VIU Residences Students Outside

VIU Student Housing

Are you ready to apply to live in Student Housing?


We are accepting applications for the following terms on the Student Housing portal:

  • Academic Year 2025-26 and Fall 2025: Open
  • Summer 2025: Open

  • Register, Apply or Log back into the Student Housing Portal.

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

Apply to Student Housing Now

Who Lives in Student Housing?

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 student housing community so interesting and dynamic. 

Community Standards Handbook

Student Housing 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 Housing Community Standards covering important topics like the Student Housing 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 Student Housing 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 main office and administration hub of the Student Housing buildings where you will find the front desk, the Community Life office, mailboxes, and laundry facilities.

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

VIU Student Housing Map

The Staff and Community  

The VIU Community Life Program is supported by the front desk staff, two professional staff members, VIU Security and seventeen 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 Student Housing. These programs are in support of "Community Life" and creating a positive community space in Student Housing. There are many staff members that contribute to the quality of life on Student Housing. Meet the Staff.

Resident assistants welcoming new students to the campus

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

A Rainy Day Student Housing Tour

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