Campus life
At UVic, there is so much to explore and experience outside the classroom. From attending orientation, participating in clubs and course unions, to hanging out with your friends around campus, and exploring the broader Victoria community, there are always opportunities to get involved and have some fun. If you ever need support, we're here for you, every step of the way.
Welcome Centre | Orientation | University of Victoria Students' Society (UVSS) | Office of Student Life | Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement | International Centre for Students| UVic Graduate Students' Society (GSS)
Welcome Centre
If you have a question or need assistance, the Welcome Centre is a great first point of contact.
Located on the first floor of the Jamie Cassels Centre, the Welcome Centre can provide:
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- Answers to your questions
- Directions to campus and Victoria locations
- Campus maps
- Referrals to campus services
- Quiet study space
No matter the reason for your visit, you’ll always be welcomed by our friendly staff!
Orientation
UVic Orientation works to provide you with programs, resources and supports to help you feel welcome at UVic and successfully transition into your life as a university student. These programs strive to be relevant to as many student experiences as possible, with a focus on first year students, graduate students, transfer, international, and mature students. Programs include:
- New Student Welcomes: New Student Welcomes offer opportunities for new UVic students to be introduced to campus, faculties, academic expectations, support services and your fellow students. These events offer opportunities to learn and connect with other students with intersecting experiences and make some new friends in the process!
- Student Life Campus Tours: Led by returning UVic students, Student Life Campus Tours offer an amazing opportunity to explore campus in a casual, engaging setting. Join peers for a stroll around campus, highlighting key services, student resources, and opportunities to get involved in the campus community! This peer led tour offers great opportunities to meet new people, and have your questions answered by knowledgeable and friendly student leaders who know the ins and outs of student life.
- New Student Handbook: This online resource for new UVic students provides an overview of support services and programs at UVic, as well as information about how to thrive in the classroom and the many opportunities to get involved and make connections outside the classroom.
- New Student Essentials: The New Student Essentials video series takes you through the many facets of life as a UVic student, including information on the Indigenous lands on which UVic stands, housing options, navigating campus, building out your community, accessing support and resources, managing your finances, and succeeding in your academics! The video series will be available in July.
- Pre-Arrival Program: The Pre-Arrival Program is an asynchronous online course designed to orient you to student life. All undergraduate students are encouraged to complete the course before the first day of classes. The program will be available starting in July.
University of Victoria Students' Society (UVSS)
The University of Victoria Students' Society (UVSS) is a non-profit organization run by students, for students that provides key services and events. The UVSS represents undergraduate students to university administration and external stakeholders on issues such as affordable post-secondary education, harm reduction, accessibility, sustainability, public transit, affordable housing, sexualized violence and mental health.
The UVSS also operates a wide array of services and businesses out of the Student Union Building (SUB), including:
- The Anti-Violence Project, The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is committed to addressing and ending gender-based and sexualized violence on campus and beyond. We strive to provide anti-oppressive and sex-positive services, advocacy and action on-campus and off to people of all genders, in partnership and collaboration, in order to address and resist all intersecting forms of violence.
- CFUV 101.9FM, our campus radio station. CFUV provides students of the University of Victoria and non-student members of the wider community with access to an array of media learning and training opportunities. CFUV elevates and amplifies marginalized and underrepresented communities through the creation and presentation of audio programming, with a specific emphasis on local and Canadian Content.
- Cinecenta, an on-campus movie theatre. Since 1971, Cinecenta has offered an eclectic mix of independent, documentary and international cinema, as well as the best of Hollywood, both contemporary and classic.
- Felicita's, the campus pub. Our student-owned and operated campus pub is named in honour of Felicita Gomez – beloved SUB custodian and friend of UVic students since 1967. We strive to provide students with a tasty and affordable food menu, a diverse selection of local drink options and fast, friendly service.
- Food Bank & Free Store, The UVSS Food Bank & Free Store is run by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers and offers all UVic students access to food essentials and free household items.
- The Martlet, UVic's independent student newspaper
- Peer Support Centre, Whether you are struggling with or have questions regarding mental health, are concerned for a friend, or need help accessing resources on or off campus, you can seek a first-point-of-contact at the Peer Support Centre.
