UVic Bound
UVic Bound is a pre-arrival program that 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!
View the full schedule offering here.
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.
she/her | Social Sciences | Zimbabwe
Interests: fitness, anime, tennis, and socializing with friends.
Hello! My name is Faith, and I’m an international student from Zimbabwe studying Social Sciences. Outside of academics, I enjoy maintaining an active and balanced lifestyle. You’ll usually find me at the gym, on the tennis court, or spending time with friends. I’m also really into anime and enjoy relaxing with a good show after a long day.
Moving away from home has shown me how valuable community and support systems can be. Because of this, I’ve become actively involved in both the UVic African and Caribbean Student Association (ACSA) and the Global Community Program. Through these communities, I’ve met amazing people from diverse backgrounds and built meaningful connections.
I always enjoy meeting new people, sharing experiences, and learning about different cultures. Don’t hesitate to say hello—I’m always open to chatting, playing tennis, or talking about anime recommendations!
Communities I’m involved in:
- UVic African and Caribbean Student Association (ACSA)
- UVic Global Community
she/her | Chemistry and Ocean Sciences | India
Interests: In my free time, I love to relax at the beach, hike and watch sunsets at the top of a mountain or go to the gym. I also enjoy dancing, reading books, and spending time with myself.
Hi there! I am Harshika, currently in my second year of the Chemistry and Ocean Sciences program. My home country is India, and I moved to Canada in August 2025 to pursue my goals, be independent, and gain new experiences. I love socializing and communicating with people and that is why I am excited to support incoming students to UVic.
Living in a new country has really built me as a person and taught me valuable skills and UVic’s Global Community continues to play an important role in that, and that is why I wanted to be a UVic Bound Student Leader and pass on the same experience I received to everyone.
One thing that I would like new international students to know is that you are not alone, just stay confident and you got this! If you ever need any help or advice, I am always open to helping you!
Communities I'm Involved in:
- UVic Global Community
- GASEOS UVic
- UVSS
- Surfrider UVic
he/him | Psychology | Colombia
Interests: Outdoor activities, travel, sports, multicultural education, and languages.
Hello! My name is Mateo, and I am a fourth-year Psychology student from Colombia. My academic and personal experiences have been shaped by multicultural education, international exchange opportunities, and involvement in diverse communities. Since high school, participating in exchange programs and studying abroad has allowed me to engage with people from a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds.
As an international student at the University of Victoria, I have continued to build connections through global and student-focused programs while developing skills in communication, adaptability, and cross-cultural collaboration. These experiences have strengthened my interest in understanding people, communities, and different perspectives.
I look forward to connecting with new students and contributing to a welcoming and supportive campus environment. Feel free to reach out or say hi if you see me around campus!
Communities I'm involved with:
- UVic Global Community
- Nourish + Flourish, student leadership
- Motivation and intercultural relations lab
- English Learning Centre
he/him | Microbiology | India
Interests: Hitting the tennis courts, pushing my limits at the gym, or recharging in the pool. I’m also a big fan of healthy cooking and love finding new ways to stay active between lab sessions.
Hello! My name is Om, and I’m a third-year Microbiology student. Since I first started my journey at UVic, I’ve been fascinated by the microscopic world, which is what led me to dive deep into labs and research.
Coming to UVic as an international student has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s a journey filled with "firsts"—from navigating a new academic system to discovering the best spots on campus. I’ve learned that while the challenges are real, the community here makes everything manageable. I’m here to be a resource for you, whether you need help navigating your academic path or just want to know how to make the most of your time in Victoria.
To keep my mood up, I regularly play tennis and am a regular at the gym. I’m a big believer that a good workout is the best way to reset after a long day of classes. I also have a passion for healthy cooking to stay fueled! I’m always happy to share tips on resources, talk about the microbiology path, or just have a chat about life at UVic. 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 Bound Student Leaders
- UVic Tennis Club
- UVic Global Community
- Vikes Recreation
she/her | Sociology | Japan
Interests: In my free time I enjoy cooking, baking, crafting, sewing. I also love staying active whether it's volleyball, weightlifting, or trying new sports.
