U of G Orientation Week: Dates, Registration, What to Do
Written by Owen Mitchell • Published August 31, 2026 • Last verified August 31, 2026
What you need to know:
Register for O-Week by August 15 using your central login on the university website.
Residence move-in is August 28; you'll get a time slot by email.
O-Week runs August 29 to September 3, with classes starting September 6.
Some college events are mandatory, including academic advising and safety sessions.
Parking is limited; use transit or bike and arrive early.
Orientation Week at the University of Guelph starts August 29 and runs through September 3. That's the week before classes begin on September 6. The university expects about 30,000 students across all programs, and most first-years will be on campus for O-Week.
You need to register for O-Week before August 15. Registration opens on the university's website, and you'll use your central login. The fee covers events, a T-shirt, and meals during the week. If you're living in residence, your move-in date is August 28, one day before O-Week starts. Residence staff will send you a move-in time slot by email.
Each of the seven colleges runs its own orientation schedule. That means your week looks different depending on whether you're in Arts, Science, or one of the other colleges. Check your college's O-Week page for the specific schedule. Some events are mandatory, like academic advising sessions and campus safety talks. Others are optional, like the club fair and movie nights.
What should you bring? The university's packing list for residence includes bedding for a twin XL bed, a fan, and a power bar. You'll also want a water bottle and comfortable shoes for walking between events. The campus is large, from Johnston Green to the Arboretum, so expect to do a lot of walking.
One thing to know: O-Week is for first-years. Transfer students and graduate students have their own orientation events, usually held on the same days and with separate schedules. Check with your program's graduate coordinator for details.
If you can't make it to O-Week, you're not out of luck. The university posts key information online, and your college's advising office can help you catch up. But if you can attend, it's the easiest way to learn the campus layout, meet people, and get your student card sorted.
Parking on campus during O-Week is limited. If you're driving, consider using the parking lots near the Arboretum and taking the shuttle. Or use Guelph Transit, which runs routes to the university. The university also has bike racks near most buildings.
For parents and families, the university hosts a separate information session on August 29. That's a chance to ask questions about health services, tuition payment, and residence life. The session runs from 1 to 3 p.m. in the University Centre.
By the end of O-Week, you should have your class schedule confirmed, know where your classes are, and have a general sense of where things are on campus. If you're still unsure about anything, the O-Week information desk in the University Centre is open throughout the week, staffed by upper-year students.
So mark August 29 on your calendar. Register before August 15, check your college's schedule, and pack for the weather. That's what you need to do to start your time at U of G on the right foot.
Sources
Related Reading
- Guelph Gryphons: Teams, Tickets and Game Days
- U of G Biotechnology Centre: What It Means for Guelph
- U of G Move-In Weekend: Traffic, Dates, and What to Do
- University of Guelph Courses: How to Choose and Enrol
Spot a mistake? Suggest a correction; we fix errors in the open.