International

As a university student, we know your summers are sacred. It’s your chance to do something completely different than school, whether that’s working, spending more time on hobbies or relaxing in the sun. But there are advantages to taking summer courses and VIU is making it easier than ever this year. We are offering double number of courses with many online or hybrid options, which means you can work and attend school at the same time, or study from your home community. 

The best way to find out if you are truly passionate about something is to try it out for a while.

That’s just what fourth-year Computer Science student Nina Gill did with her recent co-operative education experience. After taking a course on cyber security, the 25-year-old wanted to explore whether a career in this area was for her.

We hope the semester is going well for everyone so far! If you’re in need of a break this week, don’t forget to check out Global Citizens Week activities, which continue until Friday, February 11.

Participating in campus life outside of the classroom can lead to new friends, opportunities to explore your passions on a deeper level and a more enriching university experience. From student clubs to special events to working on campus, there are a lot of options available. Here are six ways to get more involved on campus.

“Educational advisors are like having a compass that helps you navigate all the unknowns of university,” says VIU Educational Advisor Michael Kuntz.

“We’re going to be your best cheerleader and advocate. When you need a pep talk, we’re going to be there for you. It’s really important to build support around yourself, especially for first-generation learners whose family members may not be able to help with academic vocabulary and processes,” says Michael. “We can also give extra tips and information about course loads, electives and finding support on campus.”

Mental health is important year-round, but January can often feel like a particularly difficult time. It’s important to reach out for help when you need it, as Ashley, a VIU Student Wellness Promoter, says in this video.

It’s that time of the year when the rain (sometimes snow) and darkness takes a hold on us. The cooler weather and shorter days feel extra draining on the soul. If you’re anything like me, the consistent clouds and regular rain showers can get you feeling the blues and full of gloom. Add the stress associated with physical distancing and keeping your mask on at all times due to COVID-19, and my somber thoughts and sentiments snowball more than average.

Are you wondering if you should take your education to the next level and add a graduate certificate, diploma or degree to your undergraduate degree? Graduate programs can be useful in situations such as moving into leadership roles or careers that require expertise in a specific field of study. To give you an idea of what grad school is like, four alumni from different VIU graduate programs share their stories.

Happy New Year and we hope you had a good winter break. This is the first edition of the Student Pulse newsletter, your source for what’s happening at VIU. Our featured student this week is Kennedy Ordano, a Bachelor of Science student and Wellness Peer.