Skip to main content
Apply Library A-Z Find a person Maps
Brightspace Email
University
of Victoria
Apply Library A-Z Find a person Maps
Sign in Online tools Sign out
University Systems

Guest Wi-Fi

The UVicStart network is available to anyone visiting the UVic campus with a compatible device and a valid email address. It requires registration and provides limited bandwidth.

If you need a faster and more secure connection, you can get access to the UVic network as a guest.

Details

Type
Wireless network
For
Visitors
Cost
Free

Restrictions & limitations

  • UVicStart isn't secure. Don't use it for online banking or other tasks involving sensitive information.
  • UVicStart is meant for basic email service and light web browsing. Bandwidth-intensive or more technical uses like remote desktops, streaming videos or large file transfers won't work.
  • You'll have Internet access for 24 hours after you register. You can re-register as many times as you need.

Connect to guest Wi-Fi

Connect to UVicStart

  1. Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your device. Find the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
  2. Select UVicStart from the list. Click or tap Connect if you need to. 
    On most devices, the Captive Wi-Fi web page will open automatically. If it doesn't, you may need to confirm that you want to open the captive portal page or open a web browser.
  3. Select Register.
  4. On the Registration page, enter your email address.
  5. Read the terms and conditions, select the I agree to the terms and conditions checkbox, and select Register. It typically takes 5-10 seconds to complete registration.
  6. On the Account created page, select Sign on.

You'll be connected to the Internet for 24 hours, then your account will expire. You can re-register as many times as you need to.

You can continue to connect to UVic if you need a faster and more secure connection.

Connect to UVic

  1. Go to your email app and check for a new message from UVic.
    If you don't see one, check your junk mail folder.
  2. Open the email. It should have a guest username and password for you.
  3. Go back to your device's Wi-Fi settings. Follow the instructions to join the UVic Wi-Fi network. Sign in with the username and password from the email.

You'll be connected to the Internet with the UVic network for 24 hours, then your account will expire.

Reconnect to UVic

To reconnect to UVic after your account has expired:

  1. Go to your device's Wi-Fi settings.
  2. Forget the UVic Wi-Fi network.
  3. Repeat the process to connect to UVicStart from the beginning, then connect to UVic.

Notes

  • You can join UVic or UVicStart with guest credentials, but not eduroam.
  • Service is provided as is.

Privacy

We need your email address:

  • to send you information to help you connect
  • for legal and security requirements

We'll never send you unsolicited email or share it commercially. Learn more about UVic's privacy policy.

Troubleshooting

The email usually arrives within 5 minutes. If you just registered, try waiting a few minutes.

Check your junk email folder.

If you've waited 5 minutes and it's not in your inbox or junk email folder, try registering again.

Full error text:

Radius session not found. Link already clicked or session timed out. Please contact help desk for assistance.

Possible solutions:

  1. Disconnect from the UVicStart network, then reconnect.
  2. If that doesn't work, try starting the registration process again and using the new link to complete it.

If neither of those work, contact us for help.

Coverage

Wi-Fi is available in nearly every building on campus including residence buildings and cluster housing. It extends to some outdoor areas near buildings. The coverage area for all the wireless networks is the same.

Get help now

Contact IT support to:

  • get help connecting or setting up your device
  • report an outage

We provide limited best-effort support for visitor Wi-Fi.

Get help