- SUBText, Books & Things. Buy & sell your textbooks/books, plus magazines, cards, gifts, bike accessories, snacks & drinks!
- The Health Food Bar, House made items, rice bowls, wraps, sandwiches, fresh juice, smoothies, vegan & gluten free options.
- The Grill, dahls, curries, burgers, chicken strips, Tex-Mex items & more – vegan & gluten free options. Also open for breakfast.
- Bean There Cafe, pizza, sushi, bagels, muffins, breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
- Munchie Bar, handmade espresso beverages, quality baking with vegan, organic and gluten free options. Delicious Italian-style sandwiches.
- The ZAP Copy, The on-campus print shop for everyone! Stop by for self-serve printing and office supplies or email us for button making, zines, posters, and more.
- The InfoBooth, for general UVSS information including:
- UVSS Extended Health and Dental Plan information
- U-Pass opt-in
- Vendor bookings (tables & chairs)
- SUB lost and found
Additionally, the UVSS hosts private businesses in the SUB, including StudentCare, a dental office, pharmacy, and a holistic health centre (chiropractor, massage therapist, naturopath). There is also tons of study space available in the SUB!
Clubs and Course Unions. The UVSS provides funding for over 200 clubs on campus focusing on different recreational, environmental, cultural, political and religious interests, as well as over 40 different course unions that represent UVic's academic departments. Clubs and course unions are free to join and are open to all students.
UVSS Advocacy Groups
There are five different advocacy groups that operate under the UVSS:
- The Native Students Union (NSU): Since circa 1969, Indigenous students have been coming together to form a community, support each other, advocate for Indigenous rights and wellbeing, and just exist together at the institution. The NSU runs events and programs, manages a student space with services, and advocates for Indigenous student success and wellness at UVic.
- The Society for Students with a Disability (SSD): promotes the full participation and inclusion of students who self-identify as having one or more disabilities at the University of Victoria. The SSD aims to support students who self-identify as having one or more disabilities; in particular, we support students to reduce barriers in the social, emotional, and educational domains of student life.
- The Pride Collective: An organization for all people who are queer, queer-positive, gender-variant and/or intersex as well as allies. The Collective is committed to practicing decolonization, deinstitutionalization and radical acceptance. We believe that actualizing Queer liberation is possible through the relationships we nurture and build with each other. Community care is revolutionary, and our intersectional programming reflects that sentiment
- The Students of Colour Collective (SOCC): The Students of Colour Collective is a collective of self-identified Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, at the University of Victoria (UVic). SOCC serves all racialized students and works to promote and support cultural diversity on campus and in the Greater Victoria Community. SOCC strives for its members to feel included, welcomed, protected, respected and appreciated on campus through the various aspects of its work.
- Gender Empowerment Centre (GEM): The Gender Empowerment Centre is an inclusive space, focused on the needs of self-identified women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks to organize, network, access resources, attend workshops and events, study, and relax.
Office of Student Life
The Office of Student Life (OSL) works to enhance safety and inclusivity amongst UVic’s campus community, as well as support the full development of students during their time at UVic. Through unique and dynamic programming and initiatives, the OSL provides opportunities for meaningful engagement in extra-curricular spaces, supporting the capacity of all students to establish belonging and connection, and engage in holistic learning and growth.
The OSL offers a range of opportunities for students to get involved. Through various programs and initiatives, students can connect with like-minded peers and build community, gain professional experience, develop leadership skills, create and implement a community project, and/or improve the university experience for others on campus:
- New student engagement and transition to university life
- Student mental health and wellness education
- Sexualized violence awareness and prevention
- Student leadership
- Student life grant and anti-racism supplement
Student Conduct
As part of the UVic community, each student is responsible for their personal conduct as it affects other community members, university activities, and property. To support a respectful, safe and responsible community, all students are required to maintain the expectations outlined in the university’s academic and non-academic policies, including the Resolution of Non-Academic Misconduct policy.
The Office of Student Life oversees the response to non-academic conduct concerns on campus. We work with students, staff, and community members to navigate options for addressing concerns that are reported to our office. Any university community member can connect with the Office of Student Life for support to bring forward concerns, learn about resolution options, and to learn about the expectations for all students.
