Life outside the classroom
Success at university involves a lot more than academics. Because we want you to succeed, we offer a wide range of services to help you cope with issues that may affect your life and your studies, such as: financial aid, personal and health concerns, career decision-making, international student issues, employment, housing, spirituality and childcare. We are always willing to spend time with you to find services to help in your adjustment to university and in your transition to the world of work.

Advising and Counseling
Each Faculty has academic advisors who can help you plan your program at UCW, and make sure you are prepared for life after university, whether that means graduate studies or career preparation. Contact the Dean's Office for assistance. We can also help you access personal counseling services available through friendly, local community agencies.

Health Services
As a new student, you will be enrolled in UCW medical insurance for your first three months of study unless you already possess a Canadian Medical Care Card. After 3 months residency, you can apply for a B.C. Medical Care Card. Victoria has a wide range of community health services, and we can help you find local doctors, dentists and other health-care services if you need them.

Student Employment
Victoria offers lots of opportunity for part-time employment. Our Student Services Office can help you with referrals when you arrive here.

Housing
UCW does not have on-campus accommodation. Because Victoria is a ‘college town’, though, rental accommodation is available throughout the city. We encourage you to begin your search for accommodation before you arrive in Victoria. The rental market here is very competitive and you should arrange to see more than one place because rental apartments tend to be leased very quickly after they are advertised.

Food Services
You will find a great variety of high quality grocery stores, food outlets and restaurants at various price ranges, in nearby Quadra Street Village, as well as in residential and downtown areas.

Spiritual Support
Victoria is a welcoming and inclusive community, where people from a wide range of religious faiths worship freely. Student Services can help you establish contact with one of these faith groups.

Child Care
The Student Services Office is familiar with local services and agencies, and can help you contact the ones that will best meet your needs for childcare while you study.

Support for students with a disability
The Student Services Office will be happy to help you by putting you in touch with the Victoria Disability Resource Centre. You can view their services at http://www.drcvictoria.com/.

Athletics and Recreation
There are numerous recreational programs and facilities available in Victoria and surrounding municipalities, many within walking distance of UCW. Check out our website (www.universitycanadawest.ca) for maps showing the location of Victoria attractions and amenities.