Residence Orientation
Residence Orienation is an opportunity for new students to get settled into Residence, make new connections with peers, explore the campus, meet the Residence Staff, and get to know a little bit more about Nanimo.
In partnership with VIU's - RockVIU: Weeks of Welcome, this five-day week is full of in-person events aimed to explore the theme of Connect, Engage, and Discover.
This year’s event will continue to be packed with exciting activities designed to familiarize students with the VIU Residence and its community, VIU campus, resources, the City of Nanaimo, Residence and VIU services, while also connecting students with their Faculty, Residence Staff and peers. RockVIU and Storm the Shore activities will promote a sense of belonging, self-efficacy and provide a strong welcoming experience for students at VIU.
Take a look at our tentative schedule below for Storm the Shore: Residence Orientation for Fall 2024 below.
2024 tentative schedule
Please be aware that dates, times and programs in this schedule are subject to change.
Substance free week
Rock VIU: Residence Orientatioin program is an alcohol and cannabis free program. Consumption of any substance is prohibited during the Orientation week.
Download
Be sure to download the VIU CCR App to stay connected.
You can also download a printable schedule for Residence Orientation.
Virtual sessions
Tuesday August 27
9 am to 3 pm
In-person sessions
Don’t forget your student ID card!
Wednesday August 28
10 am to 3 pm | B4 Cedar Centre
Move to In Day
Music, Events, Games, Prizes
10 am to 5 pm | VIU Quad
RockVIU Campus Adventures
11 am to 12 pm | Building 200, Room 203
Parent Info Session
12 to 2 pm | VIU Quad
Food Services Lunch
2 to 4 pm
International Orientation
4:30 to 6 pm | Building 310, Malaspina Theatre
Residence Welcome
6:30 to 8:30 | Building 300, Cafeteria
Welcome Dinner
8:30 to 10 pm | All residence buildings
House Meeting & Games
Thursday August 29
8 to 9 am | Building 185, Lower Cafeteria
Breakfast
9 to 10 am | Building 170, Shq’hapthut
Indigenous Welcome
10 am to 12 pm | Faculty Buildings
RockVIU Faculty Block Parties
12 to 1 pm | Building 300, Cafeteria
Lunch
12 to 4 pm | Lot G
RockVIU Connect Fair
2 to 4 pm
International Orientation
5 to 6:30 pm | Building 300, Cafeteria
Dinner
8:30 pm | Residence Courts & Cedar Boardroom
Capture the Flag & Indoor Games
Friday August 30
8 to 9 am | Building 185, Lower Cafeteria
Breakfast
9 to 11 am
International Breakfast
9 am to 4:30 pm | Building 356, Room 109
Adulting 101 Sessions
Cleaning, Cooking, Self to Care, Consent, Being a good Roommate.
11:20 am to 12 pm | Building 310, Malaspina Theatre
Grad Orientation Indigenous Perspectives
12 to 1 pm | Building 300, Cafeteria
Lunch
2 to 2:30 pm | Building 310, Malaspina Theatre
Grad Orientation Leadership
5 to 6:30 pm | Building 300, Cafeteria
Dinner
7 to 11 pm | Building 310, Malaspina Theatre
RockVIU Movie Night
Saturday August 31
8 to 9 am | Building 185, Lower Cafeteria
Breakfast
10 am to 2 pm | Building 4, Cedar Centre
Explore Nanaimo Scavenger Hunt
Get connected to VIU and the Nanaimo Community
12 to 1 pm | Building 300, Cafeteria
Lunch
5 to 6:30 pm | Building 300, Cafeteria
Dinner
7 to 8:30 pm | Buildings 4, 7 and 9 Common Rooms
Mixers
International, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous
8:30 pm to 10 pm | Building 300, Cafeteria
Evening Island Social & Music
Dress to impress!
