University of VictoriaStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for University of Victoria. Core organization is free for students.

Unknown University in Victoria, BC. Operating on a semester system.

Looking for dorms? Scroll for the dorm and housing breakdown below.

Victoria, BC
22K+ students
@uvic.ca
134 syllabi analyzed
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22K+

Total Enrollment

University

Institution Type

33

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Winter Session - First Term

The semester, explained for University of Victoria

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Winter Session - First Term
Campus terms
19
Local details
13

Academic calendar

Winter Session - First Term runs Sep 9, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

41 entries
  1. Winter Session - First TermRelevant now
  2. Winter Session - Second Term 2027
  3. Winter Session - Second Term
  4. May-August (Term 1)Summer Session - May-August (Term 1) 2027Summer Session May-August (Term 1)Summer Session Term 1 (May-August) 2027
  5. May (Term 4)Summer Session - May (Term 4) 2027Summer Session May (Term 4)Summer Session Term 4 (May) 2027
  6. May-June (Term 2)Summer Session - May-June (Term 2) 2027Summer Session May-June (Term 2)Summer Session Term 2 (May-June) 2027
  7. June (Term 5)Summer Session - June (Term 5) 2027Summer Session June (Term 5)Summer Session Term 5 (June) 2027
  8. July (Term 6)Summer Session - July (Term 6) 2027Summer Session July (Term 6)Summer Session Term 6 (July) 2027
  9. July-August (Term 3)Summer Session - July-August (Term 3) 2027Summer Session July-August (Term 3)Summer Session Term 3 (July-August) 2027
  10. August (Term 7)Summer Session - August (Term 7) 2027Summer Session August (Term 7)Summer Session Term 7 (August) 2027
  11. Winter Session - First TermWinter Session - First Term 2027
  12. Winter Session - Second Term 2028
  13. Summer Session - May-August (Term 1) 2028
  14. Summer Session - May-June (Term 2) 2028
  15. Summer Session - May (Term 4) 2028
  16. Summer Session - June (Term 5) 2028
  17. Summer Session - July (Term 6) 2028
  18. Summer Session - July-August (Term 3) 2028
  19. Summer Session - August (Term 7) 2028

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

19 terms

B

Biblio
The BiblioCafé, a popular coffee and sandwich spot located in the McPherson Library.

C

CFUV
The campus and community radio station (101.9 FM).
Clusters
The Cluster Housing complex, consisting of apartment and townhouse-style residences.

G

GSS
Graduate Students' Society, representing graduate students at the university.

L

Lansdowne
The Lansdowne residence buildings, often housing first-year students.

M

Macs
MacLaurin Coffee Shop, located in the MacLaurin building.
MOD
The Modular Dining facility, originally a temporary structure that became a long-term dining hub during renovations.
Munchie
The Munchie Bar, a student-run snack and coffee shop located in the Student Union Building (SUB).

R

Rabbit
A reference to the famous (though now largely removed) feral rabbit population that once overran campus.
Reading Break
The week-long break from classes held once per semester (February and November).
Ring Road
The Ring Road Residence building, located directly on the main campus loop.

T

The Cove
The main campus dining hall and food court located in the Student Wellness Centre building.
The Martlet
The independent student newspaper of the University of Victoria.
The Quad
The large grassy area between the library and the McPherson building, used for events and lounging.
The Ring
Ring Road, the circular road that encompasses the central core of the campus.
Towers
Refers collectively to the South Tower and North Tower residence buildings.

U

UVSS
University of Victoria Students' Society, the undergraduate student government.

V

Vikes
The collective name for the university's varsity athletic teams.
VIPIRG
Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group, a student-funded social and environmental justice org.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

13 details
Brightspace
The online learning management system where professors post course materials and grades.
CARSA
Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities, the main campus gym and sports complex.
Clearihue
The Clearihue Building, the oldest building on campus, primarily used for humanities and social sciences.
Cornett
The Cornett Building, notorious among students for its confusing, maze-like interior layout.
ELW
Engineering Lab Wing, a primary building for engineering and computer science students.
Fast Lane
The express checkout or pre-order system used in campus dining halls to skip lines.
mystic_market
Mystic Market
ONECard
The official student ID card used for meal plans, library access, gym entry, and printing.
Petch
The Petch Building, housing science labs and classrooms.
SUB
The Student Union Building, the hub for student clubs, the cinema, and student government.
the_cove
The Cove
U-Pass
The universal bus pass for BC Transit, which is digitally loaded onto the student ONECard.
Zap
Zap Copy, the student-run printing and binding service located in the SUB.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Winter Session - First Term runs Sep 9, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
19 approved campus terms and 13 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · University of Victoria

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What we’ll email you about

  • Sep 4

    Orientation Registration Deadline

    Required · source

  • Sep 4

    ONECard Photo Upload Deadline

    Required · source

  • Sep 6

    Residence Move-in Day

    Required · source

One email per real deadline. Source link cited every time. We re-check 7 days before each one fires.

