New Student Checklist

Starting at UVic is not just showing up in May. There are a number of tasks you need to complete before arriving and a number of tasks we recommend that you complete in order to enhance your success. We have compiled these tasks below for your convenience.

This checklist is intended for undergraduate students starting their UVic studies in May 2023. This checklist was revised and updated in April 2023.

As soon as possible

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, you must notify Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of the change to your school. >> Apply for a study permit

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

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, bus pass 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 early to make arrangements for academic accommodations. >> Register with CAL

Register for courses: Course registration for the Winter session opened back in March, so you're encouraged to register as soon as possible to have the best chance at getting in the courses you want. >> Learn more

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 resources that can connect you with available rental suites as well as other students looking for roommates.  >> Learn more

Understand your academic enrollment status and immigration implications: If you are an international student, your enrollment 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 be eligible for the post-graduation work permit you must be enrolled full-time. >> Learn more

Before you arrive

Complete the online pre-arrival program: Start the school year knowing what to expect and with a plan for success. Our online pre-arrival program will provide you with the key information and strategies you need to thrive at UVic. >> Complete the program

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

Familiarize yourself with all the available tools in 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. You'll need your NetLink ID and passphrase to sign up for your account. >> Sign up for Microsoft 365

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

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) or explore a virtual fitness membership. >> View membership options

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, the guard.me@UVic plan, to ensure they have coverage at the start of the term. >> Learn more

Check the current travel requirements before making travel plans to Canada: If you are travelling to Canada from overseas while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place, you will need to meet the travel exemptions to enter Canada. International students should stay informed with the Government of Canada COVID-19 website for required documents and health measures to plan your arrival to Canada. Note that immigration and travel policies may change without notice during the pandemic. >> Check current travel requirements

Your first week

Move in and get settled: Spring/summer students living in residence can move in starting 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, or the room specified on your emailed room offer. Check in at the Residence Services office. For students already living on campus, please follow the email directions you received from Residence Services about moving to your new room and out of your winter accommodation. Found your own place off-campus? We encourage you to move-in as soon as you can, in order to allow as much time as possible to settle in before classes start. >> Learn more

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

Enrol in the BC Medical Services Plan: If you are an international student who will study in British Columbia (BC) for more than six months, you must enrol in the Medical Services Plan upon arrival. >> 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

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! >> Learn more

Additional resources

Resources for students with disabilities:

• Centre for Accessible Learning:
  • Term/Early registration
  • Document Requirements
  • Information on who can apply for CAL accommodations
  • Contact information and more information about each CAL coordinator About CAL, this is a good page showing contact information and the faces of the each CAL co-ordinator:
  • Building Map & Contact Information
  • Letters for parents:
    • General Letter
    • Learning Disability Letter
  • The Centre for Accessible Learning’s Learning Assistance Blog
  • Information for Student Grants
• More information on the Society for Students with Disabilities

Resources for international students:

• A pre-arrival checklist for International students
• Resources and documents found in the “Living in Canada” section
• More information for International students
• COVID resources and information regarding International Students
• A list of additional resources and information for international students living in Canada
• More information about the UVic Global Community
• More information on International Commons

Resources for students living on campus:

• Information for future students living in residence
• Frequently Asked Questions about Move-In, including some “know before” information

Resources for students of colour:

• Information and resources compiled from the Students of Colour Collective (SOCC)

Resources for Indigenous students:

• Information about the Office of Indigenous Academics and Community Engagement (IACE)
• List of IACE contacts and employees
• List of Elder Voices on campus
• Information on the First Peoples House
• Information on UVic’s Indigenous Plan that builds on the commitment to and relationships with Indigenous communities, both local and national.
• Information on UVic’s Native Student Union

Resources for graduate students:

• A link to the UVic graduate studies page
• A checklist for incoming graduate students

Resources for transfer students:

• UVic’s guide for transfer students
• Information for transfer students can be found on the incoming transfer student page