Your VIU bucket list

Whether you’re just embarking on your journey at Vancouver Island University or you’re about to start your final semester, the year is filled with so many opportunities to engage in unique experiences, create lifelong memories and immerse yourself in campus life. To help you make the most of your time at VIU, we’ve compiled a bucket list of must-do events that showcase the best of what our University has to offer. From cultural celebrations to academic conferences and everything in between, these events are guaranteed to enrich your VIU experience and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Welcome events

No matter who you are, there is a welcome event for you. First-year students, graduate students, international students, Indigenous students, Mariner athletes, returning students … there are so many, you may find yourself with conflicting schedules at times. Here is a list of events held at VIU in the past. Be sure to keep an eye on the website and your email for this year’s versions.

• RockVIU. The official new student orientation. This is your chance to get to know the campus, your peers and your profs.
• Onboarding for new VIU Residences students. Learn more about the dynamic community you are joining and make friends.
• International student welcome. This day of activities covers everything you need to know as an international student at VIU.
• Graduate Student Orientation. This day-long event focuses on services and supports specific to graduate students.
• Frosh Week. Hosted by the VIU Students’ Union, this is a huge social celebration for both new and returning students.

Competitions

VIU students are talented and competitive! Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in or spectate two of VIU’s most exciting legacy events:

• VIU’s Got Talent: This annual event is a chance for students to display their talents for their peers. The top three winners get prizes.
• The VIU Games: Teams of up to 12 students, alumni and employees compete in a full-day event that requires both brains and brawn to succeed. The team with the most points at the end of the day wins the prestigious Chassels Cup.

Cultural events

VIU organizes events that are designed to open your mind and engage you with people across cultures, faiths and traditions:

• World VIU Days: Join in this week-long celebration of diversity. Events include live music, guest speakers, a fashion show and opportunities for dialogue.
• Moosehide Campaign Day (VIU is an ambassador campus): The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement aimed at ending violence against women and children. Every year, VIU students and employees participate in the day of activities in Victoria.
• All Nations Feast: Organized by Services for Aboriginal Students near the beginning of the school year, this feast provides an opportunity for our four Nations on Vancouver Island (Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu Chah Nulth, Coast Salish and Metis) to provide a traditional welcome.

Conferences

There are two keystone student conferences held by VIU annually. These conferences are designed to help you build your network, learn new skills and showcase your work.

• The CREATE Conference is the university’s largest showcase of student research and creative activities. Students can participate in poster presentations, make a short film or do a presentation (or rant).
• The Vancouver Island Leadership Conference is organized by students in VIU’s Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning. Students from across BC are invited to this weekend-long event that includes keynote talks and strength-building workshops to inspire future leaders.

Mariners games

Because of our beautiful campus and first-class athletics department, VIU has been selected to host national championships for both men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. You can check the VIU Mariners website for updates and events. Attending a Mariners game, especially a championship, is an experience you’ll remember.

The best way to stay connected to what’s happening on campus, is to read your weekly VIU Student Pulse email newsletter, which can also be accessed through the VIU Blog. You can also download the VIU Co-Curricular Involvement App and the VIU Students’ Union App to connect with other students and learn about events and activities organized by your students’ union and the Fun@VIU team. And remember to create your own unique bucket list of must-experience opportunities!

Samantha Allan is a first-generation learner of Indigenous and British ancestry with home roots across the province of BC. She graduated from VIU in June with a Bachelor of Business Administration, major in Management. She is currently in the Joint Degree Program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders at the University of Victoria. Her long-term goal is to work in law and economic development.