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Assisted

Find a few communities to try at University of Victoria

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

35 mapped items from 17 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

AUVic

The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Interdisciplinary Club builds AUVs to compete in the international RoboSub competition. Members gain experience in marine robotics, AI, and machine learning.

Regular commitment

Source: public campus page · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

AUVic - Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Club

A student-run group that designs, builds, and programs an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to compete in the international RoboSub competition.

Regular commitment

Source: auvic.ca · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Engineering and Computer Science Students' Society (ECSS)

Enhances the student experience by offering events, services, and opportunities for all engineering and computer science students. Every student in the faculty is automatically a member.

Open to all

Source: ecss.uvic.ca · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Professional Development Unions (PDUs)

Represent the interests of students in professional programs such as Law, Engineering, Education and Commerce.

Open to all

Source: uvic.ca · Verified 2 months ago

Learn More

UVic AERO

A group for students passionate about aviation and drones. They design, build and fly Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and compete annually.

Regular commitment

UVic Formula Racing

Designs, builds, and tests an open-wheel racecar to compete in Formula SAE competitions.

Regular commitment

Source: uvicformularacing.com · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Easy to try first

Campus Kick Off

The UVSS's annual back-to-school festival during the first week of classes, featuring music, food, a movie in the quad, and free swag.

Drop in any time

Course Unions

Department-focused student groups run by students from a specific department. There are over 40 course unions that plan academic and social events related to their area of study.

Drop in any time

New Student Welcome

The official welcome to the UVic community for all new undergraduate students, opening a full day of Orientation programming. Features an official welcome, student performances, and peer connections.

Drop in any time

UVic Engineering and Computer Science Students' Society (ECSS)

A student society dedicated to promoting community within the engineering and computer science student body through events, services, and opportunities.

Drop in any time

Campus rituals

ThunderFest

Vikes Nation's kick-off festival of the school year, where thousands of students, staff, and faculty gather for music, activities, and giveaways.

Drop in any time

Source: govikesgo.com · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Resources & spaces

Student Wellness Centre

Provides holistic care to support students' wellbeing emotionally, physically and spiritually. The team includes counsellors, doctors, nurses, and spiritual care providers.

Open to all

Recent University of Victoria Syllabus Analyses

Browse syllabus breakdowns from University of Victoria courses

ACADEMIC-READING-AND-WRITING-SECTION-UNKNOWN

ACADEMIC READING AND WRITING

Fall

View Full Analysis

ADMN 452

Local Government Law

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

ADMN 509

Economics for Policy Analysis

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

ADMN 589

Introduction to Professional Practice

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

AE 319

Photography

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

AHVS 120

Exploring World Art

202609

View Full Analysis
Browse all University of Victoria courses

Using DormWay at University of Victoria

What the product handles for students.

Syllabus to schedule

Upload your University of Victoria syllabus to organize dates and course details

Workload planning

Balance your courseload with helpful workload distribution

Free student access

Core organization is free for University of Victoria students. Optional Pro tools are in development.

University of Victoria on DormWay

Current DormWay activity for this campus

70

Active Students

134

Syllabi Analyzed

94

Courses on DormWay

Browse all courses →

Popular Courses

Browse all →
Calculus IEvolution and BiodiversityFundamentals of Hybrid Electric VehiclesGreek and Roman MythologyIntroductory Physics IIntroductory Psychology IMechatronicsPHYS 110

DormWay integrates with University of Victoria's LMS

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Brightspace

Supported

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Life in Victoria for University of Victoria Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Victoria.

Timezone

America/Vancouver

Median Rent

$1,900

Cost of Living Index

120

Student Population

30,000

City Transportation

Walkability

75

Bikeability

80

Public Transit

BC Transit bus network, Harbour ferries and water taxis, Regional intercity bus connections

Nearest Airports

Victoria International Airport, Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (seaplane)

Climate Averages

Climate

Mediterranean oceanic

Avg Annual Temp

50°F

Avg Snowfall

9 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

McKenzie Avenue Parkade

garage • Moderate

Hourly, daily, and monthly permits valid.

