Dsu x Dal Presents:
O-WEEK 2026!
The Dalhousie Student Union and Dalhousie University proudly present our 2026 Orientation Week!
Our team has crafted a one-of-a-kind O-Week experience that is exhilarating and engaging, while ensuring we facilitate a safe and welcoming space for all students. We aim to foster fun and inclusive events to help welcome all incoming students into our Dalhousie community. Please note that all O-Week events are subject to capacity.
Are you a student at the Agricultural Campus? View your Orientation schedule.
O-Week 2026 Schedule by day:
(Jump to a specific day, or Keep scrolling to see it all!)
o-week featured events:
NEED TO KNOW:
Online Orientation course
Don’t miss this essential first step: All new undergraduate students should complete Dal’s New Student Online Orientation Course.
Before you dive into life at Dal, we’ve got something to help you hit the ground running. All new students are expected to complete this fun and super useful online course—it’s packed with quick videos, easy quizzes, and everything you need to know about classes, campus life, and where to find support.
O-WEEK PASS PICK UP:
Sept. 3rd - 5th
Thursday & Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 9 PM - 2 PM
Your O-Week Pass will grant you FULL ACCESS to ALL O-Week events and is your ticket to see The Beaches at DalFest!!
Visit the Dalhousie Student Union Building at 6136 University Avenue between 9 AM - 5 PM on Thursday & Friday or between 9 AM - 2 PM on Saturday to pick up your O-Week Access Pass and Tote!
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For almost all incoming undergraduate students on the Halifax campuses, the O-Pass fee is automatically included in your tuition.
Graduate students do not typically receive an O-Week Pass. However, if you're a graduate student who wants to attend O-Week events, contact orientation@dal.ca for info on how to opt-in.
Want to opt-out of your O-Week Pass? You can opt-out via DalOnline early august, 2026. Deadline is September 2nd, 2026. After the 2nd, no opts out will be processed.
If cost is a barrier, financial waivers are available for students who would like to participate in Orientation programming but are experiencing financial need.
Questions? Email us at orientation@dal.ca
O-Week Care Centres
and Rest Spots
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Location: Studley Quad
The Care Hub is the one stop shop for all of your O-Week needs. We will have people on-hand to answer any questions you have about Dalhousie. There will also be snacks, water, charging stations, and personal hygiene and sexual wellness supplies available.
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Times: Sept 3 - 7, 9 AM - 9 PM
Location: Council Chambers, Student Union Building, 2nd FloorThe Off Campus Student Lounge is a home base for students during O-Week who are not living in residence!
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Info coming soon!
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Time: 11 AM - 5 PM
Location: Mona Campbell Building (1459 LeMarchant Street). Enter via LeMarchant Street entrance.Save money and reduce your ecological footprint by visitingDal's Free Store!
Visit Dal's Free Store! It's a student’s one-stop shop for free school supplies and household items like kitchenware, decor, and more!
Dal and King’s students can shop for free items to help outfit dorms or apartments. Browse housewares, bedding, school supplies, clothing, and more—free of charge! Limited quantities per person, per visit, while supplies last.
Students must show their DalCards before entering the Free Store which they can pick up across the street at Howe Hall.
Free Orientation programming
The events listed here are free for all new students & transfers to Dalhousie who identify with communities on campus.
No O-Week pass is required to attend!
FACULTY SPECIFIC EVENTS
Connect with students, staff, and professors from your faculty at events designed to welcome you into your academic community, and help you feel confident before classes begin.
O-WEEK EVENTS:
SEPTEMBER 3RD
Thursday, September 3rd:
highlights
O-Week Registration
& Pass Pick-Up
Thursday & Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 9 PM - 2 PM
Your O-Week Pass will grant you FULL ACCESS to ALL O-Week events and is your ticket to see The Beaches at DalFest!!
Visit the Dalhousie Student Union Building at 6136 University Avenue between 9 AM - 5 PM on Thursday & Friday or between 9 AM - 2 PM on Saturday to pick up your O-Week Access Pass and Tote!
Residence Move-In & Events
Time: All Day
Location: Your residence!
Welcome to your new home in residence!
We offer more than a learning experience - it's a living experience. Start with a check-in at your front desk and staff will guide you from there! Missing an essential? Visit the Free Store before buying!
All moved in?
Join your community at a Residence Life Kick Off, evening events like First Year Bucket List, & more!
