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!
New Student Transition programs are strategically planned pre-arrival events that take place in the Spring and Summer months leading up to Fall Orientation Week and the first day of class and may include events like:
Campus Tours
Virtual Information Sessions
Peer-to Peer sessions (All About York sessions)
Parent and Family Q&A Sessions
Academic Success Sessions
And more!
By attending these events, incoming students and their families can learn about available services and get a feel for York University campuses, making the shift to university smoother and less daunting! Check out the Transition event schedule.
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.
A limited number of subsidized Orientation Week kits are available. Please apply if needed.
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.
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.
AMPD - School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design
Wednesday, August 27 · 12 - 4 p.m. EDT
Start your York U AMPD experience with a smooth transition. AMPD Orientation will help you connect with campus life, learn about student opportunities and meet new people. Following this session students will then join their respective Departments for department-specific information sessions.
Welcome to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Educational Studies program in the Faculty of Education at York University. As a part of our program, we will be holding an orientation to introduce you to our faculty members, student associations and program objectives.
Welcome to the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York U, we are excited to meet you!
We would like to invite you to attend our Incoming Student Fall Orientation 2025 which will happen on Wednesday, August 27th from 11:30-4:30. The Orientation will be held on the Keele Campus in the HNES Building. If you get a bit lost, keep an eye out for the directional signs.
Welcome to York University and the Faculty of Health! On Wednesday, August 27, 2025 we invite you to join us for the Faculty of Health (HH) Orientation Conference.
Lassonde School of Engineering - 1 (choose one of two days)
Wednesday, August 27 - 9 a.m. EDT
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.
Lassonde School of Engineering - 2 (choose one of two days)
Thursday, August 28 - 9 a.m. EDT
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.
We look forward to seeing you at your mandatory Academic Orientation! This is an interactive and informative session designed to help you succeed in your academic program and the world of business.
As you prepare to embark on your post-secondary journey, this is the perfect opportunity to meet your advisors, faculty, and both current and upper-year peers who will guide you through everything you need to know for your first year at the Schulich School of Business.
Academic Orientation Day is a day of in-person activities that help you connect with other students, your program and the University. Get your questions answered, meet professors and prepare for a strong start in September!
Step into campus life at Open Doors York—a special event that welcomes future students and their supporters to explore all that York has to offer. You'll get to meet campus resources, departments, and faculties, and enjoy music, snacks, and even prizes!
Open Doors York is a vibrant campus-wide event designed to welcome new and returning students by showcasing key student services and resources. Hosted in the Harry Arthurs Commons, the event offers an engaging atmosphere with music, games, snacks, and opportunities to connect with staff, student leaders, and peers. It’s a great way for students to explore what’s available to support their success and feel a strong sense of community as they begin the year.
Start your journey at York by discovering the vibrant student communities that make our campus unique. Community Welcomes is an outdoor event where student clubs and organizations representing diverse cultures and identities come together to showcase who they are, what they do, and how you can get involved.
BE YU Welcome Event 2025: Rooted in Excellence
DATE: Thu, Aug 14, 2025
TIME: 6 p.m. EDT (Registration starts at 5 p.m.)
LOCATION: 152 Founders Assembly Hall, Founders College
Open to: Incoming and current Black students at York University. Come get rooted. Leave inspired.
Join us for the annual BE YUWelcome Event, a signature gathering created to celebrate, connect, and empower incoming Black students at York University. This year, we are proud to present our theme: "Rooted in Excellence" — a celebration of the resilience, brilliance, and impact of the Black community at York and beyond.
The event also features a panel discussion with current students and alumni who will speak candidly about their experiences, offer practical tips, and answer your questions about academics, campus life, and building your support network.
Whether you're seeking guidance, motivation, or community, this event is your first step into a thriving network committed to your success.
Virtual Orientation Session for Indigenous York Students
DATE: Wed, Aug 20, 2025
TIME: 1 - 2:30 p.m. EDT
Students must register to attend this zoom event. Email: schrwei9@yorku.ca to register.
For Incoming York U Indigenous students, drop by the CISS office and meet the staff Thursday, September 11 from 1-2 p.m. Light refreshments will be available.
Hope to see you there, 246 York Lanes - Centre for Indigenous Student Services.
Are you a new international student starting classes this Fall 2025? 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!
Resiliency, Resources & Reflection: Navigating University Life as a Mature Student
Join us on this transformative journey, where we empower you to thrive as a mature student! This orientation session focuses on learning about ACMAPS supports and services, building resilience and thriving strategies specifically tailored for mature students.
Learning Outcomes
Learn Diana Brecher’s 5-factor model of resilience and how it contributes to flourishing as a mature student.
Discover various campus resources that support your well-being and academic success.
