First Year Interconnect (FYI)
The Office of Student Life (OSL) offers you a variety of ways to build community and get involved in your first year at UVic! From our brand-new mentorship program to weekly drop-in spaces just for first-year students, we’ve got you covered. Our aim is to create casual spaces for you to show up as yourself, ask any questions that you may have, and build a network of support with your peers on campus.
First Year Interconnect (FYI) Mentorship Program
First-year students: Get matched with an upper-year mentor in the FYI program!
You are invited to join the First Year Interconnect (FYI) mentorship program! Fill out your matching survey and get connected with an upper-year student. Connect with your mentor and start building your UVic community, ask questions as you navigate your first year, and learn about the many resources and supports available to make the most out of your UVic experience.
Registration to become a mentee or mentor will open soon. Stay tuned!
What past mentees have to say
Meeting with my mentor has been a highlight of my first year. Gaining advice and resources from somebody who has recently gone through the same program as me has been invaluable and allowed me to excel in both personal and academic areas of my life.
As a new student, it was incredibly valuable to have my mentor who showed me all around campus including things I would not have known such as study rooms and clean bathrooms, lol! She helped explain lingo and language of being at university that I did not understand.
Upper year students: Become a Mentor!
Join the First Year Interconnect (FYI) mentorship program as a mentor and support someone's transition to studying at UVic in their first year. Share your own experiences, connect students to resources and supports on campus, and build meaningful relationships!
FYI mentors must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Have completed a minimum of 12.0 undergraduate units at UVic within the last 5 years
- Be enrolled in both the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 terms
- Be in good academic standing
- Important note for international student mentors: You must meet the eligibility requirements to legally work in Canada, including full-time registration as per the UVic calendar definition (with limited exceptions).
What past mentors have to say
I believe that the FYI program supported both my personal and professional growth because I learned to strengthen my interpersonal communication skills, organizational skills and time management skills. Despite ups and downs, I strengthened my facilitation and mentorship skills throughout the year and I am grateful that I can give it back to the community.
Being a mentor provided valuable volunteer experience for applications and resumes, gave me a sense of belonging at UVic, made me aware of programs I didn’t previously know about, made me re-examine my advice to my mentees and apply it in my own life, allowed me to reflect on my personal growth from first year to now, and feel pride and accomplishment.