Halifax may not boast palm trees and permanent sunshine like California, but the two locations do share some parallels — coastal vibes and views, both great qualities for starting new adventures like university.
Halifornia Dreaming, this year's Orientation Week programming (Aug.29-Sept.7), offers Dal's newest students dozens of opportunities to learn, meet new people, and have fun.
“O-Week is really important for students to engage with the community and get to know people," says Ana Patton, vice -resident of student life with the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU).
After not being able to get to experience her own in-person O-Week at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she emphasizes it as a key time to help students make lasting memories and finding their way in person.
The DSU and Dalhousie are collaborating to bring this year's O-Week to life, with dozens of activities planned over the coming week and resources available on campus and in the community.
"It’s also really important to meet faculty or people in leadership positions as well," says Ana. “When you need a specific resource like the Bissett Student Success Centre, or you know, you might need to access something in Human Rights and Equity Services (HRES), knowing those people and just putting names to faces is really important and this first week kind of accomplishes that for us."
Fun, games, and more
O-Week wouldn’t be O-Week without the fun-filled days and nights of events. And if you can’t get a ticket, no worries! All day-time events like the annual DSU O-Week Beach Carnival and Saturday’s Opening Ceremony do not require premium tickets to attend.
Though Ana is excited for all the events, she is especially looking forward to what she says is an “underrated” event — Karaoke on the Quad this Saturday (Aug. 31) at 8 p.m., which requires a premium ticket to attend.
O-Week premium tickets were available for purchase online and in person Thursday and Friday during the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. O-Week registration times. New, first-year students were able to pick up tickets at the registration booths outside the Student Union Building (SUB). Tickets were limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students participate in an O-Week activity in 2019. (File photo)
The DSU will also be hosting a Welcome Fair for all students (new and returning) in the Studley Quad on the first day of classes (Sept. 3) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students can find resources, and information from other students, faculty, and from groups like the International Centre, the Student Success Centre, and the surrounding campus community.
Find a full schedule of all O-Week events.
Staying safe
Dal and the DSU want every student to know they are safe and supported here on Dal campuses. All students can download the DalSAFE mobile app for campus weather updates, closures, and security features like Friend Walk — a virtual walk-home service that allows a friend or Dal Security to watch your progress
If you can’t attend DSU O-Week events, you can find the ‘Ask Me’ volunteers and their Care Hub booth on the Studley Quad or go to Student Services in the SUB with any questions at any time during the school year.