Student Life

If you are eager to learn and anxious to explore both inside and outside the classroom, you are in good company here! There's much more to learning than books and studying. At VST, you will be given the opportunity to put into practice what you learn on a day-to-day basis.

Families/Child care
Our community life is enriched by the presence of families with children living on campus. Normally, no formal arrangement is made for child-care by the School, although students tend to organize as needed. Children are always welcome at worship. There is a small playground area adjacent to the Iona building, bringing children and adults together in community.

Worship
Worship is one of the most important ways community is built at VST. Students and faculty from each denomination conduct traditional worship services — from once a week to twice a day! As well, the entire community of students, staff and faculty meet for Community Worship on Thursday mornings. Students, staff and faculty are all involved in orchestrating this worship. Friends of VST and visitors are most welcome to attend.

Counselling
For many, making the transition to student life (again) can be a difficult shift. The Chaplains on campus are a pastoral presence, available to meet one-on-one with any member of the community. The Chaplains can also refer you to professional counsellors off campus, if necessary.

VSTSA
The Vancouver School of Theology Students Association, provides a forum for students to discuss items of mutual interest and concern. All students registered at VST are members of the Association and pay student fees each academic year. Each spring, the VSTSA elects a new executive which is responsible for calling monthly meetings and planning the agenda for the following academic year.

VSTSA is actively involved in the life and events of the School and has a voice at various levels of administration. Student representatives sit on the following committees: Academic Policy, Alumnae/i Steering Committee, Curriculum, Buildings and Property Policy, Library, Finance, Faculty Council, and Housing. There is also a student representative on VST's Board of Governors.

Recreation & Health
VST is situated in a naturally beautiful area — especially good for running, cycling, walking on the beaches or in the woods.

All VST students pay a fee to the University of British Columbia Alma Mater Society, permitting access to recreational facilities on the UBC campus — including swimming pools, a gymnasium with weight rooms, hot pools and other facilities such as UBC libraries. Other cultural activities on campus include noon hour concerts, plays at the Frederic Wood Theatre, performances at the Chan Centre and public lectures.

Students also organize sports and cultural events. Check with the VSTSA for more information on up-coming events.

Bus Service
Downtown Vancouver can be conveniently reached with TransLink buses which can be boarded a 5 - 10 minute walk away at the UBC bus loop.

Shops
There are many small boutiques and retail stores off-campus. Grocery stores, dry-cleaners, banks and other necessities are a short distance away and can be accessed by car, bike, bus or on foot.

23/03/06