Orientation | Orientation activities and resources for new students

Welcome to York University!

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Starting Classes in January?

Are you a student who is new to York and will be starting classes in January 2024? If so, WELCOME! You've come to the right place.

Check out all our Winter Orientation events and activities.

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We're ready to help. Get in touch with us.

Got a question? Need someone to talk to? Just want to follow the student life story on social? Connect with us.

We're ready to help and engage wherever is best for you. Send us an email, join the Slack channel, engage with us on social media or ask SAVY, York's student virtual assistant.

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York 101 Videos & FAQ

Get prepared before you arrive at York with our York 101 videos and FAQs.

We cover living on campus, eClass, sports and recreation, parents and family, academic support, finances and more. Check it out!

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Priority communities, right this way

Behind all our efforts is a dedication to decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Whether you identify as Indigenous, Black, International, Queer or Trans, first in family, mature or transfer, we want to ensure that you are seen and feel welcomed.

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Living at York - Housing and Residence

Living in residence is an incredible opportunity to connect with other students, develop friendships, learn and get the most out of your university experience.

Learn about living at York

Resources

We've compiled a list of the key resources that you will need as you prepare to come to York and while you're a student at York. Be sure to check them out and get familiar with them.

Learn More

Winter Orientation - Events and Activities

EVENT	DESCRIPTION	DATE & TIME	LOCATION	REGISTRATION	FILES
Parent & Family 201: Supporting First Year Students	Join us as we provide insights, discussions, student support strategies and Q&A opportunities!	Nov 3, 2023 11AM — 12:15PM Virtual	Virtual		Missed this event? Download and read the presentation.
Academic Orientation	Connect with your professors, department staff, academic advisors, and peers as you learn about your program! Academic orientation is the aspect of Winter Orientation where you can become part of your academic community at York. This session is FREE and registration is required.	Jan 5, 2024, 1 - 5pm Tours - 5 - 6pm	Vari Hall and CLH
	FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND URBAN CHANGE			Register here
	FACULTY OF GLENDON			Register here
	FACULTY OF HEALTH			Register here
	FACULTY OF SCIENCE			Register here
	LIBERAL ARTS & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (LA&PS)			Register here
	SCHOOL OF ARTS, MEDIA, PERFORMANCE & DESIGN			Register here
	INTERNATIONAL AND EXCHANGE STUDENTS			Register here
Winterlicious	Student will be able to visit specific food vendors on campus to get a meal for $10 or less.	Jan 5-12, 2024	Keele campus food vendors
International Student Orientation	Welcome to 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! Please note that Winter International and Exchange Student Orientation is open only to new incoming international students. Students are required to register. Deadline to register is January 2, 2024 at 9 a.m.	Jan 6, 9am - 5:30pm Make up date - Jan20, 9am - 5:30pm	Vari Hall A & B	Complete details and registration information
Frost Week	Organized by the 9 college councils with support from Student Community & Leadership Development, Frost Week will be a week of social programming open to students based on their college affiliation. Early activities will have a focus of integrating new students into their respective communities.	Jan 8 - 12, 2024	Keele and Glendon campuses	TBA
Winter Orientation 2024: Transitioning to York (Virtual York 101 Event)	Winter 101: Transitioning to York is your insider's guide to the diverse and accessible student experience at York University! This event is crafted for incoming winter students to York University that would like to learn more about campus life. Join our panel of dynamic speakers, including local and international students, as they share firsthand insights into campus life, resources, and inclusivity.	Jan 9, 2:30 - 4pm	Virtual	Register here
Campus Services Fair	This is an opportunity for new and current students to meet campus partners from across the Division of Students, Ancillary Services, and York Libraries. Students can learn about the resources available to them and be reminded of the various types of supports available at York that can contribute to their overall success	Jan 10, 2024, 11am - 2pm	Vari Hall, Ross Link, & Central Square	Register here
York U Winter Keele Campus Tours	New to York University? Register for a tour and get to know the ins and outs of campus like where to eat, where to find your classes, how to get to the gym, where all the important student services and supports are, and more!	Jan 5, 4 - 5pm Jan 8, 9:30 - 10:30am Jan 9, 3:30 - 4:30pm Jan 11, 1 - 2pm		Register here
Student Community & Leadership Development Welcome Event	TBA	TBA	TBA	TBA
Varsity Men's Hockey Game	York vs. Brock	Jan 10, 8pm	Canlan Sports	Students FREE! Reserve your tickets now

York 101 Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Orientation Week is the week prior to classes starting. It is filled with events and activities designed to connect students to helpful resources, make friends, and create memories. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about their college/faculty and the resources they offer to help and support you throughout the year.

Orientation Week will take place from August 27 - September 4.

There will be many different events including, but not limited to, Paint Night, Nuit Blanche, athletic showdowns, academic orientation, open mic, bingo, and more!

Orientation Week will be fully in person. Certain other events may offer a virtual component such as Mature & Transfer Student Orientation, but this will be explicitly stated in the specific event details on a case-by-case basis.

Orientation Week runs from August 27 through September 4. But there are many other events as well:

Black Excellence YU Welcome Event - August 16
Mature and Transfer Student Orientation - August 17 and 22
Indigenous Student Orientation - August 23, 24, 25
Move-in Day and Parents & Family Orientation - August 26
Open Doors York - September 5
Yorklicious - August 26 - September 8
International Student Orientation - August 27 and 28
Academic Orientation Days - August 29 and 30
YorkFest 2023 - September 18 - 22

Yes, Academic Orientation takes place on August 29 and 30.

There are a few activities during Orientation Week that are free, but most will require you to purchase a kit.

All other Orientation activities are free.

Yes. Academic Orientation which happens on August 29 and 30 is program specific.

Yes, when you arrive you can pick up your kit at your specific college/faculty and attend all remaining events.

Orientation will be held at your specific college/faculty. Addresses will be provided to you and a description of how to get there when you register. Many Orientation Leaders will also be on campus and ready to support you.

Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, and proper shoes and clothes for the weather and event.

It is not mandatory, but is highly recommended. Orientation Week is a great way to make friends, learn about student services, and get a good sense of campus communities. It is a week filled with fun activities and the perfect way to start your time at York.