Name: Vancouver Island University Residences
Address: 4 University Crescent, Nanaimo, V9R 6C5, CA

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2026

Tracy

Clean rooms, good location

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2026

Jaeung

We really enjoyed staying there.

8/10

Excellent

01 Aug 2026

Larry

Office location was not too easy to find.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jul 2026

trecho

It was great for a quick overnight. Room was clean and quiet. It was a bit confusing to find my room but once I got it figured out it was good.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2026

Sharon

Parking was easy. No reading lights in room made reading difficult. Otherwise was good.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2026

Sam

Staff were super nice perfect cheap and safer option than a motel in Nanaimo highly recommend

8/10

Excellent

23 Jul 2026

Rob

You can’t beat the price and though I knew the room didn’t have a TV, it was nice to use the one in the common room. This isn’t a complaint, but keep in mind there’s no AC. The fan provided and an open window made sleeping better. Probably quieter than downtown and easy to get to by bus.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2026

MIRIAM

Such a beautiful forested setting so close to the city!
Economical accommodation, everything clean and simple, plus remarkably helpful staff, make staying at VIU a real treat. The location makes jaunts down to the city or up to Westwood Lake, or terrific walking in all directions, so easy. Thanks VIU, see you next year!

8/10

Excellent

23 Jul 2026

Rei

It's a really nice place for a reasonable price, and in a good location. My only complaint is that accessibility is not well described or accounted for - the check-in entrance with a ramp was locked, and the only way to get to my room was via stairs. This was not well (or obviously) explained during check-out, and I have bad knees so this was a big struggle.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2026

Shane

There was a kitchen to use and a common area to sit. It's five-star because of the budget price in the summer season.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2026

Christina

Great value for the price! Quiet and Safe accommodations. Staff was friendly and informative. Would stay again

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2026

Susan

Very comfortable space for 8 people. Good kitchen and living room, although the couch desperately needs to be replaced. Very basic accommodation, but clean and comfortable. Can’t beat the price.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2026

Kevin

great stay!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2026

Margaret

It was nice that the VIU left a coffee pod and disposable coffee cup. It was quiet and clean.
The only thing I didnt like was the mattress on the bed...Maybe I am used to mine at home. I didnt find it comfortable for a old body.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2026

Megan

Absolutely loved the separate rooms with adjoining bathroom, as well as the kitchen and flow to property. Would stay again for sure. Had all the basics you needed like a BNB, but dorm style.

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2026

NAE CATALIN NICK

This was a student residence. Don't expect much and you won't be disappointed. Budget friendly, I did pass by a bunch of students who were preparing to go out and were pretty excited about it ... but otherwise it was fairly quiet. Clean, simple, perfect for the budget mindful traveling party.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jul 2026

Lisa

Giving a review was difficult as there were many conflicting conditions. First, the room itself was clean and the bed was comfortable. The staff were friendly and the check-in process was easy.
However, the building as a whole was extremely musty and I can only assume moldy/mildewy. Within an hour in the building, I required my inhaler and allergy meds. The temperature of the building was unbearably warm. I had to leave much earlier than I’d planned due to the uncomfortable conditions.

Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Jul 2026

Ian

Pretty straight forward dorm rooms, but definitely no deficiencies there. The reasonably well stocked (with equipment) kitchen was a nice addition.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2026

Alix

Everything was clean, great price, friendly and helpful staff, super comfortable beds.

Business

8/10

Excellent

07 Jul 2026

Stacy

Great place to stay as a group. The staff were accommodating with us - we had several rooms and moved people around to accommodate different lengths of stay.

The couch was horrendous - several large slashes in the already uncomfortable hard vinyl. One of our people brought a blanket we used to cover the couch.
The kitchen only had a single pot and pan, no colander, no large bowl for popcorn/salad etc. If you plan on cooking maybe bring some dishware, or plan meals that need very little prep/cooking.

Not enough seating needs another couch/armchair if you have a large group you should have a backup plan for some rested seating during the day. ?library ?beach etc...

