Student Life

Lifelong Friendships

Engage with your classmates. Our small class sizes enable lifelong friendships to develop as you work, study, and play together. Connections with classmates are one of the wonderful side benefits of the OV culture. Just ask our Alumni. Meaningful connections develop through Spa nights, free performance tickets, beach day, student art, community events, and of course study groups. See the difference our culture of connection makes.

Life in Vernon

Students usually rent apartments, suites or houses. Many share accommodations to help cut down costs. This also has the benefit of a built-in study partner.*

The average apartment & suite rental rates in Vernon:

One bedroom $800 - $1100
Two bedroom $1000 - $1500
Three-four bedrooms $1600 - $1900

*See accommodation listings below

We are proud to offer our Registered Massage Therapy Program in the beautiful Okanagan Valley.

This valley offers a vibrant mix of forests, vineyards, orchards, lakes, creeks, world-class ski hills and golf courses, and a stunning blend of beautiful scenery. While the Okanagan has many attractions, including its weather, it is the warmth of its people that most visitors remember.

Almost halfway between Calgary and Vancouver, Vernon is situated on Highway 97 in the interior of BC, 25 minutes to an international airport and 175 Km from the US border.

A Small Town Life-Style

The city of Vernon provides a small town life-style experience, with a population of about 40,000. Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy is located right in the heart of downtown Vernon. We are within easy walking distance of restaurants, cafes, shopping, apartment complexes, and fitness and recreation facilities, including the Performing Arts Centre. Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake and Swan Lake are all within 10 minutes drive of the centre of the City.

Many students are able to find accommodations within walking/biking distance or on a bus route. For more information about visiting and living in Vernon, visit Vernon Tourism, Downtown Vernon Association or Living and Working in Vernon.

The Top 5 Reasons I Love Living in Vernonby alumni Nicola Gildersleeve, RMT

For me, uprooting my life from North Vancouver to Vernon to attend OV was a no brainer. Yes, I could have gone to school in Vancouver but having lived there for 30 years, it was time for a change.

1. Outdoor Lifestyle

Trail Running: Kal Park is a favorite among locals and there are many races that happen there throughout the year.

Rock Climbing: There are hundreds of sport and trad climbing routes as well as boulder problems in Cougar Canyon without the crowds!

Mountain Biking: Downhill mountain biking at the Silverstar Mountain Resort bike park and XC riding at Ellison Park and Kal Park.

Skiing: Downhill skiing at Silverstar Mountain Resort and world class Nordic Skiing at Sovereign Lakes.

Lake life: swimming, canoeing/kayaking, SUP on Kalamalka Lake, Ellison Beach and Okanagan Lake.

2. Proximity

I have never lived anywhere where it takes a measly 5 minutes to walk to both school and work.

3. Farmer’s Markets

In late spring, summer and fall, you can pretty much find a farmer’s market every day of the week. The biggest one in town is a 15 min walk from school and happens every Monday and Thursday. There is also one 2 blocks from school on Friday nights.

You will also find them in Coldstream on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which is a very short drive (5 min) from the city center. (*Markets are subject to change and may not remain as described.)