New Student Checklist

Student holding up a printed version of the New Student Handbook

Beginning at UVic is an exciting time, but it can be difficult to know where to start - we're here to help! There are a number of tasks to complete before you arrive, and a number of tasks we recommend you complete to help set you up for May. We've compiled these tasks below for your convenience.

This checklist is intended for undergraduate students starting their UVic studies in May 2025. Graduate students can find graduate-specific resources below the checklist. 

This checklist was revised and updated in January 2025.

As soon as possible | Before you arrive | Your first week | After classes start |

Graduate student resources | Additional resources

As soon as possible

Apply for student loans and grants from the government, if required: If you need money to help pay for university, government loans and grants may be an option. >> Learn more about funding options

Submit your student ID photo: The UVic ONECard is your official identification card as a UVic student and also acts as a campus debit card, meal plan, library card and gym membership. We are asking everyone to submit a photo for your ONECard online as soon as you are registered and you will be emailed with further details on either 1) card pick-up or 2) your card being mailed to you. >> Submit your photo

Register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL): If you are a student with a documented disability or chronic health condition, register with CAL to make arrangements for academic accommodations.  >> Register with CAL

Register for courses: Course registration for the Summer session opens in March and registration for the Winter session opens in June. After you've received your email with your designated time ticket, you're encouraged to register as soon as possible to have the best chance at getting in the courses you want. >> Learn more about course registration

Get to know your housing options: It is always better to start looking for housing sooner rather than later. Visit Residence Services to find out what's available on campus and apply online. Space is limited, so apply as soon as possible. If you are looking for off-campus housing, there are some helpful off-campus resources that can connect you with available rental suites as well as other students looking for roommates. >> Learn more about your housing options

For international students

Apply for a study permit: If you are an international student, you will need to obtain a study permit before beginning your studies in Canada. The application process for a study permit can take months, so we recommend starting the process as soon as possible. If you are already holding a valid study permit for another institution in Canada, starting November 8, 2024, you must apply and be approved for a new study permit before starting your studies at UVic. >> Learn more about study permits

Understand your academic enrolment status and immigration implications: If you are an international student, your enrolment status has a direct impact on your immigration status and work eligibility while in Canada. When you plan your course registration, keep in mind that to be eligible to work while studying in Canada, and to qualify for a post-graduation work permit after program completion under current immigration policy, you must be enrolled full time. >> Learn more about your work eligibility

Before you arrive

Watch the New Student Essentials video series: Learn about what to expect from your first year from current UVic students by watching the New Student Essentials video series. This short video series will take 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 supports and resources, managing your finances, and succeeding in your academics! >> Watch the videos

Check in with Academic Advising: Academic Advising can help you ensure you have registered for the appropriate courses for your major, help you understand your graduation requirements, and answer many course-related questions that you may have. All new students are encouraged to connect with Academic Advising.  >> Find an adviser

Download Office apps and get to know your UVic Microsoft 365 account: As a UVic student, you will get a Microsoft 365 account, including Microsoft Teams for courses or clubs, OneDrive to store or share coursework, and a feature-packed email service. Learn how to access these services on the  University Systems website and download Office 365 apps (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more) to your devices at portal.office.com. 

Learn about phishing awareness: To help protect yourself against phishing and scams (such as job scams) take our phishing awareness course. You can also see examples of real phishing and scam emails that are sent to UVic email accounts on the PhishBowl blog. 

Sign up for UVic MFA: As a UVic student, you will need a UVic multi-factor authentication (MFA) account to access online resources such as Brightspace, UVic email, and Microsoft 365. We recommend enrolling as soon as possible when you get prompted. >>Learn more about UVic MFA 

Buy your textbooks: The UVic Bookstore carries all of the course materials you will need for your classes with the option to purchase new, used or digital texts when available. Course-specific textbook listings are available online approximately three weeks prior to the beginning of each term.  >> Visit the bookstore

Complete the Better Data questionnaire: The Better Data Project focuses on the collection, management, and use of identity data across campus to know who is at UVic. By completing the self-ID questionnaire, you will help inform inclusive action across campus. It takes less than two minutes to complete. >> Take the questionnaire

