Accommodation

It is important to think about where you want to live while you study at UVic. Living on campus has its advantages: your meals come prepared, your friends are right next door and you're only steps away from class when you've slept through your alarm clock on Monday morning. But living off campus means more personal space, your own kitchen and time away from school to explore everything Victoria has to offer.

Living on campus

UVic operates three types of on-campus accommodation for students: dormitory buildings, cluster units and family housing. For information about each of these housing options, as well as important dates, deadlines and online application forms, please visit the Residence Services website.

If you would like to live on campus, submit your application as early as possible. Each year the numbers of applications exceed available space.

TIP: Residence fees can be paid by credit card prior to your arrival on campus. Contact Residence Services for more information.

Exchange students: A limited number of spaces in UVic housing are reserved for exchange students. Contact your UVic exchange advisor for more information.

When should I arrive?

If your residence application is accepted, you will receive an email confirmation that includes your move in date. If you wish to request an earlier move in date or if you intend to arrive at UVic when the office is closed contact Residence Services and identify yourself as an international student. If you plan to arrive after the start of term, you must inform Residence Services or your residence assignment will be cancelled.

Living off campus

If you prefer to live off campus, Residence Services at UVic maintains a list of available off-campus rental opportunities, including suites, apartments, houses and shared living situations. You can view this list on the Off-Campus Housing Listings webpage.

You should only agree to rent an accommodation after you have inspected it yourself. Potential dwellings should not be rented by someone else on your behalf as standards of accommodation vary and only you can determine the suitability of a potential home.

TIP: The International and Exchange Student Services (IESS) office can help you find off-campus accommodation, but only after you arrive in Victoria.

When should I arrive?

It can be very difficult to secure rental accommodation from out of town, so plan to arrive in Victoria at least two or three weeks before the start of term to allow plenty of time for searching. We recommend you reserve temporary accommodation before you arrive. For temporary on-campus options, check out the Visitor Housing website. Victoria also has many hotels, hostels and bed and breakfast inns. You can find them listed on the Tourism Victoria website.

Homestay

If you are interested in living with a Canadian family, visit the Homestay Program webpage.

Know your rights

There are many things to learn about renting in British Columbia so be sure to familiarize yourself with the legal rights and responsibilities for tenants and landlords. You can find this information on the Residential Tenancy Branch website. The Tenant Survival Guide is another great resource and is available in several languages on the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre website.