International Student Welcome
Thursday, September 3, 2026
9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As an international student, you have a unique experience transitioning to university and life in Canada, so we have designed an orientation program just for you. The International Student Welcome will introduce you to UVic staff, students and volunteers who will help you settle into UVic.
- Make new connections with fellow students while discovering important campus resources.
- Learn about immigration documents, work eligibility requirements, health insurance, and other important tasks as an international student.
- Engage in fun activities to build and get to know your community, including the International Centre for Students (ICS) team.
Register for the International Student Welcome
For questions about International Student Orientation programs, please contact the International Centre for Students at gcmentor@uvic.ca.
Program
The International Student Welcome will be a full day of in-person programming that will start with an opening ceremony, include lunch and information sessions, and end with a social that will connect you with new friends, campus resources and the International Centre for Students team.
| Event | Description |
| Welcome ceremony | We are looking forward to celebrating your arrival to UVic at this interactive ceremony. Meet new friends, our volunteers, and the International Centre for Students team. From UVic trivia to small group activities, this will be a fun and enjoyable way to start your journey at UVic. |
| Information sessions | These sessions will help you get started at UVic by introducing the essential information, resources, and services you'll need throughout your time at UVic. Learn about topics such as immigration, health insurance, work authorization, or academic and well-being supports. |
| Lunch | Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch with your new friends while also getting to know your team for our Discover Your Campus activity. |
| Discover Your Campus |
Participate in some friendly competition together with your team while also getting to know about the great resources that are available to you as an international student at UVic. There will be prizes for those that complete all of the activities and for teams who win the photo challenge! |
| Family coffee social* |
While Discover Your Campus is taking place, parents and family members are invited to enjoy refreshments and a welcoming space to relax and connect with others. This will also be an opportunity to meet Tricia Best, Director of the International Centre for Students, and ask any questions they may have. |
| Ice cream social | Connect with your new friends and relax over some delicious ice cream to finish off a busy day! |
*Parents and family members of international students are also invited to participate in International Student Welcome and will attend a Family Coffee Social during the 'Discover Your Campus' activity.
More events for international students
The International Student Welcome is part of the International Student Orientation Programs. Check out the full list of events below.
Learn more about International Student Orientation Programs
Accessibility
UVic Orientation and the International Centre for Students are committed to making our events as accessible and barrier-free as possible. If you have any accessibility needs in order to participate in our events, please provide details when you register and/or contact us at gcmentor@uvic.ca.