International Student Orientation Programs
August 24 to September 11, 2026
In addition to the International Student Welcome, the International Centre for Students has organized two weeks of online information sessions and fun in-person social programs from August 24 to September 11. 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. We hope you will join us!
- August 24 to August 28: Online information sessions
- August 31 to September 11: In-person programs
View the full schedule and register for International Student Orientation Programs
Online session recordings
View the recordings from sessions from the Fall 2026 International Student Orientation Programs.
UVic Ready: Pre-arrival Prep
Kick off your UVic journey with this pre-arrival session for new international students. Our International Student Advising team have shared important information and resources to help you prepare for travelling to Victoria, getting settled in, and starting your studies. Topics included immigration documents, study permit conditions, port of entry tips, health insurance, transportation and more! View the recording and slides from our July 29, 2026 session below, and don't forget to check out our pre-arrival checklist.
Studying and Working in Canada Information Session
At this session, our International Student Advisers provided an overview of study permit conditions, on-/off-campus work eligibility, and post-graduation work permit eligibility for international students. View the recording and slides from our August 24, 2026 session below.
Health Insurance Information Session
Getting medical care in Canada can be very costly if you don't have the right insurance. In this session, ICS Settlement Advisers provided an overview of health insurance for international students at UVic, and advice on how to ensure you have comprehensive coverage. We discussed the differences between primary health insurance and extended health benefits, and how to use your insurance to access health care. View the recording and slides from our August 25, 2026 session below.
Academic Advising Essentials for Undergraduate Students Workshop
Academic Advising is here to support you on your academic journey. In this presentation, you will learn:
- What Academic Advisers do at UVic and how we can help you with course choices and program planning
- How to connect with Academic Advising including how to make appointments
- More about resources and supports to help you successfully proceed in your Academic Journey
View the recording, slides and handout from our August 25, 2026 session below.
Academic Success in Canada Information Session
Learn about the basics of Canadian academics to ease your transition to studying in a new country and different learning environment. Hear about the Canadian grading system, communication with TAs and Professors, academic supports on campus, and what to expect for course work such as assignments, quizzes and papers. Learn about expectations for group work and academic integrity, outline the importance of knowing your syllabus to create a semester schedule and leave lots of time to answer any questions you might have in anticipation of starting your academic career at UVic. View the recording and slides from our August 26, 2026 session below.
Introduction to Grad Writing
As an international grad student used to writing in a different academic context, you might be unsure of the expectations and standards of academic writing and research in a North American university context. This session covers the importance of writing from research and practical strategies for planning, writing, and revising, with a focus on strategic approaches to self-edit. View the recording and slides from our August 26, 2026 session below.
GenAI and your Assignments
Are you wondering about UVic's expectations relating to ethical use of AI tools for your assignments? This session introduces UVic's GenAI position statement, the academic integrity policy, and explorse ways to carefully navigate assignment instructions. View examples of helpful resources and present strategies to inform your academic integrity choices and ethical use of GenAI tools for the academic terms ahead. View the recording and slides from our August 27, 2026 session below.
Getting to Know UVic Tools and Technology Information Session
This session was co-hosted by the Computer Help Desk and Curriculum and Teaching Support. Learn about the UVic technology and tools you have access to and will use throughout your studies. These include Brightspace, Microsoft Office 365 and Echo360. We also covered getting started with UVic’s online tools and cyber security tips for students. View the recording and slides from our August 27, 2026 session below.
Support for your Family
The International Centre for Students is here to support you and your family as you get established in Victoria. In this session, ICS Settlement Advisers went over important information for international students with accompanying family members, such as health insurance, family housing, community services, and more. For students with children, learn more about the local school system and childcare resources. *Please note, this session is aimed towards students with dependents such as spouses and children, not for parents of incoming students. View the recording and slides from our August 28, 2026 session below.
Introduction to the UVic Library Information Session
This workshop will welcome you to the UVic Libraries to support your learning and research at UVic. Meet some of the friendly people that comprise the UVic Libraries Team while learning about the many useful resources and services that the library provides. View the recording and slides from our August 28, 2026 session below.