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.
Frost Pancake Breakfast
We’ll be serving up hot pancakes outside the VIUSU office until we run out!
Social Justice Working Group
Join us for the Social Justice Working Group where students are invited to share their experiences, brainstorm creative advocacy ideas, and discuss the Rise Up Campaign. This is your chance to help shape the future of student life at VIU by collaborating on meaningful solutions and setting priorities for the year ahead. Plus, get ready for our “Let’s Taco ’Bout Issues” event on January 28, where we’ll gather feedback over delicious tacos!
Frost Free Skate
Whether you're looking to get some exercise or just have fun, come hang out on the ice with the Mariners Men's Hockey team and your fellow students.
Frost Ski Bum Party
Grab your friends and your ski bum gear for Student Night at the pub!
Swim, Sauna, Soak: Free Admission for VIU Students @ NAC (must show ticket & student ID)
VIU Students can enjoy a FREE swim day at the Nanaimo Aquatic Center, courtesy of VIUSU. Must display valid Student ID card and Ticket at NAC front desk to redeem.
Vigil for National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada
On December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a vigil is being held at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre to honour and remember the 14 young women who were murdered in the 1989 massacre at École Polytechnique.
VIUSU Pub Ugly Sweater Party!
🎉✨ Get Ready for the Coziest Party Night of the Year! ✨🎉
On December 5th, after enjoying some hot cocoa and s’mores at the Holiday Campfire, Throw on your wackiest, ugliest sweater and join us for an unforgettable Ugly Sweater Party at the VIUSU Pub! 🧣🎄
Holiday Campfire
🎄✨ Holiday magic is in the air! ✨🎄
Join us on Tuesday, December 5 for the VIUSU Holiday Campfire and celebrate the season with cozy vibes and festive fun!
** Cancelled ** 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.
VIU Students’ Union Annual General Meeting
Business on the agenda for this meeting will include the receipt of the audited financial statements, appointment of the auditors for the next audit, and presentation of the annual report of the organization. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions of elected directors.
Swim, Sauna, Soak: Free Admission for VIU Students @ NAC (must show ticket & student ID)
VIU Students can enjoy a FREE swim day at the Nanaimo Aquatic Center, courtesy of VIUSU. Must display valid Student ID card and Ticket at NAC front desk to redeem.
Indigenous Film Night
Join us on November 28th at 5 PM in Shq’apthut (B170) for a special screening of the iconic film Smoke Signals! 🌟
Stitch N' Bitch & Creative Connections
Get ready to sip and spill the tea at this months special Stitch n' Bitch in partnership with Bee True Studios!
Indigenous Crafting Series | Devil’s Club Bracelets
Join us on November 26 to learn how to make a traditional Indigenous Devil’s Club Bracelet. RSVP to reserve your seat as supplies are limited.
Haven Society Wishlist Clothing Drive
In part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Donate items to support community members accessing supports from the Haven Society. View the wish list.
The Clothesline Project
From November 25 to December 10, the VIU Students’ Union and VIU Faculty Association present the Clothesline Project as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Join us on Nov. 25th at 11am at the Upper Caf for the campaign kick-off event.
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.
Swim, Sauna, Soak: Free Admission for VIU Students @ NAC (must show ticket & student ID)
VIU Students can enjoy a FREE swim day at the Nanaimo Aquatic Center, courtesy of VIUSU. Must display valid Student ID card and Ticket at NAC front desk to redeem.
Mariners Volleyball Home Opener Tailgate Party!
Join VIUSU on November 1st for the Volleyball Home Opener Tailgate Party! We’re serving up free hot dogs, popcorn, face painting, and tons of games to kick off the Volleyball season in style!
VIUSU Pub Halloween Party!
Get Ready for the Ultimate Halloween Bash at the VIUSU Student Pub!
Join us for a night filled with thrills, chills, and unforgettable fun! DJ Kurtis Johnstone will be spinning all your favourite spooky tracks, so get ready to dance the night away! Whether you’re into haunting beats or classic party jams, this night is guaranteed to keep the energy high!
Stitch N' Bitch... Halloween Edition
Join us for a very special Halloween Edition of Stitch N' Bitch, a space where women, non-binary and ally students can unwind, express themselves, and connect while diving into all kinds of spooky arts and crafts. 🎃
Westwood Lake Witch Paddle
🎃🧙♀️ Join the VIU Students' Union on Sunday, October 27th for a spooktacular day at Westwood Lake! 🧙♀️🎃
Mariners Basketball Home Opener Tailgate
On October 18th you can join VIUSU in a Pre-Game Tailgate to get pumped up and decked out for the first Mariners Basketball Game of the season!
Indigenous Crafting Series | Cedar Weaving
Learn how to make a traditional Indigenous cedar headband or rose. 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.
All Candidates Forum
Have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for office in the Nanaimo-Gabriola and Nanaimo-Lantzville ridings in the upcoming provincial election.
Dance Team presents Country Night at the Students' Union Pub
Buy your tickets for Country Night at the Students' Union Pub, hosted by VIU Dance Team.
Student Pub Night: Open Mic
Open 8pm til late every Thursday night at the Pub (19+ with 2pcs ID required). Guitar and piano available for interested performers, don't be shy!
Sisters in Spirit | Awareness for MMIWG2
Please join us for a powerful and heartfelt gathering as we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2).
Psych Club: Trivia Night
Group event with snacks, trivia games will be played with draw prize for year-end.
Every Child Matters / National Day of Truth & Reconciliation Commemeration
Please join us to honour the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and to remember those who didn't make it home.
Student Pub Night: Open Mic
Open 8pm til late every Thursday night at the Pub (19+ with 2pcs ID required). Guitar and piano available for interested performers, don't be shy!
Stitch 'n Bitch
Women and Non-Binary students are invited to get crafty with us at the first Stitch & Bitch event of the fall semester!
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.