Three VIU students studying together at a table.

Getting started at VIU

Resources to get you started

There are many supports, services and resources are available to help you get started at VIU. We encourage you to discover, connect and engage in the many opportunities available to you.

VIU Courtyard

Rock the VIU: new student orientation

Start your university career off on the right foot! All new university students are urged to participate in VIU’s New student orientation at the Nanaimo campus. Orientation is a great way for new students to meet classmates, faculty and staff, while being introduced to a full-range of available campus activities and resources.

Parents/guardians of new students, see our Tips for parents.

Learn more about new student orientation

VIU students' union

As a student at VIU, you are a member of both the VIU students' union and the BC federation of students. To get the most from your membership and learn about the services, advocacy work, and campus life opportunities that exist to support students at VIU, make sure to download the VIU campus app and watch this short video from your students' union. Additional information about how to access direct member services can be found on our VIU students' union site.