Matthew Pirinen drove from Armstrong to Vernon's Okanagan College (OC) every school day for three years to become an early childhood educator (ECE).

Having a place to stay on campus would have been great, and saved him in gas and time.

But he feels fortunate to have been able to drive, and is delighted to see the option is now available for others to live on campus with the new 101-space student housing at the Coldstream college.

"Thankfully with the new options like our on-campus housing here more students will be able to access post secondary education and be able to improve their quality of life," said Pirinen at the opening announcement Friday, Aug. 23.

In addition, life is also being made easier for student parents with the Sunflower Childcare Centre, with 44 new daycare spaces.

"Not only have I started my career as an ECE but I will be working right here at the new Sunflower Centre starting this fall," said Pirinen.

Premier David Eby was on hand for the announcement, and was inspired by what students like Pirinen have accomplished.

"The first day of school is a time when students should be focused on their studies and their future, instead of worrying about where to live," Eby said.

"And when you build student housing like this you take pressure off the rental market."

The 89 units are comprised of 83 single-use (four accessible), three two-bedroom units and three four-bedroom units.

There are all already spoken for.

"Generally speaking, across the province at colleges and universities there are waiting lists for housing," said Eby.

The rents start around $700 and are maintained at 25 to 30 per cent below the rental market.

There are 12 infant-toddler spaces at the Sunflower Childcare Centre and 32 spaces for ages two-and-a-half to Kindergarten. All of the spaces are also already full.

In Kelowna, construction was completed on the new 216-bed student housing complex in spring 2024. The college will welcome student residents for the first time in September 2024.

OC's Salmon Arm campus, with 60 beds, will open in early 2025 and ground is being broken soon on a 101-unit housing project in Penticton.

Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee is excited for students moving into the new housing buildings, particularly in Vernon, as this is the first-ever student housing.

"The addition of child care means that students and staff with children will have one less thing to think about," said Sandhu. 

Neil Fassina, OC president is thrilled with the college additions. 

"Having a safe, affordable place to live while you go to school, as well as access to child care on campus, will be transformative for so many students," said Fassina.