Make the most of your campus experience with this handy guide to September orientation events.
Photo by John Newcomb.
School’s almost back, professors are dusting off syllabi, and campus is waking up from those sleepy summer months. September means one thing — orientation season! Whether you’re brand-new to campus, or are a returner looking to shake things up, these events are a chance to make friends, learn more about campus life, and collect some free swag, too. (UVic-branded water bottle, anyone?)
Victoria Photo Scavenger Hunt
(Registration required, international students only), Aug. 30, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
This popular event for international and exchange students is a fantastic way to get to know downtown Victoria while making great friends. Form a team, snap the most creative photos of local landmarks, and check off as many stops as you can. The group with the best snaps wins a prize.
To bus downtown, make sure to bring an UMO card or transit fare ($6).
Visit the calendar (events.uvic.ca/international) or follow @uvic_international on Instagram for this and more international student events.
UVSS Free Pancake Breakfast
Michèle Pujol Room, Student Union Building (SUB), Sept. 3, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
What’s even better than pancakes for breakfast? Free pancakes for breakfast. Meet this year’s UVSS board members, and connect with others while you chow down on delicious hot-cakes. Line up bright and early for this popular event. Gluten-free options are available.
Movie in the Quad
Outside McPherson Library, Sept. 4, 8 p.m. – Late.
This year, the movie-on-the-quad is back, and it’s going to be so “fetch”. Hang out in an open-air movie theatre and enjoy a free screening of Mean Girls, courtesy of the UVSS. Bring a blanket and some bug spray, this one will go late.
Popcorn is available in exchange for a donation to the UVSS Food Bank, so make sure you bring a non-perishable item, too.
Thunderfest
Sept. 5, Campus Quad 11.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m., Soccer Games at Centennial Stadium (5 p.m. kick-off, ticket required)
Thunderfest is one of the biggest events of the year at UVic! Explore booths from over 90 local businesses, campus partners, and student clubs while meeting the Vikes teams and learning how to get involved with sports. Enjoy live music from our campus radio station, CFUV, as well as plenty of games and giveaways.
No ticket needed, it’s open to everyone and is a great way to get hyped up for campus life.
Once the fair winds down, you can keep the high energy by heading to Centennial Stadium to cheer on the Vikes Women’s and Vikes Men’s soccer teams. Free tickets are available while they last. Register ahead at vikesrec.ca/thunderfest.
Free Library Tours for Undergrads
McPherson Library, Foyer, Sept. 4, 9 and 10. (Times vary)
Plan to actually study this year? Head to the McPherson Library for a tour, and discover all of the services and support they offer. Meet with friendly library staff, scope out the best study spots, and learn how the library can make your study journey smoother. Come mid-term season, you’ll be glad to know about these resources. Check out tour times and other events at libcal.uvic.ca
Clubs and Course Union Days
SUB, Sept. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.
If you can imagine it, there’s probably a club for it. Browse booths in the SUB from the UVSS’s clubs, course unions and advocacy groups, meet members and find out how to get involved. Whether you’re curious about cycling, coding, or even want to write for a certain campus newspaper, CCU Days are one of the best ways to grow your social circle — and discover your newest distraction from classes!
Welcome Back BBQ
Grad House Restaurant (Ticket required, graduate students only), Sept. 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Graduate Students’ Society (GSS) BBQ is a staple in their yearly calendar, and usually sells out — it’s a great way to meet other grads in a laid-back setting. For $2.50, you’ll get a burger and a non-alcoholic drink, or $5 with an alcoholic option (19+ only). Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available on request.
Check the full lineup of grad orientation events at gss.uvic.ca/events or follow @uvic_gss on Instagram.