Paint & Sip
Time: Two Sessions: 6 PM - 8 PM & 8 PM - 10PM
Location: Council Chambers, Student Union Building Floor 2
After a full day of moving in and exploring, unwind and get creative at Paint & Sip, a relaxed social event where you can enjoy painting while sipping on a mocktail.
No experience needed — a facilitator will guide you through! Just come with your inspiration, have fun, meet new people, and take home your own artwork.
Full day schedule
Events by Tags
- Daytime Event 56
- In-Person 49
- Social 43
- Evening Event 35
- All O-Week Passholders 32
- Informational 32
- General 27
- High Energy 22
- Medium Energy 19
- Residence 19
- Anchor Event 17
- Academic 14
- Faculty Specific Event 14
- Drop-In 13
- Low Energy 10
- Indigenous Students 8
- Academic Orientation Day 7
- All Students 7
- Athletics 7
- Faculty of Science 6
- Meal 6
- Varsity Game 6
- First Week of Class 5
- Tiger Welcome Day 5
- Family & Friends 4
- Group Orientation 4
- Off-Campus Students 4
- Teams 4
- Able@Dal 3
- School of Health and Human Performance 3
- Black Students 2
- Faculty of Architecture and Planning 2
- Faculty of Engineering 2
- Faculty of Health 2
- International Students 2
- Society Event 2
- Transfer Students 2
- Virtual 2
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Students 1
- Commerce Program 1
- Concert 1
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences 1
- Faculty of Computer Science 1
- Faculty of Management 1
- First Generation in Your Family to Attend University 1
- Mature Students 1
- Multi-Day Event 1
- Rural Students 1
- School of Health Sciences 1
- Sexton Campus 1
O-WEEK EVENTS:
SEPTEMBER 4th
friday, September 4th:
highlights
O-Week Registration
& Pass Pick-Up
Thursday & Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 9 PM - 2 PM
Your O-Week Pass will grant you FULL ACCESS to ALL O-Week events and is your ticket to see The Beaches at DalFest!!
Visit the Dalhousie Student Union Building at 6136 University Avenue between 9 AM - 5 PM on Thursday & Friday or between 9 AM - 2 PM on Saturday to pick up your O-Week Access Pass and Tote!
Puppy Yoga
Time: 6 PM - 7 PM & 7 PM - 8 PM (Two sessions)
Location: Council Chambers, Student Union Building Floor 2
Stretch, relax, and de-stress with Puppy Yoga! This is a beginner-friendly yoga with the joy of spending time with adorable puppies. A perfect way to take a break, recharge, and enjoy some feel-good energy during O-Week.
Puppy Yoga registration has officially reached capacity! If you secured a spot, please arrive 30 minutes before your session to check in. Any spots not claimed after this time will be released to waitlisted walk-in students.
Movie night on the quad
Time: 8:30 PM - 11 PM
Location: Studley Quad
Your first event on the Quad! Wear something comfy, bring a blanket, and settle in under the stars.
VOTE FOR WHICH MOVIE YOU WANT TO WATCH!
Full day schedule
Events by Tags
- Daytime Event 56
- In-Person 49
- Social 43
- Evening Event 35
- All O-Week Passholders 32
- Informational 32
- General 27
- High Energy 22
- Medium Energy 19
- Residence 19
- Anchor Event 17
- Academic 14
- Faculty Specific Event 14
- Drop-In 13
- Low Energy 10
- Indigenous Students 8
- Academic Orientation Day 7
- All Students 7
- Athletics 7
- Faculty of Science 6
- Meal 6
- Varsity Game 6
- First Week of Class 5
- Tiger Welcome Day 5
- Family & Friends 4
- Group Orientation 4
- Off-Campus Students 4
- Teams 4
- Able@Dal 3
- School of Health and Human Performance 3
- Black Students 2
- Faculty of Architecture and Planning 2
- Faculty of Engineering 2
- Faculty of Health 2
- International Students 2
- Society Event 2
- Transfer Students 2
- Virtual 2
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Students 1
- Commerce Program 1
- Concert 1
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences 1
- Faculty of Computer Science 1
- Faculty of Management 1
- First Generation in Your Family to Attend University 1
- Mature Students 1
- Multi-Day Event 1
- Rural Students 1
- School of Health Sciences 1
- Sexton Campus 1
O-WEEK EVENTS:
SEPTEMBER 5th | tiger welcome day!
