Plan ahead
Preparing for your first term at UVic involves more than just getting in the right classes - you should start to think about your overall university experience. Do you plan to live on campus? Would you like to participate in an international exchange while you're studying? Consider the following, if they apply to your circumstances:
1. Apply for a room in residence
If you want to live on campus, you must submit an online housing application and the $50 (CAD) housing application fee. On-campus housing for winter session (September-April) is guaranteed to all first-year students who will graduate from high school in June of the current year, provided your application for housing is complete and UVic has received your $200 admission acceptance deposit by June 30.
2. Arrange for health coverage, if you're an international student
All students are required to have proper health insurance for the duration of their studies in Canada. If you will stay in British Columbia for more than six months of the year, you must enrol in the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) within 10 days of your arrival in BC. The waiting period to receive coverage is approximately three months, so you must arrange for emergency health insurance from an alternate provider prior to your arrival in BC. The extended health insurance included in your student fees is not a substitute for emergency health insurance or BC MSP.
More information is available on the International and Exchange Student Services website.
3. Investigating options for an international exchange
Are you interested in going on an international exchange? UVic has agreements with approximately 53 institutions in 20 countries. From Europe to the South Pacific, from the Far East to the Netherlands, you have many corners of the world to choose from.
The application process can take time and there may be prerequisite requirements you'll need to meet first so you're encouraged to start planning early. Take a look at the Students on Exchange website for more details.
4. Consider a Learning Skills workshop
The Learning Skills course is an excellent way for a new or returning university student to orient themselves to the UVic campus and get a head start to studying and learning at university. You'll learn about advanced reading techniques, note-making methods, essay writing strategies, exam preparation tips, and how to work cooperatively within a study group. Students practice their learned skills in a mock mini-course.
Visit the Counselling Services website for more information.
5. Register for an orientation program
Every fall UVic offers a range of orientation and transition programming to welcome incoming students to campus and introduce them to to the range of services and opportunities available to UVic students. It’s an easy way to connect with the campus community and make new friends – find out more by visiting the New Student Orientation website.