For international students 

Learn about your health insurance coverage: For international students, the cost of health care in Canada is very high if you do not have health insurance. Having both primary and extended health insurance provides you with comprehensive coverage and ensures that medical issues will not cause financial difficulties or compromise your academic progress. While most domestic students and returning international students have access to primary insurance through a provincial health plan, most new international students will be enrolled in mandatory temporary medical insurance (MTMI) through guard.me@UVic, to ensure they have coverage while they are applying for provincial health insurance through the BC Medical Services Plan (BC MSP). In addition to primary health insurance, most students also receive extended health and dental benefits through their student union.  >> Learn more about health insurance

Plan your travel to Canada: If you will be travelling to Canada from overseas, visit the Travelling to Canada section of the ICS website for step-by-step guidance on how to prepare for your arrival. >>Learn more about planning for your trip

Your first week

Move in and get settled: Residence Move-In for new residents will take place on Tuesday, May 6. Students living in residence will receive an email from Residence Services with your move-in details closer to Residence Move-In. >> Additional updates and information on the move-in process can be found on the Residence Services website

Obtain your ONECard: If you submitted your photo online, follow the instructions you were provided regarding card pick-up. Details about card pick-up are emailed to you when your photo is approved. If you haven't submitted your photo online already, either do so now or book an appointment to do so in person.  >> Learn more about your ONECard

Enrol in the BC Medical Services Plan (BC MSP): If you are an international student who will study in British Columbia (BC) for more than six months, you must enrol in BC MSP upon arrival. BC MSP is the provincial health insurance plan that covers medically required services provided by physicians, specialists, diagnostic facilities, laboratory facilities and hospitals. Be sure to apply as soon as you arrive to ensure that you have comprehensive coverage to keep you safe during your studies.  >> Apply for BC MSP

Connect to the UVic Wi-Fi network: Make sure you can access the UVic Wi-Fi network on all your electronic devices using your NetLink ID and password. If you encounter any problems, visit the Computer Help Desk for support.  >> Get connected

Set up your U-Pass: Most students enrolled in at least one on-campus credit course have automatic access to a U-Pass, which provides free unlimited travel on all BC Transit Buses. Students use their U-Pass through the Umo app or phone and access their benefit code via MyBusPass in their Online Tools.  >>Learn more about the bus pass

Upgrade your gym membership: Work on your fitness goals and live active by upgrading your gym membership to include access to the CARSA Fitness Weight Centre or CARSA Climbing Centre (if you are in Victoria).  >> View membership options

Join the UVic Global Community Programs: This initiative 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. Register to participate in the Global Community Mentorship or Conversation Partners Programs or attend the many events to build your community. All students are welcome! You can find more information on the @uvicinternational Instagram.  >> Learn more about the Global Community

After classes start

Pay your tuition and student fees: Fees can be paid via online banking, cheque, money order, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted. International payments may be made via wire transfer or Convera GlobalPay for Students. Take note of processing times to ensure that your payments are received by UVic before the payment is due. The deadline for summer fees is May 31. >> Learn more about your tuition fees

Learn more about resources for Indigenous Students:  Self-identified Indigenous students are encouraged to come learn more about tailored campus supports, meet other Indigenous students and get answers to your questions about Indigenous programs and services. >> Learn more about the Office of Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement (IACE)

Apply for a work-study position: The UVic Work Study Program provides part-time, paid on-campus work experience for full-time students with demonstrated financial need. Positions are typically posted at the beginning of each term. If you are an international student, please make sure you are eligible to work in Canada prior to starting a position.  >> Learn more about work study

Solidify your course schedule: While course registration for the Summer session opened in March, you are able to make changes to your schedule even after classes begin. Make sure you are familiar with deadlines to add and drop courses. If you are an international student and have questions about how your course load impacts your status in Canada, contact an International Student Adviser for advice before dropping courses. If you have questions or concerns about any courses, you are encouraged to meet with an academic adviser.  >> View add/drop deadlines

Get to know your students' society: The University of Victoria Students' Society (UVSS) is a non-profit organization run by students, for students that provides key services and events including the extended health and dental plan. 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. Graduate students are represented by the UVic Graduate Students' Society (GSS). Check out the graduate student resources below for more.

