New University of Guelph students are getting ready to arrive on campus for the 2025-26 school year.
Whether moving into residence or settling into Guelph and nearby communities, they’re about to dive into an unforgettable Orientation Week (O-Week) packed with energy, connection and support.
Ella Holt is one of this year’s O-Week leaders. Her own introduction to U of G in 2021 was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, so she decided to get a taste of what O-Week had to offer the following year as a volunteer. She went on to become a shift leader and is now part of the group planning this year’s event.
A graduate of the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, she’s continuing her U of G education this fall by pursuing a Master of Family Relations and Human Development.
“I get to oversee it all, which feels very full circle for me,” Holt says.
O-Week begins Aug. 30 with community socials for both on- and off-campus students, followed by the CSA Block Party on Johnston Green. New students will get the chance to choose from over 300 events throughout the week, all designed to introduce Gryphons to student life and a new community.
“O-Week gives students the chance to build friendships and connections as they begin their journey at U of G,” says Jack Fisher, coordinator of orientation programs in Student Experience. “It brings together groups from across campus, including student clubs, academic support, student support and more.”
Building community on and off campus
Volunteer shift leader William Coleman, a fourth-year Bachelor of One Health student, says the diversity of events at O-Week gives students plenty of opportunities to learn about student life and to find the support needed to succeed in university.
“You can find something that you love and meet others who are similar to you,” they say. “It’s a great opportunity to build community really quickly.”
O-Week events are open to all new students, whether living in residence or off campus.
“Anyone can attend, regardless of where they live,” Holt says. “It’s the perfect way for everyone to get involved and meet each other, no matter where they’re coming from.”
There are several events and experiences tailored to off-campus students throughout O-Week, including events hosted by the Off-Campus University Students group. U of G’s Neighbourhood Relations and Off-Campus Living team will also be in attendance throughout the week to help students connect and build community.
U of G offers late-night charter buses for students living in Guelph, leaving from University Centre at 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Connecting with fellow first-year Gryphons
Holt knows it can be intimidating for new students as they transition into a university setting. She says that’s why it’s so important to come out to O-Week events, even if it feels uncomfortable.
“My main advice for O-Week is to get involved and make the most of it,” she says. “You never know when you might meet a new friend or find a person you can hang out with as school starts.”
Coleman says the week-long event schedule is a great reminder that new students aren’t alone as they begin this journey.
“Find your people,” they say. “That’s going to help a lot in your first year, to know that you’re not alone.”
Events kicking off the fall 2025 semester include:
- Saturday, Aug. 30: Orientation Week Evening Kick Off, a community-building social event including food and the CSA Block Party.
- Sunday, Aug. 31: Student Club Socials and GryphFest, events by student clubs and live music and carnival activities at GryphFest.
- Tuesday, Sept. 2: Academic Orientation Day, a day of learning from staff, faculty and classmates about programs and classes.
- Wednesday, Sept. 3: Pep Rally, a favourite O-Week activity to find out which community has the most U of G spirit.
- Thursday, Sept. 4: First day of classes.
Alcohol is not permitted at any O-Week events.
The full schedule is available on GryphLife.ca and the I Am A Gryphon app.