My suggestion would be to find a temporary accomodation for the first few months (perhaps the university can help with that) and look for a suitable place once you get here.
Nobody will rent to a "friend" because they need you, the renter, to agree to terms and sign a contract. What seems acceptable to your friend may not be acceptable to you.
also try Usedvictoria dot com.
Are you going to Uvic?
If you are, here's some info on the area's in the city:
gordon Head (its next to Uvic, so easy walk, bike rdie etc to the university.. but it wont be cheap)
downtown victoria (its a 15-20 min bus ride from Uvic, you can find deals on apartments but you will pay for the convenience of being close to downtown)
James bay (farther than downtown, expensive, dont bother)
Esquimalt (known as victoria's ghetto... rent will be cheap but commute will be longer and the area is quite old and sketchy)
westshore, langford, sooke, bear mountain (too far.. rent will be cheapish but expect a long commute + multiple bus changes)
Saanich (depending on where, it can be convenient or you may have to change a bus but closer to Uvic)
Sidney, central saanich, north saanich etc (too far.. dont bother)
I would recommend an apartment on Mackenzie Ave as its a straight shot bus ride to Uvic and close to all amenities.
Expect to pay anywhere between $600- $900 a month for a 1 bedroom apartment.
You can also look into the option of renting a suite in a house, it will be a bit more private than an apartment but again you want to look for something that is convenient and on a good bus route. Try Quadra st area.
I think your best bet is to look at whats available on these website's, find a few places that you like (they should have pictures) and then look at the location on the map and figure out what best fits your needs. It would be better if you find a place that does not need a longer lease agreement as you may want to move if you find a better place once you have lived here for a few months.
Uvic also has units available for students with families that you might be able to look into and they rent these on a month to month basis too. Here's the link:
http://housing.uvic.ca/family/index.php
You can also find furnished suites available for a little extra... so you will have a bed and other furniture before you buy your own.
for e.g.
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/One-Bedroom-Suite-for-Rent-in-Broadmead---January-1st_18650809
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/WE-OFFER-ROOMS-FOR-RENT---1-BDR-2BDR--3-BDR-CONDOS-AND-HOMES_18429574
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/AFFORDABLE-FURNISHED-SUITES-AVAILABLE-MONTHLY_18439034
If you have questions, feel free to bounce em off of me. I have lived in victoria for years in the past.
Good Luck