Hello! My name is Phebe, and I am an international student from Kanagawa, Japan. I am currently going into my third year at the University of Victoria, studying Sociology with a minor in Political Science. Moving to Canada and living alone for the first time led me to fall in love with cooking and learning new recipes. Nostalgic dishes became a source of comfort while being far from home and cooking also helped me connect with many other students from different backgrounds.
At the same time, I understand that transitioning to a new country is not always easy. Adjusting to a different academic system and culture can feel overwhelming at times. Through my experiences, I hope to help create a welcoming and inclusive community where students feel supported and comfortable being themselves. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I love making new friends and can’t wait to meet you!
Communities I’m involved in:
- UVic Food Bank
- UVic Global Community
- Residence Life
- Nikkei Society Victoria
UVic Bound sessions
This session will kick off your journey as a UVic student. Meet your UVic Bound Student Leaders and find out how the International Centre for Students can help you with everything from immigration, study permits, health insurance and finding a place to live in Victoria. Join this session to start learning about resources on campus, connect with other new international students, and learn about what's in store with UVic Bound for the upcoming months.
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. Your UVic Bound Student Leaders 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.
Register for this session here.
Join us for an online social where you can connect with other new international students who will be starting at UVic in September with you. Your UVic Bound Student Leaders will run activities to help you get to know your fellow students. This is a great way to make friends even before you get to campus, so you have a few friendly faces to greet you when you arrive!
Register for this session here.
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. Your UVic Bound Student Leaders will share with you their tips to help you make the most out of your UVic experience.
Register for this session here.
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.
Register for this session here.
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 insights from your UVic Bound Student Leaders, offering valuable advice to help you make the most of your time at UVic.
Register for this session here.
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 UVic Bound Student Leaders about how they prepared for their journeys and what they wish they knew before arriving.
Register for this session here.
Join us for one last unforgettable evening before your university journey begins. This special social is all about coming together for a night of connection, celebration, and shared excitement for what’s ahead.
Meet other international students from around the world who are about to take the same big step as you—moving to a new country, starting university, and beginning a whole new chapter. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a bit of both, this is your chance to find familiar faces before you even arrive on campus.
Led by your UVic Bound Student Leaders, expect great conversations, fun activities, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can make friendships that could last throughout your university experience and beyond.
Let’s celebrate how far you’ve come—and get ready for everything that’s next.
Register for this session here.
Join our online International Student Orientation Program information sessions from August 24 - August 28 to connect with campus partners and learn about the services and supports they provide.
Starting September 1, sessions will take place in person at UVic as part of our International Student Orientation Programs.
Welcome to UVic! We are so excited you are part of this community and look forward to getting to know you better. Transitioning to living in a new place can be exciting and daunting at the same time. We are here to help you build meaningful friendships and support you in finding a sense of belonging and inclusion. In this workshop, you will meet current UVic students, learn about international student resources and services on campus, and connect with other new international students.
Join us on the Quad to celebrate the start of your journey at UVic with food and lawn games. Come for lunch and stay to connect with other new international students, our International Centre for Students team, ICS student staff, and amazing volunteers.
Join us for a fun afternoon of connection and community-building! After four months of connecting online, it's time to kick off your UVic journey. This event is your opportunity to start creating meaningful connections with your peers, connect with your UVic Bound Student Leaders in person, and meet the welcoming staff from the International Centre for Students. Exchange stories, swap tips, and build friendships that will enrich your university experience.
Register for this session here.
Join our in-person International Student Orientation Programs and other orientation events on campus from September 1 - September 11 to kick off your time at UVic.
Contact us
UVic Bound is a pre-arrival program for undergraduate degree-seeking international students starting their studies at UVic in fall 2026. 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.