UVic Bound
UVic Bound is a pre-arrival program for degree-seeking international students starting their studies at UVic in fall 2025.
The program provides support to new students in their transition to living in Victoria and Canada and studying at UVic. New students will connect with current UVic students and other new international students, join informative sessions to get their questions answered, and meet the International Centre for Students (ICS) team - all before even arriving in Victoria!
Meet the UVic Bound student leaders
UVic Bound Student Leaders are available to answer questions and share their experiences as UVic students. They will join each online session and be available to connect with UVic Bound participants via email. UVic Bound participants can contact the student leaders via email.
he/him | Computer Science | India
Interests: When I am not studying, you will most likely find me at the gym or out on a run.
Hello! My name is Adi. I am an International Student from Mumbai, India and I am majoring in Computer Science. Additionally, this is my second term as a UVic Bound Student Leader. I am also an endurance athlete and have run several full marathons and other shorter distance races in Canada. I absolutely enjoy connecting and interacting with International students from different countries and getting to know their stories. As an International Student, I have had great experiences at UVic but at the same time, I have also experienced my share of difficulties and challenges. I am always open to guiding other students to get to the right resources to help them navigate through their academic journey as well as their personal life. When I am not studying, you will most likely find me at the gym or out on a run. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have, or if you just want to connect and have a chat!
Communities I'm involved with:
- Global Community
- UVic Run Club
- UVic Cuban Salsa Club
she/her | Social Sciences | Zimbabwe
Interests: working out, anime , playing tennis, and spending time with friends.
Hi! I’m Faith, an international student from Zimbabwe. When I’m not immersed in my studies I’m passionate about staying active and living a balanced life—whether that means hitting the gym, playing a few sets of tennis, or spending quality time with friends. I’m also a big fan of anime, and I love unwinding with a good series after a busy day.
Being far from home has taught me a lot about the importance of connection, support, and community. That’s why I’m actively involved in both the UVic ACSA (African and Caribbean Student Association) and the Global Community Program. These groups have given me a strong sense of belonging, and I’m always excited to meet new people, share experiences, and celebrate our diverse backgrounds. Feel free to reach out and say hi! I’m always up for a chat, a game of tennis, or a conversation about your favourite anime.
Communities I'm involved with:
- UVic ACSA (African and Caribbean Student Association)
- UVic Global Community
he/him | Psychology | Colombia
Interests: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, usually doing outdoor activities like hiking, traveling, and playing sports. I particularly enjoy volleyball, swimming, skiing, and ice skating.
Hello! My name is Mateo, and I’m a third-year Psychology student from Colombia. Since I was young, I’ve been interested in multicultural education, human behavior, and biology. Through exchange programs and studying abroad, I’ve been pursuing my goal of gaining a deeper understanding of people and the world leading me to study Psychology. During my studies I’ve connected with people from many backgrounds. These experiences helped me grow and develop a deeper appreciation for diversity and adaptability.
I’m excited to connect with new students contribute in meaningful ways. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or say hi if you see me around campus!
Communities I'm involved with:
- UVic Global Community
- Nourish + Flourish
- Psychology Undergraduate Course Union
she/her | Civil Engineering | China
Interests: In my free time, I love playing badminton and the clarinet. I also enjoy hiking, hanging out at the beach, and spending time with friends. I’m also a big fan of classical music and musicals!
Hi there! My name is Mia, I am a first year civil engineering student from Canton, China. I was also a participant in the UVic Bound program last year, so I understand the challenges and exciting experiences that await you! During my first year at UVic, I learned and grew so much. Although I initially felt anxious and unfamiliar with everything, getting deeply involved with GC activities and academic life helped me find my own rhythm and a sense of belonging. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime. I’d love to share the best food spots, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, study areas, and shopping places around Victoria. I look forward to meeting you and helping you transition smoothly into university life!
Communities I'm involved with:
- UVic Global Community
- UVic Seismic club
- UVic CSCE (Canadian Society of Civil Engineering)
- UVic ECSSS (Engineering and Computer Science Students' Society)
he/him | Computer Science | Philippines
Interests: Playing sports. Watching football and basketball. Long walks and bike rides. Connecting songs with memories. Playing guitar. Being productive.
Hello! I’m Nico, a 4th-year Computer Science international student here at UVic, and I am originally from Manila, Philippines. Apart from programming and doing computer stuff, I enjoy playing football and basketball and love to imagine myself as a professional athlete. In my free time, you can find me at home cooking while jamming out to my favorite songs. Living in a new country is an amazing and eye-opening experience and it's been a journey full of growth, learning, and lots of unforgettable memories. I enjoy every part of it, especially meeting new people and hearing their stories. So, if you would like to know more about my experience, have any questions, or need some handy tips, feel free to reach out to me!