Business

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2026

Catherine

Having the fifa game in the common area would have been a plus

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Jul 2026

Peter

Simple but very reasonable for the price.All the amenities provided shower nice. The only thing with the coffee machine looked like they never ran any water through it.So I ran it through it without any coffee.And it was incredibly murky water coming out.Then, I made some coffee with the pod.They provided, and it tasted horrible.So I poured it out so other than that, fine.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2026

Steve

First time staying at any University residence. My wife and I had single rooms with a Jack & Jill bathroom. For a night, not sleeping in the same bed was fine. We both slept well in very comfortable beds, what a surprise!!! The staff explained all of the amenities, room location and check out procedures. If you’re looking for a simple and clean place to stay for a night during your travels, we highly recommend.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2026

Jennica

Easy check in process. Rooms were clean, comfortable bed, soap and shampoo included was not expected but appreciated. Use of kitchen and fridge in common room. Laundry machines available for use. Excellent property to stay at!

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jul 2026

John

The chair in 9106 was dirty. It had brown stains.
One morning the Internet suddenly disappeared. The receptionist told me it was a \"planned outage\" and it would work again some hours later. If the outage was \"planned\", why didn't they notify guests ahead of time? Guests could have stayed somewhere else.

Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Jul 2026

ANDREW

Priced appropriately . Okok

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2026

sebnem

Rooms were clean and very reasonably priced. Great staff, very friendly and helpful. The kitchen is clean; pretty much, it has everything we need. A lot of space for parking.

Thank you!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2026

Harshpreet

Great neighbourhood and clean rooms. Had a wonderful stay!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

30 Jun 2026

ALFA

There was construction happening next to the building during my stay. It woke me up early morning. And then power went out at about 8:30am while I was in the shower. Wasn’t able to make a coffee in the morning.

The dorm is usually pleasant during my previous stays.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Leanna

Frugal way to travel ! Super clean and safe ! And lots of rabbits around the property 😆

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Brian

The staff are amazing

Friends

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2026

Jason

Na

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Stacey

We had a party of 8, needed an easy night sleep for all of us. Not fancy by any means but clean, lots of beds (bunks) kitchen and 2 baths.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Jamie

Second time staying here. Cost effective for those just needing a bed to sleep and get up early to carry out their drive north.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Israel

Really good price and clean rooms. Way worth it than booking a hotel.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2026

Serhii

I stayed one night there during the summer, when they operate as hotel-style accommodations. While the property isn’t brand new, it was excellent value for the price.
I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the room was. It included all the basics you’d expect: towels, soap, shower gel, and even coffee in the room, which made the stay very comfortable.
Another big plus was the 24-hour on-site staff, which made check-in easy and convenient no matter the arrival time.
Overall, a great budget-friendly option with everything you need for a short stay. I would definitely consider staying there again.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2026

Dylan

Very nice and accommodating staff helped me check in without any issues. Everything you need is provided to you and you have access to two rooms to ensure you have a private bathroom. There is no AC but they do offer a fan and you can open the window so as long as it’s not scorching hot you shouldn’t have any issues. I would recommend booking a room if you ever need a place to stay.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2026

Douglas

A great spot and great value. The rooms were comfortable and quiet.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

22 Jun 2026

Shawn

Very clean and quiet. It was a very warm day so room was warm but did have a fan which was helpful.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

Kyle

The shared kitchen was great to have, and the rooms were as expected. Clean and easy. No complaints! Great value!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

James

The staff were amazing and very helpful. Parking was convenient and the room was as expected. It IS a residence room, so a smaller bed and cozy, but clean, quiet, budget friendly and what you need. Also: the shower stall had impressive water pressure! I know that seems odd to notice, but made such a difference from some places that seem to have showers that \"mist\" you. I'd stay again.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2026

catherine

Staff was great - rooms were as expected for a dorm - but shower handle was broken. Also with a full kitchen and dishes provided - dish soap, sponge and dishwasher tabs would have been appreciated.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2026

Zheng

VIU accommodations must give a 5 star rating!!! The check-in desk lady is very nice, telling all the details you will need, including the campus gardens to visit. The rooms are clean and neat. The big kitchen has microwave, fridge, stove, hot water kettle. Beds are comfortable, towels and bedding are spotless. High recommended!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2026

Sabri

The facility is good in every way and my experience is very favourable. The cleanliness, staff and the centre are in very good condition. If you are coming to the island, be sure to experience this place. I definitely recommend it.

