Campus life
At UVic, there is so much to explore and experience outside the classroom. From attending orientation, to participating in clubs and course unions, to hanging out with your friends in the cafeteria, there are always opportunities to get involved and have some fun. And 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
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. Programs include:
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- New Student Welcome: UVic's main orientation program for all new to UVic students, this day-long program will introduce you to campus, your faculty, academic expectations, support services and your fellow students.
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- New Student Handbook: An online resource for new to UVic students that 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 outside the classroom.
- Pre-Arrival Program: An online orientation program that will introduce you to what to expect at UVic, what supports and services are available, and key strategies for university success. All undergraduate students are encouraged to complete the program before the first day of classes.
Additional orientation programs also exist for international students, Indigenous students and students living in residence.
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 also represents undergraduate students to university administration and external stakeholders on issues such as affordable post-secondary education, 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:
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- The Anti-Violence Project, an on-campus sexual assault support centre
- CFUV 101.9FM, our campus radio station
- Cinecenta, an on-campus movie theatre
- Felicita's, the campus pub
- Food Bank & Free Store
- The Martlet, UVic's independent student newspaper
- Peer Support Centre
- SUBText, a second-hand bookstore and textbook consignment store
- Zap Copy, a low-cost digital print centre
Additionally, the UVSS hosts private businesses in the SUB, including a dental office, pharmacy, post office (located in the pharmacy), hair studio, travel agency, 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:
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- The Native Students Union (NSU): A student-run collective dedicated to supporting the Indigenous student community.
- The Society for Students with a Disability (SSD): The recognized representative advocacy group for students who self-identify as having one or more disabilities.
- The UVic Pride Collective: An organization for all people who are queer, queer-positive, gender-variant and/or intersex as well as allies.
- The Students of Colour Collective (SOCC): A group of self-identified students of colour who address issues of race, gender, and colonization in an anti-racist framework.
- 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 and the university’s 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. Any university community member can connect with the Office of Student Life for support to bring forward concerns and for assistance 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
- theft or vandalism
- health and safety risks
- verbal or written threats
- illegal or high-risk drug or alcohol use
- physical violence
The university recognizes its responsibility to take measures to prevent non-academic misconduct within the university community. The Office of Student Life works with students, faculty and staff to help address non-academic student conduct concerns and provide options for student support. This may include responding to concerns, investigating allegations of non-academic misconduct or engaging students in informal resolution processes. Learn more about conduct expectations for students and your options for support.
Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement
The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) works to support the success of Indigenous students at UVic by providing cultural and academic programming, including Elders in Residence, talking circles, tutoring, academic advising and counselling, as well as experiential learning opportunities, financial aid and mentorship opportunities.
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 that encourages the building of community.
LE,NONET
LE,NONET delivers several programs designed to welcome and support Indigenous students at UVic, including:
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- Peer mentorship: The Campus Cousins program connects upper-year Indigenous students with new Indigenous students for fun social and cultural events.
- Financial support: LE,NONET bursaries are awarded twice per year and provide direct financial aid to Indigenous students. Emergency bursaries are also available.
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- Academic programs: The Community Internship Program offers students an opportunity to work with a Indigenous communities or organizations, while the Research Apprenticeship Program provides students with placements that focus on Indigenous research.
International Centre for Students
UVic welcomes over 4000 international students from more than 100 countries around the world. International Student Services (ISS) is a centralized resource providing international services, information and supports for students.
International Student Advising
The International Student Advising team provides non-academic support, such as settlement resources and referrals, health insurance information, and immigration advice related to being a student (e.g. study permit, work authorization) throughout your studies at UVic. Visit the Living in Canada webpages for valuable information that will help you navigate life as an international student at UVic.
Student Exchange Program
The International Centre for Students Exchange Program allows students within UVic's tri-faculties (Science, Social Sciences and Humanities) to study at one of our many partner universities for up to two terms, all while earning UVic credit and continuing to pay UVic tuition. Students outside of the tri-faculties are also welcome to apply, but must first receive permission from their program adviser. With opportunities all around the world, where will you go?
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 (International Student Welcome, etc.)
- Facebook group and bi-weekly newsletter that shares important dates, resources and information, features scholarship opportunities and highlights intercultural engagement, both locally and around the globe
- 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
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- Events and workshops that will grow your community and provide opportunities to make new friends
- Events and workshops that will grow your community and provide opportunities to make new friends
- Volunteer and leadership opportunities
Self-isolation program
The self-isolation program (SIP) provides resources, support and information for students planning to travel to Canada and before, during and after their mandatory self-isolation.