New Students Embrace Campus Life at Vancouver Island University

This week, former high school students experienced their first taste of university life at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo. The institution hosted its annual RockVIU student orientation event on August 28, 2023, providing incoming undergraduates an opportunity to explore campus facilities ahead of the start of classes.

New Beginnings for Freshmen

Among the first-year students is Carter Rideout, who relocated from Langley to pursue a degree in business administration. He expressed contentment with his living arrangements at the student residence, highlighting the balance between privacy and community. “I like having my privacy, my own room,” he stated. “I still get the aspect of having my own room with a shared bathroom, which is not that bad; it’s only with one other person. Then the communal space is only shared among, I think, 15 people, so it’s not too bad.”

Gabe Mann, who journeyed from Kincardine, Ontario, will study history. He conveyed confidence in his transition, stating, “It’s really easy for me, at least. I’ve been preparing my whole life to be off to university, but I know for other people, it’s totally different.”

Support Systems in Place

Recognizing the challenges that accompany the shift from high school to university, Sarah Mei, chairperson of the VIU Students’ Union, emphasized the various support systems available to students. “Anything that you need help with, in terms of dealing with the faculty or issues with enrolment and registration, we’ve got an advocacy piece,” she explained. “We’ve got the bus pass service, so you can buy discounted bus passes in the office.”

Mei also highlighted the union’s breakfast bar, designed to assist students facing financial constraints or low energy levels. “If students are running low on energy or finances, just come into our office; there’s cereal, there’s eggs, there’s stuff like that for a quick energy boost,” she added.

In addition to practical support, Mei encouraged students to engage with the Students’ Union, even if they do not have a political inclination. “It’s great for you to just come and hang out; it’s a third space that’s available for free for students. You come, you hang out, make friends, talk about whatever you want to talk about – we’re there for you,” she stated.

The RockVIU event marks an important milestone for many students as they embark on their academic journeys. With a supportive environment and a range of resources, first-year students at VIU are poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities of university life.