Moving in

We can’t wait to see you in residence! Before you start packing, review these lists so you have everything you need before you arrive.

When do I move in?

May-August 2022

Summer students can check in at the Residence Services office after 3pm on the move-in date specified on your emailed room offer.

September-December 2022

Move-in day is Sunday, September 4, 2022 -- and it's a big day at UVic. You'll receive detailed information from us via email before you get here, so stay tuned and check your email.

January-April 2023

If you are moving in for the first time in January, we'll email you with information and notice of a special mid-year orientation to get you connected to your communities.

Arriving early

September 2022: Applying for early arrival

Move-in Day is Sunday, September 4, 2022.

If you are registered in one of the orientation events that occur before September 4, 2022 (see list below) you can apply to arrive early. In order to apply, you must have:

  1. Received and accepted a room offer; and
  2. Paid all required deposits and fees for term 1, or received an extension approval for fees.

Eligibility

Only students enrolled in one of the following orientation events or programs are eligible to apply for early arrival:

  1. Varsity Tryouts
  2. International Student Welcome
  3. Business Exchange Orientation
  4. Graduate Student Orientation
  5. Indigenous Student Orientation
  6. Residence Orientation Leader
  7. Summer Stayover Student (residents already living on campus, who have accepted a placement in residence for fall 2022).

How and when to apply

  • This application is now closed. Late applications can not be considered.
  • If approved, you may move in two days prior to the start date of the program/event you are enrolled in.
  • The cost per night is $35.00 plus tax. 
  • Full payment must be made via credit card at the time of reservation. If your Early Arrival Request is approved, you will be contacted to make payment.
  • Food is not included with the cost of the room. If you have a UVic ONECard, you can add Flex funds to the card for use at many locations across campus, including University Food Services outlets and the UVSS. If you do not yet have your ONECard, please contact the ONECard office at onecard@uvic.ca.

What to expect if you arrive early

You will most likely find things quiet around residence until your fellow residents arrive. You may find fellow residents living in your residence and you may encounter Residence Services cleaning staff. Community Leaders (student staff) are in training and are not yet available. There may also be some construction and maintenance staff working, which could involve noise disturbances during business hours.

Please note that there are reduced food options available on campus before September 4. 

If your Fall 2022 room assignment is not yet available, you will be placed in a temporary location. You will be required to move to your permanent room on the date assigned in your letter of acceptance for early arrival.

Please be aware that from the time you arrive on campus to the start date of your 2022-23 Residence Contract you are required to abide by the  the Community Standards outlined in the residence contract and the Community Living Handbook.

What to bring to your dormitory or cluster bedroom

  • linens and pillows to fit your twin extra-long bed (78" × 39" × 8")
  • bath towels, hand towels, and facecloths
  • clothes, shoes and coats for Vancouver Island weather
  • hangers for your closet or wardrobe
  • toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, etc.)
  • personal hygiene items (face mask, hand sanitizer)
  • cleaning supplies (wipes, disinfectants)
  • robe and shower shoes (flip-flops or sandals to wear in the shower)
  • earplugs
  • laundry bag/basket and detergent
  • iron
  • your computer, cell phone, surge protected power bar and other technology
  • an emergency kit
  • desk accessories
  • small fan

What to bring for your kitchen or shared living room (cluster residents only)

  • pots and pans
  • dishes
  • cutlery
  • toaster
  • coffee maker, tea pot, kettle and other small appliances (CSA-approved with automatic shut-off and in good working order)
  • television

What to bring to your bachelor or one bedroom apartment

  • linens and pillows (Please check with us--bed sizes vary depending on apartment)
  • towels and facecloth
  • clothes, shoes and coats for Vancouver Island weather
  • hangers for your closet or wardrobe
  • toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, etc.)
  • personal hygiene items (face mask, hand sanitizer)
  • cleaning supplies (wipes, disinfectants)
  • earplugs
  • laundry bag/basket and detergent
  • iron
  • your computer, cell phone, surge protected power bar and other technology
  • an emergency kit
  • desk accessories
  • small fan
  • pots and pans
  • dishes
    • cutlery
    • coffee maker, tea pot, kettle and other small appliances (CSA-approved with automatic shut-off and in good working order)
    • television

What not to bring

The following items are not allowed in any residence:

  • candles or incense
  • diffusers
  • subwoofers and sound systems containing subwoofers
  • water-filled items (e.g., beds, aquariums)
  • pets
  • halogen lamps
  • illegal drugs
  • any sort of weapon or replica (including BB and paintball guns)
  • camp fuel or other combustibles

Network devices not allowed on campus:

  • routers and switches
  • Wifi printers (Bluetooth is OK)
  • home automation devices like Wifi-enabled light bulbs (Bluetooth is OK)

Dormitory rooms

  • small appliances including toasters, hot plates, air fryers, electric grills, rice cookers, etc. are not permitted in any dormitory rooms. See Schedule B 3.4 of the Residence Contract for more information.

