campus life + events
In a typical year, the Students’ Union hosts many campus-wide events, as well as smaller events that attract and cater to different types of students. Events are brainstormed and planned by the Campus Life Working Group which is open to all VIU students.
To keep up to date with all events of the Students’ Union, clubs, and course unions, download the VIUSU app. To volunteer, sign up at the bottom of this page.
Creative Writing Showcase
An opportunity for creative writers to share and celebrate their work with a supportive audience.
Board Game Club’s St. Patrick’s Fundraiser: The Game Café
The Board Games Club is planning to host a Board Game Café–style fundraising event.
CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship
The best collegiate basketball in Canada is coming to Nanaimo, and we’re making sure students don’t miss it.
CCAA Men's Basketball Nationals: Quarter-Final Match
VIU vs Lethbridge! Come cheer on the VIU Mariners as they take the court in the CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship quarterfinals!
Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training
This session will equip you with practical, life-saving skills to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.
Slay Your Taxes: Student Tax Info Session
A free online info session designed to help students understand how to file their taxes and what you need to get started.
International Women's Day Celebration
Join the VIU Faculty Association and VIU Students’ Union in celebrating International Women’s Day.
VIU Philosophy Club: Greco-Roman and Lyric Philosophy Conference!
The VIU Philosophy Club is hosting a conference on Greco-Roman and Lyric Philosophy.
Food 4 Thought: Surviving in Nanaimo
Learn about resources available in Nanaimo - lunch provided (please RSVP)
No More Stole Sisters Memorial March
VIUSU invites community members, organizations, and allies to join us for the annual No More Stolen Sisters Memorial March.
Tribunal Training
Training designed to prepare students to participate confidently, fairly, and responsibly in university tribunal processes.
IDSA: Krispy Kreme Donut Sales
The Interior Design Student Association is selling Krispy Kreme donuts to help fundraise for their year end show!
Movies with Maggie (and Hyla)
Film Screening: Highway of Tears
A powerful and reflective community movie night exploring systemic violence against Indigenous women.
Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training
This session will equip you with practical, life-saving skills to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.
Sexpo: After Dark
Doors open at 7:00pm, with the show starting at 8:00pm. There’s no cover — just show up early to grab a spot.
Sexpo: Where Education Meets Curiosity
SEXPO is an 18+ sex-positive, drop-in community event where education, curiosity, and connection come together in an inclusive, judgment-free space.
Food 4 Thought: Managing Your Money
This session is designed specifically for post-secondary students who want practical tools they can use right now—not just “someday adult” advice.
Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training
This session will equip you with practical, life-saving skills to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.
Movies with Maggie: Billy Elliot
Join your Women Students’ Representative, Maggie, for a community movie night!
Creative Connections: Art Therapy Workshop
An expressive arts therapy workshop led by Art Therapist Danielle Dickson focused on community connection and individual processing
Tinsel & Tailgates: Holiday Party
Cozy bonfire, build-your-own hot cocoa, s’mores & hot dogs, face painting, games, Santa photos, and a holiday card station - all before the Island Rivalry Basketball Games!
VIUSU Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Learn about the work that your Students' Union has been doing throughout the past year, and find out ways you can get involved!
Event Photo Gallery
FROSH 2025 Outdoor Concert: Video Recap
FROSH 2025 concluded with an outdoor concert on campus that brought students together to close out the week. New and returning students gathered for an evening of live music, local vendors, and a welcoming campus atmosphere.
The concert featured performances from People R Ugly, Posh Coat, and Baba Chaka, with DJ Seps between sets. It was a fitting end to FROSH 2025 and a strong start to the academic year.
Recap Video:
Liam Prendergast | IG: @Liam_Prendergast_
join the crew
Volunteers are crucial to our collective work, particularly when it comes to events and advocacy initiatives. With shared effort among many volunteers, lots of notice for planning your schedule, and the ability to self select your shifts we hope that we can do great things together this year.
Check out current volunteer opportunities.
If you are interested in volunteering, but are unable to sign up for any shifts yet, you can join our crew list to be contacted about volunteer opportunities in the future.