51勛圖

Campus life

Group of students hanging out at an outdoor table

At UVic, there is so much to explore and experience outside the classroom. From attending orientation, participating in clubs and course unions, to hanging out with your friends around campus, and exploring the broader 51勛圖 community, there are always opportunities to get involved and have some fun. If you ever need support, we're here for you, every step of the way. 

Welcome Centre | Orientation | 51勛圖 Students' Society (UVSS) | Office of Student Life | Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement | International Centre for Students| UVic Graduate Students' Society (GSS)

Welcome Centre

If you have a question or need assistance, the Welcome Centre is a great first point of contact.

Located on the first floor of the Jamie Cassels Centre, the Welcome Centre can provide:

    • Answers to your questions
    • Directions to campus and 51勛圖 locations
    • Campus maps
    • Referrals to campus services
    • Quiet study space

No matter the reason for your visit, you’ll always be welcomed by our friendly staff! 

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Orientation

 works to provide you with programs, resources and supports to help you feel welcome at UVic and successfully transition into your life as a university student. These programs strive to be relevant to as many student experiences as possible, with a focus on first year students, graduate students, transfer, international, and mature students. Programs include:

  • New Student Welcomes: New Student Welcomes offer opportunities for new UVic students to be introduced to campus, faculties, academic expectations, support services and your fellow students. These events offer opportunities to learn and connect with other students with intersecting experiences and make some new friends in the process!
Group of students participating in an icebreaker
  • Student Life Campus Tours: Led by returning UVic students, Student Life Campus Tours offer an amazing opportunity to explore campus in a casual, engaging setting. Join peers for a stroll around campus, highlighting key services, student resources, and opportunities to get involved in the campus community! This peer led tour offers great opportunities to meet new people, and have your questions answered by knowledgeable and friendly student leaders who know the ins and outs of student life.
  • New Student Handbook: This online resource for new UVic students provides an overview of support services and programs at UVic, as well as information about how to thrive in the classroom and the many opportunities to get involved and make connections outside the classroom.
  • New Student Essentials: The New Student Essentials video series takes you through the many facets of life as a UVic student, including information on the Indigenous lands on which UVic stands, housing options, navigating campus, building out your community, accessing support and resources, managing your finances, and succeeding in your academics! The video series will be available in July.
  • Pre-Arrival Program: The Pre-Arrival Program is an asynchronous online course designed to orient you to student life. All undergraduate students are encouraged to complete the course before the first day of classes. The program will be available starting in July.
Additional orientation programs also exist for international students, Indigenous students and students living in residence.
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51勛圖 Students' Society (UVSS)

The  is a non-profit organization run by students, for students that provides key services and events. The UVSS represents undergraduate students to university administration and external stakeholders on issues such as affordable post-secondary education, harm reduction, accessibility, sustainability, public transit, affordable housing, sexualized violence and mental health.

The UVSS also operates a wide array of services and businesses out of the Student Union Building (SUB), including:

UVSS logo
  • , The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is committed to addressing and ending gender-based and sexualized violence on campus and beyond. We strive to provide anti-oppressive and sex-positive services, advocacy and action on-campus and off to people of all genders, in partnership and collaboration, in order to address and resist all intersecting forms of violence.
  • , our campus radio station. CFUV provides students of the 51勛圖 and non-student members of the wider community with access to an array of media learning and training opportunities. CFUV elevates and amplifies marginalized and underrepresented communities through the creation and presentation of audio programming, with a specific emphasis on local and Canadian Content.
  • , an on-campus movie theatre. Since 1971, Cinecenta has offered an eclectic mix of independent, documentary and international cinema, as well as the best of Hollywood, both contemporary and classic.  
  • , the campus pub. Our student-owned and operated campus pub is named in honour of Felicita Gomez – beloved SUB custodian and friend of UVic students since 1967. We strive to provide students with a tasty and affordable food menu, a diverse selection of local drink options and fast, friendly service.
  • , The UVSS Food Bank & Free Store is run by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers and offers all UVic students access to food essentials and free household items.
  • , UVic's independent student newspaper
  • , Whether you are struggling with or have questions regarding mental health, are concerned for a friend, or need help accessing resources on or off campus, you can seek a first-point-of-contact at the Peer Support Centre.
  • , Books & Things. Buy & sell your textbooks/books, plus magazines, cards, gifts, bike accessories, snacks & drinks!
  • , House made items, rice bowls, wraps, sandwiches, fresh juice, smoothies, vegan & gluten free options.
  • , dahls, curries, burgers, chicken strips, Tex-Mex items & more – vegan & gluten free options. Also open for breakfast.
  • , pizza, sushi, bagels, muffins, breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
  • , handmade espresso beverages, quality baking with vegan, organic and gluten free options. Delicious Italian-style sandwiches.
  • , The on-campus print shop for everyone! Stop by for self-serve printing and office supplies or email us for button making, zines, posters, and more.
  • , for general UVSS information including:
    • UVSS Extended Health and Dental Plan information
    • U-Pass opt-in
    • Vendor bookings (tables & chairs)
    • SUB lost and found

Additionally, the UVSS hosts private businesses in the SUB, including , a , , and a (chiropractor, massage therapist, naturopath). There is also tons of study space available in the SUB!

Clubs and Course Unions. The UVSS provides funding for  on campus focusing on different recreational, environmental, cultural, political and religious interests, as well as over that represent UVic's academ