Attending Dal’s Agricultural Campus? Learn more about Truro’s New to Dal Orientation here

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.

Complete the course by August 28 with 80%+ on all quizzes for a chance to win a Smart Watch (Truro students)

Agricultural Campus Students- Access the course HERE

Mark your calendar for the International Student Orientation for new international students! International Student Orientation will be held in-person on August 26 on Sexton Campus and August 27 on Studley Campus.

You can choose one or the other, or both, depending on which date/campus works best for you. The program will repeat each day.

Orientation will give you an introduction to Dalhousie, workshops designed to help prepare you for university life, and opportunities to connect with your fellow students.

SEE FULL LIST OF EVENTS

Able@Dal is an Orientation program specifically designed for first-year Dalhousie and King's students who are receiving academic accommodations due to a disability or medical condition.

SEE FULL LIST OF EVENTS

Follow the Indigenous Student Centre on Instagram for more events throughout the year!

All events below are located at 1321 Edward St

Friday Feast

Friday, August 29th @ 12 PM - 4 PM

Join us at the ISC for a home-cooked meal! Friday Feast occurs on the last Friday of every month during the academic school year. Indigenous students - bring a friend and grab a bite. 

Pjila'si / Welcome to the ISC Drop In Times

Tuesday, September 2nd - 5th @ 9 AM - 4 PM

Drop into the Indigenous Student Centre (1321 Edward St) to see the space, meet other students, and connect with the advisors! New and returning students are welcomed. 

Indigenous DAL 101

Thursday September 4 @ 11 AM - 12 PM

Monday September 8 @ 11 AM - 12 PM

New to Dalhousie? Join us for an information session to learn almost all things Indigenous at Dalhousie and other tips. New and returning students are welcomed. Enter for a prize. 

Friday Night Bingo

Friday September 5 @ 5 PM - 7 PM

Join the ISC Staff and Elder Ann as Bingo caller for Friday Night Bingo. Lots of fun and prizes to be won. Tonight’s bingo theme: Dalhousie Swag. 

Indigenous Film Night

Tuesday September 9th @ 6 PM - 8 PM

Join us for our first Film Night of the year! Come celebrate Indigenous voices on the screen from the personal collection of Patti and George Doyle-Bedwell. Occurs bi-weekly on Tuesday’s.  

Follow the Black Student Advising Centre on Instagram for more events!

Black Student Block Party

September 4th @ 12 PM - 3 PM

Location: BSAC Backyard (1321 Edwards St)

A celebration of Black community, culture, and connection on campus! Kick off the school year with music, games, food, and good vibes. Whether you're a new or returning student, this is your chance to meet other Black students, learn about BSAC programming, and start the year off strong. Come through, bring a friend, and let’s build together!

Time: August 27th @ 9 AM - 1:15 PM

Location for all events below: MacRae Library, RM 219

FGS Orientation 2025: Agricultural Campus

Welcome to the Dalhousie graduate student community in Agriculture Campus! We are excited to have you join us and wanted to introduce the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) team, our campus partners, funding opportunities, GradPD Programming, Program overview and administrative requirements. Learn about supports from the university services and ask questions! Opening remarks from Dr. Lord Abbey. 

Meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies!

9 AM - 10 AM

Welcome to the Dalhousie graduate student community! We are excited to have you join us and wanted to introduce the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) team. Learn about supports from the FGS office and ask questions! Opening remarks from the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

Meet Dalhousie Campus Partners

10 AM - 11:30 AM

Unsure about what resources are available to you on campus? Come join this panel discussion to meet representatives from Bisset Student Centre, Dalhousie Libraries, Centre for Learning and Teaching, Student Health & Wellness, Studying for Success, and Writing Centre to learn more about supports you have during your graduate studies at Dalhousie. Moderator: Kala Hirtle Clarke, PhD, Director Professional Development and Student Engagement| Faculty of Graduate Studies

Agriculture Graduate Student Experiences at Dalhousie

11:30 AM -12.30 PM

New to Dalhousie and to Canada? Come join us and hear current international graduate students share their experiences and lessons learned. This will be a panel discussion, so we welcome your questions. Moderator: Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies

Agricultural Grad Mentors Host a Social

12.30 PM - 1:15 PM

Food TBA

Time: Aug 28th @ 9 AM - 3:15 PM

Location for all events below: Rowe Management Building, RM 1028

Meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS)!