Communities I'm involved with:
- UVSS (University of Victoria Students' Union)
- Global Community
- Football Intramural Team
- UVic Philippine Community
she/her | Psychology & Business| India & Thailand
Interests: In my free time, I love capturing memories with my digital camera, going for walks around beautiful Victoria, and spending time with my friends.
Hey UVic! I'm Paloma, a fourth-year Psychology student minoring in Business, and I was born and raised in Thailand, but I am originally from India. Being a third-culture kid has helped me connect with people from all walks of life. Throughout my time here, I've been involved in student leadership, research, communications - all of which have made my UVic experience super meaningful. One of my many goals at UVic is to create spaces where international students feel seen and supported. I genuinely love meeting new people and hearing their stories, so if you see me around, don't be shy - come say hi!
I am here to make your transition to UVic as smooth as possible. So excited to connect with all of you!
Communities I'm involved with:
- UVSS (UVic Students' Society
- UVic Global Community
- UWIB UVic (Young Women in Business)
UVic Bound sessions
This session will kick off your journey as a UVic student. Meet the team at the International Centre for Students and find out how we can help you with everything from immigration, study permits, health insurance and finding a place to live in Victoria. Get to know your UVic Bound Student Leaders who will be supporting you on your journey to UVic over the next four months. Join this session to start learning about resources on campus, connect with other new international students, and hear your UVic Bound Student Leaders share about their experiences at the university and life in Victoria.
Review the recording of the session:
At this virtual session, our International Student Advisers (ISAs), who are regulated immigration practitioners, will provide an overview of the process and advice on how to submit a strong study permit application. You will also get a chance to connect with your UVic Bound Student Leaders as they share about their personal experiences navigating Canadian immigration systems and getting support from ISAs to stay compliant with the International Student Program policies. You will also have opportunities to ask questions in this session!
Topics covered by our advisers will include:
• Immigration documents required to study in Canada as an international student
• How to apply for your study permit from outside Canada
• Supporting documents required for the application
• Application tips
• Questions & answers
We will look forward to seeing you at the session, and to supporting you throughout your time at UVic!
Studying in a new country can come with a lot of questions! In this session, our Settlement Advisers will go over information to help you plan ahead for your time in Canada. They will orient you to the local area and share advice on housing, cost of living, and more. Current students will share their experiences and tips as international students at UVic. This session is a great opportunity to ask questions about your new home and what to expect from student life in Victoria.
What is it like to be a student in a Canadian classroom? As you prepare for your start to the academic term, you have questions. What should you expect when you sit down for your first university class? Who can you go to on campus when you have questions and what kind questions should you be asking and when? An academic adviser will guide you through some Canadian university expectations and information to help you achieve your academic goals at UVic. Current UVic students will share with you their tips to help you make the most out of your UVic experience.
Get a taste of student life in Victoria! Your UVic Bound Student Leaders will answer your questions and share their experiences, including how they made friends, opportunities to get involved in the UVic Global Community and other student clubs and communities, their favourite things to do in Victoria, and where they find their favourite foods from home. Join this session and envision your upcoming university life on Vancouver Island.
Join us for an informative session where a UVic International Student Adviser will guide you through key immigration essentials related to working in Canada. You'll also get a quick overview of job search process and on-campus career resources to help you navigate employment opportunities. The session will conclude with student experience sharing, offering valuable insights to help you make the most of your time at UVic.
It's almost go time! Get ready for your travel to Victoria and navigating your first few days at UVic. In this session an International Student Adviser will go over your key documents and how to prepare for the customs and immigration process at your port of entry. Our Settlement Advisers will share tips for what to pack, navigating the city, staying safe, and getting set up. You'll have the chance to chat with current students about how they prepared for their journeys and what they wish they knew before arriving.
Join our online International Student Orientation Program information sessions from August 18 - August 22 to connect with campus partners and learn about the services and supports they provide.
Starting August 26 sessions will take place in person at UVic as part of our International Student Orientation Programs.
Join our in-person International Student Orientation Programs and other orientation events on campus from August 26 - September 5 to kick off your time at UVic.
Contact us
UVic Bound is a pre-arrival program for degree-seeking international students starting their studies at UVic in fall 2025. Once UVic has received the acceptance deposit for eligible students, we will contact them with the full program details.
If you have questions about the program or think you are eligible but have not yet received the UVic Bound welcome email from us, please send us an email.