Information for New Students

New student orientation

Winter Welcome Week 2026!

Dalhousie University is excited to welcome new students to the winter 2026 semester with the Winter Welcome Week, taking place January 5-15, 2026 in Halifax.

All new Dalhousie students are invited to attend Winter Welcome Day, an orientation event specifically for new students that takes place on Monday, January 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the McCain Building (main lobby). Spend the day learning about university supports/resources, engaging in workshops to help you settle into life in Halifax, and connecting with fellow students! Registration is now open.

Additional events are also planned for early January. View the full schedule here.

New student orienation programming provides new students opportunities to connect with each other online and in-person before your first semester and during your first year at Dal. Our goal is to make your transition to Dalhousie as successful and positive as possible.

Orientation features a range of student-centred programming that supports students coming direct from high school, mature or transfer students, and students travelling from outside of Canada. Events will introduce you to important academic info, communities on campus, support services, and resources available on campus. We provide a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and accessible experience for all Dalhousie students and their Family & Friends.

For ongoing information about New Student Orientation, remember to check your Dalhousie email!

Dalhousie Student Union - Orientation Week

Dalhousie Student Union's Orientation Week (also known as "O-Week") offers fun and interactive events for new students, including music, movies, games and much more!

Other orientation events

Orientation programming introduces new students to important academic info, communities on campus, social engagement opportunities, support services, and resources available on campus.

Additional sessions and events are offered through the International Centre, Black Student Advising Centre, Indigenous Student Centre, and Able@Dal.

New to Dal - Agricultural Campus (Truro students)

New to Dal AC programming incorporates all the important information you need to make lasting connections with your fellow Aggies and be successful in your first year of university and beyond! Hosted by your Dalhousie Agricultural Student Association and the Student Success Centre team, events are open to all new students attending the Dalhousie campus in Truro. Programs will use interactive tools and activities to educate students on the essential support services that are available to help you succeed. Join us this fall to connect with your campus community and start building engaging and supportive relationships with fellow students, staff, and instructors.

Brightspace Course

The New Student Orientation course on Brightspace includes videos that help new students prepare for university and provides tips and tools for success. Each section contains videos that cover a wide range of topics, including academic expectations, how to manage your money, taking care of your health, and more.

Together@Dal (Grad Edition)

Together@Dal: Grad Edition is for graduate students across the university's departments and campuses, and will help you prepare to start your degree. Learn about resources available to you and professional development programming built exclusively for you.

If you have any questions about New Student Orientation, please contact us at student.experience@dal.ca.

Dalhousie University