Getting your learner started
As your learner prepares for their first year, VIU's Ready, Set, Go has information to set up your learner for success in their first year and beyond. This resource includes information about topics, such as:
- new student checklist,
- university vocabulary,
- the online student record,
- building timetables, and
- the VIU scholarship profile.
VIU encourages all new students to attend RockVIU, our new student orientation! This is your learner's chance to explore campus, meet faculty, connect with new friends and discover the resources available to help them succeed in their time at VIU.
Resources and supports for your learner
VIU has many resources and supports that are available for your learner. The list below is a collection of services that we encourage your learner to use and connect with early if they may need them.
The Advising Centre assists with undergraduate course selection, course planning, declaring a major, and more.
Accessibility Services provides information, support services, and reasonable accommodation to students with documented disabilities.
The Health and Wellness Centre includes the Student Health Clinic, Counselling Services, and physiotherapy services for students.
All students are automatically enrolled in extended health and dental coverage through the VIU Students' Union.
Stop in five days a week to chat with an Elder-in-Residence or get support from Indigenous Access Coordinators.
Assistance by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) for current international students
Information about on- and off-campus housing options.
In addition to the listed services, VIU has additional academic and non-academic services available for your learner.
Getting your learner involved
VIU has many different opportunities to get engaged and involved on campus. We encourage your learner to take part in activities on campus. Your learner can take part in as many activities as they'd like. These are great ways to make connections with other students outside of the classroom connections.
Keep an eye out for upcoming events to take part in. There's always something going on on campus!
Athletics and recreation - cheer on the VIU Mariners, take part in intramural sports, join fitness classes, or use the facility
Thrive - events, activities and resources to support mental health and well-being
Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning - student engagement and leadership activities
VIU International - information for international students attending VIU, as well as services for all students, such as international mobility and cultural connections
VIU Students' Union - offers services to our members that support campus life, events, clubs, course unions, student representation and more
Peer Supported Learning - free, regularly scheduled, informal study sessions led by a senior student who has been successful in traditionally difficult courses; instructors will announce if peer supported learning is available in their course
Additional Safety Resources
Resource request and referral - If you are concerned about learner's well-being, please fill out as much information as possible in this form. Your submission is triaged by Student Affairs and shared with the appropriate area for follow-up. Services include, but are not limited to, Counselling Services, Academic Advising, Accessibility Services, Financial Aid and Awards, and the Conduct and Care Office.
Overdose prevention - Raising awareness of the toxic drug supplies and responding quickly to suspected overdoses are critical actions to saving lives. In response to British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis, Vancouver Island University has implemented an Overdose Prevention and Response Plan.
Important policies at VIU
VIU Safety App
One of the easiest ways to find out what’s happening on campus during an emergency or snow closure is through VIU’s Safety App. Use the VIU Safety App to request first aid, safe walk, and if anything is happening on campus relating to safety, health or emergencies that you need to know about, you will get an automatic notification.