Sunday, September 1
8 to 9 am | Building 185, Lower Cafeteria
Breakfast
10 to 3 pm | Building 4, Cedar Centre
Move to In Day
Music, Events, Games, Prizes
10:30 am to 3 pm | WILDPLAY
House Point Winners
11:30 am to 12:30 pm | Building 200, Room 203
Parent Info Session
12 to 1 pm | Building 300, Cafeteria
Lunch
12 to 2 pm | VIU Quad
Food Services Lunch
5 to 6:30 pm | Building 300, Cafeteria
Dinner
8:30 to 10 pm | All Residence Buildings
First House Meeting & Games
Monday, September 2
Grocery Shuttles, Games, Walks, Connecting with your peers.
Why sign up for VIU Residences Student Orientation?
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You are able to unpack and move in without the added stress of school starting right away!
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Gives you time to explore VIU campus and surrounding areas. You can find where your classrooms are located as well as shopping areas nearby.
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Meet all your fellow student residents and community leaders! Plus, you have a chance to bond with others during welcome week activities instead of diving into individual academics right away.
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You're able to get your textbooks ahead of time if you wish, get your Student ID at the library, and any other school items required!
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Plus, you can gain interpersonal skills during our educational interest sessions, have fun at residence events/socials, and VIU Resident merch!
- After moving into your new home, you will be treated to events that include an opening welcome, interest sessions, how to adult sessions, and much more.
At the conclusion of the RockVIU and Residence Orientation program we hope you will feel connected to your new community and will have made many friends along the way!
What to Expect
RockVIU Residence Orientation week is full of loud music, games, and activities that can be overstimulating to some people, especially on our typical move-in days. There are loud onboarding activities happening on residence and on VIU’s campus from 8 AM - 11 PM every day. If you are someone who can be overstimulated by crowded spaces, loud noises and loud music, but want to attend welcome week, we recommend that you utilize our “Quiet Move-In” times. If you have any questions about what to expect during orientation, please contact us at residence@viu.ca
Fall 2024 Move-In Options
(please note times may slightly change)
Wednesday, August 28th - 10 am to 3 pm
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RockVIU: Residence Orientation Move in Day
Sunday, September 1st - 10 am - 3 pm
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Second Move-In Day (If you are NOT attending RockVIU:Residence)
Quiet move-in times
(please note times may slightly change)
If you want a low stimulus move-in environment, you can request to move in on our Quiet move-in times: 9 am to 10 am and after 3 pm
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on Wednesday August 28, 2024 (You will be required to register for RockVIU: Residence Orientation)
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nn Sunday September 1, 2024
Move-in exceptions
- If you are a culinary student, you can request to move in early for the start of classes by emailing residence@viu.ca:
- August 25th - 10 am to 2 pm (You will be required to register for RockVIU: Residence Orientation)
- If you require a low stimulus move-in day, you can request to move in on our Quiet Move-In Day by emailing residence@viu.ca:
- Monday September 2nd - 10 am to 2 pm (If you are not attending RockVIU: Residence Orientation)
We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Residence Community!
Note: Students attending VIU Residence’s Orientation Welcome week are required to pay the Orientation Activities Fee, Early Move-In Room Fees and Introductory Meal Plan Fee. These fees include a full five-days of music, games, info sessions, community mixers, evening events, off-campus excursions, 3 meals per day and more!
My Fees for Welcome Week
The Orientation Activities Fee, Early Move-In Room Fees and Introductory Meal Plan Fee is mandatory for those arriving before Sunday September 1, 2024.
Onboarding Activities Fee: $100
Early Move-In Room Fees: $30/Night x 4 Nights = $120
Introductory Meal Plan Fee: $30/Day x 5 Days = $150**
Meal fees not used during welcome week will remain in the student’s account and can be redeemed anytime throughout the school year.
To sign up for RockVIU: Residence Orientation and Welcome Week please Log into your Portal and go to the my fees sections and select extra items for arrival where you can sign up for orientation.
Pictures from Previous Orientations
