5 student services you need to check out at VIU

One of the things that makes Vancouver Island University unique is its success-focused approach to education throughout every part of the student experience, from academics to campus life to interactions with faculty and staff outside of the classroom. This approach recognizes that every single person’s learning journey is unique and requires individualized attention. With that in mind, VIU has created some unique supports to help you navigate key points in your educational journey. Here are five services you may find yourself using at one point or another.

Career Studio

Are you feeling stressed about career decision making? The Career Studio is here to help. From helping you with resumés, cover letters and interview preparation to exploring the bigger questions, like what you want to do with your life after you finish your degree, the Career Studio staff are here to help. Studio staff include a Career Services Officer, a Student and Employer Engagement Specialist and Career Peer Facilitators. On top of one-on-one supports, the team also organizes career and networking fairs in various industries to get you interacting with potential employers.

Student Wellness Promoters

They are a familiar sight around campus with their bright yellow shirts and tent filled with resources, free hot beverages and games. The Student Wellness Promoters organize a variety of wellness events and activities around campus every semester. The goal is to encourage social connections, get you thinking about wellness and activities that can help you maintain positive mental health, and to have a little fun! Recent activities include an event sharing how nutrition and mental health intersect, and an afternoon exploring hobbies and mental health.

Off-Campus Housing

Finding a place to live can be challenging in Nanaimo’s tight housing market. That’s why VIU has an Off-Campus Housing Coordinator, who can support you with resources and local information. The coordinator can also help you understand your legal options with tenancy problems, connect you with free legal advice, help you prepare rental housing applications and link you to local off-campus living support services.

Wellness Lounge

Inside the VIU library there’s a place you can hang out, relax, chat and even pet a dog – the Wellness Lounge! The lounge is run by the Wellness Peers – students who are passionate about mental health and are trained to help you navigate student life and thrive. Feel free to stop by and say hi, and if you have a question or just need to chat, they can help! In the Wellness Lounge there is free tea/hot chocolate, colouring pages, fidgets, therapy dogs (select hours) and more! Take a study break, have a warm drink, pet a dog and chill in the lounge for as long as you need!

Peer-Supported Learning

Do you need a little extra academic help? Peer-Supported Learning offers free, regularly scheduled, informal study sessions led by a senior student who has been successful in specific courses. The program is your place to get questions answered, practice using and studying the course content, and develop different learning strategies. Studies show that students who attend PSL sessions generally increase their grade by at least one letter grade.

These are just five of the many fantastic support and services VIU offers to students. Visit the Student Affairs homepage to learn more about the many supports available to you as a VIU student, including Counselling, Accessibility Services, Financial Aid and Awards, and more!