9 AM - 10 AM

Welcome to the Dalhousie graduate student community! We are excited to have you join us and wanted to introduce the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) team. Learn about supports from the FGS office and ask questions! Opening remarks from the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

International Graduate Student Experiences at Dalhousie

10 AM - 11 AM

New to Dalhousie and to Canada? Come join us and hear current international graduate students share their experiences and lessons learned. This will be a panel discussion, so we welcome your questions. Moderator: Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies

Meet Dalhousie Campus Partners

11 AM - 12:30 PM

Unsure about what resources are available to you on campus? Come join this panel discussion to meet representatives from Bisset Student Centre, Dalhousie Libraries, Centre for Learning and Teaching, Student Health & Wellness, Studying for Success, and Writing Centre to learn more about supports you have during your graduate studies at Dalhousie. Moderator: Kala Hirtle Clarke, PhD, Director Professional Development and Student Engagement| Faculty of Graduate Studies

Grad Mentors Host a Social

12:30- 1:15 PM

Pizza from Freeman's 

Building a Strong Student/Supervisory Relationship

1:15 - 2:15pm

At the centre of every research-based graduate student’s life at Dalhousie is their relationship with their supervisor. Come join us and hear current graduate students share their experiences about building a strong supervisory relationship. This will be a panel discussion and we also welcome your questions. Moderator: Valerie Chappe, PhD, Associate Dean Students and Postdoctoral Fellows. Faculty of Graduate Studies

Finding your Way Through the AI Fog as a Graduate Student

2:15 - 3:15 PM

Ongoing technological disruptions require more than ever a strong command of your discipline. Your generation of leader will be the architect of how society defines expertise (no pressure!).  In this session, we will discuss approaches to make informed decision on how evolving ways to interact with information and documents. This, despite an abundance of contradictory rules and emotionally charged  judgements. Speaker: Christian Blouin, PhD, Dean. Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Location for all events below: Goldberg Computer Science Building

Pancake Social - CODEchella 2025 Launch! 
September 1st @ 10 AM

Start your CODEchella Computer Science Orientation journey with stacks of pancakes, sweet syrup, and a dash of friendly competition!

Explore fun mini games in the Atrium & Urban Garden hosted by your CS mentors and begin building your new community as Computer Science student at Dalhousie University!

Campus Tour & Scavenger Hunt
September 1st @ 2:30 PM

After University 101, join up with your CODEchella Team as your Stage Manager (Guide) leads you through some key places to know on Campus. Don't forgot to keep on eye out for those "Check-Ins" to earn your team CODEchella stamps.

CODEchella 2025
September 1st @ 5 PM

Follow your Stage Manager (Mentor/Guide) alongside your CODEchella teammates on a journey through the heart of Halifax—past iconic landmarks, lively streets, and the welcoming pulse of your new city.

Along the way, enjoy a taste of a local delicacy and end your adventure at The Wave on the stunning Halifax waterfront, where your entire class will come together for a beloved CODEchella tradition: an iconic collective photo immortalizing the start of a new chapter!

Teacher Tuesday

September 2nd @ All Day (See DalU for posted office hours)

Your professors are more accessible than you think! Check the list of first-year profs provided on the DalU App and drop by during their office hours to put a face to a name and start building a connection with the teachers who are passionate about your education!

Ask about their CODEchella challenge, crack the CODE and you’ll earn stamps towards your CODEchella Hunt. It’s low pressure, super helpful, and a fun way to meet the folks behind the lectures!

Workshop Wednesday
September 3rd @ 4 PM

After you wrap up Day 2 of classes, come alone or join up with your classmates and take part in hands-on learning, real talk, and future-ready skills.

Dive into everything from exploring the power of AI with ShiftKey, to building confidence through bystander training, prepping for co-op success, and getting the inside scoop on Dal Hacks.

Ctrl-Alt-Esc the Goldberg

September 4th @ 6 PM

You and your CODEchella teammates have just been “locked” inside the Goldberg Computer Science Building—and the only way out is through the world of Computer Science student societies. Welcome to Ctrl-Alt-Esc, a building-wide escape room experience where every hallway, classroom, and common space hides a new challenge.

To escape, you and your team must navigate through cleverly designed stations hosted by the many CS-related student societies and groups. At each stop, you’ll solve puzzles, complete mini-games, and uncover the inner workings of each society—what they do, how to get involved, and why they’re the heart of student life in the Faculty of Computer Science.

From cracking codes with the Cybersecurity Society to building your first line of GitHub history with the Developer Student Club, every challenge brings you one step closer to the final exit.

