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.
The VIU Students' Union is seeking sponsorships for the 2025 FROSH Week at Vancouver Island University. This package will discuss the available sponsorship opportunities along with several other orientation events for new students with opportunities for vendor engagement. Including Welcome Week and the VIU Student Housing Move-In days!
Food 4 Thought: Know Your Rights - Renting in BC 101
Learn how to navigate BC’s rental system with confidence at Food 4 Thought: Know Your Rights – Renting in BC 101, hosted by your Students’ Union in partnership with the Together Against Poverty Society. Enjoy a free catered lunch while gaining practical tips on dealing with landlord issues, conducting inspections, getting your deposit back, and accessing local renter resources. Register starting August 25th.
Cuts Suck, Fix Education Campaign Launch
Cuts Suck. Fix Education.
On Sept. 17, join VIUSU in the Quad as we launch a campaign to demand better funding, lower tuition, and real action from government. Music, hot dogs, and a call to action — be there.
Overdose Awareness: Free Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training
Learn how to save lives at this free 1.5 hour comprehensive training session.
Stitch N Bitch
Join us for our first Stitch & Bitch event of the fall semester, hosted by your women's rep, Maggie Velisek! Our goal is to provide a safe space for women & non-binary students to spill/share the tea whilst doing arts & crafts!
Club Council: For Club Executives
An invite to all club executives! Check you club email for more details.
Club Fair
Student clubs have a lot of exciting things planned this semester, don’t miss this opportunity to see what is in the works!
FROSH 2025: After Party @ The Pub!
Keep the energy going—head straight from the Frosh Week outdoor concert to the VIUSU Pub for the official afterparty!
FROSH 2025: Outdoor Concert, BBQ & Beer Garden
The FROSH Outdoor Concert, BBQ and Beer Garden has everything you need to start your year right!
FROSH 2025: Outdoor Movie
Join Maggie, your Women’s Representative, for Frosh Outdoor Movie Night in the volleyball courts at Student Housing—open to all students. Enjoy free popcorn, drinks, and snacks while you relax under the stars; bring a blanket or camp chair, and settle in for the movie starting at sunset.
FROSH 2025: Frenzy Fair
Check out the frenzy of VIUSU services on September 10th. Mocktails, free food, giveaways, vendors, music, fun and more!
FROSH 2025: Pancake Breakfast
VIUSU’s FROSH Pancake Breakfast is the kick off event for FROSH 2025!
Welcome Week
Every year the Students' Union gives away loads of supplies and swag to new and returning students. Pick-up your FREE student day planner, water bottle, lanyard, pens, highlighters, and more on September 2, 3, and 4 at varying campus locations.
RockVIU / Intro to VIUSU: About your Students’ Union Membership
As a student at VIU, you’re automatically a member of the Students’ Union. Join us for a virtual presentation to learn how to get the most out of your membership!
VIUSU Summer BBQ
Whether you're taking a summer class, on campus for work, or just around for the day — come hang out with us and connect with other students.
Candidates' Town Hall
Hear from your Nanaimo-Ladysmith candidates and ask them the tough questions before casting your vote on election day. All members of the community welcome. Hosted by the VIU Political Studies Department.
Happy Endings
The VIUSU Happy Endings event is the perfect way to end the spring semester!
Movies with Maggie: But I’m a Cheerleader
Join for Movies with Maggie —a film series celebrating female filmmakers and feminist storytelling! Hosted by your VIUSU Women’s Rep, Maggie, we’re diving into powerful films directed or produced by women, or focused on the feminist movement.
VIUSU Tax Clinic
Need help filing your taxes? The VIUSU Tax Clinic is here to assist students with current year tax filing as a free service of your Students’ Union!
Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies Club Fundraiser
Join for Movies with Maggie —a film series celebrating female filmmakers and feminist storytelling! Hosted by your VIUSU Women’s Rep, Maggie, we’re diving into powerful films directed or produced by women, or focused on the feminist movement.
Free Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training
Participants will receive a 2 hour training session to learn how to respond to an opioid overdose. Participants will also be given a naloxone kit to take home with them.
Movies with Maggie: Paris is Burning
Join for Movies with Maggie —a film series celebrating female filmmakers and feminist storytelling! Hosted by your VIUSU Women’s Rep, Maggie, we’re diving into powerful films directed or produced by women, or focused on the feminist movement.
🍀 St. Patrick's Day at the Pub 🍀
🍻Shots of Jamesons, Cans of Guinness, and Pints of Green Beer on Special!
Student Pub Night
If you’re looking for a chill night out with good music, cheap drinks, and solid vibes, this is it. Whether you’re hopping on the mic or just here to vibe, Student Pub Night is the move.
Free Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training
Participants will receive a 1.5 hour training session to learn how to respond to an opioid overdose. Participants will also be given a naloxone kit to take home with them.
Beer n' Burger + Silent Auction by Biology Club
Join us for a fun night at the VIUSU Students’ Pub where your tickets gets you a burger and a beer/ mocktail/ non-alcoholic beer!
The Silent Auction is open to anyone with a ticket, come away with some awesome items and experiences from our many generous sponsors! (Silent Auction ends 9:30) All proceeds will go to supporting Biology scholarships.
Movies with Maggie: Ever Deadly
Join for Movies with Maggie —a film series celebrating female filmmakers and feminist storytelling! Hosted by your VIUSU Women’s Rep, Maggie, we’re diving into powerful films directed or produced by women, or focused on the feminist movement.
Y2K Pub Night
If you’re looking for a chill night out with good music, cheap drinks, and solid vibes, this is it. Whether you’re hopping on the mic or just here to vibe, Student Pub Night is the move.
Club Fair
As a service of the Students' Union, these clubs offer a chance to get involved, build connections, and develop new skills outside the classroom.
Stitch n' Bitch
A safe space for women & non-binary students to spill/share the tea whilst doing arts & crafts
VIUSU Tailgate: Pacwest Volleyball Provincials
Come cheer on our VIU Mariners as they battle for the provincial championship! 🏆💙
Student Pub Night
If you’re looking for a chill night out with good music, cheap drinks, and solid vibes, this is it. Whether you’re hopping on the mic or just here to vibe, Student Pub Night is the move.
No More Stolen Sisters: Memorial March
The Sisters in Spirit Vigil is a day of remembrance, reflection, and solidarity with the families and communities impacted by this ongoing tragedy.
Event Photo Gallery
Frosh Week 2022 - Video Recap
Frosh Week 2022 was our largest social and celebration for new and returning students at VIU this Fall. We had an incredible week playing with different forms of paint, eating delicious pancakes and sausages, and dancing a night away with live music from Anushka Kashyap, Wasakaka Latin All-Star Band, and DiRTY RADiO.
Thanks to all the students who joined us in the celebration, we can’t wait to see you at our next event!
A big thank you to our event photographer/videographer, Alex Harte.
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.