Saturday, September 5th:
tiger welcome day
Time for your first roar as a Dalhousie Tiger!
Saturday September 5th, Tiger Welcome Day, a day full afternoon and evening of connection, celebration, and school spirit. Whether you’re living in residence or commuting from home, this is your chance to kick off your university journey surrounded by new friends, supportive mentors, and the full Dal community.
So, what’s the vibe?
Think black, gold, bold, and proud. This is your time to get Dal’d up (like dolled up, but Tiger-style)! Show off your Dal spirit by dressing in black and gold and bringing your best energy to cheer, connect, and celebrate.
How will the day work?
You will kick-off the day at 3:30 PM by attending your appropriate residence or off-campus team meeting. After your meeting, your O-Week team leads will guide you to each event of this action-packed day!
View the full Tiger Welcome Day schedule below.
What to bring:
An empty water bottle (we will have water available)
Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking and cheering
Your O-Week pass, lanyard, and DalCard
Your Tiger pride and an open mind!
RESIDENCE & OFF-CAMPUS MEETINGS & MEAL
Meet up with your residence or off-campus teams to learn about your upcoming
year at Dal, O-Week, and what you’ll need to know for today’s festivities!
Residence Community Meetings
Time: 3:30 PM - 7 PM
Location: Your Residence
This time is held for your first Residence Community Meeting!
Residence Community Meetings are a chance to meet floor-mates and discuss upcoming events, campus resources ,and community expectations in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Residence Community Meetings will continue throughout the year as a chance to connect with floormates and share important updates.
Ask your Community Assistant for more information!
Off Campus Welcome
Time: 3:30 PM - 7 PM
Location: Studley Quad
Ready for an unforgettable start?
If you're an off-campus first-year student at Dalhousie, our Off Campus Welcome is your golden ticket to an epic journey. You’ll be matched with your fantastic Off Campus Council Mentor and will join a vibrant orientation squad, making it easy to connect, laugh, and feel right at home before classes even begin. This is your chance to bond, laugh, and discover what it truly means to be a Dalhousie Tiger.
Your Dal journey starts here and let’s make it unforgettable!
Pep Rally, Class Photo, Opening Ceremonies,
and after party! | 7 PM - 11 PM
Pep Rally & Class Pic
Time: 7 PM - 8 PM
Location: Wickwire Field
Get in formation. Get loud. Get DAL’d up.
Join your fellow first-year students for one of the most iconic moments of O-Week! We’re taking over the field to form a giant D-A-L and capture your class photo — a tradition that marks the beginning of your Dalhousie journey.
Then, stick around for a high-energy pep rally where you’ll learn Dal’s loudest cheers, represent for your residence or off campus community and meet the Dalhousie Tiger.
Opening Ceremonies
Time: 8 PM - 9 PM
Location: Studley Quad
Follow your O-Week Leaders to the quad to celebrate your new Dalhousie community!
Join Dalhousie leadership, Dalhousie Student Union executives, and talented performers for an unforgettable celebration filled with inspiring speeches, dynamic cultural performances, and an epic cheer-off. Don't miss this opportunity to kick off the academic year with energy, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of fun.
Glow in the Dark Party
Time: 9 PM - 11 PM
Location: Studley Quad
We’re wrapping up Opening Ceremonies in style!
Get ready for a high-energy night of music and dance at the Glow in the Dark Party. Featuring a live DJ, glow in the dark props, and an electric atmosphere.
full Day Schedule:
O-WEEK EVENTS:
SEPTEMBER 6th
SUNDAY, September 6th:
highlights
Dalympics
Time: 10 AM - 1 PM
Location: Wickwire Field
Get ready for an action-packed morning of friendly competition and faculty pride at Dalympics!
Join your peers for high energy games, team challenges, and a chance to show off your spirit—from relay races to trivia showdowns.
Whether you're in it to win or just for the laughs, it's the perfect way to bond with your faculty and make new memories.
Trivia, Sex toy Bingo & More
Time: 7 PM - 10 PM
Location: Studley Quad
Kick off the night by putting your knowledge and competitive spirit to the test at Trivia and Games Night. Gather your friends, form a team, and compete in a mix of trivia rounds and fun interactive games for prizes and bragging rights.
THEN play for a chance to win great prizes though everyone favourite game, bingo! Come for the prizes, stay for the raunchy jokes, sex education, and fun!