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Ben

Cannot beat the value of staying here! My friend and I booked two rooms connected to one bathroom. They're very small rooms but quiet and comfortable. Kitchen and lounge are available to use. Easy to get to downtown on the bus or order a ride.

Only thing that I wasn't a fan of was the shower, it was very tight and I kept bumping into the handles. Also the room came with a coffee pod but there was no machine in the room or in the kitchen. But no regrets staying here, and it's the second time I stayed.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Natalia

Excellent rooms and facilities, close to everything, and the price just right!
Would definitely stay there again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Natalia

Everything was excellent! The room was clean, modern, and well-maintained, with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The staff were exceptionally helpful, friendly, and attentive throughout our visit. The location was also very convenient, making it easy to get around and explore the area. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend this hotel to others and the price was very good!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Lynda

Welcoming and easy registration. Knowledgeable about the campus and larger community. Friendly and quick housekeeping.
I have a physical disability and appreciated the upgrade to accommodate my accessability needs, convenient parking and accessible bathroom. I felt safe.
The community kitchen was clean and had the necessary appliances and counter top appliances.
I always enjoy watching the resident bunnies

Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2026

Sangju

Almost good

Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Karl

Excellent staff, spacious rooms, great common area and unbeatable price

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2026

john

No one there at 7.30am for checkout

Business

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Leonhard

Great and affordable place to stay! Private couple rooms with a shared bathroom for the two of us. Nice big kitchen and great location. No complaints at all

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Lisa

Good basic, clean acccommodation for a restful evening
Kind, resourceful friendly staff who are informative about Nanaimo
Close by the VIU bus loop for public transportation

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

sang

Good location, decent room but clean and have everything ready. Great price and easy check in. Overall 5 start.
For sure this would be my first choice for next time.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Andrea

Nice, clean and amazing property.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2026

Alice

Great place! The receptionist was very friendly and helped me extend my stay.

Self

8/10

Excellent

27 Aug 2025

Eurielle

Good price, shared bathroom but private room

6/10

Pleasant

20 Aug 2025

Behzad

Room was very small

6/10

Pleasant

18 Aug 2025

Kimberly

This hostile is really a university where the rooms are rented out during the summer while kids are on break. The check-in was seamless and the staff was incredibly pleasant to deal with. There is laundry available you have to get a laundry card from the front desk or have university App..The rooms are incredibly hot even with the windows open and the fan they provide. The dorms are not soundproof so you hear every door open and slam. There is a kitchen availble if yiu have your own food. Aivwralk a good stay for a night maybe two.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Aug 2025

marie

There was a problem with the phone system - I had called several times before I arrived to ask about certain conditions. That was the only glitch.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2025

nadine

Great quality for the Price and very quiet

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2025

Alexandre

Good for sleeping!!

Everything was clean but on hotels.com it was advertised as we were having our own fridge but its a common fridge and stove in the building appartments. It was a little hot to sleep but they did gave us a small fan for each room so that was a nice gesture. Overall good and clean for one night sleep.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2025

Sylvia

For a university setting it was great

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2025

Sage

This property is a great affordable option for a stay in Nanaimo! Check in was easy, finding the door was a bit annoying because there’s 3 doors in the check in building but 2 of them are unlocked (really not a big deal). Laundry is on site which you have to pay for minimum $10 but they also have laundry detergent to provide you. There was no elevator in the building so we had to carry our luggage up 2 flights of stairs.
10/10 we would stay again!

