New Student Orientation
Kick off the first day of your VIU journey at RockVIU new student orientation on Tuesday, September 8! Explore the campus, get to know your profs and meet other students in your program!
For new students at the Nanaimo campus: Register for your chance to win prizes ranging from a Rockies trip, to tuition credits, to dining dollars:
For new students at our Cowichan and tiwšɛmawtxʷ campuses: Info about new student orientation will be emailed to you!
Pre-arrival supports
There are things you can do before you get here! Check out our pre-arrival checklist on the Ready, Set, Go website.
You can also join us at our Q&A session on Thursday, July 30.
Finally, come to the Start Smart webinar on Wednesday, August 26. VIU Academic Advisors will explain wait lists, prerequisites, how to add or drop courses, important dates and more to help you feel at home right from the beginning. Register for Start Smart.
Questions? Email welcometocampus@viu.ca.
RockVIU schedule
Friday, September 4
International Student Welcome
Cafeteria (Building 300)
10 am to 12:30 pm
Connect with other international students, meet supportive staff and get familiar with life at VIU and in Canada.
Tuesday, September 8
Welcome Ceremony
Gym (Building 190)
9 am to 10 am
Kick off your VIU journey with energy, excitement and school spirit! Check in here for the chance to win tuition credits, trips, swag bags and other prizes.
Faculty Sessions
Various locations
10 am to 12 pm
Meet your professors, connect with other students in your program and learn more about your faculty.
- Academic and Career Preparation: Outside Building 205
- Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences: Building 310, Malaspina Theatre lobby
- Education: Building 356, Room 111
- Exploratory Studies: Building 108
- Health Sciences and Human Services: Building 210
- Management: Building 250, Room 115
- Science and Technology: Outside between Buildings 460 and 470
- Trades and Applied Technology: VIU gym
Connect Fair and Community Corner
RBC Plaza
12 to 4 pm
Enjoy games, food and snacks while discovering student services, meeting community members and finding out about opportunities available to you at VIU.
Thursday, September 10
St’le’shun [Invitation] – A Gathering for Indigenous Students
Shq'apthut (Building 170)
10 am to 1 pm
A special gathering to honour and uplift Indigenous students. Rooted in community, culture and celebration, this event creates space to connect, share stories and build relationships. The day will include songs, dancing, inspiring speakers and a lunchtime feast. Open to everyone in the VIU community.
Welcome Weeks
Info booths
From September 9 to 11, staff will be stationed in the quad and RBC Plaza on the Nanaimo campus to help answer questions and direct you.
FROSH
Your VIU Students' Union has a lineup of events for welcoming students to another academic year. Details to come.
Parent and supporter lounge
Join us in the Parent and Supporter Lounge while your student is at their faculty session. Royal Arbutus Room (Building 300 above the cafeteria) from 10 am to 12 pm.
RockVIU 2025
