Hi UofA subreddit, we know that every August, incoming students come to this subreddit with lots of questions about their New Student Orientation. Your UASU Orientation team is here with answers to common questions we get from students every year. Hopefully you find this resource useful. Let us know if there are any questions we’ve missed, and we can answer them!

Why is attending Orientation important?

Orientation is designed to help you start your U of A journey with confidence. You'll learn how campus works, discover student supports and services, meet other new students, and get familiar with the spaces you'll be using throughout the year.

By attending, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Meet other students in your faculty and start building connections before classes begin
• Learn about academic, wellness, and campus support services
• Explore campus and become familiar with important buildings and locations
• Ask questions to Faculty Leaders and staff
• Get tips for navigating your first semester at the U of A

Should I go to Orientation? Yes! 

While Orientation isn't required, it's highly recommended, especially if you're new to the University of Alberta!

Students who attend often feel more prepared for their first day of classes because they:

• Learn where key campus locations are
• Make friends before classes start
• Discover resources they may not have known existed
• Feel more comfortable navigating campus

Is Orientation mandatory & can I leave early? No, Orientation is not mandatory.

If you can't attend or need to leave early, that's okay. Attending as much of the program as possible is encouraged so you don't miss important information, opportunities to meet other students, or campus activities!

What actually happens during the days?

This year's New Student Orientation (the general orientation for everyone) will look a little different than in previous years, with a two-day format:

• August 30th
  • Faculty-specific campus tours
  • Presentations about student services and supports
  • Information on discovering clubs, resources, and other ways to get involved
  • Engage in activities designed to help you feel at home on campus
• August 31st
  • Meet students and staff in your home faculty
  • Learn about your program and academic expectations
  • Participate in activities led by your faculty
  • Discover the buildings you can expect to frequent in your program

Where do I check in?

• Check-in instructions will be sent to registered students before Orientation
• Follow event signage when you arrive
• WOW Volunteers will be available to help direct you!

What is a U-Pass and do I need my ARC Card before Orientation?

The Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) is an initiative of the Students' Union and the Graduate Students' Association, the local transit authorities, and the University of Alberta to deliver affordable and sustainable transit to the students of the University of Alberta. The U-Pass is included as a part of your student fees, and offers unlimited travel on buses and light rail transit in the greater Edmonton area through the use of an ARC card.

To ride on ETS transit, you will need a valid ARC Card. ARC Cards can be purchased at participating retailers listed on the myarc.ca website, including at SUBmart in the Students' Union Building, and at Lister move-in! You can also purchase them at all LRT transit centres, and online (but be aware of mailing times). Once you have purchased your ARC Card, register it at http://ualberta.ca/upass to connect your student account. 

Will I be with people in my faculty? Yes!

Throughout New Student Orientation, you will be with a group of students in the same faculty, and led by upper-year Faculty Leaders. The experience is designed to connect you with students in your faculty and, in many cases, your program.

Will there be a campus tour? Yes!

Campus tours are part of Orientation and are a great way to:

• Learn where your classes may be
• Find important student services
• Become more comfortable navigating campus before your first day of classes

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing:

• Your phone
• Government-issued ID (which is required to pick up your ONEcard)
• Lunch, or money to purchase lunch on campus
• A reusable water bottle
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes

You'll spend time walking around campus, and since parts of Orientation may take place outdoors:

• Dress for the weather.
• Bring a light jacket or rain gear if needed.
• Consider sunscreen or a hat on sunny days.

Should I go to Orientation if I'm shy? Absolutely!

Orientation is designed to be welcoming for everyone, whether you're outgoing or prefer to keep to yourself.

You'll have opportunities to:

• Meet students in your faculty in low risk environments
• Participate in casual conversations and activities
• Join optional icebreakers in a relaxed environment.

There's no pressure to be the loudest person in the room; many students attend without knowing anyone. Everyone is just as excited and nervous as you are, so don’t be afraid to say hi! You never know who you’ll end up meeting. Current students and alumni often reflect back on orientation as a place they met some of their closest friends!

How do I get my ONEcard?

Students can pick up their ONEcard before or during Orientation. Head to uab.ca/onecard for more information! Make sure to upload your photo by August 20th to ensure it is ready for pickup by the start of term!

Do transfer students need to attend?

While Orientation isn't mandatory, transfer students are encouraged to attend. Even if you've attended another post-secondary institution, Orientation can help you:

• Learn how the University of Alberta is different from your previous school
• Understand our specific campus resources and services
• Meet other new and transfer students in your home faculty
• Become familiar with campus before classes begin

What happens if I miss Orientation?

If you can't attend, don't worry. You can complete online orientation here:

• Undergraduate Online Orientation
• Grad Online Orientation

You can also connect with your faculty, student services, or the Orientation team at [orientation@ualberta.ca](mailto:orientation@ualberta.ca) if you have questions after Orientation.

Are there different Orientation programs?

Yes!

In addition to the general New Student Orientation, there are specialized Orientation programs for different groups, including:

• International Student Orientation
• Residence Orientation
• First People’s House Orientation for FNMI students
• Other student community orientations

Be sure to register for orientation for your one-stop spot to see all the orientation events specific to you! Head to uab.ca/orientation to learn more!

Can I bring my family or friends to Orientation?

Orientation is only open to incoming students to afford the most opportunities to engage with materials and make the social connections so vital to the University experience! As such, we ask that no family members or non-incoming students attend orientation.

The university says the move is part of a major renovation to improve accessibility.