Join a club: If you want to make friends and meet other students with similar interests, consider joining a UVSS club, Vikes sports club, course union or advocacy group!  You can learn more about these groups during Clubs and Course Union Days happening in September and January in the Student Union Building. >> Learn more about UVSS clubs

Connect with an advocacy group: the Student Union Building is home to the Native Students Union and 4 constituency groups: Pride Collective, Students of Colour Collective (SOCC), Society for Students with a Disability (SSD) & the Gender Empowerment Centre (GEM). Collectively, these five groups are referred to as Advocacy Groups. Getting involved with Advocacy Groups is a great way to engage with community, participate in events, get support, and connect to resources. >> Learn more about UVSS advocacy groups

Join a UVic Vikes sports club: Get to know other students by joining a Vikes sports club! Vikes sports clubs are led by students, for students, in an active and social environment. There are a wide range of recreational and competitive opportunities that exist within the clubs, for all skill levels and interests. >> Learn more about Vikes clubs

Join intramural sports: UVic hosts one of the largest post-secondary education intramural programs in B.C. open to students, staff, alumni and community members. With a wide variety of sports and activities, intramurals are available to anyone on or off campus with a strong focus on creating a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for people of all ages and skill levels. Make friends, get fit, have fun! >> Learn more about intramurals

Check in with your career educator: It’s never too early to explore where your degree can take you. Your dedicated career educator can help you explore what you love, what you’re great at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for. You can also access resources and support to search for and apply for jobs.  >> Find your career educator

Learn about co-op: Most academic programs offer co-op as a way to gain paid, hands-on experience that supports your degree. You can join co-op starting in the summer of your first year. If you are an international student, you will require a valid co-op work permit to participate in experiential learning, such as a co-op, internship or practicum, as part of your UVic program.  >> Find your co-op program

Explore international learning opportunities: Our global experience programs let you explore different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the of the world. >> Find your international learning opportunity

Book a student space: The Computer Help Desk has student projects rooms for group work and a digital media studio for media production (including podcasting!) available for students to book. In the library, you’ll find bookable study rooms and tek booths, which are private, enclosed booths that are perfect for online classes or virtual meetings.  

Register with Student Wellness: students can book appointments to meet with a counsellor, nurse, physician, or spiritual care provider at Student Wellness. Before booking an appointment, all students must register either in person or by calling the Student Wellness Centre. Registering in advance will help you access services more quickly when you need them. >> Get support

For international students

Opt out of the Mandatory Temporary Medical Insurance (MTMI) Plan, if eligible: Most new international students are automatically enrolled in the Mandatory Temporary Medical Insurance (MTMI) Plan (guard.me@UVic) when they begin a program of study at UVic. Students who are eligible to opt out of the MTMI Plan must complete the opt-out process before the opt-out deadline. >> Opt out of MTMI

Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN): In addition to meeting eligibility requirements and holding the correct work authorization, international students must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada. >> Learn more about SINs

Graduate student resources:

Review your to-do list: After you've received your acceptance letter, visit the new graduate students checklist to ensure you're set up for your Graduate studies at UVic! >> View the checklist

Get to know your housing options: It is always better to start looking for housing sooner rather than later. There are some helpful off-campus housing resources that can connect you with available rental suites as well as other students looking for roommates. There are also a limited number of residence spaces available for graduate students wanting to live on campus. These spaces are determined by lottery. >> Learn more about housing options

Learn about the Faculty of Graduate Studies: The FGS has information and resources about funding opportunities, program requirements, available academic accommodations, and more. >> Learn more

Get to know your students' society: The UVic Graduate Students' Society (GSS) is a democratic non-profit organization run by a team of graduate student volunteers and GSS staff. The GSS provides services, advocacy and events specifically for graduate students. The GSS also operates The Grad House restaurant on campus and is on Instagram (@uvic_gss). >> Learn more about the GSS

Familiarize yourself with your Health and Dental plan: The GSS Extended Health and Dental Insurance Plan provides extended health and dental coverage for all graduate students who are registered in at least three units of classes in September or January terms (including a thesis or dissertation) or in a graduate co-op program.The plan is intended to cover expenses not covered by the Medical Services Plan for BC residents (MSP) and other basic health care programs. >> Learn more about your insurance plan

Get to know campus services: The GSS has created an alphabetized list of all the services available for graduate students on the UVic campus. >> Check out the list

Additional resources

Resources for students with disabilities:

Resources for international students:

Resources for students living on campus:

Resources for students of colour:

Resources for Indigenous students:

Resources for transfer students: