Indigenous Students
Welcome to residence! We offer a supportive, community-based space that honours and upholds Indigenous culture and traditions. Read on to learn about the opportunities and resources available to Indigenous students living in residence at UVic!
Indigenous Living Learning Community
Conveniently located in the brand new Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ (Sngequ House) near the centre of campus, the Indigenous Living Learning Community (ILLC) is housed in “Pod-style” accommodations with 40 private single rooms, shared living and dining spaces, accessible washrooms, and a large, bright communal kitchen full of modern appliances.
Residents have access to academic and cultural supports from Indigenous mentors and student staff on site, in the Indigenous student lounge on the first floor of the building, and at the nearby First Peoples House. Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ's central location provides easy access to the rest of campus.
“I’m a first-year student and came straight from high school. The Indigenous Living Learning Community has helped me with my adjustment to university. You get to build really close friendships through study groups and regular community events. There are so many different resources available. Being surrounded by people with similar experiences and backgrounds is a big part of the ILLC that you wouldn’t get anywhere else!”
- Tiffany F. (Nuxalk, Ojibway/Cree)
Undergraduate and graduate Indigenous UVic students are eligible to live in the Indigenous Living Learning Community.
First-year student application deadline is May 1st. Undergraduate and graduate student application deadline is May 15th.
Late applications to the Indigenous Living Learning Community may be considered.
Indigenous student lounge
Located on the first floor of Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ, the Indigenous student lounge offers regular culturally-specific programs and activities organized by friendly staff, as well as a common space for all Indigenous UVic students to connect with peers who share similar cultural backgrounds.
Drop in to hang out, study, grab a snack, or ask about campus resources. Find the weekly schedule posted on the lounge door entrance, on or by emailing resisla@uvic.ca.
Indigenous housing guarantees
Did you know? UVic has a first-year guarantee, which provides housing on campus for all eligible high school students currently in their graduating year.
Upper-year undergraduate and graduate Indigenous students are eligible for on-campus housing through our Indigenous housing guarantee.
There are also priority placements for eligible Indigenous students who wish to live with their family through the Family Housing program.
