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UVic Bound

a group of UVic students poses for a photo after hiking to Thetis Lake

UVic Bound is a pre-arrival program for degree-seeking international students starting their studies at UVic in fall 2025. 

The program provides support to new students in their transition to living in Victoria and Canada and studying at UVic. New students will connect with current UVic students and other new international students, join informative sessions to get their questions answered, and meet the International Centre for Students (ICS) team - all before even arriving in Victoria! 

Meet the UVic Bound student leaders

UVic Bound Student Leaders are available to answer questions and share their experiences as UVic students. They will join each online session and be available to connect with UVic Bound participants via email. UVic Bound participants can contact the student leaders via email.

More information on the UVic Bound Student Leaders is coming soon!

UVic Bound sessions

This session will kick off your journey as a UVic student. Meet the team at the International Centre for Students and find out how we can help you with everything from immigration, study permits, health insurance and finding a place to live in Victoria. Get to know your UVic Bound Student Leaders who will be supporting you on your journey to UVic over the next four months. Join this session to start learning about resources on campus, connect with other new international students, and hear your UVic Bound Student Leaders share about their experiences at the university and life in Victoria.

At this virtual session, our International Student Advisers (ISAs), who are regulated immigration practitioners, will provide an overview of the process and advice on how to submit a strong study permit application. You will also get a chance to connect with your UVic Bound Student Leaders as they share about their personal experiences navigating Canadian immigration systems and getting support from ISAs to stay compliant with the International Student Program policies. You will also have opportunities to ask questions in this session!

Topics covered by our advisers will include:
• Immigration documents required to study in Canada as an international student
• How to apply for your study permit from outside Canada
• Supporting documents required for the application
• Application tips
• Questions & answers

We will look forward to seeing you at the session, and to supporting you throughout your time at UVic!

Studying in a new country can come with a lot of questions! In this session, our Settlement Advisers will go over information to help you plan ahead for your time in Canada. They will orient you to the local area and share advice on housing, cost of living, and more. Current students will share their experiences and tips as international students at UVic. This session is a great opportunity to ask questions about your new home and what to expect from student life in Victoria.

What is it like to be a student in a Canadian classroom? As you prepare for your start to the academic term, you have questions. What should you expect when you sit down for your first university class? Who can you go to on campus when you have questions and what kind questions should you be asking and when? An academic adviser will guide you through some Canadian university expectations and information to help you achieve your academic goals at UVic. Current UVic students will share with you their tips to help you make the most out of your UVic experience.

Get a taste of student life in Victoria! Your UVic Bound Student Leaders will answer your questions and share their experiences, including how they made friends, opportunities to get involved in the UVic Global Community and other student clubs and communities, their favourite things to do in Victoria, and where they find their favourite foods from home. Join this session and envision your upcoming university life on Vancouver Island.

Join us for an online social where you can connect with other new international students who will be starting at UVic in September with you. Your UVic Bound Student Leaders will run activities to help you get to know your fellow students. This is a great way to make friends even before you get to campus, so you have a few friendly faces to greet you when you arrive!

Join us for an informative session where a UVic International Student Adviser will guide you through key immigration essentials related to working in Canada. You'll also get a quick overview of job search process and on-campus career resources to help you navigate employment opportunities. The session will conclude with student experience sharing, offering valuable insights to help you make the most of your time at UVic.

It's almost go time! Get ready for your travel to Victoria and navigating your first few days at UVic. In this session an International Student Adviser will go over your key documents and how to prepare for the customs and immigration process at your port of entry. Our Settlement Advisers will share tips for what to pack, navigating the city, staying safe, and getting set up. You'll have the chance to chat with current students about how they prepared for their journeys and what they wish they knew before arriving.

Join our online International Student Orientation Program information sessions from August 18 - August 22 to connect with campus partners and learn about the services and supports they provide.

Starting August 26 sessions will take place in person at UVic as part of our International Student Orientation Programs.

Join us for a fun morning of connection and community-building! After four months of connecting online, it's time to kick off your UVic journey. This event is your opportunity to start creating meaningful connections with your peers, connect with your UVic Bound Student Leaders in person, and meet the welcoming staff from the International Centre for Students. Start your day with coffee, tea, and treats as you mingle with fellow students who share your excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. Exchange stories, swap tips, and build friendships that will enrich your university experience.

Welcome to UVic! We are so excited you are part of this community and look forward to getting to know you better. Transitioning to living in a new place can be exciting and daunting at the same time. We are here to help you build meaningful friendships and support you in finding a sense of belonging and inclusion. In this workshop, you will meet current UVic students, learn about international student resources and services on campus, and connect with other new international students.

Join us on the Quad to celebrate the start of your journey at UVic with food and lawn games. Come for lunch and stay to continue connecting with other new international students, our International Centre for Students team, ICS student staff, and amazing volunteers.

Join our in-person International Student Orientation Programs and other orientation events on campus from August 26 - September 5 to kick off your time at UVic.

Contact us

UVic Bound is a pre-arrival program for degree-seeking international students starting their studies at UVic in fall 2025. Once UVic has received the acceptance deposit for eligible students, we will contact them with the full program details.

If you have questions about the program or think you are eligible but have not yet received the UVic Bound welcome email from us, please send us an email.