WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA AND YOUR NEW COMMUNITY!
Your orientation includes in-person and online components to fit your university experience that relates to who you are, what you are studying and introduces you to your campus culture and student life.
On this page
Orientation Steps | Accessibility + Accommodation | Colleges + Faculties | Week of Welcome | Orientation Events | Student Life | Varsity Events
Orientation steps
Step 1: Start online orientation
Start learning about your U of A community with online orientation. Each module introduces you to a different aspect of studying at the U of A.
Step 2: Attend in-person orientation events
Get the complete orientation experience by attending; attend in-person events to connect with campus resources and new friends! See below to learn more about winter events orientation that match your interests.
Winter Warm Up
January 6, 2026 from 10:00am-3:00pm
University Commons Atrium
Meet campus support services that can help you succeed. Add value to your degree and learn about opportunities to get involved on campus.
Free hot chocolate and a door prize — Enter for a chance to win U of A Winter Gear.
Open to all students.
Graduate Students
GPS Graduate Student Onboarding
Friday, December 5 | 9:00am- 11:00am. | Zoom Link: https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/l1ctaXvsS_eZtWAwqwowCA
Join staff from the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), for an orientation session for newly admitted graduate students. During this 90 minute seminar you will learn strategies to build a strong relationship with your supervisor/advisor, get valuable tips on what is expected from graduate students and gain familiarity with some of the University's support services. It will be followed by a 30 minute networking opportunity. While not a mandatory session, this session will help you prepare for your graduate program.
International Students
International Student & Visitor Services (ISVS) provides programs, services, and events for U of A international students. They are ready to help you throughout your U of A journey and can’t wait to connect with you at their welcome events. Start your U of A experience with the International Student Orientation self-paced online course; it covers everything to prepare you for life in Canada.
Orientation events for students living in residence
No matter where you are in your university journey, designed to introduce you to your peers and your new living environment, residence orientation offers the tools you need to succeed during the upcoming academic year. If you enter residence for the first time this winter, you automatically receive communication about winter orientation activities leading to your move-in.
Students Who Parent Orientation
January 14, 2026 | 12:00pm - 1:00 p.m. | Virtual
Connect with other students who are parents and learn about the support and resources available to you!
Join Student Success and Experience and the Student Parents on Campus (SPOC) group for an online orientation on the support available to students who are parents. Whether you’re a new student or a returning student but a new parent, join us to learn about the resources available to you on and off campus.
Following the orientation session, there will be a Q&A period to assist you with any questions.
Accessibility + Accommodations at the U of A
The U of A offers academic accommodations to eligible students who encounter restrictions to their ability to pursue post-secondary studies due to medical conditions, including physical and mental conditions and/or non-medical protected grounds.
Register early so that you are ready to take in your full academic experience. Available accommodation supports include adaptive technologies, alternate formats, CART/real-time transcribing, sign language interpretation, and other specialist services. Learn more»
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 ticket to each of our conference home games!
Follow varsity teams on Instagram: @bearsandpandas and @uab_varsitylife
Join us for the first Hockey Game of the New Year
Jan. 3, 2026 | Clare Drake Arena
Don’t miss:
- Free swag
- Airbrush tattoos
- Balloon artist
- Games
- Free Food
Meet your union and association
Undergraduate Students
The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) is your student-run organization. They advocate on your behalf to improve your student experience and ensure you’re getting the support you need. Your UASU is filled with services, businesses, events, perks, resources and job and volunteer opportunities to help you make the most of your student experience.
Graduate Students
Your Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) provides a wealth of services to members that enrich your graduate student experience. You automatically become a member of the GSA with the right to vote in elections, serve on committees and access GSA benefits. The GSA introduces you to the association and campus services in their online orientation module.
Students
Involvement