Can you Esc the building before time runs out? Only one way to find out. Let the great Goldberg breakout begin

Feel Good Friday
September 5th @1 PM

After a whirlwind first week of classes, it’s time to hit pause, breathe deep, and soak in some serious good vibes. Feel Good Friday is your afternoon to relax, recharge, and reconnect—with yourself and your new classmates.

Join your classmates for an afternoon of light-hearted fun, good company, and simple pleasures. Whether you’re laughing on the lawn, moving to the beat, creating something cool, or just soaking it all in—you’ll find space to be yourself and connect with others doing the same.

No pressure, no rush—just feel-good energy to wrap up your week before heading up the hill to DALFest to see BBNO$ and other great performers!

CSS Geek BBQ
September 6th @ 6 pm

There’s no better way to wrap up CODEchella 2025 than the Geek BBQ, hosted by the Computer Science Society. This is the place to be—a chance to celebrate everything you’ve experienced during CODEchella, enjoy some great food, and spend time with the people who’ll be part of your journey ahead.

Whether you’re reconnecting with new friends or making a few more before the week’s out, the energy, community, and atmosphere at the Geek BBQ make it a can’t-miss event. Come ready to relax, reflect, and end the week on a high note.

International Science Student Welcome

Thursday August 28th @ 1:30-4:30pm
Location: Museum of Natural History (1747 Summer Street)

Welcome international students! Join the Faculty of Science and current international students as we meet on campus and head to the Museum of Natural History together.  A fun afternoon to meet new people, explore Halifax, and learn about our Science community!

Registration

Dal Science First Year Welcome Celebration

Wednesday, September 3rd @ 2 to 4 pm

Location: Wallace McCain Learning Commons

The Faculty of Science and the Dalhousie Science Society want to welcome first year students to our Dal Science community! Come for the free pizza, swag and lawn games, stay for the helpful information you'll receive about your time with Science.

Registration

Science Innovation Challenge

September 10th @ 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Location: RM O2660, SURGE Innovation, Life Sciences Centre (Second floor of the oceanography tower in the LSC)

Interested in science, innovation, and design? Join the Faculty of Science and SURGE Innovation for a Science Innovation Challenge! Work in teams to design and build an innovative prototype from a surprise prompt. Meet new friends, develop problem-solving skills, and discover the SURGE innovation space and its programs that range from clubs to hackathons.

This event is open to all first-year students interested in science, design, or innovation. The SURGE space is wheelchair accessible and we will have free food and drinks. Build. Create. Connect. See you there!

Registration

Black and African Nova Scotian Science Student Welcome

September 18th @ 11:30am to 1:30pm

Location: RM 307, Student Union Building

Dal Science and the Black Science Society invites students who self-identify as African Nova Scotian, Black and/or of African descent to join us for a welcome event! Lunch will be served as you have a chance to learn about the supports available during your time at Dal and mix and mingle with fellow students, advisors, faculty, staff and student leaders!

Registration

Meet Your FASS-Mates!

September 3rd @ 4 PM - 5 PM

Location: Strug Hall in the Fountain School of Performing Arts Building

Join us to meet your FASS-Mates at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) First-Year Students Mixer! This is your chance to meet other first-year students in your faculty, chat with some of your professors, learn about getting involved with FASS student societies, have a chance to win some great door prizes, and enjoy some free pizza.

Registration

Time: 8 AM start
Location: Various Residences

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!

9 AM - 2 PM - Student Union Building

Your O-Week Pass will grant you FULL ACCESS to ALL O-Week events and allow you to use your reserved ticket to see BBNO$ at DalFest!!

Visit the Dalhousie Student Union Building at 6136 University Avenue, between 9 AM - 2 PM on Thursday - Saturday to pick up your O-Week Access Pass and Tote!

Time: Self-led | Spots open from 10 AM - 2 PM.

Sign up for a time ( Link Coming Soon)!

Location: Start at the Student Union Building!

It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s your chance to explore campus and downtown Halifax in the most chaotic way possible.

Team up with friends (or let us match you) and complete as many hilarious, creative challenges as you can within the three-hour time limit. Rack up points and climb the leaderboard — the top teams win prizes.

Energy Level: Medium to High. On your feet, outside, fast-paced, high-fiving strangers.

Who: O-Week Friends & Family

Time: 2 PM- 4 PM

Location: Kenneth C. Rowe Management Lobby

Sending off your child or friend to university?

Drop in for some coffee and refreshments afterward to learn about some of the resources that the university has to support them.

Time:
2 PM - 4 PM
4 PM -6 PM

Location: Your residence

All moved in? Join your community at a residence Life Kick Off where you get the chance to interact with Residence Life staff as they deliver key information you need to thrive this year in your residence Hall.

