Discover the VIU campus culture
Get involved. Have fun. Make friends.
When you join us at VIU you become part of a vibrant community, and you can take part in a whole host interesting activities. Clubs and campus events connect you to your peers and provide opportunities for fun during your down time. When you take part in student life you make memories that last a lifetime.
Ways to get involved on campus
Cultural Connections
Sign up for a road trip with the Cultural Connections team. See more of Vancouver Island and connect with other students.
The Navigator
Have ideas you want to share? Any VIU student can pitch a story idea to the Navigator and if you get published you get paid.
Career Studio
An on-campus job can be a great way to connect with the VIU community. Career Studio can connect you with opportunities.
VIU Students’ Union
Your student union connects you to resources, acts as a voice for you and hosts some fun events.
Student clubs
VIU student clubs cover a wide range of activities and interests. Choose from clubs based on your area of study or clubs based on hobbies like gardening or table tennis.
Study abroad
Take part in international projects around the world or celebrate other cultures at events here on campus. Study abroad activities are handled by the International Mobility department.
Explore
Gain valuable experience
Did you know when you get involved on campus, you can add skills and abilities to your resumé? The Office of Co-curricular Engagement and Learning (OCCEL) can help. They you connect with experiences that can help you build a list of skills and abilities to enhance your resumé.
Stay healthy and active
Getting out and being active can lead to better grades and a happier, healthier you. Studies show that physical activity is good for more than your health and mental health. It also improves your cognitive abilities.
At VIU, being active is easy. As a VIU student you get get free gym passes and reduced rates for fitness classes, and can take part in intramural sports.
Mariners athletics
The VIU Mariners varsity athletics program is one of the most decorated programs in the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association.
Cheering for your team is a fun way to unwind after a day of studies. And VIU students get free tickets to home games.
Upcoming student life events
Social Prescribing in Nanaimo and The Connection Cure with author Julia Hotz
International Academic Support Free Tutoring
Student Exchange Support sessions
The Emergencies Act and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Lunch & Learn - Workplace Ready
Housing options at VIU
No matter where you’re from, at VIU you’ll be at home. In student housing you’ll find friendly people and fun things to do. And you’ll get to know other students from around the world. We are also one of the only schools in Canada to offer support finding off-campus housing as well.
Explore VIU student housing
Enjoy the Island vibes
Spend your down time exploring Vancouver Island. VIU groups host all kinds of road trips and local adventures. Or you can expore on your own. Plan a ski weekend at Mount Washington. Or a surf weekend in Tofino. You can even do both in the same weekend. In the evenings you can check out Nanaimo’s thriving music scene and enjoy food from around the world.