Drag Show
Time: 10 PM - 11 PM
Location: Studley Quad
We’re bringing the sparkle and the sass to the Quad with a lineup of iconic local performers.
This is your chance to laugh, cheer, and live your best life with the most fabulous folks in Halifax. It’s pure joy and big personality energy.
Experience an exciting night of performance, creativity, and entertainment featuring talented performers, music, and high energy stage acts!
Full day schedule
Events by Tags
- Daytime Event 56
- In-Person 49
- Social 43
- Evening Event 35
- All O-Week Passholders 32
- Informational 32
- General 27
- High Energy 22
- Medium Energy 19
- Residence 19
- Anchor Event 17
- Academic 14
- Faculty Specific Event 14
- Drop-In 13
- Low Energy 10
- Indigenous Students 8
- Academic Orientation Day 7
- All Students 7
- Athletics 7
- Faculty of Science 6
- Meal 6
- Varsity Game 6
- First Week of Class 5
- Tiger Welcome Day 5
- Family & Friends 4
- Group Orientation 4
- Off-Campus Students 4
- Teams 4
- Able@Dal 3
- School of Health and Human Performance 3
- Black Students 2
- Faculty of Architecture and Planning 2
- Faculty of Engineering 2
- Faculty of Health 2
- International Students 2
- Society Event 2
- Transfer Students 2
- Virtual 2
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Students 1
- Commerce Program 1
- Concert 1
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences 1
- Faculty of Computer Science 1
- Faculty of Management 1
- First Generation in Your Family to Attend University 1
- Mature Students 1
- Multi-Day Event 1
- Rural Students 1
- School of Health Sciences 1
- Sexton Campus 1
O-WEEK EVENTS:
SEPTEMBER 7th | Academic orientation Day
Monday, September 7th:
Academic Orientation Day
Get ready for your first day of classes! Academic Orientation Day is designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and connected before the semester begins. Explore your faculty buildings and classrooms, learn how to navigate university life, discover opportunities through the Student Leadership Academy, and pick up practical strategies for academic success.
How will the day work?
You can pick and choose the sessions that work best for you.
Most sessions are offered at multiple times throughout the day, although we recommend completing a faculty tour shortly after attending University 101. University 101 will introduce you to the essentials of starting at Dal, including key online systems, registration and academic dates, campus resources, your DalCard, and what to expect during your first few weeks of classes.
Sessions on understanding your syllabus, academic strategies, and the Student Leadership Academy will help you build on this foundation and feel prepared for the semester ahead.
University 101
(Multiple sessions)
Time: 10 AM - 11 AM | 12PM - 1PM | 2 PM - 3 PM | 4 PM - 5 PM
Location: McInnes Room, 2nd floor Student Union Building
Attend this session to learn the essentials for starting at Dal and feel more confident navigating university life.
*Attendance is highly recommended!
We’ll cover key online systems, registration and academic dates, campus resources, your DalCard, what to expect from university classes, and practical tips for making the most of your first few weeks.
campus tours
(Multiple sessions)
Time: 11 AM - 12 PM | 1PM - 2PM | 3PM - 4PM
Location: Outside of the Student Union Building
Not sure where your classes are, where to study, or where to go when you need help?
Join a faculty-specific campus tour to see the buildings you'll actually use, discover key student supports, and learn the practical things every new Dal student should know before classes begin.
Unlocking the Secrets of the Syllabus
Time: 9 AM - 10 AM | 11 AM - 12 PM
Location: Rowe Building, Room 1020
A great semester starts with a solid plan. Designing that plan starts with one of the most valuable tools for your academic success: your course syllabus. This hands-on workshop will give you the practical tools you need to build a solid academic schedule that still leaves room for balance. It will help you understand how to navigate course expectations and University policies, learning how to use the syllabus to stay organized, prepared, and confident through first term and beyond.
Public Speaking Workshop:
Student Leadership Academy
Time: 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Potter Auditorium (Rowe 1028)
Speaking up in class, introducing yourself to new people, presenting group projects, and sharing your ideas can feel intimidating when you're new to university.
This interactive workshop will help you build confidence, manage nerves, and develop practical public speaking skills that you can use from your very first semester. Through engaging activities and low-pressure practice, you'll learn strategies for communicating clearly, making a strong first impression, and finding your voice as a student leader.
