New Student Orientation
Get ready to kick off your VIU journey with RockVIU: New Student Orientation! This is your chance to explore campus, meet faculty, connect with new friends and discover all the resources available to help you succeed. More details to come, register anytime to get updates and the chance to win early registration swag!
Register for RockVIU
Register now to secure your spot! For more info, check out our pre-arrival checklist on the Ready, Set, Go website.
RockVIU schedule
August 26
Virtual info sessions
Start your journey with key information to help you transition smoothly to VIU. All sessions will be recorded and shared later.
Virtual info sessions schedule
9 to 10 am
How to access your student services
11 am to 12 pm
How to get involved at VIU
12 to 1 pm
University survival guide: Setting up your student accounts and more
2 to 3 pm
Intro to your VIU Students' Union
August 27
Campus Adventures scavenger hunt
A gamified campus scavenger hunt. Explore campus, complete challenges and win prizes. You will receive an email with your scheduled time slot closer to the date.
August 28
The ultimate RockVIU experience
9 to 10 am
Welcome for Indigenous students
Location: Shq'apthut (Building 170). Meet the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement staff and learn about upcoming events and supports available on campus.
10 am to 12 pm
Faculty Block Party Socials
Meet your faculty, classmates and deans
Locations:
- Arts and Humanities: Building 310 (Malaspina Theatre)
- Social Sciences: Building 356, Room 111
- Education and Academic and Career Preparation: Building 356, Room 109
- Science, Engineering and Technology: Building 460, top of the stairs
- Health Sciences and Human Services: Building 210
- Management: Building 250
- Trades and Applied Technology: Building 180 (Adventure around campus)
10:30 am to noon
Parents and supporters info session
Location: Royal Arbutus Room, Building 300
Register for the session.
12 to 4 pm
Connect Fair and Community Corner
Location: Parking Lot G
Enjoy games, food and snacks while discovering student services, meeting community members and getting the chance to Dunk Your Dean:
5 to 9 pm
Explore the Nanaimo Night Market:
Location: Downtown Nanaimo
Connect with Nanaimo food, culture, music, community and fellow students! Need transportation? Stop by the Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning table at the Connect Fair for a free bus pass (limited passes available). When you arrive at the night market, be sure to check in at the VIU booth to say hi.
August 29
Pick and Play Friday
Choose your own adventure with info sessions designed for different student needs. All students are welcome at all events, but there are recommended streams for different student types. You will receive information on your recommended stream at the breakfast.
Pick and Play schedule
8:45 to 9:30 am
International student welcome
Location: Upper Cafeteria, Building 300
9:30 to 10:30 am
Breakfast
Location: Upper Cafeteria, Building 300
10:30 to 11:15 am
Where did you come from? Where are you now?
Location: Upper Cafeteria, Building 300
11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Choose one:
- How to be a good roommate
Location: Upper Cafeteria, Building 300 - What did you get yourself into?
Location: Malaspina Theatre
12:30 to 1:15 pm
Choose one:
- Lunch & learn: Canadian culture
Location: Upper Cafeteria, Building 300 - Housekeeping, maintenance and cleaning
Location: Malaspina Theatre
1:30 to 2:15 pm
Choose one:
- Lunch and Learn: Cheers to Choices
Location: Upper Cafeteria, Building 300 - Grad student mental health and wellbeing
Location: Malaspina Theatre
2:30 to 3:15 pm
Choose one:
- Immigration advising
Location: Malaspina Theatre - How to get involved
Location: Upper Cafeteria, Building 300 - Positive Space Alliance
Location: Building 210, Room 270
3:30 to 4:15 pm
Choose one:
- Cheers to Choices
Location: Upper Cafeteria, Building 300 - How to get involved
Location: Malaspina Theatre
Movie night
August 29, 6 to 10 pm
Join us at the Malaspina Theatre for a themed movie night. We'll be showing Shrek - costumes encouraged!
Prize for the best dressed.
Don't miss out on this exciting kickoff to your VIU experience.
Register for RockVIU
Register now to secure your spot! For more info, check out our pre-arrival checklist on the Ready, Set, Go website.
New student orientation at Cowichan and tiwšɛmawtxʷ campuses
Are you a new student at our Cowichan or tiwšɛmawtxʷ campuses? Details on your orientation will be sent separately:
- Cowichan campus: September 2
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus: September 10
Join us at the VIU Games on September 6
The VIU Games is an annual event held at Vancouver Island University where teams of 8 to10 members are formed from students, alumni, faculty and staff in an integrated competition of spirit and sporting events. Teams compete to win the prestigious Chassels Cup! Register as a team or as an individual.
RockVIU sponsors
Pathways sponsor
Navigator sponsors
Explorer sponsors
First Step sponsors