Information includes:

• Who is who in residence

• Our core commitments as a community

• Programming plans for the upcoming year

• and much more!

Who: Residence Students

Time: 6 PM - 6:30 PM, 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM, 7:30 PM - 8 PM
Location: Your Residence!

Join your Student Leaders on a guided tour of the building as well as key locations nearby to get acquainted with where you will be calling home! Feel free to come with all of your questions about life in Residence and what you can expect in your day to day.

Bring: your roomies, your neighbours, and your questions!

Who: Residence Students

Time: 8 PM - 10 PM
Location: Your residence

This year will be an important year of firsts! Imagine all you want to accomplish and experience this year with a creative zine lead by your Student Leaders!

Use the time to unwind, meet other similar minded residents, and get ready for the exciting year ahead!

Time: 8 AM Start

Residence Move In:

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!

Time: 9 AM - 2 PM - Student Union Building

Your O-Week Pass will grant you FULL ACCESS to ALL O-Week events and allow you to use your reserved ticket to see BBNO$ at DalFest!!

Visit the Dalhousie Student Union Building at 6136 University Avenue, between 9 AM - 2 PM on Thursday - Saturday to pick up your O-Week Access Pass and Tote!

Time: Self-led | Spots open from 10am-2pm. Sign up for a spot HERE (Link Coming Soon)
Location: Start at the Student Union Building

It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s your chance to explore campus and downtown Halifax in the most chaotic way possible.

Team up with friends (or let us match you) and complete as many hilarious, creative challenges as you can within the three-hour time limit. Rack up points and climb the leaderboard — the top teams win prizes.

Energy Level: Medium to high. On your feet, outside, fast-paced, high-fiving strangers.

Who: O-Week students, friends, family and supporters

Time: 2 PM - 4 PM

Location: Kenneth C. Rowe Management Lobby

Sending off your child or friend to university?

Drop in for some coffee and refreshments afterward to learn about some of the resources that the university has to support them.

Residence Life Kick Off:

Time:
2 PM - 4 PM
4 PM - 6 PM

All moved in?

Join your community at a Residence Life Kick Off where you get the chance to interact with Residence Life staff as they deliver key information you need to thrive this year in your Residence Hall.

Information includes:

• Who is who in residence

• Our core commitments as a community

• Programming plans for the upcoming year

• and much more!

Time: 5 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Wickwire Field

Who: Residence students

Time: 6 PM - 6:30 PM, 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM, 7:30 PM - 8 PM
Location: Your residence!

Join your Student Leaders on a guided tour of the building as well as key locations nearby to get acquainted with where you will be calling home! Feel free to come with all of your questions about life in Residence and what you can expect in your day to day.

Bring: your roomies, your neighbours, and your questions!

Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Location: Wickwire Field

WHO: Residence Students

Time: 8pm - 10pm
Location: Your residence

 This year will be an important year of firsts! Imagine all you want to accomplish and experience this year with a creative zine lead by your Student Leaders!

Use the time to unwind, meet other similar minded residents, and get ready for the exciting year ahead!

Location: Studley Quad

Your first event on the Quad! Wear something comfy, bring a blanket, and settle in under the stars.

Energy Level: Low. Cozy, low-key, quiet crowd. Great if you want to ease into the week.

Time: 8am start

Residence Move-In:

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!

Time: 9 AM - 2 PM - Student Union Building

Your O-Week Pass will grant you FULL ACCESS to ALL O-Week events and allow you to use your reserved ticket to see BBNO$ at DalFest!!

Visit the Dalhousie Student Union Building at 6136 University Avenue, between 9 AM - 2 PM on Thursday - Saturday to pick up your O-Week Access Pass and Tote!

Bring: Your DalCard!

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 a fantastic Together@Dal Peer 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.

Learn the Dal cheers, get pumped, and head to the official Class Photo and Pep Rally with your new crew. Your Dal journey starts here and let’s make it unforgettable!

This time is held for your first Residence Community Meeting!

Residence Community Meetings are a chance to meet floormates, discuss upcoming events, campus resources and community expectations in a welcoming and inclusive space.

Your Community Assistant (CAT) and Orientation Week Leaders can help you find where your first meeting will be held!

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!

Location: SUB (Student Union Building) - Upper Atrium

DSU Society-Led Event:

Discover the joy of Lindy Hop with DalKings Swing! Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly, one-hour lesson where you'll learn the basics of Lindy Hop–a joyful, high energy dance rooted in Black American history and danced to swinging jazz music! No partner required! Lindy Hop is a social dance, meaning we'll rotate partners throughout the class so everyone gets to dance. Come for the music, stay for the energy and connection.

