Why students choose Victoria
Victoria is BC’s capital, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It has a smaller-city feel than Vancouver, Canada’s mildest winters, and easy access to beaches, trails and the ocean. The main post-secondary schools are the University of Victoria (UVic), Camosun College and Royal Roads University.
Getting to the mainland means a ferry (about 1.5 hours to the Vancouver area) or a short flight.
Rent
Median asking rents in Victoria in October 2026:
| Home | Median rent per month |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,700 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,999 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,675 |
That’s noticeably cheaper than Vancouver, but Victoria still has a tight rental market. Shared rooms and homestays are the most affordable options for students — budget roughly $900–$1,200 for a shared room.
Transit
Victoria’s buses are run by BC Transit. UVic undergraduates taking at least one on-campus course pay for a U-Pass — $81 per four-month term (about $20 a month), added to tuition. Check with your school whether a student pass is included in your fees.
A realistic monthly budget
A student sharing an apartment and cooking most meals might spend:
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Shared room | $1,000 |
| Groceries and some eating out | $620 |
| Student transit pass | $20 |
| BC health fee (once on MSP) | $75 |
| Phone | $40 |
| Personal, social and other | $230 |
| Total | about $1,985 |
That’s roughly $23,800 a year before tuition. Compare scenarios in the cost calculator.
Good to know
- Camosun is a popular route into UVic — see the Camosun profile.
- Your private insurance must cover you until MSP starts.
- Victoria International Airport (YYJ) has direct flights to Vancouver and other Canadian cities; most international arrivals connect through YVR.