Welcome to UVic

The University of Victoria is a great place for learning. It’s not surprising that Maclean’s magazine consistently ranks UVic as one of the top comprehensive universities in Canada. With nearly 19,000 students, UVic combines the best features of both small and large universities.

If you are a new student, you probably have a lot of questions about student life at UVic. Here are some answers to get you started.

How Do I Apply for Admission?

The easiest way to apply is through the Undergraduate Admissions’ website at <registrar.uvic.ca>. You can complete a web application or download an application for printing. You can also link to other information you’ll need, like program requirements, deadlines and course descriptions, and to all the other services at UVic. If you don’t have Internet access, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Keep in mind that as well as completing an application form, you’ll have to arrange to send official transcripts of your marks from secondary school and any post-secondary institutions you’ve attended, and pay application fees. You’ll find more details about admission requirements starting here.

How Do I Choose What to Study?

Your choice of courses will depend on your academic goal. Most programs at UVic lead to a degree, but there are also many diploma and certificate programs. You’ll find a list of these on this page.

If you’re planning to begin a degree at UVic, you’ll first have to qualify for admission to the faculty offering that degree. The faculties at UVic are: Business, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Human and Social Development, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Graduate Studies. You’ll find a list of the degrees each faculty offers here. Each faculty’s minimum admission requirements are listed in the table on this page.

In most faculties, you will also enter a department. Departments specialize in different fields of study. (The Faculty of Science, for example, includes the Departments of Biology and Chemistry, as well as others.) Use the table of contents to locate information about the faculty or department you plan to enter. Use the index to find information about a particular field of study (for example, nursing or computer science).

Each faculty and department entry in the Calendar includes information on the degree programs available and their course requirements. To learn more about particular courses, check the individual course descriptions in the second half of the Calendar. You’ll find a list of the faculties and the courses they offer on this page.

Where Can I Get Advice About My Studies?

If you are still trying to settle on your academic goal or decide what you want to do after university, the UVic Career Resource Centre can help. Visit their website at <www.coun.uvic.ca/career/> to get an idea of the services available, or drop by their office in the Campus Services Building.

For help with choosing a program of studies, contact the advising service in the faculty or program you’re planning to enter. Academic advisers are a great resource for students. Advisers can help you plan your program, decide which courses to take and find out which courses you can transfer to UVic.

Advising services for each faculty and program are listed in the table below.

How Do I Register for Courses?

Once you have received an offer of admission and paid your acceptance deposit, you will register online for courses through uSource. You’ll receive an admission package giving you detailed instructions once your application is accepted.

How Much Will It Cost?

The answer depends on your faculty or program, how many courses you take, your transportation costs, and your living arrangements. Here are the typical costs for the 2007-2008 academic year for a student taking 15 units of courses.

Of course, your costs may be higher or lower than this, depending on the program you’re taking and your living costs.

What Financial Help Can I Get?

For most students, a university education requires considerable financial planning. The Student Awards and Financial Aid office is the place to get information and advice about funding your studies. Visit their website at <registrar.uvic.ca/safa/>.

Here are some of the options worth exploring.

Student loans:

The provincial and federal governments offer loans to students who need help funding their education. To qualify for a loan, you must be taking at least 4.5 units of courses (usually, three courses) for credit each term and show that you need financial assistance. Students with a permanent disability must be taking 3.0 units of courses for credit each term.

Work study:

This program provides jobs on campus to students requiring financial assistance.

Scholarships:

Scholarships, medals and prizes are awarded to students for excellence in their academic studies. They do not have to be repaid. The scholarships website is <registrar.uvic.ca/safa/>.

Bursaries:

Bursaries provide assistance to students who need financial help. They do not have to be repaid. There are bursaries for students entering UVic from secondary school or college, and for students who are already attending UVic.

You’ll find complete information on all of these sources of financial help at the Student Awards and Financial Aid website at <registrar.uvic.ca/safa/>.

What Is Co-op Education?

Co-op education allows students to combine their academic studies with paid work experience related to their field of study. Co-op is one of the best ways of gaining work skills and experience so that you’re well prepared for the job market after graduation.

UVic’s Co-op Education Program is the third largest in Canada. Co-op programs are available in all faculties and offer everything from Professional Writing to Coaching Studies. Visit the Co-op Programs website at <www.coop.uvic.ca> for a list of all the co-op programs at UVic and for information on becoming a co-op student.

How Do I Get My Student Card?

You must wait at least 24 hours after you register, then visit the Photo ID and Information Centre in the lobby of the University Centre to have your photo taken for your student ID card. This card will serve as your library card, Athletics and Recreation pass and student bus pass. For information, go to <www.uvic.ca/photoid>.

How Do I Find My Way Around Campus?

A campus tour is a good way to see our busy and friendly campus. Our student guides provide an overview of UVic’s student support services and share their experience. To find out more about campus tours, call 250-721-8949 or send an email to: tours@uvic.ca

The New Student Orientation Program is another great way to prepare for life at UVic. The program gives you exclusive access to important UVic services before classes begin. Tour the campus, meet friendly people and find out about UVic’s many student services. For more information about the September 2009 New Student Orientation, please visit our website: <www.uvic.ca/orientation>.

During the first week of September, look for the ASK ME sign in the lobby of the University Centre where you can get answers to any questions you have about UVic.

Get a free handbook/calendar from the UVic Students’ Society (UVSS) in the Student Union Building (SUB). The handbook contains a daily planner to help you get organized, a guide to services at UVic and a phone directory.

The UVSS also sponsors Weeks of Welcome (WOW) during September. This is a fun way to make friends, join clubs and find out about services available in the SUB. Find out more about WOW events at <www.uvss.uvic.ca> or <web.uvic.ca/gss/>.

Good luck with your studies. And again, welcome to UVic!