Incoming students will receive a weeklong welcome to the University of New Brunswick’s campuses starting on Sept. 3.

A jam-packed week of orientation events has been planned for both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses of the university.

“Orientation week is a great time to meet friends and really get out there and learn about your university,” said Brad Gibson, UNB Student Union Orientation Chair of the Fredericton campus.

An event for everyone

A plethora of events have been planned in both Fredericton and Saint John to help familiarize students with their new campus.

In Fredericton, big events like Blast-Off and CornBoil are planned to give students the chance to meet others.  A cross campus challenge is happening during the week to familiarize students with buildings and services offered by UNB.  A game show night is also planned, and students who participate can win big prizes, such as Apple TV and trips to New York City.  Fredericton’s Shinerama event finishes off Orientation Week on Saturday, Sept. 10.

At UNB Saint John, a number of events have been planned for incoming students, including a rock-climbing and boating expedition and a Tropical Cruise Casino Night where big prizes will be given out.  Saint John’s Shinerama event will be held Wednesday Sept. 7, the day before classes begin.

While some of the events may be daunting to some incoming students, Fredericton’s UNB Student Union Orientation Vice-Chair Julia Roy said that the mix of events should appeal to all types of personalities.

“There’s a little bit of everything for everybody,” she said.  “So while we try to amp things up to get people excited, you don’t have to be super outgoing to take part in the events.”

Both Gibson and Roy encouraged incoming UNB Fredericton students to participate in this year’s jungle-themed orientation week.

“Orientation week is the best way to get comfortable with campus and to get comfortable with your housemates, if you’re living in residence,” Roy said.

Rebecca Coleman, UNB Saint John’s Orientation Week Chair, said that Orientation Week will be a learning experience for new students.

“I encourage all students to go to these events because it is a great way to meet new people, win free stuff, have fun, and learn about yourself and what this university has to offer,” Coleman said.

Both campuses are offering events for incoming international students to get them used to life at a Canadian university.

An academic transition

While UNB wants to ensure that students are having fun during Orientation Week, the academic success of students is important as well.

At UNB Saint John, Sept. 6 is set aside for academic orientation.  In Fredericton, Sept. 6 and Sept. 7 are days designated to the academic transition of students. Each faculty has designed its own academic orientation where students can meet their classmates, professors, and learn about their program.

“Each faculty works very hard to put together these academic orientations,” said Sarah Rothman, the student development coordinator at UNB Fredericton.

“Attending programs like this sets students up to be successful in their university career.”

Rothman also encouraged students to take advantage of the advice that upper-year students have to offer.

“If you’re living in residence, talk to the older students that live there too,” she said.  “They’ve been through the transition from high school to university and can probably offer good advice on how to manage your time and do well in school.”

Contributed by Alanah Duffy, UNB Communications & Marketing. This story made possible thanks to the support of the UNB Associated Alumni.