Explore positive reflection techniques to enhance resilience and personal growth. Learn how to seamlessly integrate resilience & resources into your university life.
Transfer Student Success at York: Issues, Strategies, and Resources
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.
Learning Outcomes
Identify a range of campus resources that will support their well-being and success at York
Learn about the prevailing issues faced by transfer students
Apply a range of strategies to support your academic and personal success
Markham Campus Orientation
Prepare to launch into your post-secondary journey with us. At York University’s Markham Campus, our goal is to help you make every moment count, from your first day to graduation. Find information about upcoming events along with helpful resources to prepare you for university life!
Designed for parents and supporters, this session offers an overview of residence life, Orientation Week, and key campus services. Learn how York supports your student’s transition and how you can stay informed and involved along the way.
In-person Parent & Family Orientation: Residence, Orientation & Campus Services
Join us on campus for an in-person session designed for parents and supporters. Learn about residence life, Orientation Week, and the many services that support students at York. It’s a great way to connect, ask questions, and feel part of the journey.
Discover York University’s Keele Campus through an engaging walking tour. Explore key academic buildings, student spaces, and hidden gems while getting a real feel for campus life. It’s the perfect way to see what it’s like to study, live, and thrive at York.
Virtual Info-Session: Accessibility Services
DATE: Wed, Jun 18, 2025
TIME: 10 – 11 a.m. EDT
Join us for a virtual info-session to learn how York University’s Accessibility Services can support your academic journey.
Virtual Info Session: Financial Services
DATE: Tue, Jun 24, 2025
TIME: 10 – 11 a.m. EDT
Curious about how to manage your finances at York? Join our virtual info session to learn how Financial Services can support you throughout your studies. Start your journey with confidence!
Virtual Info Session: York International
DATE: Tue, Jul 8, 2025
TIME: 10 – 11 a.m. EDT
Learn how York International supports global students and helps build a welcoming community on campus. This virtual info session is your chance to ask questions, connect, and feel more confident about your journey at York.
Virtual Info Session: What is Orientation Week?
DATE: Fri, Jul 18, 2025
TIME: 10 – 11 a.m. EDT
Get a preview of what to expect during Orientation Week at York. Learn how it helps you transition into university life, connect with others, and start your journey with confidence.
Curious about how to manage your finances at York? Join our virtual info session to learn how Financial Services can support you throughout your studies. Start your journey with confidence!
Virtual Info Session: Meal Plans & Healthy Eating on Campus
Learn how meal plans work at York and explore the healthy food options available on campus. This session will help you make informed choices about what, where, and how to eat while living the student life.
Virtual Info Session: Student Accessibility Services
Get a preview of what to expect during Orientation Week at York. Learn how it helps you transition into university life, connect with others, and start your journey with confidence. Whether you're excited or unsure, this session has something for you.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your library resources? Join us for this virtual info session designed to help you navigate the many offerings and services available to you at YorkU Libraries. This session will allow you to build your confidence when using library resources, improve your research skills and connect with library staff and student mentors here to support your academic journey. We can’t wait to see you!
Get to know two key tools that will support your success at York. This session will walk you through how they work, what they’re for, and how to make the most of them throughout your studies.
Virtual - All About York
DATE: Thu, Jun 26, 2025
TIME: 10 – 11:30 a.m. EDT
All About York is your go-to introduction to university life! Learn about academics, student support, financial services, and how to get involved on campus—all in one session. Start your first year with the tools and confidence you need to succeed.
Virtual - All About York: Health and Wellness
DATE: Thu, Jul 3, 2025
TIME: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT
Explore how York supports your well-being through open conversation on health, stress, and balance. Learn about on-campus and virtual resources available to help you take care of your mental and physical health throughout your time at university.
In-person - All About York
DATE: Wed, Jul 9, 2025
TIME: 1 – 3 p.m. EDT
All About York is your go-to introduction to university life! Learn about academics, student support, financial services, and how to get involved on campus. Start your first year with the tools and confidence you need to succeed.
In-person - All About York: Mature & Part-time Students
DATE: Thu, Jul 17, 2025
TIME: 12:30 – 2 p.m. EDT
Whether you're returning to school or balancing studies with other commitments, this session is tailored to support your unique journey. Discover the resources, services, and communities designed to help mature and part-time students thrive at York.
Celebrate the start of your journey at York with Black Excellence YU. Connect with fellow Black students, and learn about the programs, spaces, and support systems designed to help you thrive. This is your space to feel seen, supported, and empowered.
All About York is your go-to introduction to university life! Learn about academics, student support, financial services, and how to get involved on campus. Start your first year with the tools and confidence you need to succeed.
York 101 Videos
Planning to study at York? Get ready with these helpful transition videos.
