The University District is one of Nanaimo’s most-established and most desirable neighbourhoods. Alongside the traditional neighbourhoods of Harewood are new developments like Hawthorne that attract singles as well as families. Much of this popularity can be attributed to the neighbourhood’s central focus: Vancouver Island University where Canadian as well as foreign students receive a world-class education. Shops and services range from the unique such as the shops at Hawthorne Corners near the trendy lofts of the complex to the more traditional at University Village Shopping Centre that offers grocery shopping as well as thrift shops for bargain hunters. Residents can walk to a wide variety of recreational centres including the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre with its top-notch pool as well as water slides, water play pools and fitness area. The Nanaimo Ice Centre and ball fields are just across the way. Outdoor jewels include Colliery Dam Park with trails circling the upper and lower lakes and the Morrell Nature Sanctuary where interpretive trails invite you to visit the duck pond, Morrell Lake and dramatic viewpoints that take in the city and Georgia Strait. The two-hectare Petroglyph Park at the southern boundary of the University District boasts hundreds of well-preserved native carvings of sea creatures, animals and human figures. The neighbourhood also provides access to Nanaimo Lakes, a popular summertime playground that is well suited to camping, fishing  and exploring.

SCHOOLS
Bayview Elementary
140 View Street
Phone: 250-754-2331Fairview Elementary
205 Howard Avenue
Phone: 250-753-3418Georgia Avenue Community School
(K-Grade 7)
625 Georgia Avenue
Phone: 250-753-1044Park Avenue Community School
(K-Grade 7)
395 Eighth Street
Phone: 250-754-5591John Barsby Secondary School
550 7th Street
Phone: 250-753-8211Nanaimo District Secondary School
355 Wakesiah Avenue
Phone: 250-740-2000
(also Learn@Home Grade 8-12)
Phone: 250-740-2038Vancouver Island University
900 Fifth Street
Phone: 250-753-3245