Information for students

Do I have to complete any daily COVID-19 screening?

Everyone — employees, students, contractors and visitors — must do a daily self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to campus or any Royal Roads workplace. You can use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment tool.

Do not visit campus if any of the following apply:

• You have any COVID-19 symptoms.
• You have been advised to self-isolate for any reason.

If you're unsure about your symptoms, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1.

Last updated: Jan. 14, 2022.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to come to class in person at Royal Roads?

Vaccinations are not required for participation in on-campus classes.

We strongly encourage all members of our university community to get vaccinated. RRU held on-campus vaccination clinics on this fall. If you missed these you can attend other drop-in vaccine clinics throughout the province.

Updated Jan. 12, 2022 3:47 p.m.

Do I need proof of vaccination to attend events on campus?

By Public Health Officer order, proof of vaccination is no longer required to access businesses, events and services in BC.

Updated Jul. 4, 2022.

Can I get my COVID-19 vaccine on campus?

Five vaccine clinics were held at the Royal Roads. Students Dogwood Auditorium. Students, staff, faculty, associate faculty and the public were welcome to attend and get their COVID-19 vaccine

If you missed these you can attend other drop-in vaccine clinics throughout the province.

Updated Nov. 1, 2021 10:30 p.m.

Are there rapid tests available?

Rapid antigen testing kits are free for everyone in BC at participating pharmacies.

You can ask for a kit and you don’t have to show ID.

The closest participating pharmacies to Royal Roads:

• London Drugs
• Peoples Pharmacy
• Rexall Drug Store

For more information, visit the Government of BC rapid testing page.  

Updated May 5, 2022

I was vaccinated outside of BC. How do I get information into the provincial database if I move to BC?

If you have already received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of BC, you can record your vaccination through the Submit/Update My COVID-19 Immunization Record form. The site also has information on what to include.

If I received a vaccine that is not approved in Canada, can I still get an approved Canadian vaccine?

Anyone living in BC can receive the COVID-19 vaccination for free. It doesn’t matter if you are a Canadian citizen or not. If you want to get a COVID-19 vaccination and are not a BC resident, you need to register for a Public Health Number. You can also book a COVID vaccination appointment online.

You can find more information about what to do if you received a COVID-19 vaccination outside BC on this BC Centre for Disease Control web page.

Where can I get more information about COVID-19 vaccinations in B.C.?

Information about BC.’s vaccination process can found on the Immunize BC website.

Specific information for people who are visiting BC from out of the province or country, including international students, can be found on this page of the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

Is social distancing required in classrooms?

According to the guidance from BC’s Provincial Health Officer, strict physical distancing is no longer required. Schools and universities will continue to create space between people, including managing flow of people in common areas, to minimize crowding and allow people to pass through easily; reminding students and staff about respecting others’ personal space, using visual supports, signage, prompts and using available space to spread people out where possible.

Do I have to wear a mask?

At RRU we encourage the use of masks in spaces where we are in close proximity.

If anyone in the learning community has personal health or compassionate care vulnerabilities to COVID-19, there may be a formal requirement, communicated from the program office, for everyone to wear masks.

Updated: August 22, 2022

Do I need health insurance when I come to Canada?

Health insurance is required for all residents of British Columbia, including students. All Royal Roads University students are required to have basic medical insurance while studying in Canada.

Read more about health insurance requirements and options.

Aug. 26, 2020 1:41 p.m.

What do I do if I get sick?

Please visit prevent the spread and follow the directions for What to do if you’re sick.

Last updated: September 7, 2021.

What do I do if I become ill while staying in Residence?

Return to your room and contact CARE team: who will give you information on services, resources and next steps for self-isolation.  Students staying in dormitory-style rooms with shared washrooms will be relocated to accommodations dedicated for self-isolation.

Have classes and residencies returned to on-campus delivery?

Yes, most programs that are usually held on campus returned to on-campus, in-person delivery in September 2021. Most programs that offer blended delivery with short on-campus residencies resumed on-campus residencies in January 2022.

Updated March 9, 2022

Is there on-campus housing for students doing residencies?

Yes, short-term on-campus housing for students who are in residencies (within blended programs) is available.

Updated March 9, 2022.

Is international student support available?

Yes, Student Engagement will continue to provide services for international students. Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors will still assist with questions related to international study permits.

Find international student guidelines or book an appointment online.

Last updated: Aug. 18, 2020 11:20 p.m.

I'm an international student. Do changes during COVID-19 impact my work eligibility?

Students who were previously eligible to work (as noted on their study permit) continue to be eligible to work while all classes have moved online.

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for more information.

Last updated: Sept. 16, 2020 3:17 p.m.

With my classes online am I still be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit?

On February 12, 2021 Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada announced that if your on-campus courses have been moved to an online-only format because of COVID-19, you may still be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

The IRCC also removed the requirement to complete at least 50 per cent of studies inside Canada to maintain PGWP eligibility; however, students must continue to meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria.

Visit immigration & residency for information related to permits, visas or other immigration matters. Find drop-in times or book an appointment.

For updated information from IRCC read the following:

• Travel restriction measures: COVID-19 program delivery
• How COVID-19 is affecting IRCC services

Last updated: Feb. 16, 2021 2:10 p.m.

Is COVID-19 affecting permanent residency immigration programs?

Visit the BC Provincial Nominee Program website for information and updates, including in-class learning requirements for international students.

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for information on how COVID-19 is impacting federal permanent residency programs.

Last updated: Feb. 10, 2021 2:42 p.m.

Where do I find information about coming to Canada to study at RRU?

If you're a new or returning international student coming to Canada to study at Royal Roads, welcome. Find information about Canada's updated travel rules for international students.

Last updated: Sept. 3, 2021 3:56 p.m.

Can international students at Royal Roads travel to Canada at this time?

Effective October 1, 2022, the Government of Canada has removed all border testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter Canada. Additional temporary measures may be imposed in response to the evolving nature of the pandemic.

Review students coming to Canada to find information about travel and arrival in Canada.

Updated January 3, 2023.

What do I do if I contract COVID-19 while travelling to Canada?

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 while travelling, inform a flight attendant or the Canadian Border Services Agency officer when you arrive in Canada. The officer will tell you what to do next

If you test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival or during your studies, follow all directions for self-isolation and contact the RRU Care Team. If you are required to isolate, stay connected by participating in online events.

• For more information on what to do if you’re sick or test positive for COVID-19, please read prevent the spread.

Last updated: October 3, 2022.