Lot 6

surface_lot • Busy during peak hours

Located outside Ring Road, near Visual Arts and Phoenix Theatre.

Engineering Garage

garage • Moderate

Underground parking near the Engineering buildings.

Campus News

Latest updates from University of Victoria

$1.3M gift supports UVic STEM programs

A significant donation aims to support Indigenous learners in STEM from kindergarten through climate leadership training.

Oct 23, 2026

Read More

Field school connects Japanese Canadian internment history to community

A collaboration with the Nikkei National Museum brings students and educators together to explore internment history.

Oct 19, 2026

Read More

Welcoming President Rhonda McEwen

Dr. Rhonda McEwen joins the University of Victoria as its ninth president and vice-chancellor.

Oct 16, 2026

Read More

There is currently no emergency at the University of Victoria.

There is currently no emergency at the University of Victoria.

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at University of Victoria

5 Days of Action

October 30, 2026

MacLaurin Building (MAC)

An initiative to amplify the work of groups creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable campus and community.

CSPT 2026-2027 Colloquium Series — Halloween Edition

October 30, 2026

Clearihue (CLE)

An informal gathering for the first CSPT Colloquium of the academic year, featuring a Halloween theme.

14th Annual Stocktober Fundraiser and Food Drive

October 31, 2026

Online and UVSS Food Bank

The final day to give online or donate non-perishable food items and toiletries in support of the UVSS Food Bank.

Café Historique: August 21, 1791: The Day the Slaves Revolted

November 4, 2026

Oak Bay Recreation Centre

A lecture by Dr. Jason Colby on the revolution in the French Caribbean colony of Saint-Domingue.

Diwali Celebration

November 6, 2026

Campus (Specific room null)

A celebration of Diwali featuring snacks and cultural engagement.

Fall Convocation

November 9, 2026

Farquhar Auditorium

Graduation ceremonies for students completing their degrees in the fall term.

Puppy Cafe

November 27, 2026

Campus (Specific room null)

A relaxation event for students to interact with puppies on campus.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at University of Victoria

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

32 known dorm and housing options. The first 24 are shown below; the rest are available in the expandable list.

Alice Ravenhill

Capacity: 50

Room types: single, double

Building One

Capacity: 300

Room types: single, double

Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ (Cheko’nien House)

Capacity: 400

Room types: single

Cheko'nien House

Capacity: 398

Room types: single, double

Cluster Housing

Capacity: 150

Room types: single, double

Cluster neighbourhood

Capacity: 123

Room types: 4-bedroom apartment, 4-bedroom townhouse

Craigdarroch Residences

Capacity: 101

Room types: single, double

David Thompson

Capacity: 60

Room types: single, double

Dormitory apartments

Room types: apartment units

Elma Sanderson

Capacity: 50

Room types: single, double

Gordon Head Residence

Capacity: 100

Room types: single

Haig-Brown

Capacity: 280

Room types: single, double

Hugh Stephen Hall

Room types: single, double

John Helmcken

Capacity: 50

Room types: single, double

Lansdowne Hall

Capacity: 250

Room types: bachelor, one-bedroom

Lansdowne residences

Capacity: 216

Room types: single, double

Nancy Hodges

Capacity: 50

Room types: single, double

Park Hall

Capacity: 60

Room types: single

Poole Hall

Capacity: 100

Room types: single

Residence Halls (21 dormitory buildings total)

Capacity: 2,300

Room types: single, double

Richard Wilson

Capacity: 100

Room types: single

Ring Road Hall

Capacity: 300

Room types: single

Robert Carroll

Capacity: 50

Room types: single, double

Robert Wallace

Capacity: 100

Room types: single

Show the remaining 8 housing options

Robert Wallis

Capacity: 260

Room types: single, double

Sir Arthur Currie

Capacity: 60

Room types: single, double

Siʔčəŋəɫ (Si ̓chungulh)

Capacity: 50

Room types: single, double

Sngequ House

Capacity: 400

Room types: pod-style single

Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ (Sngequ House)

Capacity: 400

Room types: single, pod-style

South Tower

Capacity: 380

Room types: bachelor

Tower

Capacity: 100

Room types: single

UVic residence neighbourhoods (21 dormitory buildings total)

Capacity: 2,300

Room types: single, double

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Unknown

Email Domain

@uvic.ca

Official Website

Visit Website →

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