Student Services
Pacific Rim College students have access to a variety of opportunities and services that enrich the student experience, both on and off campus. Whether you are new to Canada, British Columbia, Victoria, or are a resident of this beautiful city, you’ll find an abundance of resources here to support you throughout your academic journey and beyond.
Resources for Living in British Columbia (BC)
Explore British Columbia
Whether you arrive by plane, car, or foot, a beautiful way of life awaits you. To learn more about living and traveling in beautiful BC and Victoria, please visit WelcomeBC and the City of Victoria.
BC Driver’s License & BC Services Cards
If you are not a BC resident, you may be required to apply for a BC driver’s license or a BC services card. For information regarding eligibility and applying, please visit the Government of BC website.
Public Health Insurance – BC Medical Services Plan
In BC, public health insurance is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It covers the cost of medically necessary insured doctor services. Enrollment in MSP is mandatory for all eligible B.C. residents and their dependents. Adults (but not minor children) may formally opt out of MSP coverage, however, they will be responsible for the payment of all health services received. New BC residents may be eligible for MSP coverage after a waiting period consisting of the balance of the month that residency is established, plus two months. For information regarding applying, please visit the Government of BC website.
Utilities & Personal Services
Please see a list of important services and how to access them below.
- Electricity is provided by BC Hydro and tenants must set up their own accounts if hydro is not included in their rental accommodations.
- Internet is commonly provided by Shaw and Telus and tenants must set up their own accounts if internet are not included in their rental accommodations.
- Cell phone providers commonly used are Bell, Fido, Freedom, Koodo, Rogers and Telus
- Personal banking resources commonly used are BMO, CIBC, Coast Capital, RBC, Scotiabank and TD Canada Trust
Residential Tenancy Information
Most rental housing in BC is protected by the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). For more information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, please visit the Government of BC website and the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre.
Employee Rights and Conditions
BC has minimum standards for wages and working conditions for most workplaces in the province. The Employment Standards Act sets out rules on hours of work, time off, notice, severance pay and other topics. Read how the rules apply to most employers on the BC Employment Standards website.
Resources for Living in Victoria
Discover Victoria
Experience the charm of Victoria, from its breathtaking coastal beauty to its vibrant cultural scene. To learn more about what makes this city an incredible place to visit, please visit our Visiting Victoria page.
Student Housing
From downtown, to oceanside, to farmland living, Victoria and its surrounding communities are wonderful places to live. To learn more about short and long-term student housing opportunities in Victoria, please visit our Student Housing page.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Victoria will depend on factors such as lifestyle, the type and size of housing you are seeking, and if you have pets or dependents. To gain a feel for current housing rental costs, we recommend visiting Facebook Marketplace and Used Victoria. For other living expenses such as goods and services, we recommend using an online cost of living calculator such as WorkBC’s or Numbeo for an estimate.
Public Transportation & Bus Passes
Victoria is connected to its surrounding communities by a comprehensive public bus system. Please visit BC Transit for routes and maps and their transit fare app Umo for more information. Students may purchase a 30-day student discounted concession pass in person through a local retail vendor, online, or over the phone through Umo’s Customer Service line at 877-380-8181.
Cycling
Victoria has an extensive network of bike paths, lanes and trails. The climate is conducive to cycling year-round with only a few snow days each year. Rain gear is recommended for the rainy season and locally available. Please visit the Victoria Bike Map to find routes near you.
Local Cultural, Religious & Sports Organizations
Vancouver Island is comprised of diverse people and communities. Please visit the resources below to learn more about the different ways you can connect more deeply with the local community.
- City of Langford
- City of Victoria
- District of Saanich
- District of Sooke
- Greater Victoria Library Public Library
- Indigenous Peoples of BC & Canada
Health, Safety & Emergency Information
We’re committed to providing health and safety support both on and off campus. We’ve compiled the following resources for health and emergency services to ensure you have access to help when you need it. Remember, in any emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Campus Security Contact: +1 778 268 2723
- BC Emergency Support Services
- Non-Emergency Health Hotline
- Mental Health Support
Please also see our PRC External Referral Guide for more services.
PRC Academic Resources
Student Portal
All students have access to an exclusive electronic portal in which they can view their unofficial transcripts, register for courses, review course schedules, access academic journals, and download applications and procedural documents that are relevant to their studies.
Blackboard Learning Management System
PRC utilizes the Learning Management System Blackboard to support faculty and students. Here students can view course notes and access both clinical and academic resources. Login details are assigned upon admission to the college.
Tuition, Fees & Refund Policies
For information regarding tuition, fees, and the tuition refund policy please see below:
Student Computing and Internet
Students enjoy access to computer terminals and a dedicated photocopier/scanner/printer. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus for student use.
Library
The college library has hundreds of titles available for students to check out and use as references on campus. Victoria residents can also sign up for a free Full-Service Account at the Greater Victoria Public Library.
Bookstore
PRC’s bookstore has a wide variety of books in stock in areas including Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Nutrition, Biomedicine, Herbology, Birth and Childcare, Permaculture, and more.
Journals
Students have free access to numerous printed and online academic journals.
Orientation
PRC Campus Resources
Bike Storage
Market Square offers a shared, locked bike storage room on the lower level that students may request access to from the front desk.
Parking
PRC is located in downtown Victoria and does not have dedicated parking. Street parking is minimally available, and please find a list of nearby parkades on the City of Victoria website.
Pacific Rim College Health Services
Students have access to affordable healthcare in the Pacific Rim College Student Clinic. Services include $10 Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments (or free if booked within 24 hours), as well as free Holistic Nutrition and Western Herbal Medicine consultations. Students also receive exclusive discounts in the college’s herbal dispensary.
Student Lounge & Lockers
Our student lounge provides students with a kitchen, dining and meeting space, notice board, and personal storage including secure lockers available for rent.
Solarium
While studying or dining at bistro tables, or just hanging out with classmates, students get to enjoy fresh coastal air, sunshine, and warmth in the college’s spacious solarium that overlooks the 130-year-old Market Square courtyard.
PRC Community Benefits Card Program
A variety of local and eco-friendly businesses, many of which are located within PRC’s Market Square campus, provide discounts to PRC students. A current list of participating businesses and discounts is available on the Student Portal. Please present your student ID to receive your discount.
Disability Support & Academic Accommodations
Please see disability and accommodations resources available to PRC students below.
Student Academic Support Services
PRC Policies & Procedures
For information regarding PRC’s policies and procedures, please see the following documents:
- Academic Policies & Procedures
- Grievance and Dispute Resolution Policy
- Sexual Misconduct Policy
- Health & Safety and Crisis Management Manual
- Clinic Critical Incident Reporting Form
- Campus Critical Incident Form
Student Support & Academic Advising
Students have on-campus and/or virtual access to their program deans and academic advisors to help them select their schedules each semester, create long-term study plans, access disability supports, and navigate college policies and procedures throughout their academic careers.
Student Career and Post-Graduation Support Services
Career Preparation
It is a goal of Pacific Rim College to assist students in job preparation and placement prior to graduation and beyond. Diploma students are required to complete coursework in Business Development and Practice Management, and all students have access to courses in Professional Writing, Public Speaking, Practitioner Ethics and more.
Alumni Support
PRC is committed to supporting our students throughout their education and continuing to support alumni throughout their careers. For alumni support services, please visit our Alumni page.
Licensing & Regulatory Information
Please see the licensing and regulatory organizations below. This may not be a complete list, and we recommend researching the licensing and regulatory requirements in the area you wish to practice.