It takes some time to set up your workspace and device, access your College email account and find your textbooks, so get started before the first day of class.
Getting Started
- Find your student ID number. Your ID number (000xxxxxx) should be in an email from Admissions, from when they received your application. If you can’t find your student number, please email admissions@vcc.ca.
- Check your course schedule. You should receive an email with your course schedule if you registered through Admissions. You can also find your course schedule by logging into myvcc.ca.
- Click “My Services,” click “Registration records – current or past,” select the term, and click “submit.” If you have any difficulties, email admissions@vcc.ca.
- Check important term dates for final registration, start of term, withdrawal, etc.
- Get your VCC student ID card. Your VCC Student Identification (ID) card gives you access to the library, UPass, and more!
All VCC students and applicants must use Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to log in. MFA means you need to do two steps to log in. For example, after typing your password, you may need to enter a code sent to your phone.
At VCC, we recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Why? The Microsoft Authenticator app can help you log in even if your phone has no signal or wifi. It is very useful, especially in emergencies.
The short video below shows how to set up MFA for your VCC Microsoft account.
Other ways to use MFA
If you do not have a mobile phone, or if you do not want to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, you can use your cellphone to get a code by text message.
If this method also does not work for you, you can buy a Security Key at the VCC Bookstore. A Security Key is a small device that you plug into your computer. It replaces the app or text code.
If you choose this option, you must always have your Security Key with you to log in to VCC systems.
You can also buy a Security Key from online stores. Make sure the key says it supports FIDO2 protocol. These keys usually cost around $40, depending on where you buy them.
All VCC students receive a MyVCC login to use VCC services.
- Your username is your student ID number, which is 9 digits long and usually looks like 000xxxxxx.
- The first time you log in, your password is MYVCCMMDDYY$% (that’s “MYVCC” + the your birthdate in MMDDYY format + “$%”).
For example, if your birthday is Jan 30, 1995, the password would be: MYVCC013095$%. You will then have to change it to a complex password. - Resetting your student password: If you forget your password or have other trouble logging in, fill out the get back into your account form. Answer the security questions and create a new complex password.
VCC student email:
All VCC students receive a College email account. Your email address format is usually studentID@student.vcc.ca (example: 000123456@student.vcc.ca).
The video below (2 min 42 sec) shows how to access your email.
Set up forwarding of your VCC student email (open in new tab). If you have another email account you prefer, set up forwarding. The College sends important emails to your VCC email account.
If you are a current student and you cannot log in after resetting your password, contact the VCC Help Desk by phoning 604.443.8700 or emailing helpme@vcc.ca
Textbooks may be in print or available online (for purchase, or for free). You will receive an email from your department or instructor about the required textbooks and/or supplies for your course. Textbooks and supplies can be purchased online from the VCC bookstore and shipped anywhere in the world.
- Check the websites: Downtown Bookstore / Broadway Bookstore
- Email: bookstore@vcc.ca
If you are located outside of Canada, contact your instructor or department as soon as possible if you cannot purchase/access a required text.
You can also search for used textbooks.
The VCC Library has one copy of most required textbooks. Please keep in mind that you may not be able to access this book if it is already in use. Email libraryhelp@vcc.ca.
VCC is committed to providing an accessible learning environment for all students. Disability Services provides individualized support for students who have a known or potential disability in order to remove barriers to learning.
Disability Services works with current and future (prospective) students. They can support your learning in a variety of ways:
- Academic Accommodations. For example:
- ASL interpreting
- Support with note-taking
- Exam accommodations, like additional time
- Assistive Equipment and technologies
- Course materials (like textbooks) in accessible formats
- Assistance with disability-related funding
Students may register with Disability Services at any time. Students are encouraged to contact Disability Services before the start of term as some accommodations may require up to 4 months to arrange.
This is a confidential service. No disability-related documentation or information will be shared outside Disability Services without the student’s informed consent.
To make an appointment over the phone, please call 604.871.7000, press option #2. Or email disabilityservices@vcc.ca if you have any questions.
Set up your device
A desktop or laptop is best because the larger screen display makes it easier to interact with online course materials and activities. If you are unable to access a laptop or desktop computer, there are computers available for student use in the VCC Library at each campus, and there is some equipment available for loan.
Some student loans or other funding can be used to purchase computers. Check with VCC’s Financial Aid Office. Also, the BC Technology for Learning Society offers refurbished computers for students who are receiving any kind of government assistance (including student loans).
