Fall 2024 Orientation events

New undergraduate students led by a UVic Orientation leader

Welcome to UVic!

UVic offers a number of programs to help our newest students adjust to life at UVic. Through participating in our programs, you'll meet new friends, get to know campus services and gain insight into how to succeed at UVic. UVic orientation programs are your official welcome to the UVic community--and we can't wait for you to join us!

Events schedule

Mark your calendars! There are lots of orientation events happening in August and September, check them all out below.

Thursday, September 19

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

GSS Welcome Back BBQ

Grad House restaurant, in the  Halpern Centre for Graduate Students

Hosted by the Graduate Student Society (GSS). This is a ticketed event for grad students ranging from $2.50-$5. 

For graduate students only

Ticket information coming soon. 

Wednesday, September 25

5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

UVSS Night Market

The UVic Undergraduate Student Society (UVSS) is hosting a Night Market on September 25! From 5 - 9 p.m., the SUB Courtyard will be filled with dozens of vendors, organizations, artists and craftsfolk from around the city. Bands from the Victoria scene will play a show from 6 - 9 p.m .Bring your friends and see what Victoria has to offer, at this special one-night-only event!

Orientation past events

Monday, August 19 to Saturday, September 7

International Student Orientation Programs

The  International Centre for Students and the  UVic Global Community have organized two weeks of online information sessions and fun in person social programs from August 19 – September 7. These programs offer opportunities to meet both international and domestic students, will help you learn more about UVic and Victoria, and will ease your transition to Canada.

For international undergraduate and graduate students,  including degree-seeking and short-term exchange students, study abroad students and visiting students.

Registration for this event is closed, this event has finished.

Thursday, August 29

International Student Welcome

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.

For new international undergraduate and graduate students,  including degree-seeking and short-term exchange students, study abroad students and visiting students.

Registration for this event is closed, this event has finished.

Friday, August 30

Graduate Student Welcome

Presented by the  Faculty of Graduate Studies  and the  Graduate Student Society . If you're a graduate student new to UVic or new to graduate studies, be sure to participate in the Graduate Student Orientation program. More details on workshops will be available soon. 

For new graduate students

Registration for this event is closed, this event has finished.

Friday, August 30

Student Life Campus Tours - Graduate students

Get ready for your first term at UVic with a Student Life Campus Tour! You’ll be given your tour by current UVic students who will introduce you to the amazing campus services and resources available to you as a UVic student. You'll also learn about some of the favourite campus hangouts, athletic facilities, dining services, community events, and more.

For new graduate students attending the Graduate Student Orientation

Registration for this event is closed, this event has finished.

Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2

Residence Orientation

Residence Orientation takes place on both move-in days and includes sporting events, crafting sessions, variety shows, and much more! Residence Services also hosts a Move-In Day Fair where many different campus services will be present to share information and answer questions. 

For students moving in to residence

More information about Residence Orientation

Monday, September 2 to Friday, September 6

Student Life Campus Tours

Get ready for your first term at UVic with a Student Life Campus Tour! You’ll be given your tour by current UVic students who will introduce you to the amazing campus services and resources available to you as a UVic student. You'll also learn about some of the favourite campus hangouts, athletic facilities, dining services, community events, and more.

For new undergraduate and graduate UVic students

Registration for this event is closed, this event has finished.

Tuesday, September 3

Undergraduate student faculty sessions 

Get ready to attend your first class by attending your faculty's academic session. You'll learn a bit about what you can expect academically, what is expected of you, and have a chance to meet some of the professors you may be seeing at the front of the classroom.

For new undergraduate students

Find your faculty session

Wednesday, September 4

8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

UVSS Pancake Breakfast

Start your first day right with a free pancake breakfast, courtesy of your undergraduate student union, the  UVic Undergraduate Student Society (UVSS)! Enjoy fresh-made pancakes while CFUV DJs to set the ambiance. See you there!

