VIU Residences Students Outside

VIU Student Residence

Are you ready to apply to live on Residence?


We are accepting applications for the following terms on the Residence portal:

  • Spring 2024 (January 5 - April 25, 2024) - Open
  • Academic Year 2024-25 and Fall 2024 - Open
  • Summer 2024 (May 1 - August 18, 2024) - Opens on February 5, 2024

Register, Apply or Log back into the Student Residence Portal.

Residence is a semi-independent living environment, applicants must be 17 years of age or older

Our Current Active Terms is Spring 2024

Apply to Residence Now

Who Lives on Residences?

Our facilities house over 500 students on VIU’s Nanaimo campus each year. Residents come to our community from across Canada and the world, each bringing different life experiences and perspectives to VIU. This is what makes living in a residence community so interesting and dynamic. 

Community Standards Handbook

Residences abide by the guidelines of our Community Standards Handbook, so we can create a respectful, enjoyable, and safe experience for every student and staff member. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the Student Residence Community Standards covering important topics like the Student Residence Agreement, laws and university policies as well as many other resources.

Students in residence talking in a shared kitchen

Where We Live and Work

There are 10 Residence buildings located in the western area of the Nanaimo campus at 4 University Crescent, Nanaimo, BC offering a variety of accommodation. The different building styles include: Traditional/Dorm, Townhouse, and Apartment. 

The Cedar Centre building is the administration hub of the residence buildings where you will find a 24-hour front desk, the Residence Life office, mailboxes, and laundry facilities.

Also, find out how to get to Vancouver Island University via your preferred transportation option

the residence are located on the top north side of the Nanaimo campus

The Staff and Community  

The VIU Residence Life Program is supported by a 24 hour front desk staff, two professional staff members and fifteen Community Leaders. Your Community Leader will probably be the first person you meet on campus. These dedicated upper year student leaders plan programming and build community in every area of the residence. These programs are in support of "ResLife" and creating a positive community space on residence. There are many staff members that contribute to the quality of life on residence. Meet the Staff.

Resident assistants welcoming new students to the campus

Please Note: To fill out your application for Residence we recommend using these web browsers : Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge

A Rainy Day Residence Tour

Want to know what buildings and rooms look like? Check out this quick rainy day tour of our VIU Residence site!