay and Peerstay Program The purpose of the Homestay and Peerstay Program is to provide international students at Vancouver Island University with a supportive and welcoming environment in a Canadian family’s home. It is also an opportunity to learn and practice English. Host families are very valuable in helping students become familiar with Canadian customs and culture and introducing them to the Nanaimo community. All hosts have been carefully screened by the Vancouver Island University Homestay office. VIU recommends that new international students spend at least their first semester in Nanaimo in homestay or 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. Peerstay is the same except students will buy their own food, prepare all of their own meals and clean their own dishes. Cost: Starting September/2008 - Homestay: $650 per month or $22.00 per night. - Peerstay: $425 per month or $14.25 per night. Fees must be paid to your host family within the first few days of arrival. A $650 refundable deposit and a non-refundable $150 placement fee are required before a host is selected. The deposit is not your first month fee. The Homestay Office must receive your payment of $800 ($150 + $650) and completed student profile six weeks before the semester start date, to place you with a family. We cannot guarantee placements for request made later than that date. Applicants will be placed with a family when the placement fee and deposit are paid and the Homestay Office has received the student profile. (For Malaspina High School Homestay information please see viu.ca/highschool) Off-Campus Housing viu.ca/housing There are many different types of apartments, room and board, and shared housing opportunities outside the Vancouver Island University campus 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 Vancouver Island University’s Housing List on-line at viu.ca/housing.