Making connections on campus
University life is busy. With many lectures, assignments and exams to slot into your schedule, there’s always a lot on the go. But it’s the connections with others you build along the way that make university life memorable. One of the best things about VIU is the community – meeting people from all walks of life, learning different perspectives and building friendships that can last long after graduation. Here are some of the many ways you can find that community at our university.
Join a club
Clubs are one of the easiest ways to meet people who share your interests or to explore something new. Whether it’s a cultural club that reminds you of traditions from home, an academic one where you can nerd out about your program or a hobby-based group that meets to game, read or hike, there are many opportunities to meet new people you can relate with. And if it turns out none of the existing clubs are quite the right fit, it’s super easy to start your own!
Make global connections
Culture Connections hosts some of the most unique and engaging events on campus. Their weekly Culture Couch is a chance to travel the world without leaving VIU. Every Tuesday, students learn about a new country, its people, traditions and stories, presented by other students from that country. They also often bring food from that culture to share. It’s both informative and social – and a great way to meet people from around the globe.
Cultural Connections also organizes outdoor trips across the Island, from local hikes and walks where you can chat as you stroll, to bigger adventures like surfing where you could bond over trying new things. These trips are the perfect way to help students discover the Island while making friends in a relaxed, fun setting.
Attend events
Campus events are another great way to meet people in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Big celebrations like VIU Fest, cultural nights and speaker series, or smaller gatherings like pancake breakfasts, info sessions or club fairs, can lead to unexpected friendships.
The best ways to keep track of what’s happening is through the VIUSU app, which highlights student-led events, and events.viu.ca, where you’ll find a calendar of activities happening across campus.
Cheer on the Mariners
Sports games are another great way to meet your people. Cheering for your home team, whether it’s on the soccer pitch or the basketball or volleyball court, is both fun and a great conversation starter!
Take a mental health break
Even short breaks away from the books can help you find your people. Look out for Thrive pop up events throughout the year to support student well-being through fun events around campus. Their Student Wellness Peers set up in the library several days per week and are available if you need a supportive ear and want to chat.
And Fun@VIU adds to the social side of campus with events like VIU Games, where students, faculty and alumni form teams for friendly competitions. This fall they are also offering Breathe Between Classes, where you can pause and join a yoga session.
Other spaces to check out
Some of the best conversations and friendships start in the casual spaces around campus. One of the most welcoming places to stop by is Shq’apthut (the Gathering Place). Every week there are different activities to join, like bead making or drumming circles.
Even just chatting with someone at the library during a study break, grabbing coffee between classes or striking up a conversation with the person sitting next to you in a lecture can ease the stress of school and start a new friendship.
Be open to opportunities
Finding your people at VIU is about saying yes: yes to joining a club, going to an event or simply to sitting down with someone new. The connections you make now can change your entire university experience.
Becky Duarte is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Media Studies. She moved to Canada in January 2023 for the experience of studying abroad and living life outside India. She enjoys travelling, watching movies and playing board games.
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