Vancouver Island University
School info
3.3
Overall Quality
Reputation
3.1
Food
2.8
Clubs
2.7
Facilities
3.4
Internet
3.6
Location
3.5
Opportunities
3.1
Safety
4.1
Social
2.8
Happiness
3.5
Basic Information
Location
- Nanaimo, BC
Institution Overview
- Public/Private: Public Liberal Arts University
- Established: (1969-1988 as Malaspina College); (1988-2008 as Malaspina University-College); (September 1, 2008 - Now) Vancouver Island University
Academic information
Degree Courses
- More than 120 programs
Key Area
- Health
- resilience and well-being
- Integrated sciences
- Technology and Environment
- Resilience of island
- coastal and rural regions
- Innovation
- entrepreneurship and social change
Student and Staff Numbers
- Students: 12,000(2023-24)
- Undergraduates: 5,530 full-time and 960 part-time, totaling around 6,490 undergraduate students
- Postgraduates: 680 full-time, 240 part-time
- Academic Staff: 600
Notable Alumni
- Gwen O'Mahony
- Victor Blasco
- Paul Manly
- Amelia Alcock-White
10 FAQs about this University from
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Students talk about this school
Good reviews
Overall 4.6
Amazing school, amazing opportunities! Im glad I chose VIU! Yes its not the typical university like UBC or UVic but it definitely has its perks! If you are willing to get engaged, you will have the time of your life! A lit of locals and international students, I could learn a lot from!
Overall 4.5
I think VIU is great to me except cafeteria, there are not too many options for students
Overall 4.5
Great school. Small classes and professors who are willing to work with you on a one on one basis. I have very little to complain about besides the lack of vegan food options; however that's true of mostly anywhere and the cost of having a restrictive diet.
Tons of events if you're willing to be social, lots of space to keep you yourself if not.
Overall 4.5
Great University, small in a good way. Professors are approachable and available. It’s built on a hill so be prepared to get your exercise in. Buildings are getting older but experience makes up for it. Science professors aren’t hyper focused on research so it seems like an ideal learning environment.
Overall 4.5
Thoroughly enjoying my time here.
Overall 4.5
Excellent campus
Overall 4.5
Located in a beautiful part of Nanaimo, you get amazing views from most of the buildings. The entire campus was built on a hill, so there is a lot of stairs, but it is good if you want to keep in shape. Help is easily assessable and it is easy to find your way around campus. Highly recommend this school if you are looking for somewhere easy to go.
Overall 4.4
VIU has been incredible. I've gone to big universities and the intimate experience at VIU is impossible to beat. Outdoor/campus rec has the BEST activities. PHED and BIO programs are 10/10. Most profs are personable and make plenty of time for students. Not sure what to take? You won't regret phys ed!
Overall 4.4
Great university! The smaller classes allow me to connect with my professors.
Overall 4.4
I love the small city atmosphere and beautiful setting of this school. I attend both the Nananimo and Cowichan campuses and they are both great. Because of the smaller student population, many classes are not offered every semester or even every year, but the programs are great, and I always seem to have a full schedule. I love being at VIU.
Bad reviews
Overall 1.1
Attended 1 semester here, it’s such a poor institution. Infrastructure and stairs horrible, if you run late to class, you have Lots of stairs to climb
Overall 1.4
Ewwwwwwewww dont recommend unless you loved high school, also dont live on res because they will suck all the fun out of it and wont let you and your friends be even moderately loud:)
Overall 1.5
Many resources if you're willing to spend the semester looking, advertise nothing then complain that no one is using them. Don't expect to find parking after 8am which they charge you for it in addition to tuition.
Tuition covered services like counselling are so awful and a waste of money. Staff (especially international bldg) are so entitled.
Overall 1.6
Go elsewhere in order to salvage your sanity.
Overall 1.7
I was bullied by students and staff for being gay. A fellow student threatened to kill me.
Overall 1.7
International students please be advised that the services provided by VIU fails to provide any value of significance. Look elsewhere for a better bang for your buck. The lack of growth and development in & around the area is testament for many haven't found quality jobs in Nanaimo and have been forced to exit there after. Goodluck!
Overall 1.7
A big no for International students
Overall 1.7
Worst University
Overall 1.7
No vegan options. But the bunnies are cute.
Overall 1.8
Such a poor excuse for an overpriced education. Covid is a constant excuse by these profs, but its more a lack of effort in my opinion. I would never recommend anyone go here, the profs and quality of teaching is really bad.