Location: Studley Quad

Join us for more than just a meal, it's your chance to build meaningful connections within other students at Dal!

Enjoy a delicious meal while connecting with fellow incoming students. This is the perfect opportunity to share experiences, make new friends, and build your supportive network. Come for the great food, and stay for the even better company. 

Location: Wickwire Field

Ready to ignite your Dal pride?

Come to Pep Rally to meet your O-Week leaders, learn all the essential Dal cheers, and bond with your residence or off-campus community before the big Opening Ceremonies.

It’s the perfect chance to feel the energy, snap a photo to show you’re officially a Dal student, and kick off your orientation experience with spirit, connection, and excitement.

Make sure to get all Dal’d up for the Class Photo by wearing your Black and Gold!

Get loud, get proud because your your Dal journey starts here.

Location: Studley Quad

Opening Ceremonies is your chance to meet university leaders and Dal Student Union executives, enjoy vibrant cultural performances, and take part in a high-energy cheer-off that’s sure to ignite your school spirit.

Come connect, celebrate, and start your academic journey surrounded by your new community. 

Location: Studley Quad

We’re wrapping up Opening Ceremonies with Halifax’s very own party legends, Donair Supply.

These guys bring the ultimate playlist energy and will teach you exactly how to survive a Halifax night out. Not sure what “sociables” is? Don’t worry. You’ll be yelling it with everyone else by the end of the set.

Energy Level: High. Live band, dancing, clapping, Maritime chaos (in the best way).

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM

Location: Studley Quad

Returning to school as a mature student? Join us for a relaxed morning picnic designed just for you!

Connect with fellow mature students, share stories, enjoy snacks, lawn games, and learn about campus resources.

Bring your coffee, your kids, or just yourself and come build community to start your Dalhousie journey feeling supported and confident.

Who: All O-Week students!
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 dodgeball and soccer to relay races and 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.

Wear your athletic gear and bring your water bottle!

Who: First Year queer students
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Location: Glitter Bean Cafe, Spring Garden Road

New to Dal and part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community? This social is just for you! Join the DalOUT student society at Glitter Bean Café, a Halifax’s queer-affirming coffeehouse, for a relaxed afternoon of connection, snacks, and great conversation.

Meet fellow first-year queer students, build community, and start your Dal journey feeling seen, supported, and celebrated. After we meet we'll all head over to the evening Drag Show together!

Who: Students not familiar with Halifax Transit, rural students, students from outside of Halifax
Time: 4 PM - 6 PM

Location: Starting on the Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building to Spring Garden Road

New to Halifax or the first in your family to attend university? Join us for a fun and interactive scavenger hunt designed to help you get comfortable navigating the city and feeling at home.

You’ll explore key spots using public transit, discover local gems, and connect with other first-year students who are also new to Halifax. With fun challenges, prizes, and plenty of chances to ask questions and share experiences, this is the perfect way to start finding your place and your people at Dal.

Who: All O-Week students!
Time: 6 PM - 8 PM

Location: Studley Quad

We’re bringing the sparkle and the sass to the Quad with a full drag 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.

Energy Level: Medium to high. Outdoor stage, music, crowd cheering.

Location: Studley Quad

Time: 8 PM - 10 PM

Sex Toy Bingo is a fun twist on classic bingo. Join us to explore sexual health, consent, and pleasure in a respectful, inclusive environment - and win some fun prizes along the way!

Time: There are 3 sessions available: 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1 PM.
Each session will have the same information. Pick one that works for you!

Location: McInnes Room, Student Union Building

Start your university journey strong with Academic Orientation Day! This two-hour event features University 101 and a guided tour of your faculty—designed to help you feel confident, connected, and ready for the year ahead.

We'll cut through the confusion, showing you exactly how to navigate campus services and decode all that new lingo. Get the practical strategies you need to conquer your courses and make the most of your time here at Dal. 

TIme: 3 PM - 4 PM

Location: Council Chambers Room - Second Floor, Student Union Building

After acing University 101, dive into a hands-on session with experienced counsellors where you’ll learn how to create your own class schedule. Get practical tips and step-by-step guidance to organize your courses, manage your time effectively, and set yourself up for a successful semester.

Build confidence in planning your academic path and take control of your Dal experience!

Time: 7 PM - 10 PM

Location: Wickwire Field

Join us on the Wickwire Field for a game of Capture the Flag! Jump in to the game to represent your building or cheer along your team!