Digital Communications: Student Leadership Academy
Time: 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Rowe Building, Room 1020
Learn how to communicate professionally and confidently in a university environment. This workshop covers email etiquette, working with peers and student organizations, creating engaging presentations, and navigating the digital tools and resources available at Dalhousie. Participants will leave with practical skills to support academic success, collaboration, and leadership involvement from day one.
Challenge Accepted:
Strategies for Academic Success
Time: 1 PM - 2 PM | 3 PM - 4 PM
Location: Rowe Building, Room 1020
Join this academic strategy session for pro-tips and a bit of myth-busting to get you on track for a great year. Concerned your instructors will see you as number and not as an individual? Not sure how asking questions will really come across? Concerned you’ll need to study non-stop to stay on top of your course load? And what's up with A.I.? We’ll de-bunk some common misconceptions and provide University-based strategies for success at Dalhousie.
Capture the Flag
Time: 6 PM - 9 PM
Location: Wickwire Field
Need to get all that energy and excitement out before classes start? We got you covered!
Form teams with your residence or off campus community, face off in multiple rounds of scrimmages, and win bragging rights for at least one week!
Full day schedule
Events by Tags
- Daytime Event 56
- In-Person 49
- Social 43
- Evening Event 35
- All O-Week Passholders 32
- Informational 32
- General 27
- High Energy 22
- Medium Energy 19
- Residence 19
- Anchor Event 17
- Academic 14
- Faculty Specific Event 14
- Drop-In 13
- Low Energy 10
- Indigenous Students 8
- Academic Orientation Day 7
- All Students 7
- Athletics 7
- Faculty of Science 6
- Meal 6
- Varsity Game 6
- First Week of Class 5
- Tiger Welcome Day 5
- Family & Friends 4
- Group Orientation 4
- Off-Campus Students 4
- Teams 4
- Able@Dal 3
- School of Health and Human Performance 3
- Black Students 2
- Faculty of Architecture and Planning 2
- Faculty of Engineering 2
- Faculty of Health 2
- International Students 2
- Society Event 2
- Transfer Students 2
- Virtual 2
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Students 1
- Commerce Program 1
- Concert 1
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences 1
- Faculty of Computer Science 1
- Faculty of Management 1
- First Generation in Your Family to Attend University 1
- Mature Students 1
- Multi-Day Event 1
- Rural Students 1
- School of Health Sciences 1
- Sexton Campus 1
O-WEEK EVENTS:
First week of class
first week of class | Highlights:
Welcome fair
Date: Tuesday, September 8th
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: Studley Quad
Drop by the Welcome Fair to explore the many programs, services, and communities that make up life at Dalhousie. This engaging event gives students the chance to connect with campus supports, student groups, and university staff while learning about opportunities that can enrich both their academic journey and personal well-being.
Dalfest presents: The Beaches
Date: Friday, September 11th
Time: 6 PM - 11 PM
Location: Studley Quad
DalFest 2026 Lineup is officially here — and we weren’t kidding when we said we were going BIG!
Headliner: The Beaches!!!!
Opener: Neon Dreams
* Along with DJ, activities, and photobooth
Events by Tags
- Daytime Event 56
- In-Person 49
- Social 43
- Evening Event 35
- All O-Week Passholders 32
- Informational 32
- General 27
- High Energy 22
- Medium Energy 19
- Residence 19
- Anchor Event 17
- Academic 14
- Faculty Specific Event 14
- Drop-In 13
- Low Energy 10
- Indigenous Students 8
- Academic Orientation Day 7
- All Students 7
- Athletics 7
- Faculty of Science 6
- Meal 6
- Varsity Game 6
- First Week of Class 5
- Tiger Welcome Day 5
- Family & Friends 4
- Group Orientation 4
- Off-Campus Students 4
- Teams 4
- Able@Dal 3
- School of Health and Human Performance 3
- Black Students 2
- Faculty of Architecture and Planning 2
- Faculty of Engineering 2
- Faculty of Health 2
- International Students 2
- Society Event 2
- Transfer Students 2
- Virtual 2
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Students 1
- Commerce Program 1
- Concert 1
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences 1
- Faculty of Computer Science 1
- Faculty of Management 1
- First Generation in Your Family to Attend University 1
- Mature Students 1
- Multi-Day Event 1
- Rural Students 1
- School of Health Sciences 1
- Sexton Campus 1
schedule by Day:
September 8th
September 9th
September 10th
September 11th & 12th
