RockVIU: International Student Orientation
This day of welcome for international students will provide the tools to have a successful first year at Vancouver Island University (VIU) and beyond.
Connect with your peers, get comfortable on campus and learn about the VIU community. Meet other international students from around the world and learn about VIU services, academic and immigration information, health and safety and upcoming orientation programming with events.
All incoming international students in undergraduate and graduate programs at VIU are invited and expected to attend RockVIU: International Student Orientation. This includes students transitioning from English language studies in Canada, as well as exchange and study abroad.
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

All students welcome
You are invited to take part in the RockVIU events for all students.
International Student Orientation details
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.
Volume 1: Pre-Arrival Webinar - Ready!
This is your first pre-departure preparation session. We will cover everything including what documents to prepare for travel, VIU documentation, and instructions for course registration. We will also take your questions about anything you want to know for the upcoming semester.
Volume 2: Pre-Arrival Webinar – Set!
In this edition we will focus on housing, travel, and Nanaimo local information. We will provide off-campus housing tips, reminders from VIU Residence, and Canadian regulations. We will also take your questions about anything you want to know for the up coming semester.
View on YouTube or Facebook
Volume 3: Pre-Arrival Webinar – Go!
The final instalment of our pre-arrival webinar series. We take a sneak peek at orientation events and life on campus. Representatives from across campus provide tips for how to get connected and have fun.
View on Youtube or Facebook
VIU Resources
- VIU International Education - New Student Handbook (updated August 23, 2023)
- Fall: Important Dates, Money Matters, Dates and Deadlines
- Essential Resources
- How to Make an Appointment with an Advisor
- VIU Campus Map
- VIU Apps