Orientation Week a time for incoming students to meet classmates, build connections and learn about campus resources
The University of Guelph is gearing up to welcome incoming students to campus life, kicking off the school year with events, connections and more at Orientation Week (O-Week).
Scheduled from Sept. 4 to Sept. 13, O-Week events help students through their academic transition, build community, learn about health and well-being resources, and find their way around U of G’s inclusive campus.
Whether students are moving into residence or settling into Guelph and the surrounding communities, O-Week offers lots of opportunities to learn more about campus.
“New students should expect fun, excitement and a memorable first week at U of G,” says Saadia Shaikh, one of the members of the Orientation student staff team (O-Team) working to make sure O-Week runs smoothly.
Events with experiences for everyone
There are over 300 O-Week events for students living on and off campus. All are free to attend, and some include a free meal. Depending on what students are looking for, there are larger crowd events along with smaller groups and close-knit experiences.
Details for all events can be found on GryphLife, available both online and in an app for the first time this year.
There is a free late-night Guelph Transit bus running on Sunday and Monday for off-campus students who would like to attend evening events.
Here are some of the events students can attend throughout O-Week:
Saturday, Sept. 5:
Orientation Week Evening Kick Off
Students can connect with other new Gryphons at the Off-Campus University Student (OCUS) social or their residence community social, grab a bite to eat with their community, and then join the CSA Block Party for a night of music and U of G fun from 8 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6:
O-Week Football Game, Student Club Socials, GryphFest
Various student clubs host socials across campus where students can connect with other new students. In the evening, GryphFest features live music, carnival activities, and dinner from local food trucks.
For the first time since 2022, there’s a move-in weekend football game. The Gryphons host the McMaster Marauders at 1 p.m. at Alumni Stadium. Tickets are available to students for free on the Gryphons’ website.
Monday, Sept. 7:
CSA Subs & Clubs, Consent Programming, Community Socials
The Central Student Association (CSA) hosts a lunch and club fair featuring more than 100 clubs. The afternoon features community- and consent-focused programming for residence and off-campus students. In the evening, several activities will run across campus until 11 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 8:
Academic Orientation Day (AOD) + Induction of Scholars
On Academic Orientation Day, students meet with staff, faculty and other students in their degree program, attend a lunch hosted by their college and participate in the Induction of Scholars ceremony. Some students may also attend a session with others in their major or a special Getting Ready for Math experience; schedules are unique for each program/major/college. Students are encouraged to prioritize AOD if they can attend only one O-Week event.
Hosted by the President’s Office, the Induction of Scholars Ceremony provides an official welcome to the University for new students.
Wednesday, Sept. 9:
Preparing for Classes, Pep Rally
A variety of events throughout the day help students prepare for their upcoming first day of class. The evening features the annual Pep Rally at Alumni Stadium to determine which community has the most U of G spirit. Guests, families and alumni are welcome to come watch.
Thursday, Sept. 10:
Resource Fair, First Day of Classes
Students can rub the Gryphon’s beak for good luck as they head to their first class. The Resource Fun Fair in the UC Courtyard runs all day to introduce new and returning students with campus services that can support them throughout the year.
Moving students into residence
Students will move into U of G’s residence buildings on Sept. 4 and 5 and several on-campus roads and parking lots will be closed to everything but move-in traffic. Plenty of volunteers on-site to help guide traffic, help families navigate campus and move belongings into residence buildings.
“If move-in goes well, you won’t have to do anything other than move your stuff inside,” Will Coleman, an O-Team member, says.
Rickky Szostak, another O-Team member, says the key to a successful move-in weekend is bringing a positive attitude and embracing the excitement of starting at a new school.
“I’d like it if people smile and wave as they arrive to campus,” Szostak says. “Our Orientation Volunteers put in a lot of effort to make move-in day happen, and we hope the incoming class brings positive energy.”
START programs welcome international, Indigenous students
Prior to move-in weekend, U of G will welcome international and Indigenous students, along with students with accessibility needs, through START International, START Indigenous and START Accessible.
START International participants can move into residence early as they participate in multi-day programming to support their successful transition to U of G and living in Canada.
START Indigenous provides programs for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students and family members to learn more about life at U of G and the academic, financial, social and cultural supports available.
START Accessible offers opportunities for students registered with Student Accessibility Services to connect with their advisor, learn more about accessibility, build connections and move into residence early.
Programming for START International and Indigenous runs Sept. 2 and 3. START Accessible runs from Sept. 2 to 4.
Safety is a top priority for all staff and volunteers working to bring O-Week to life and alcohol is not permitted at any O-Week events.
Students are encouraged to download the SafeGryphon app, to receive campus alerts, offer an interactive map, access to student services, residence contact information and to schedule a SafeWalk.