Cluster units and apartments

Couches, love seats, chairs, extra beds, fridges and dressers are not allowed.

In the event prohibited furniture and/or appliances are brought into residences without the permission of Residence Services, the resident will be required to remove the item. Email housing@uvic.ca for more information. 

Mini fridges and small appliances in residence

Mini fridges

The University discourages the use of mini-refrigerators due to the University’s focus on sustainability and addressing climate change. Mini-fridges use a significant amount of power per month and are far less power efficient per square foot than a full size fridge. If, however, you require a fridge, a high efficiency Energy Star rated refrigerator no larger than 3 cubic feet is permitted.

We recommend the following:

  • All mini-fridges must be Energy Star Rated.
  • The fridge should not be placed in the sun or in a warm spot if you can avoid it.
  • Sufficient space between the sides of the fridge and walls or other furniture is required for proper ventilation.
  • Only open the fridge door when needed.

Please note: Fridges must be removed when the student moves out or removal fees will be applied to the student account.

Small appliances
  • Electric kettles are permitted in dormitory rooms or in the lounge. They must be CSA approved, in good working order, and have an automatic shut-off.
  • No other small appliances are allowed in dormitory rooms. See Schedule B 3.4 of the Residence Contract for more information.

Bike and storage lockers in residences

  • We rent both bike and storage lockers to residents on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Only students currently living in residence are eligible to rent bike or storage lockers.
  • Residents in Cluster units are not eligible to rent bike or storage lockers as each unit has a shared storage room.
  • Rental periods cannot extend before or after the time of the resident’s occupancy.
  • In September, lockers are rented for two semesters only.
  • In January, lockers may be rented for one semester.
  • Bikes cannot be stored inside any rooms or buildings in residence other than storage lockers.
  • We have a limited supply of individual bike lockers and storage lockers.
  • Students with sports gear are encouraged to rent a storage locker for their equipment.
  • We offer two sizes of storage locker:
  • Small lockers are 3 ft. tall, 2 ft. 10 in. wide, and 3 ft. from front to back.
  • Large lockers are 6 ft. 7 in. tall, 2 ft. 10 in. wide, and 3 ft. from front to back.
  • Learn more about bikes and cycling on our campus.

Rates for bike lockers

  • $25.00 refundable deposit
  • $60.00 rental fee (plus GST) for group bike lockers (September 2022 to April 2023). Group bike lockers are large rooms or cages located within specific buildings, but are accessible from the exterior of the building. Student receive a key to the locker, a bike tag, and are assigned a numbered location within the locker where they can lock their bike.
  • $80.00 rental fee (plus GST) for individual bike lockers (September 2022 to April 2023). Individual lockers are located throughout the residence area. There are 64 lockers, each of which can hold one bike.

Rates for storage lockers

  • $25.00 refundable deposit
  • $100 rental fee (plus GST) for small locker (September 2022 to April 2023)
  • $200 rental fee (plus GST) for large locker (September 2022 to April 2023)

How to reserve a bike or storage locker

Applications for reserving a bike or storage locker are available now. Submit a Bike or Storage Locker Request form through the Housing Portal.

For summer students looking to reserve a bike or storage locker please submit a rental agreement form to reslockers@uvic.ca.

Refunds for bike and storage lockers

  • Students who rent a bike or storage locker in September for two semesters, and who leave residence early, are eligible for one semester’s refund of their rental fee only, plus their deposit of $25.
  • Students who rent a bike or storage locker in January for one semester, and who leave residence early, are not eligible for a refund of their rental fee, but will receive a refund of their $25 deposit.
  • Resident’s locker deposits are normally returned to them at the same time as their security deposit.
  • Residents must move out of their bike or storage locker on the same day that they move out of residence in order to have their deposit refunded.

Internet

Internet service is provided as part of the residence contract. Learn more about UVic's Internet service.

What’s Allowed on UVic Wireless?

https://www.uvic.ca/systems/support/internettelephone/wireless/wifi-information-for-students.php

Insurance

The university does not provide you with third party liability or property insurance. The university recommends you obtain a residential tenant insurance policy that provides coverage for both:

  • loss or damage to personal property
  • third party liability coverage for personal injury and property damage.

Insurance may be available as an extension of your family’s home insurance policy. Consult with your insurance agent to confirm that appropriate coverage is in place.

Or, you may wish to consider coverage from one of these insurance companies who offer insurance to students in residence:

Residence Orientation

Residents are invited to attend special Residence Orientation activities on Sunday, September 4th and Monday, September 5th. A full listing of activities is available here. Make special note of your Community Meeting time, as well as dinner times and locations for these days. 

You will also receive a copy of the Residence Orientation schedule in your Move In Day package and it will be posted on your floor. Ask your Community Leader if you have any questions.

In addition to Residencce Orientation, New Student Welcome UVic’s Orientation for all new undergraduate students will be running on Tuesday September 6th.