Welcome to York University
Looking for Orientation programming? You're in the right place.
Orientation happens two times throughout the academic year, once in the Fall term and another in the Winter term. Fall Orientation takes place near the end of August to the beginning of September, usually the week before classes begin. Winter Orientation, also known as Frost Week, takes place in January. Each orientation gives you the chance to connect with other students, get familiar with your academic program, and make long-lasting memories.
Orientation at York University features many events and programs, including:
- Academic and faculty-specific orientations so incoming students can meet their peers and find out about faculty-specific resources.
- Information sessions about accessing university services and support to assist your academic journey.
- Social programming and activities throughout the week to facilitate friendships and fun!
2026 Winter Orientation Schedule
Time
December 8, 2025
1 - 2 p.m.
Description
ATKINSON CENTRE FOR MATURE
& PART-TIME STUDENTS
Join us for a comprehensive introduction to campus and support services for mature and transfer students.
Time
December 10, 2025
6 p.m.
Description
ATKINSON CENTRE FOR MATURE
& PART-TIME STUDENTS
Join us to explore strategies for transfer student success at York! This orientation session will highlight the issues transfer students face as they transition to university, explore strategies for transfer student success and provide an overview of campus resources that can support academic and personal success at York.
Time
December 11, 2025
6 p.m.
Description
Join the Bethune College team to learn about how we can help you as a Science student:
- Academic support programs
- Workshops and events
- Your peer mentor
- College Council
- student spaces
- and more!
Time
December 15, 2025
12 - 1:30 p.m.
Description
Welcome to Environment and Urban Change (EUC):
- Meet the Program Coordinators, Advisors, and Peer Mentors
- Go on a virtual campus tour
- Learn about Student committees
- Plus trivia and prizes!
Time
December 16, 2025
9 - 10:30 a.m.
Description
Get some of your essential needs ready:
- Canadian bank account
- Canadian phone number
- Learn about the Toronto transportation system
Plus, you'll also get to meet with some of our sponsors and learn about their services and special promotions just for you!
Time
December 17, 2025
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Description
Winter orientation will cover essential pre-arrival topics such as:
- YU-Card
- Navigating eClass
- Exploring the Bookstore
- Learning about campus resources
- Meeting peer mentors
Time
December 18, 2025
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Description
Join us for a welcome to the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), including:
- Introduction to AMPD resources
- AMPD trivia
- and more!
Time
January 6, 2026
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location
Schulich Executive Dining Room
Description
Join us for an incredible opportunity to meet fellow international students, build community, and to learn all about important resources and services available to you at York University!
Time
January 7, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Description
Kick off the new semester with Winter Orientation Day — your gateway to an exciting and successful start at York. New and returning students will be able to:
- Meet campus partners
- Learn about student services
- Get to know college teams
- Find resources
- Discover opportunities & supports
- Connect with academic departments
- and more!
You can expect:
- Music
- Interactive activities
- Sponsor booths
- Free snacks and drinks
- Prizes and giveaways
- and more!
You don't want to miss it. Discover everything York has to offer.
Time
January 7 & 8, 2026
Description
Your mandatory Academic Orientation is designed to set you on the path to success in your academic program, life at Lassonde and York University and in building connections with your peers. As you get ready to embark on your post-secondary journey, this is a perfect opportunity to meet your Academic Advisors, Faculty as well as current and upper-year peers who will guide you through everything you need to know for your first year at Lassonde and York University. We are excited to welcome you to our community!
Time
January 9, 2026
9:30 – 10:30 a.m
Description
Start the Winter 2026 term with confidence at York University’s Parent & Family Winter Orientation. This virtual session is designed to help families support their students as they begin or continue their academic journey at York.
During this one-hour program, parents and supporters will hear directly from key campus partners who play an important role in student success. Each speaker will highlight essential services, programs, and resources including academic support, campus involvement, financial services, and more.
Location: Zoom (link sent upon registration)
Format: Presentations from campus partners (8–10 minutes each) + Q&A
Time
January 9, 2026
12:30 p.m.
Description
Are you a new mature, part-time or transfer student for Winter term 2026? Whether you’re returning to school or balancing studies with other commitments, this online session is tailored to support your unique journey. Discover the resources, services, and communities designed to help mature, part-time and transfer students thrive at York.
Time
January 9, 2026
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Room YH A101
Description
Winter welcome will be a social to meet key personnel and ask questions, with an optional campus tour.
Time
January 10, 2026
Location
Canlan Sports - Rink 1
Description
Men's Hockey Game
Celebrating Indigenous People & Culture
- YU Students Free
- Exciting activations and promotions happening at the rink all game!
- Wild Wing special game day food menu with most items priced at $10.
Time
January 6, 2026
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location
York Lanes 280N
If you are arriving after January 4th, you can register for this alternate day of orientation.
Join us for an incredible opportunity to meet fellow international students, build community, and to learn all about important resources and services available to you at York University!
Components of Orientation
Social Orientation
Make new friends, become comfortable at York and make the most of your university experience. Join the fun at Social Orientation, as offered by your College/Faculty. During this week-long event, you’ll have the option to participate in a wide range of social activities including sports challenges, carnivals, live performances and fun trips. You’ll discover there's no better way to meet new people and familiarize yourself with York University than to attend O-Week. Find your Orientation Week now.
Academic Orientation
Academic Orientation is hosted by your faculty, based on the undergraduate program you are in. It is mandatory to attend. Academic Orientation consists of sessions where you can meet fellow students and faculty members, as well as learn more about your academic program and resources available to you at your faculty and across the university. Explore Academic Orientation now.
Priority Communities
Behind all our efforts is a dedication to decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Whether you identify as:
- Indigenous
- Black
- International & Exchange
- Queer or Trans
- first in family
- students with disabilities
- mature or transfer
we want to ensure that you are seen and feel welcomed.
Residence Orientation
Residence Orientation is a mandatory orientation for all incoming students living in residence. It consists of various social and educational activities that contribute to a memorable residence experience. Sessions will include explaining resources and support available to residence student, as well as the chance to meet other students living in the same residence.
Parents & Family
Register now for Parents & Family Orientation. We offer both a virtual and an in-person session.
Parents, families, and guardians - learn how you can support your student while they are at university.
York 101 Videos
Planning to study at York? Get ready with these helpful transition videos.
About York U
Paying for University
Download the Presentation Notes
Learning & Academic Support
Download the Presentation Notes
Sports Clubs & Campus Recreation
Student Finances
Student Health & Wellbeing
What is York International?
Download the Presentation Notes.