You can print, access computers and wi-fi in the VCC Library at the Broadway and Downtown campus. Check the VCC Library website for library hours.
For larger print jobs, contact VCC’s Print Services by emailing printservices@vcc.ca. Allow for 1-2 days turnaround time for basic print services, and 2-4 days for advanced print services.
Access free wifi on your device at any VCC campus through the VCC Open network. You’ll need your student ID and password.
You can go to almost any post-secondary institution in BC (some institutions have wi-fi available in the parking lot) and access free wifi through the Eduroam network. Open your network connections, select “Eduroam”, and input your VCC student number and password to access the network.
Most computers come with built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras. If your device doesn’t have these, you may need to get a headset with a microphone for better sound quality—especially if you’re sharing space with others—or a webcam, which might be required for certain courses, presentations, or exams.
If you don’t have access to this equipment, you can borrow audio and video gear from the library.
Please check VCC’s IT Department recommendations for basic technology needed for online learning.
A wired or wireless Internet connection is best. Many courses have audio or video streaming for lectures or activities, so the higher the speed, the better. Generally, a minimum 5.0 Mbps download and a 1.0 Mbps upload speed is recommended. You may need to plug directly into your internet router or get a WIFI signal extender.
If you have a data plan with your mobile device, you may be able to use your phone to provide Internet access to your computer. Read about mobile hotspots for Apple or Android devices, and check with your phone provider to understand how this would impact data and billing.
*TIP: You can go to almost any post-secondary institution in BC (some institutions have wifi available in the parking lot) and access free wifi through the eduroam (open in new tab) network. Open up your network connections, select “eduroam”, and then use your VCC student number and password to access the network.
Educational Technology
Here are some common educational technologies will likely be part of your learning experience at VCC: Moodle, Zoom, Kaltura, and Office365, which are all free for VCC students.
If you need to review some basic computer skills, try GCF Global’s tutorials:
To increase your typing speed, try:
Moodle is VCC’s web-based learning management system. This is where you will find online course materials. You can:
- view lecture notes, videos, etc.
- upload assignments
- view feedback and grades
- participate in class discussions and message other students
You can log in to Moodle through myVCC with your student number and password, or go directly to moodle.vcc.ca. Use Firefox, Chrome, or Safari web browsers.
Get Started with Moodle
This video shows how to access Moodle from myVCC, find your courses, update your profile settings, and use the messaging feature (3 min 38 sec).
How to Submit a Moodle Assignment
This video demonstrates how to upload and submit a Moodle assignment (2 min 34 sec).
To learn more about using Moodle, use the Online Learner Success Express course in your Moodle dashboard.
Zoom is a video and audio conferencing tool for meeting online. Your instructor may use Zoom for online lectures, office hours, group work, and presentations.
As a student, you can use Zoom to:
- Meet with group members for projects and assignments
- Work on homework with classmates
How to Install Zoom
This video shows you how to install Zoom and sign in with your College account (3 min 18 sec).
How to Join a Zoom Meeting
This video shows you how to join a Zoom meeting from an email invitation and use basic Zoom features (3 min 18 sec). You don’t need to have a Zoom account to attend a meeting invitation, but you do need a basic Zoom download.
Customize Your Profile
You can update your user information, including name, profile photo, email address and more. Include your first or preferred name and an appropriate photo of yourself. The link below has step by step instructions.
The Zoom Help Center has many resources to help you, including:
- How Do I Test My Computer Audio? (1 min 43 sec video)
- My Video/Camera Isn’t Working
- Sharing Your Screen (1 min 11 sec video)
Kaltura Capture makes video and/or audio recordings. You can record from your device camera and also record screencasts. You have media storage space to upload and store your recordings in VCC MediaSpace. You can:
- Record a presentation or media assignment and upload it to Moodle.
- Keep videos private or share them.
How to Download and Install Kaltura Capture
This video shows you how to download Kaltura Capture from VCC MediaSpace or from Moodle and install (2 min 25 sec).
How to Make a Kaltura Recording, Upload to MediaSpace and Submit in Moodle
This video demonstrates recording a video with Kaltura Capture, uploading it to VCC MediaSpace, and submitting it as a Moodle assignment (4 min 53 sec)
Office 365 includes Microsoft Office programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. They are accessible online using your VCC student login and can also be downloaded to use offline.
The video below shows you how to access Office 365 through your student email and install them onto your computer (3 min 33 sec).