Looking for accommodation in Nanaimo? The housing market in Nanaimo can be a challenge – for example, right now there is little empty rental housing (although it looks like it could get better!). The sooner you start your research, the better. On top of that, there are different types of accommodation to choose from, such as individual apartments, secondary suites (e.g. the finished basement of a house), condos, or even private guest rooms (living with a family). Finding the right accommodation can take some time. While finding accommodation is a lot of work, the more listings you browse will help you decide which accommodation option is right for you. Here are some tips to help you find a place that’s right for you *.
Make a list of your needs.
The first thing to do is to consider your unique needs. Do you plan to use public transport or will you have a car? If you have a car, where will you park it? How important is the proximity to the campus to you? do you have a pet? For more information on the needs and preferences you should be thinking about, visit Rent it directly in British Columbia. Having identified your needs, this will help you either narrow your search or expand it. For example, if you know you will be using public transport, you will probably want to look for accommodation near a bus route.
What type of accommodation is right for you?
Different types of off-campus housing have different advantages and disadvantages. Some of the unique needs that you have identified will help you determine which options are best for you. Do you want roommates to cut costs or do you want your own home? Is it important for you to live in a house with a yard or do you prefer a condo? You might be interested to know that over the past few months, two bedroom homes have emerged as one of the top listings. There is much more information about the off-campus housing page.
If you are thinking about living on campus and getting the full residence living experience, be aware that if VIU offers accommodation, room offers are given in priority in order of application. So if you’re reading this later in the academic year and haven’t applied yet, you may need to focus on other options.
If you are an international student, VIU also has a Host program, where you live with a Canadian family. Private hosts also offer a room so you can live with a family, so be sure to give it a try. VI Host family Where MLI host family. This may not be for everyone, and you should definitely chat with the home team if you are considering this option.
Figure out how much you can afford.
Your budget may rule out some of the options listed above, but it’s important to make sure you don’t find yourself in an unsustainable rental situation. To calculate how much you can afford to pay per month, you need to have a budget. Fill in a monthly budget worksheet to start. Typically, you won’t want to spend more than about 33% (utilities not included) on rent out of your total income per month. Review what is included with the rental property. Does it include things like utilities (heat, hot water, electric bill, which in BC is called your “electricity” bill, etc.)? If not, you will need to budget for these expenses in addition to your rent.
Avoid rental ads scams.
Rental ad scams are not uncommon. The signs include things like a poorly worded ad with bad grammar and spelling mistakes, or an apology as to why the owner isn’t available or why you can’t see the unit. You should also be careful if someone asks for money in advance or wants personal information like your Social Insurance Number or bank account details. Trust your intuition and walk away from something that’s wrong. It is difficult to determine the legitimacy of a real estate listing without actually seeing the property and meeting the owner / property manager in person. A good rule of thumb is to never send money to someone you haven’t met, and never post a deposit until you’ve visited the rental unit. More tips, including a list of questions you should ask yourself before committing to renting accommodation, are available on the site. off-campus housing page.
Begin your research.
Armed with knowledge about your personal needs, your budget, the types of housing you are looking for, and how to watch out for scams, the next step is to find housing. Some platforms to get you started on your housing search journey include:
- Places4Students – an online classifieds service specializing in providing rental housing options for students and a great roommate finder… our most trusted recommendation!
- Application of the VIU Student Union – many students use the community board to find roommates on this platform.
- Facebook groups, Craigslist, Kijiji or similar platforms also have rental listings. Some popular Facebook groups are Nanaimo Rentals and Nanaimo 4 Rent. Contact [email protected] for more ideas.
Still can’t find anything that meets your needs? Temporary accommodation is also an option. Here are some options:
All of the above information is a lot to consider! More information is available at off-campus housing page and you can always email [email protected] with any questions.
* Please note that off-campus accommodation options are not verified by VIU for quality or legitimacy, and all private accommodation is the sole responsibility of the tenant. VIU is not a party to any off-campus housing agreement. Students should read the agreement carefully, understand the terms, and be fully responsible for the terms of the agreement before signing any documents.
Michael Witcomb is VIU’s Off-Campus Housing Coordinator. Contact him at [email protected].
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