Orientation 2025 — Your home away from home
鶹Ƶ will welcome approximately 2,400 new and returning students to campus this week for Orientation 2025.
This year’s theme, Your Home Away from Home, invites new students to connect with each other, explore campus and the wider community, and begin building a sense of belonging that will last throughout their university experience.
International Orientation kicks off Monday, August 25 and will run until Wednesday, Aug. 27. Pre-Orientation for new Meighen Centre students will also take place from Aug. 25–27, to allow students living with disabilities or mental conditions extra time and resources to transition to university life.
Residence Move-in Day will take place on Thursday, Aug. 28 and Orientation events for all new students will run until Monday, Sept. 1, with a variety of programming to support students as they prepare for life on campus for the 2025-26 term.
This year’s Orientation Chair is fourth-year honours biochemistry student Kris Girouard.
“Being the Orientation Chair has been a surreal and incredibly rewarding experience, one I’ll always be grateful for,” says Girouard. “I’ve poured my heart into O-Week and genuinely enjoyed every moment. After six months of planning and hard work, I’m not only proud of what I accomplished, but also of what I’ve learned about myself throughout the process. This role has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect and I’ll forever cherish the memories, lessons, and connections it gave me.”
Girouard says this year’s theme reflects her own journey at 鶹Ƶ and finding a sense of belonging.
“I felt it was the perfect fit for 2025 because it speaks directly to the diverse group of students joining us this fall,” she says. “Whether you’re coming from across the ocean, across the country, or just a short drive away, 鶹Ƶ is ready to become your new home. That home might be your residence room, meal hall, a quiet study spot, or simply in the friendships and connections you make along the way. No matter where you find it, we’re here to support you through every step of your journey. My hope is that Mount A becomes a special place in your heart, filled with memories and connections that last a lifetime — making Mount A your forever home away from home.”
Robin Walker, Interim Director of Student Experience says she looks forward to welcoming students back to campus and is excited for the Academic Orientation, which takes place on Friday, Aug. 29 from 9–10 a.m. at Convocation Hall.
“It's shaping up to be a full day packed with helpful and informative sessions to get students ready for their university journey,” Walker says. “We’ll have lots of staff and students on hand to support new students and make sure they get the most out of the experience. I’m also looking forward to the new Orientation groups (O-groups), where students are placed with others who share similar interests. It’s a great way to start building connections and finding common ground with fellow new students right from the start.”
Walker says she hopes students feel not only welcomed to campus, but also truly have a place to call home during their academic journey where they feel supported and valued from the moment of arrival.
"Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved early. Whether it’s joining a club, attending a workshop, or just chatting with someone new — every small step helps you build your support network and make the most of your experience," Walker says.
Visit the Fall Orientation 2025 website for the full schedule and be sure to follow along on the Orientation committee’s Instagram at and 鶹Ƶ’s Instagram at .