More information about the UVSS Pancake Breakfast

Wednesday, September 4 to Friday, September 6

UVSS Bands on the "Roof"

The UVic Undergraduate Student Society (UVSS) has an amazing lineup coming together for you this year: three days of performances from talented artists in the Victoria scene! Come join the crowd and ring in another year on campus!

More information about the UVSS Bands on the "Roof"

Wednesday, September 4

4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

GSS Ice Cream Social

Side Project, in the Halpern Centre for Graduate Students

Hosted by the Graduate Student Society (GSS). Free ice cream & sorbet available for grad students! Come hang out and meet other new students.

For graduate students only

Thursday, September 5

8:00 p.m.

UVSS Movie on the Quad

Come to the Quad the night of September 5 - the  UVic Undergraduate Student Society (UVSS) will be screening Mamma Mia on a special popup outdoor theatre! The movie runs from 8 til late, so bring a blanket, a sweater, and all of your friends! We'll be handing out popcorn in exchange for a food bank donation, so don't forget a food item if you're hoping for a snack!

More information about the UVSS Movie on the Quad

Friday, September 6

11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

ThunderFest

Join Vikes Nation for a day of fun! Vikes Nation is proud to present the kick-off festival of the school year at UVic! Meet some of our UVic Vikes Varsity teams, make some new friends, learn about Vikes Recreation clubs + programming, listen to live DJ music, officially join Vikes Nation...and have FUN with over 90 great booths with give-aways, food trucks and lots of games to play!

Open to all UVic students

More information about ThunderFest

Friday, September 6

2:30 p.m. meet up

GSS Beach Day

Meet at  the Halpern Centre for Graduate Students,  walk together to Cadboro Bay.

Join the  Graduate Student Society (GSS) for an afternoon on the beach! Wear beach-appropriate clothing & sunscreen.

For graduate students

Monday, September 9 to Friday, September 13

Indigenous Student Welcome

The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) hosts a full week of programming for Indigenous students. The week includes grab & go breakfasts, meet & greets with student supports and campus partners, brunch with the Elders in Residence, lunches, bingo and door prizes!

For all Indigenous students

Wednesday, September 11

9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

GSS Pancake Breakfast

Grad House restaurant, in the Halpern Centre for Graduate Students

Hosted by the Graduate Student Society (GSS)Free Pancakes, hash browns, eggs, coffee, tea, and more (vegan & gluten-free options available).

For graduate students only

Wednesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 12

10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Clubs and Course Union Days

The UVSS is hosting Clubs & Course Union Days at the Student Union Building. Come by the Michèle Pujol Room, SUB Upper Lounge, and the Quad to find out what clubs, course unions, advocacy and affiliated groups exist!

Wednesday, September 11

3:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Commuter Student Welcome

Are you a new UVic undergraduate student living off campus this fall? Attend a welcome event geared specifically for the commuter student experience! Presented by UVic Student Life, learn about campus resources, find out ways to build community and get involved at UVic, and more. This event includes free food, prizes, and special programming for mature (25+) and transfer students too – don’t miss out! 

For all new to UVic undergraduate students living off campus 

More information in this event

Wednesday, September 11

5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

GSS Crafty Highlight Night

Side Project, in the Halpern Centre for Graduate Students

Hosted by the Graduate Student Society (GSS)Come try out knitting, mini painting, colouring, and other crafts at our Crafty Highlight Night! All supplies provided, beginners welcome!

For graduate students only

Friday, September 13

7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Trivia with Fierce Brosnan

Grad House restaurant, in the  Halpern Centre for Graduate Students

Hosted by the Graduate Student Society (GSS)Our favourite trivia host & drag king Fierce Brosnan will be hosting themed trivia at the Grad House. All are welcome!

Open to all students

Tuesday, September 17

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p..m.

UVSS Hot Lunch

On September 17, the  UVic Undergraduate Student Society (UVSS) is serving up a free Hot Lunch! From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., head to Vertigo and grab yourself a fresh, hot bowl, courtesy of your undergraduate student union. See you there!