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Orientation

Orientation is your official welcome to ÍâÁ÷ӰƬ! Meet new friends, make connections on campus, and learn all about the resources available to help you succeed at Acadia.

Orientation Week will consist of fun-filled social events and educational sessions for new students.

New students moving into residence: we'll see you on Saturday, January 10 for Move-In Day. All new students: join us on Sunday, January 11 for Winter 2026 Orientation!

Orientation (New Students)

Move-In and Orientation Kick-Off

Saturday, January 10

Prebooked airport taxis available through the Wong International Centre

TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
8:30am to 4:30pm
Residence Move-In
Welcome to Residence! New students, this is your day to settle into your dorm, meet your roommates, and start to explore your new home. RAs will be available to help with unloading and carrying belongings, ensuring a smooth and welcoming process.
In Your Residence
12:00pm to 1:00pm
Lunch (Residence Students)
Wheelock Dining Hall
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Dinner (Residence Students)
Wheelock Dining Hall
8:00pm
Orientation Kickoff - Karaoke Night
Presented by the Acadia Students’ Union
The Orientation Kickoff is your official welcome to campus! Meet the ASU team and your Orientation Leaders and enjoy a Winter Orientation tradition – Karaoke Night! This is a dry event open to all ages.
Axe Bar and Grill, Students' Union Building
New Student Orientation Day (New First Year Students)

Sunday, January 11

TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
8:00am to 10:00am
Breakfast (Residence Students)
Wheelock Dining Hall
10:00am
Elder's Welcome (Mandatory Event)
The President and Elder’s Welcome is a special gathering for the university President and indigenous elders to greet new students. It includes inspiring speeches, shared wisdom, and a warm introduction to the university community, marking the start of an enriching academic journey.
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Auditorium
10:30am
Campus Passport and Video Tour (Mandatory Event)
This fun and interactive event is designed to help you get your bearings around campus in a spirited way. Explore everything that Acadia has to offer and win prizes along the way!
University Hall
12:00pm
Welcome BBQ (All Students)
All students are welcome to join us in the Wheelock Dining Hall for some fun barbecue-themed eats and an opportunity to meet some new faces in the community.
Wheelock Dining Hall
1:00pm to 2:30pm
Getting the Right Start: Skills for Academic Success (Mandatory Event)
It’s time to build your foundation for a strong first year. Participants will learn essential academic and personal skills, tap into the knowledge of upper-year students, and get familiar with the resources you will need to succeed.
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Auditorium
3:00pm to 3:45pm
Exchange 101 (For Inbound Exchange Students Only)
Meet the Global Learning team and learn about essential information to help transition smoothly into Acadia and Canada for your exchange.
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Classroom
4:00pm to 5:30pm
Student Meet & Mix
This fun-filled, casual event is a chance to mingle, make friends, and build connections through games organized by the Wong International Centre.
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Dinner (Residence Students)
Wheelock Dining Hall
7:00pm
Residence Community Meetings (Mandatory Event)
Residence Community Meetings are regular gatherings where students living in the same residence hall come together. These meetings provide a platform to discuss important information, address concerns, and build a sense of community.
In Your Residence
8:00pm
Paint Night (presented by Acadia@Night)
It’s time to paint the night away! All materials will be provided, and no experience is needed. Come, unwind, socialize, and create your own masterpiece.
Students' Union Building
Winter Orientation Week Events – Open to All First Year Students

Monday, January 12 to Saturday, January 17

Monday, January 12

TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
All Day
Classes Begin - Check your class schedule for details
Across Campus

Tuesday, January 13

TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
6:00pm
New Minas Shopping Trip (For International Students only)
New to Canada? Need to pick-up supplies? The New Minas Shopping Trip is a guided outing to help new international students explore local shops and gather essentials.
Meet at the Wong International Centre

Wednesday, January 14

TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
6:00pm
Ice Skating (International and Exchange students)
At this event, newcomers will get the opportunity to learn this classic Canadian activity, enjoy the ice, and socialize with fellow students in a friendly and supportive environment.
Andrew H. McCain Arena (Meet at the Wong International Centre)

Friday, January 16

TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
2:30pm
Campus Care Fair (Mandatory Event)
What resources exist at Acadia? The Campus Care Fair is a great opportunity to explore various wellness booths, participate in activities on physical health, mental wellness, sexual health, and spiritual health, and meet key wellness professionals on campus.
Students’ Union Building
4:00pm
Canada Unpacked – What’s Different Here
You’re in Canada, now what? Does Canadian culture feel completely different? Join our lively Culture Shock session for fun games, helpful insights, and a chance to win awesome prizes!
Students’ Union Building, Michener Lounge
7:00pm
Exchange Welcome Event and Community Mixer (Presented by Acadia Exchange Network, Open to All Students)
Join the Acadia Exchange Network as we welcome our newest inbound exchange students to Wolfville! Check out what Wolfville has to offer and meet other students who are excited about all things study abroad.
Meet at the Wong International Centre

Saturday, January 17

TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
8:00pm
Silent Disco
Presented by Acadia @ Night
The disco may be silent, but you better be ready to turn up on the dance floor! Participants will be provided with wireless headphones for a unique and immersive experience.
Fountain Learning Commons