8 am - 5 pm | B310 Malaspina Theatre
RockVIU: International Student Orientation

8 am to 9:30 am
In-Person Check-In

9:30 am to 10:10 am
Welcome

10:15 am to 10:55 am 
Stay Healthy, Stay Safe

11:00 am to 11:20 am 
Off-Campus Housing & Budgeting

11:20 am to 11:30 am 
Group Photograph

11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Lunch

12:30 pm to 12:50 pm
Cultural Connections and Campus Life

12:55 pm to 1:15 pm
Guard.me and Medical Insurance

1:15 pm to 1:35 pm
Break - Activity

1:35 pm to 2:10 pm
Academic Success in First Year

2:15 pm to 2:45 pm
Study Permit Conditions and Working in Canada

2:45 pm to 2:50 pm
Closing

3 pm to 5 pm
RockVIU Campus Adventures

10 am to 12 pm | B255 First Floor
International Education Block Party Social: Coffee Around the World

12 pm to 4 pm | Parking Lot G
Connect Fair Festival & Community Corner

3 pm to 5 pm | B255 Second Floor Lobby
Cultural Connections Nature Walk

1 pm to 3:30 pm
VIU Rent Wise

Tuesday, August 29

Welcome

Join us as we share important information, get to know a little about you and update you on how to navigate the full orientation program. It's a great way to get your first year off to a good start.

Stay Healthy and Stay Safe

Important information regarding VIU policies and procedures regarding safety and student conduct. Also, an opportunity to explore how your own health and well-being supports your success as a student.

Off-Campus Housing & Budgeting

VIU Off-Campus Housing provides information and support before, during and at the end of renting accommodation. We can help with planning rental and general living budgets, finding housing and roommates and dealing with common disputes. We can also connect you with numerous other services to support your off-campus living needs.

Cultural Connections and Campus Life

Learn about cultural, social, and recreational events and activities offered through the International Education department. This includes a local hike series, Saturday road trips, live music events, weekly on-campus cultural gatherings and more.

Guard Me & Medical Insurance

Hosted by Guard me ambassadors and advisors. This info session provides essential knowledge about your medical coverage at VIU. You'll also learn basic information about the medical system in BC.

Academic Success in First Year

The session will focus on academic regulations that are sensitive, time dependent and require action. We'll discuss support services, tools and how to find this information. It's also an opportunity to meet other students and listen to their questions and concerns.

Study Permit Conditions and Working in Canada

This session will explain your study permit conditions and your opportunities to work on or off campus while you study at VIU. We will explore full-time versus part-time enrollment at VIU. We we'll cover how to maintain your international student status in Canada. We will discuss the importance of building a strong, competitive immigration portfolio during your studies.

RockVIU Campus Adventures

Get to know your way around VIU. Campus Adventures are interactive tours of the campus led by students. Registration is required.

Thursday, August 31

International Education Block Party Social: Coffee Around the World

Get your international buzz going! Free coffee and other caffeinated beverages from different countries, music, and good times by Cultural Connections. 

Connect Fair Festival & Community Corner

Play carnival games and enjoy a barbecue lunch at the Connect Fair Festival. Check out campus and community groups and local businesses at the Community Corner.

Friday, September 1

Cultural Connections Nature Walk

Discover the natural beauty in VIU’s backyard. We’ll walk to Colliery Dam waterfall (approx. 5 km roundtrip). Please wear appropriate clothes and footwear.

Friday, September 8

VIU Rent Wise

In this 2.5-hour session, you'll learn about renting locally, budgeting, searching listings, preparing rental applications, basic rental law, protecting yourself from accidental damage costs, linked VIU supports and more. Knowing your rights and responsibilities tells landlords you'll be an educated tenant and a good neighbour. Gain a certificate of completion and choose to let landlords verify participation. Zoom and in-person sessions available. Registration is required, email housing@viu.ca for more details and to register.