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.
Exam Pit Stops
Writing a final exam on campus or in the gym? Pop by for a free coffee/tea and snack. We’ll also have extra writing supplies like pens pencils, highlighters and more.
HAPPY ENDINGS AFTER-PARTY! Student Pub Night: Open Mic
9pm - 12am every Thursday night at the Pub (19+ with 2pcs ID required). Guitar available for interested performers on open mic nights, don't be shy!
Happy Endings
HAPPY ENDINGS is VIUSU’s annual year-end outdoor party for students. Come celebrate with some free food, music, and games!
Swim, Sauna, or Soak: Free Admission for VIU Students @ Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
VIU Students can enjoy a FREE swim day at the Nanaimo Aquatic Center, courtesy of VIUSU.
Student Pub Night: Open Mic
9pm - 12am every Thursday night at the Pub (19+ with 2pcs ID required). Guitar available for interested performers on open mic nights, don't be shy!
Indigenous Sharing Circle
Find connection with other Indigenous students during this sharing circle hosted by Leah Vaisanen, VIUSU’s Indigenous Students’ Representative. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Student Pub Night: Open Mic
9pm - 12am every Thursday night at the Pub (19+ with 2pcs ID required). Guitar available for interested performers on open mic nights, don't be shy!
Beyond the Binary: Trans Visibility Drag Show Extravaganza
Join us for a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and self-expression as we honour Trans Visibility Day! Get ready to be dazzled by the most fabulous drag performers on the Island at the VIUSU Pub.
Swim, Sauna, or Soak: Free Admission for VIU Students @ Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
VIU Students can enjoy a FREE swim day at the Nanaimo Aquatic Center, courtesy of VIUSU.
Overdose Awareness: Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training
Learn how to save a life at this FREE 2 hour training session hosted by Claire Dineen of AVI Nanaimo. Registration required.
Dry Disco
Disco party hosted by the VIU Psychology Club featuring a 'Mocktail' bar, a costume contest, ice breaker games, karaoke (from 8-9pm), light appies, and some awesome prizes for game and costume contest winners!
Indigenous Sharing Circle
Find connection with other Indigenous students during this sharing circle hosted by Leah Vaisanen, VIUSU’s Indigenous Students’ Representative. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Decolonize your Mindset: Connection
Join us for the second workshop in our series Decolonize Your Mindset, focusing on sustainability from an Indigenous perspective.
STUDENT PUB NIGHT *St. Patrick’s Day Edition*
Enjoy live music by From the Earth and St. Pattys themed drink specials!
Indigenous Beading Series: Weave a Cedar Rose or Headband
Learn to cedar weave a rose or headband. Register now - all supplies provided!
*POSTPONED* Decolonize your Mindset: Sustainability
Join us for the second workshop in our series Decolonize Your Mindset, focusing on sustainability from an Indigenous perspective.
Special Interest Presentations
Create a special interest show ‘n tell presentation! Organized by the VIU Neurodivergence Club.
Ladies Night - Celebrate International Womens Day
VIUSU’s Ladies Night celebration in honour of International Women's Day.
Holding Boundaries (VOICE) - A Beyond, Yes! Workshop
Join Anita Carroll & Val Weaver for their third and final workshop in the Beyond, Yes! workshop series - Register now!
Decolonize your Mindset: Mental Health
Join us for the first workshop in our series Decolonize Your Mindset, focusing on mental health from an Indigenous perspective.
Black History Month: Lt. Irie, Ndidi Cascade, and GreenEyedLion Perform at the Campus Pub
Join us in the campus pub for this special late-night black history month event featuring Ndidi Cascade (with special guest Lt. Irie) and GreenEyedLion. Must be 19+
Stitch 'n Bitch
Women and Non-Binary students are invited to attend the second Stitch & Bitch event of the spring semester!
Marrabenta Drumming Performance by JUNO nominee, Chris Couto
Join Chris Couto for a fun and educational 1 hour Marrabenta style drumming pop performance.
Overdose Awareness: Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training
Learn how to save a life at this FREE 2 hour training session hosted by Claire Dineen of AVI Nanaimo. Registration required.
Indigenous Sharing Circle
Find connection with other Indigenous students during this sharing circle hosted by Leah Vaisanen, VIUSU’s Indigenous Students’ Representative. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Afro-Fusion Dance Class with Pynksy Shell
Register to participate in a Afro-Fusion Dance Class hosted by workshop host and activist, Pynksy Shell.
Swim, Sauna, or Soak: Free Admission for VIU Students @ Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
VIU Students can enjoy a FREE swim day at the Nanaimo Aquatic Center, courtesy of VIUSU.
SEXPO
Learn all things consent, sexual health, sex positivity and more at VIUSU’s SEXPO event on Feb. 15!
Speed Relating - A Beyond, Yes! Workshop
Join Anita Carroll & Val Weaver for their second workshop in the Beyond, Yes! workshop series - Speed Relating on February 14! Register now!
No More Stolen Sisters Memorial March
A memorial march to remember Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people taken too soon.
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.