January 2025 Orientation

New Student Campus Tours

Sunday, January 4 to Thursday, January 8, 2026

Get ready for your first week of classes with a UVic campus tour! All new students starting in January are encouraged to sign up for one of the following tours:

• Sunday, January 4 at 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 6 at 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, January 8 at 10 a.m.

You'll be given your tour by current UVic students who will show you the campus services and resources UVic offers. You'll also get to learn about some of the favourite campus hangouts, including faculty buildings, athletic facilities, dining services and more.

New Student Welcome Event

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m.

SUB Upper Lounge, on the main floor of the Student Union Building

All undergraduate and graduate students starting their UVic journey in January 2026 and September 2025 are invited to join this fun welcome event. You will connect with peers from all faculties, be officially welcomed to UVic by upper-year students and a treasured Elder, and learn from the experiences of current UVic students. Join us to meet Thunder, cheer on student performances, and make first connections on campus. We can't wait to kick off your UVic journey together!

Campus Partner Info Fair

Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Jamie Cassels Centre lobby

Drop by the Jamie Cassels Centre lobby to connect with UVSS advocacy groups and campus partners. Grab a resource, chat with our lovely colleagues across campus, and learn about the many resources and supports available to you throughout your UVic journey.

International Student Welcome

Friday, January 9, 2026 from 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Room BWC B150, Bob Wright Centre

As an international student, you have a unique experience transitioning to university and life in Canada, so we've designed an orientation program just for you. The International Student Welcome program, introduces you to UVic staff and current students who will help you transition into life at UVic.

• Make new connections while discovering important campus resources
• Meet the International Centre for Students team
• Learn about immigration documents, health insurance, and other important topics
• Connect with other new and returning students as well as Global Community volunteers

International students cheer on the VIKES basketball team

Friday, January 9, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

After our International Student Welcome ends at 7:30 p.m., we will walk over to the CARSA Performance Gym to cheer on the VIKES basketball team as they face the University of the Fraser Valley.

International Student Orientation Programs

December, January and February

In addition to the International Student Welcome event, don't miss out on the additional International Student Orientation Programming organized by the International Centre for Students in December, January and February. These events and information sessions will help you start your journey as a UVic student by sharing information about living in Victoria and connecting you with campus partners to learn about resources available to support you.

Start preparing now with these past recorded sessions:

• The Housing Hunt
• Renting in Victoria
• Support for your Family
• Health Insurance

Check out past session recordings

Indigenous Student Welcome

Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 9, 2026

The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) hosts a full week of programming for Indigenous students from Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 9. Whether you're new to the university life or transitioning from another institution, this week is packed with activities and resources to support you every step of the way.

Indigenous students are invited to drop into the Ceremonial Hall at the First Peoples House each day to learn and connect with the supports and resources available to them on and off campus.

Follow IACE on social media for more details:

• Facebook: facebook.com/UVicIACE
• Instagram: instagram.com/UVicIACE
• Mailing List: sign up for the IACE mailing list

If you have any questions regarding the Indigenous student welcome, please visit our webpage or contact the IACE Events Coordinator at lydiapen@uvic.ca.

Friday, January 2 to Sunday, January 4, 2026

Residence Move-in and Orientation

Only for students moving into residence

Residence move-in for January arrivals will take place over the first weekend of January, with move-in beginning on Friday, January 2. Students will receive an email to sign-up for a January time slot in December. Additional updates and information on the move in process is available on the Residence Services website.

All students moving into Residence are strongly encouraged to participate in Residence Orientation programming. Residence Orientation for incoming students takes place over the weekend of January 2-4, and includes the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow new residents, participate in crafting sessions, a movie night, campus tours, and much more! No registration is needed for orientation, and each resident will receive an orientation schedule on move-in day and will be emailed a copy in advance.