Most Universities and Colleges across Canada have Orientation Week.
Orientation Week is one week full of activities to meet people, accustom yourself to campus, and have a smooth transition to living on your own. I will be talking about my experience of Orientation Week based on the university I attended. Though the school will be undisclosed, it is a similar format to most universities in Ontario. If you are living in residence, it is likely you will have a meeting with your building to know your leaders, RA's, cheers, and ice-breakers. It can be nerve wracking because you literally just moved in. You probably haven't finished unpacking, reality hasn't set in, and you are still trying to meet your roommates. Don't get me wrong, Orientation Week is fun and exciting but it is exhausting and there may be some activities you won't feel comfortable participating in.
I am a quiet person, and I and the average amount of people find discomfort in cheering, singing, and letting yourself go in front of strangers. This isn't to say I am not social; I am - it just happens I am more social with people whom I know, and are comfortable with. If I can give you any piece of advice I wish I had known prior to participating in Orientation Week is to have fun and don't hesitate. I didn't participate in all of the activities I paid for, and while I had reasoning behind them (exhausted, timid, not my interest), I probably could have succumbed enough courage and went with it. The Orientation Week I participated in did make my transition easy from home to living in a new city and while I was older-ish than my friends, it felt nice to feel welcomed and comfortable. I realize now, the reason I became timid was because I was adjusting to everything and I wasn't aware of it. Until after Orientation Week came to an end, was when I realized I was in a completely new environment, living in a new place, meeting new people, having no food (literally), and just everything was a [positive] shock.
I conclude: To survive your first Orientation Week you should ...
1) Stay hydrated and eat
This may sound obvious, but it can easily be overseen. For daytime events, bring a water bottle and if possible, carry a backpack with snacks and necessities. If you plan to attend evening or night events, they may not allow water bottles or bottles in general as the security personnel do not have time (because of the hundred of people entering) to check if it is actually water, or alcohol.
2) Meet people within your residence
Meeting people, especially in your residence building is fun but can be intimidating at first. I only have experience in a suite style building (four bedroom, apartment style) so meeting other students wasn't too challenging. If you have one roommate, or are by yourself, be proactive and introduce yourself to whoever is living in your hall.
3) Keep in contact with family
Expect to have a busy week. You will be surprised to see how you can go one day without talking to your parents or friends from home. Set out some time during the day and call your family, or if you're having too much fun, send a text.
4) Shower, and take time for yourself
Nothing is like your first shower. Orientation Week is much like camp and you forget to live a little for yourself. That first shower feels SO good because it will likely be hot, humid, and you may have a small tan from being outside all day. Also, whatever you normally do to relax, do it and do it well.
5) Have a group to do activities with
You will likely to have meet people throughout the day or two and it is helpful to have a group to hangout and explore with. Your Orientation Week may be divided into faculties so you may not see your group of friends as often [if in a different faculty], but for other activities and adventures have a group.
6) Do not get too drunk
This, as rule #1 is also overseen. There will likely be many 'fresh out of high school' students who want to break free and drink. This is fine [if it is done legally], but do not get too drunk! I can count AND recall seeing students being carried and walked home because of their inability to walk or stand. It is not fun, cute, or something you [won't] remember. Please be safe, and aware of your limits.
7) Wear sunscreen
Another "thing" I wish I knew before hand: sunscreen. I never realized the amount of time spent outside and I did get a sunburn on my face, not on purpose either. Carry and wear sunscreen before you head out, and your skin will thank you.
8) Go for walks on campus in the evening
You will get a campus tour with your assigned group, but nothing is nicer than walking on campus when it's quiet, seeing the sunset, and just exploring. You will see a lot of small details on campus, but won't necessarily appreciate until you stop, and look to see how beautiful your school really is.
9) Get personal
As you get to know more students in your building, you will begin to feel comfortable. It is amazing how many conversations I had my first week of Orientation with people I hadn't even known for more than 48 hours. The relatable experience you both are going through allows a barrier to be broken to let yourself go. You will be up late at night, talking with people, and getting to know them as if you've known each other for at least six months.
