Orientation at the U of A
WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA AND YOUR NEW COMMUNITY!
Orientation programs, events and resources are designed to help you feel prepared, connected and supported as you begin student life at the U of A.
Participate online, in person or both.
Get a head start
Step 1: Register for orientation
Register for orientation to receive a personalized schedule with recommended programs and events.
Step 2: Explore online orientation
Learn about campus life, student services and supports through self-paced online orientation modules.
Step 3: Attend in-person events
Meet other students, explore campus resources and connect with your faculty community through in-person orientation events.
Accessibility and inclusion
We want all students to feel welcome and supported during orientation. If you need support to participate in orientation events or activities, help is available.
Learn more about U of A Orientation accessibility supports, services and resources
New Student Orientation
Meet other new students, explore campus, find your classes and learn what to expect before your first day. New Student Orientation helps you settle into university life and connect with upper-year student leaders, campus resources and your faculty community.
Offered in partnership with the University of Alberta Students’ Union.Important dates
Save these important orientation and start-of-term dates as you prepare for your first year.
| May 2026 | Orientation registration opens |
| Aug. 24 | North Campus residence move-in begins |
| Aug. 30–31 | North Campus New Student Orientation |
| Sept. 1 | First day of fall term Discover U of A: Resource fair for new and returning students |
| Sept. 4 | Football home opener pre-party and game |
Additional orientation programs and events for specific student communities are listed below.
Get Your GREEN+GOLD T-shirt
At the U of A, we have our own spin on the classic TGIF! “Thank Goodness It’s GREEN+GOLD Fridays,” or TGIGGF, is how we celebrate our school spirit one colourful Friday at a time! To welcome you to the tradition, we want to outfit you with a FREE GREEN+GOLD t-shirt! New students can pick one up at various Orientation events, while quantities last.
Orientation for your community
Find orientation programs, events and resources designed for your student experience.
New Student Orientation (Undergraduate Students)
New Student Orientation is your welcome to the U of A! Ease your transition to student life by attending presentations, panels and campus tours. Connect with clubs and groups at Week of Welcome’s Clubs Fair and explore events hosted by the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU).
In person, Aug. 30–31, 2026
Graduate Students Orientation
Join for a two-day onboarding experience for your graduate studies. Connect with other graduate students, learn what to expect in your program and discover professional and academic supports and resources available through the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). Kick off the semester with a graduate student block party!
In-person, Aug. 30–31, 2026
Optional online orientation
International Students Orientation
International Student & Visitor Services (ISVS) supports you with programs, events and resources. Their in-person International Student Orientation events cover everything you need to prepare for life in Canada.
In-person, Aug. 27, 2026
Optional online orientation
First Peoples' House Orientation
First Peoples’ House welcomes First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students with an orientation program designed to support your academic, physical, emotional, spiritual and financial well-being.
In-person, Aug. 27–28, 2026
Orientation du Campus Saint-Jean
Le Campus Saint-Jean te réserve de nombreuses surprises et nous avons très hâte de te rencontrer!
In-person, Aug. 31, 2026
Residence Orientation
Residence Orientation introduces you to the tools you need to succeed during the upcoming academic year. Programming is offered in two streams: BaseCamp for first-year students and Ascent for upper-year and graduate students. Students living in residence are automatically enrolled in orientation programming when they confirm their residence space.
In-person, Aug. 24–29, 2026
Mandatory online module
Family Orientation
Family Orientation is specifically designed for incoming U of A undergraduate students and their families. The program takes place on North Campus in person.
In person, July 25, 2026
Augustana Campus Orientation
Augustana students, check out your campus orientation.
In-person, Aug. 28–31
Students Who Parent Orientation
Orientation for Students Who Parent is for students balancing academic life with parenting responsibilities. Flexible, online options are also available.
In-person, Aug. 26, 2026
Flexible online option
Get involved on campus
Orientation is just the beginning. Discover events, traditions and activities that help you meet other students, build community and feel part of campus life.
Campus Kickoff
Campus Kickoff brings new and returning students together to celebrate the start of the academic year with music, games, giveaways and school spirit in Main Quad.
We are GREEN + GOLD
The University of Alberta has proudly donned GREEN+GOLD for over 100 years! From athletic jerseys to convocation caps to U of A hoodies, GREEN+GOLD is everywhere on our campuses. It’s how we recognize the people who make our university community vibrant, inclusive and innovative!
Join us in celebration by wearing our vibrant colours on GREEN+GOLD Fridays, attending GREEN+GOLD Spirit Day events and embracing your GREEN+GOLD school spirit!
Varsity events
Be the roar! The U of A spirit is alive at athletic events. Cheer on your fellow U of A athletes and soak in the school spirit at these varsity games. All current students get access to a free admission ticket to each of our conference home games!
You’re Invited to the Home Opener!
Sept. 4: Football home opener pre-party and game
Dive right into campus life and get ready to cheer on the home team! Join us for our first GREEN+GOLD Spirit Day event of the school year in your best GREEN+GOLD outfit and support the Golden Bears football team on Friday, Sept. 4! Arrive early for the tailgate party at 4:30 p.m. The game kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. Get all the details!
Students
Involvement