Community living
Living in residence is a unique opportunity to join a diverse community of UVic learners. As a member of the vibrant residence community, you have a special opportunity to support a safe, welcoming and respectful living environment.
There are many resources and supports available to you during your time in residence. You will live near a Residence Education Community Leader (in an LLC or themed environment) or a Community Leader. These peer-based positions enhance your experience by creating opportunities to connect with those living around you and make your community feel like home. Your Community Leader will lead programs like small-group outings, events specific to your floor or building, or host events open to the entire residence community based on a shared interest. Stay tuned to your community’s Microsoft Teams channel or posters in your building for information on upcoming events!
We have tips for daily living, including where to get your mail, package pickup, self-serve laundry, waste management, where to access spare keys, and more in your Community Living Handbook (LINK). In the Handbook, we also outline contact information for supports and resources you may find helpful, including residence support, campus partners, and Support Connect – our 24/7 support tool all students have access to.
We recognize that the residence area can be a little bit complex. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the name and number of your building. Your building number can be found near the primary exit, and in indoor common areas. A map of your living area is in the Community Living Handbook. Campus maps are available online or you can ask our Front Desk team for a paper copy.
If you are living with roommates you will also take part in our Roommates 101 program, designed for apartment style (Cluster units) or traditional style (dorm rooms) housing. This is an important opportunity to discuss shared values, personal habits, and expectations for communal living. Supported by our live-in student-staff, you and your roommate(s) will create a living agreement that sets you up for an enjoyable year ahead.
To help you get settled and familiar with your new community, a no-guest policy will be in place for all residence areas from Sunday August 31 until September 30, 2025. During this time off-campus and non-residence student guests are not permitted in the residence community. This ensures that all residents have time to build relationships, adjust to a new living environment and feel at home before inviting visitors. There are also additional dates when guests are not welcome, and these will be communicated to you via email.
Supporting Safer Choices
We recognize that joining a residence community means taking on new responsibilities and making new choices. Our approach to harm reduction is centred on awareness, education and access to resources that help you make informed and safer decisions for activities that involve risk.
The university offers several resources to support you with your decision-making. UVic’s Student Wellness Centre operates a Harm Reduction Centre with harm reduction supplies and education materials, and a practitioner team of doctors, nurses, and counsellors happy to discuss any questions you may have. Additionally, each residence floor is equipped with an opioid emergency response kit.
The Residence Services team is here to offer you support, accurate information, and connect you with campus or community services that promote your safety and well-being.