Most importantly, have fun and stay safe.
Orientation Week is one week full of activities to meet people, accustom yourself to campus, and have a smooth transition to living on your own. I will be talking about my experience of Orientation Week based on the university I attended. Though the school will be undisclosed, it is a similar format to most universities in Ontario. If you are living in residence, it is likely you will have a meeting with your building to know your leaders, RA's, cheers, and ice-breakers. It can be nerve wracking because you literally just moved in. You probably haven't finished unpacking, reality hasn't set in, and you are still trying to meet your roommates. Don't get me wrong, Orientation Week is fun and exciting but it is exhausting and there may be some activities you won't feel comfortable participating in.
I am a quiet person, and I and the average amount of people find discomfort in cheering, singing, and letting yourself go in front of strangers. This isn't to say I am not social; I am - it just happens I am more social with people whom I know, and are comfortable with. If I can give you any piece of advice I wish I had known prior to participating in Orientation Week is to have fun and don't hesitate. I didn't participate in all of the activities I paid for, and while I had reasoning behind them (exhausted, timid, not my interest), I probably could have succumbed enough courage and went with it. The Orientation Week I participated in did make my transition easy from home to living in a new city and while I was older-ish than my friends, it felt nice to feel welcomed and comfortable. I realize now, the reason I became timid was because I was adjusting to everything and I wasn't aware of it. Until after Orientation Week came to an end, was when I realized I was in a completely new environment, living in a new place, meeting new people, having no food (literally), and just everything was a [positive] shock.
I conclude: To survive your first Orientation Week you should ...
1) Stay hydrated and eat
This may sound obvious, but it can easily be overseen. For daytime events, bring a water bottle and if possible, carry a backpack with snacks and necessities. If you plan to attend evening or night events, they may not allow water bottles or bottles in general as the security personnel do not have time (because of the hundred of people entering) to check if it is actually water, or alcohol.
2) Meet people within your residence
Meeting people, especially in your residence building is fun but can be intimidating at first. I only have experience in a suite style building (four bedroom, apartment style) so meeting other students wasn't too challenging. If you have one roommate, or are by yourself, be proactive and introduce yourself to whoever is living in your hall.
3) Keep in contact with family
Expect to have a busy week. You will be surprised to see how you can go one day without talking to your parents or friends from home. Set out some time during the day and call your family, or if you're having too much fun, send a text.
4) Shower, and take time for yourself
Nothing is like your first shower. Orientation Week is much like camp and you forget to live a little for yourself. That first shower feels SO good because it will likely be hot, humid, and you may have a small tan from being outside all day. Also, whatever you normally do to relax, do it and do it well.
5) Have a group to do activities with
You will likely to have meet people throughout the day or two and it is helpful to have a group to hangout and explore with. Your Orientation Week may be divided into faculties so you may not see your group of friends as often [if in a different faculty], but for other activities and adventures have a group.
6) Do not get too drunk
This, as rule #1 is also overseen. There will likely be many 'fresh out of high school' students who want to break free and drink. This is fine [if it is done legally], but do not get too drunk! I can count AND recall seeing students being carried and walked home because of their inability to walk or stand. It is not fun, cute, or something you [won't] remember. Please be safe, and aware of your limits.
7) Wear sunscreen
Another "thing" I wish I knew before hand: sunscreen. I never realized the amount of time spent outside and I did get a sunburn on my face, not on purpose either. Carry and wear sunscreen before you head out, and your skin will thank you.
8) Go for walks on campus in the evening
You will get a campus tour with your assigned group, but nothing is nicer than walking on campus when it's quiet, seeing the sunset, and just exploring. You will see a lot of small details on campus, but won't necessarily appreciate until you stop, and look to see how beautiful your school really is.
9) Get personal
As you get to know more students in your building, you will begin to feel comfortable. It is amazing how many conversations I had my first week of Orientation with people I hadn't even known for more than 48 hours. The relatable experience you both are going through allows a barrier to be broken to let yourself go. You will be up late at night, talking with people, and getting to know them as if you've known each other for at least six months.
Most importantly, have fun and stay safe.
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