Details

• Canada
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The application process at WU was quite simple and straightforward, I would just advise you to research your choices thoroughly so you know what you can expect for your exchange. For the semester, starting your preparations early makes things easier overall (e.g.: Housing). Read all experience reports from previous years and connect with your fellow students and/or students who had previously been there for an exchange. For booking flights, keep the final exam period in mind and if you want to be flexible book a flexible return ticket instead of a one-way trip, as the exam schedule gets published late in the semester and flights will be way more expensive and well booked right before Christmas.

2. Accommodation

I would definitely recommend applying for on-campus housing as this is the most convenient option, but spots are limited, especially in the fall term. I didn't get a spot on-campus, so I rented a room in a house in the Gordon Head neighborhood, which I found in the UVic Off-Campus Housing Facebook groups. The neighborhood is really quiet and comprised of single-family homes and is also quite popular among UVic students. To UVic it's approximately a 20–25-minute bus ride, but only on weekdays and during peak hours because the bus intervals get worse real quick. So, places near UVic and neighborhoods around the major bus lines between Downtown and UVic like Fairfield, Fernwood, Oak Bay or Downtown may be the more convenient option. Look for listings or sublets in the off-campus housing Facebook groups or on other websites but be prepared that many offerings are not available for the short term (4 months) or that they will ask for a higher price for four months. If you can team up with other exchange students and find an AirBnB or something similar, this would also be a good option. In general, don't start too late so you can still weigh up all options.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus experience is different to WU, as you might have to walk a bit to get to places. But the campus is overall really nice with lots of green spaces, food options, the pub, sport and recreational activities, as well as the gym, and of course the nearby beach. I found the courses to be in general easier than at WU, they are, however, sometimes more like school classes as some are only 50 minutes three times a week, but you are most likely together with many other exchange students, which is really fun. In general attendance is mandatory and your exams are not the only components of your grade, but this can differ depending on the course as first and second year courses tend to have more focus put on exams and also often have a final, while third- and fourth-year courses feature more projects etc. and can come without a final exam. You don't have to only take business courses, so if you have space in your free electives try out something from a different area as these courses can be quite fun.

5. Every day life in the host country

Victoria's public transport system works well and is quite extensive, but not comparable to Vienna. Bus coverage and intervals can vary depending on the neighborhood, but it generally takes you 20-30 minutes to get from Downtown to UVic or the surrounding neighborhoods. The airport and ferry terminal are, however, less easily accessible by public transport with travel times of 70-80 minutes. Victoria is in general a fairly safe city, of course there are certain places to avoid at night, but outside of Downtown and near UVic there's not really something to worry about. Victoria itself is rather small compared to other cities like Vancouver so there isn't an infinite amount to do, therefore I would definitely recommend taking any chance to explore the rest of Vancouver Island (West Coast or up north on the east side), Vancouver, or mainland B.C., through renting a car or using a car sharing service. UVic itself offers a wide variety of leisure and sports activities. There's the campus pub, a movie theater, a well-equipped gym with a climbing wall, squash courts and other sports halls. Additionally, you can join one of the numerous student clubs, ranging from sport and outdoor activities to games, definitely check them out at the club fair at the beginning of the term.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester was definitely one of the best experiences in my life. It is just something completely different to live and study in another country on another continent for four months. It may present its own challenges but, in the end, you will look back and notice that you have constantly learned something new. Victoria and Vancouver Island are a great exchange destination, try to explore as much as you can, whether you are going on weekend trips or just day trips, B.C. and Canada have so much to offer. Looking back, I am more than happy that I got the chance to do an exchange semester, and I can only recommend everyone who is thinking about it to take up the chance as well.