Application process
To apply for VIU Student Housing you need a student ID number. We send you a student ID by email shortly after you apply to VIU.
Once you have a student ID, you can register on the Housing Portal and apply.
Housing application fee
You must pay a non-refundable fee of $50 for each Student Housing application.
What are my chances of getting approved for a room in VIU Student Housing?
You have a greater chance of being approved for student housing if you belong to one of our priority groups:
- first-year students
- tuition waiver program students
- Indigenous students
- international students
- accessibility accommodations students
To qualify for priority housing you must apply by May 1. Whether you belong to a priority group or not, we advise you to apply as early as you can to improve your chances.
When and how will I find out about a room offer?
Most academic year room offers go out between March 1 and May 1.
We will email you a room offer. The email we send will direct you to the Housing Portal where you must complete new pages by a deadline.
After you get your offer
Roommate search
Roommate search is optional. You can select a roommate in the Housing Portal. If you want a single room your roommate would be the person you share a bathroom with.
Choosing a room
After you receive a room offer, you can select a room type. You will be emailed a timeslot for logging in to select a room. We can’t guarantee you get the room you want. If you apply to Student Housing early you have a better chance of getting the room you want.
Fees and payments
Your fees are based on the room type you choose and on the payment schedule you choose. You can save money by applying for the full academic year. Payments must be made at the beginning of each semester.
Apply to a Living Community (LC)
A Living Community is a program that connects you to other students with a common focus. Living Communities involve living on the same floor or in the same building as other community members. A Living Community can help you quickly feel at home in student housing. You apply for a living community in the Housing Portal. Look for LC and then the community abbreviation provided below.
Currently we offer three Living Communities:
- Indigenous Community (ILC)
- Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH)
- Mature Student Housing (MSH)
Tour student housing before you apply
VIU Campus tours include a tour of Student Housing. Campus tours are run by current students, so they give you a chance to learn about the real student experience.
Questions?
Email studenthousing@viu.ca