What are living communities?
Living communities are student housing programs that connect students together around a common focus. A living community is made up of students on the same floor or in the same building community.
Once you’ve been approved for Student Housing, you may optionally apply to one of our specific living communities.
At this time we offer three living communities:
- Indigenous Living Community
- Gender Inclusive Housing
- Mature Student Housing
Our hope is to create more living communities soon!
Indigenous Living Community
The Indigenous Living Community (ILC) is for Indigenous students to connect, share and build a culturally rich community of respect, peer support and mentorship
The ILC features programming, events and ceremony designed with guidance from the Office for Indigenous Education and Engagement. Many of the events are held at Building 170, Shq'uapthut, A Gathering Place.
All rooms in this community are Modern Single styles in Townhouse 6.
A Student or Community Leader lives within the ILC. The Student/Community Leader provides support and creates events for the ILC.
Gender Inclusive Housing
Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH) is a safe and welcoming option for students of all gender identities and expressions. GIH is for students who are interested in matching with a roommate and living together with other students based on other attributes besides gender.
All shared bedrooms and bathrooms in GIH are gender inclusive and open to individuals of all genders and gender identities. Gender inclusive housing is open to all students. If you choose GIH, you will be invited to participate in the roommate matching and room self-selection process.
Gender Inclusive Housing aims to be a community:
- that is safe and welcoming for all students
- where you choose who you live with regardless of biological sex, gender identity or expression
- that celebrates and elevates diversity, equity and inclusion
Important
When you select this option, you must be open to living with a person of any gender.
You can cancel your choice to live in Gender Inclusive Housing at Student Housing at any time, however, please note that room transfer fees will apply if this request comes after you have moved into your room.
More to explore
We encourage all residents to learn more about the Positive Space Alliance
The Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Office is available to all members of the Vancouver Island University community for consultation regarding human rights, diversity and related topics.
Mature Student Housing
Similar to other housing, Mature Student Housing provides an opportunity for students to connect and live with other mature students. These students are typically older and have already experienced living on their own. Mature students are still expected to follow Student Housing Community Standards and manage conflict as mature students.
The Community Leader of Mature Student Housing will hold a meeting with the entire community to receive input to build a set of rules, guidelines and expectations for the community. These may include cleaning schedules, extended quiet hours or any other guidelines that the community would like to consider. These guidelines may become an extension of the VIU Community Standards
The MSH is located in a Townhouse within VIU Student Housing, providing a conducive living environment for mature students. Housing options available are Modern Single.
VIU Student Residence Mature student housing does not support family housing, partners, or spouses who are not enrolled at VIU.
Please note that there may be students housed within this community who are allies to this community, but do not necessarily identify as mature.
No additional fees
There are no additional fees for being part of the living communities. You need only to pay the regular Student Housing fees.
Questions?
If you have questions about living communities, please email studenthousing@viu.ca.