Examples of non-academic student misconduct include, but are not limited to, any of the following behaviours when they take place on university property or in connection to a university activity:
- dangerous or disruptive behaviour
- physical violence
- theft or vandalism
- health and safety risks
- verbal or written threats
- illegal or high-risk drug or alcohol use
The university recognizes its responsibility to take measures to prevent non-academic misconduct within the university community. The Office of Student Life takes several approaches to addressing conduct concerns when they arise. This may include consulting with those involved, investigating allegations of non-academic misconduct, or engaging students in informal resolution processes. Students engaging in a resolution process can be connected to supports to navigate the impacts and experience. Learn more about conduct expectations for students and your options for support.
Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement
IACE also manages the First Peoples House (FPH), a home away from home for Indigenous students that is located at the heart of campus. The First Peoples House is a social, cultural and academic centre for Indigenous students and serves as a safe and welcoming place for learning, sharing and community building. Acknowledging the local teachings from these territories, one must enter the FPH with a good mind and a good heart.
LE,NOṈET
LE,NOṈET provides a series of programs designed to welcome and support Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) throughout their educational journey at the University of Victoria.
Community Building: Campus Cousins are upper-level undergraduate and graduate students who support community building in the First Peoples House by hosting academic events (study halls, learning communities, workshops) and social and cultural events (feasts, movie nights, game nights).
Financial support: Indigenous students can apply for financial support in the form of scholarships (based on academic achievement) and bursaries (based on financial need). LE,NONET bursaries are awarded twice per year and provide direct financial aid to Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students. Emergency bursaries are also available.
Academic programs: Through the Indigenous Studies program, the Community Internship Program offers students an opportunity to work with Indigenous communities or organizations, while the Research Apprenticeship Program provides students with placements that focus on Indigenous research.
The Indigenous International Work Integrated Learning Exchange provides opportunities to complete an international co-op work placement in an Indigenous unit at a partner institution.
Student support: The IACE Indigenous Support Coordinator and the LE,NOṈET First-Year Coordinator are available to assist students with accessing financial support and accessing services on and off-campus.
International Centre for Students
UVic welcomes over 4000 international students from more than 100 countries around the world. The International Centre for Students (ICS) is a centralized team providing international services, information and programs for undergraduate and graduate students from pre-arrival to degree completion.
Follow @uvicinternational on Instagram to learn about upcoming events and ways to get involved.
International Student Advising
The International Student Advising (ISA) team provides non-academic support throughout your studies at UVic including:
- settlement resources and referrals (e.g. housing, healthcare, family resources, banking)
- health insurance information
- immigration advice related to being a student (e.g. study permit, work authorization)
Visit the Living in Victoria section of our International Centre for Students website for valuable information that will help you navigate life as an international student at UVic.
Student Exchange Program
The International Centre for Students ICS) Exchange Program allows students to study at one of our 80+ partner universities around the world while earning UVic credits and paying UVic tuition. The ICS coordinates exchanges in the faculties of Fine Arts, Humanities, Science and Social Sciences. Students in other faculties are also welcome to apply with permission from their academic unit adviser. Where will your academic journey take you?
UVic Global Community
The UVic Global Community provides opportunities and creates space for international and domestic students to share perspectives, celebrate diversity, foster intercultural connections and cultivate an inclusive and globally minded campus. The UVic Global Community includes:
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- Arrival programs and orientation events (UVic Bound program, International Student Welcome, etc.)
- Mentorship program to provide friendship and guidance as you navigate social and academic transitions at UVic
- Conversation partners program to help you practice and build confidence in your conversational English skills
- Events and activities that will grow your community and provide opportunities to make new friends
- Volunteer and leadership opportunities
UVic Graduate Students' Society (GSS)
The UVic Graduate Students’ Society is a democratic non-profit organization run by graduate students and staff. The GSS provides services (including U-Pass and Extended Health & Dental administration), advocacy, and events specifically for graduate students.
The GSS is the UVSS equivalent for graduate students – representing the interests of our membership both on and off campus. Get involved with Grad Student Council if you’re passionate about advocacy and excited to connect with other grad students!
The GSS also operates the Grad House restaurant on campus. The Grad House is open to all, but grad students get an extra discount on food!
