January Orientation

Students writing their name on name tags at check in for orientation.

Welcome to UVic!

UVic January orientation programs are your official welcome to the UVic community--and we can't wait for you to join us! Through participating in our programs, you'll meet new friends, get to know campus services, and gain insight into how to succeed at UVic. See below for a list of the different programs and find the ones that are relevant for you.

All new undergraduate and graduate UVic students starting in January 2025 are encouraged to attend the New Student Campus Tours and New Student Open House.

Additional orientation events are encouraged for the following students:

Events for all new students

New Student Campus Tours

Sunday, January 5 to Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Get ready for your first week of classes with a UVic campus tour! All new students starting in January are encouraged to sign up for one of the following tours:

  • Sunday, January 5 at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
  • Monday, January 6 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday, January 8 at 1:30 p.m.

You'll be given your tour by current UVic students who will show you the campus services and resources UVic offers. You'll also get to learn about some of the favourite campus hangouts, including faculty buildings, athletic facilities, dining services, and more.

Registration is now closed.

New Student Open House

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.

SUB Upper Lounge, on the main floor of the Student Union Building

All undergraduate and graduate students starting their UVic journey in January 2025 and September 2024, are invited to drop by the Student Union Building Upper Lounge for an afternoon of fun and community connection. Meet other students, connect with UVSS advocacy and affiliated organizations, learn fun crafts, attend a campus tour, eat snacks, and play games! This drop-in style event will be an amazing opportunity to get to know other new students, the resources available to you, and build your own community on campus.

Registration is now closed.  

Events for new international students

The following events are for new international students only. 

International Student Welcome

January 10, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Room BWC B150, Bob Wright Centre

As an international student, you have a unique experience transitioning to university and life in Canada, so we've designed an orientation program just for you. The International Student Welcome program, introduces you to UVic staff and current students who will help you transition into life at UVic.

  • Make new connections while discovering important campus resources
  • Meet the International Centre for Students team
  • Learn about immigration documents, health insurance, and other important topics
  • Connect with other new and returning students as well as Global Community volunteers

Online registration is now closed. 

For registration after January 8, please email  with your full name and V number. We look forward to welcoming you to UVic.

International students cheer on the VIKES basketball team

January 10, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

After our International Student Welcome ends at 7:30 p.m. we will walk over to the CARSA Performance Gym to cheer on the VIKES basketball team as they face Trinity Western University.

International Student Orientation Programs

December, January and February

In addition to the International Student Welcome event, don't miss out on the additional International Student Orientation Programming organized by the International Centre for Students in December, January and February. These events and information sessions will help you start your journey as a UVic student by sharing information about living in Victoria and connecting you with campus partners to learn about resources available to support you.

Start preparing now with these past recorded sessions:

View the program schedule

Check out past session recordings

Events for new Indigenous students

The following events are for new Indigenous students only. 

Indigenous Student Welcome

Monday, January 6 to Friday, January 10, 2025

The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) hosts a full week of programming for Indigenous students from Monday, January 6 to Friday, January 10.

The week includes grab & go breakfasts, meet & greets with student supports and campus partners, brunch with the Elders in Residence, lunches, bingo and door prizes!

Follow IACE on social media for more details:

Events for students moving into UVic Residence

The following events are students moving into Residence only. 

Friday, January 3 to Sunday, January 5, 2025

Residence Move-in and Orientation

Only for students moving into residence

Residence move-in for January arrivals will take place over the first weekend of January, with move-in beginning on Friday, January 3. Students will receive an email to sign-up for a January time slot in December. Additional updates and information on the move in process is available on the Residence Services website.

All students moving into Residence are strongly encouraged to participate in Residence Orientation programming. Residence Orientation for incoming students takes place over the weekend of January 3 - 5, and includes the opportunity to mingle with fellow residents, participate in crafting sessions, a movie night, campus tours, and much more! No registration is needed for orientation, and each resident will receive an orientation schedule on move-in day and will be emailed a copy in advance.

Accessibility

UVic Orientation, the International Centre for Students, Residence Services and the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement are committed to making our events as accessible and barrier-free as possible. Please refer to the event accessibility page for accessible considerations for Orientation events.

If you have any accessibility needs to participate in our events, please provide details when you register and/or contact the following event organizers.

Contact

For any questions about the New Student Campus Tours and Open House, please contact the Orientation team at orientation@uvic.ca.

For questions about International Student Orientation events, please contact the International Centre for Students at .

For any questions about Indigenous student orientation events, please contact the IACE Events Coordinator at

For any questions about move in and residence events, please email .