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

08 Aug 2025

Clark

Central, clean and comfortable

Business Self

2/10

Poor

07 Aug 2025

Peter

Very Disappointed. DEFINITELY not the place to stay for Seniors trying to Enjoy a Vacation
and save some Money .Under Described in the in listing. We were Stunned to see NO ELEVATOR or Fridge only a Community Kitchen on the Ground Floor. We Lost several Food Items because of this situation. Also that we had to Share a Bathroom. We had to Carry our Luggage up 2 Flights of Stairs .The Front Desk Staff were Pleasant but Neglected to give us any Direction as to which Building we were in.They handed us 2 Keys and a Fob. We had to go Back to the Office twice to get Directions. We were Booked for 2 Nights but we only Survived One. A Very Disappointed Start of our Visit to Nanaimo. Peter Rainone

6/10

Pleasant

07 Aug 2025

Nicolette

The residence is a budget friendly stay but it is not like a typical hotel stay. Do not expect clean towels daily or your bed made. The residence is also not in a great part of town which was a huge drawback for me as I was hoping to explore by foot.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

05 Aug 2025

Marek

The price was good.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2025

King Lok

Great low-cost option

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2025

Cez

It’s very clean we appreciate the 4 rooms in 1 apartment good for group visits. We will definitely come back.

Leisure

4/10

Poor

03 Aug 2025

Stephen

It's at a campus. Not near many amenities.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2025

Xinxin

Love the spacious kitchen ！

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Aug 2025

JP

Good spot, it’s not extravagant but it’s very good for the price point. Plenty of room to cook in common areas, bathroom shared with one other room, decently comfy bunk beds. Thanks VIU!

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

01 Aug 2025

Celia

This was a very affordable dorm for the charming tourist town of Nanaimo. It was quiet and convenient. The shared kitchen had two nice microwaves. The washers and dryer’s looked newer. We enjoyed our one night stay. Was a little surprised by the security deposit of around $200, but perhaps this is a general university dorm policy.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2025

Brian

Value for money

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jul 2025

Kris

Great affordable stay and very clean. Kitchen area also available plus tv room.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2025

Danielle

Everything was excellent

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2025

Chad

We liked how clean it was

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2025

Sophie

Best affordable overnight stay in Nanaimo

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2025

Verified traveler

It was very good for my first time.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2025

JIAN ZHE

Stayed for a week with family.The stay is overall very positive and the shared kitchen is quite big and not many people cook. The bunker bed is clean and comfortable. If one thing I would see improvement is we need some kind of stopper for the upper bed to prevent kid falling

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2025

Faune

Gorgeous site!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2025

Zoe

My husband travels for work in Nanaimo during the summer and it is always such a pain finding somewhere for him to stay during tourist season. We love that the university offers this option for him! He has enjoyed every stay! It is clean, comfortable and affordable. 10/10

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Jul 2025

Vincent

Nice and clean, wish you had breakfast.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Jul 2025

Susan

Comfortable and inexpensive.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2025

Monika

Good value

8/10

Excellent

15 Jul 2025

Aimee

The only drawback was the lack of A/C in the room
Upon arrival the room was overly warm and stuffy, easily remedied by opening the windows and a fan

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2025

Matthew

This is a Review

Pretty barebones, but comfortable and clean. Staff is polite.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2025

DAVID

Very efficient, clean and cost effective way to stay for me, a single person. Only had a neighbor to share the bathroom with for one night and as long as they know the rules, it goes alright. The 'rules' should be boldly posted in the bathroom, how to lock and unlock doors, other courtesies to extend to your neighbor (noise, etc). Kitchen was all equipped and very clean when I was there.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2025

Walter

This was my second stay…… I stayed there last year. Your facility is very clean, comfortable and has all the amenities you need. The facility has beautiful surroundings, quiet and even have rabbits great you on arrival. The staff are friendly, very pleasant and helpful. Private bathroom and a double bed would be a plus…..my wife could stay there as well, comfortable. Thank you!!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2025

Stephen

Don’t tell your friends or this great little secret will become too popular!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2025

Dennis

room was fine.no problems.good value.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Jul 2025

Daniel

Clean and quiet. Great budget choice.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2025

Cole

It was all good. We enjoyed.

8/10

Excellent

01 Jul 2025

Darryl

Nice stay, only stayed to sleep so didnt see much

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2025

Jill

This is a great, economical option during the summer, as long as you know what to expect. Generally, there are very few people around. The walls are paper thin, though, if you do get a neighbour, and be warned that two rooms share a bathroom between (co-ed). I find the XL twin bed very comfortable but the pillow inadequate. WiFi is great. Many rooms have a view over the city to the water.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2025

Andrew

Clean and comfortable beds.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jun 2025

Neil

Good cheap alternative