Welcome to OWeek: Your First Step into University Life
Written by: Tuleen Tayeh, 5th Year Health Science Specialization and Psychology Major
Starting university comes with a lot of firsts. Your first day on campus, your first class, your first time trying to find a building you have never been to before, and, of course, your first OWeek.
OWeek, short for Orientation Week, is Western’s campus-wide welcome to university life. It's a chance to meet new people, explore campus, connect with your faculty and start finding your place in the Western community. Upper-year students, known as sophs, are there throughout the week to welcome you, answer your questions and help you get settled.
All official OWeek programming is included with the purchase of an OPass, which is automatically included in most students’ tuition fees. You can check your Student Center account to confirm whether you have been charged the Orientation Week Fee.
Whether you're living in residence or commuting to campus, there's lots happening throughout the week. From Faculty Day and Opening Ceremonies to late-night programming, the concert and OServes, there are plenty of ways to get involved!
Are you a King’s or Huron student? Be sure to follow @kusc or @myhuron for the latest OWeek information, events and updates specific to your campus.
From meeting new people to trying something completely new, OWeek is full of opportunities to get involved, have fun and make your first week at Western one to remember!
Your OWeek Schedule
There are some exciting changes to the OWeek schedule this year, so be sure to check the official schedule for the latest event details and updates. Here’s a look at some of the major highlights you can look forward to throughout the week.
Stay Up to Date with the OWeek App
Want to keep your OWeek schedule right at your fingertips? Download the Whova app and claim your free First-Year OWeek 2026 ticket to access the official event page. Once you register using your @uwo.ca email, you can build your personalized schedule, view campus maps and explore event details all in one place.
Pro tip: Turn on push notifications so you do not miss important announcements, updates and giveaways throughout the week!
Thursday, September 3: International and Indigenous Student Orientation
Photo Source: Indigenous Student Centre
OWeek programming begins even before Move-In Weekend! On September 3, International Student Orientation activities and Indigenous Student Orientation Day will take place, giving students the opportunity to connect with their communities, learn more about Western and get a head start on their OWeek experience.
These events are in addition to the many OWeek activities happening throughout the week, so be sure to check the official Orientation Schedule for the latest details!
Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6: Move-In Weekend
It is finally time to move in!
Sunday is your chance to keep settling in and start getting into the OWeek spirit. If you are living in residence, you can continue getting comfortable in your new space, meeting the people around you and exploring your new surroundings. There will also be off-campus registration, giving students who are commuting to Western an opportunity to get connected and take part in the week from the very beginning.
There is plenty happening throughout the day, including a football game and low-level programming, so you can choose what catches your interest and enjoy the day at your own pace. Whether you are cheering from the stands, exploring campus with new friends or joining a smaller event, Sunday is all about easing into the week and getting excited for everything that is still to come. By the end of the day, you will hopefully have a few familiar faces, a better sense of your surroundings and plenty to look forward to as OWeek officially gets underway.
Monday, September 7: Residence Day and Opening Ceremonies
Monday is when OWeek really starts to come alive! Residence Day is your chance to get to know your residence community, meet the people on your floor and start feeling at home. With floor meetings and other programming throughout the day, there are plenty of opportunities to connect and get involved.
If you are an off-campus student, don’t worry! You will also have the chance to meet your off-campus sophs, connect with other commuting students and make your way to Opening Ceremonies together. It is a great way to start the day, meet new people and feel part of the OWeek experience.
Then it's time for OWeek Opening Ceremonies! Come together with the Western community and kick off the week with plenty of Western spirit, energy and cheering. It is a great way to celebrate the start of your university journey.
And the fun does not stop there! If you still have some energy left, keep the night going with the Opening Concert featuring Johnny Orlando and late-night programming. Get ready to sing along and celebrate the start of an exciting OWeek!
Tuesday, September 8: Faculty Day
Time to meet your academic community!
Faculty Day gives you the chance to connect with other students in your faculty, get familiar with the academic side of university and start meeting some of the people who will be part of your Western experience.
Neighbourhood programming and late-night events will also be happening throughout the day, so you can keep the OWeek fun going beyond Faculty Day. Take the opportunity to explore what is happening around campus and see where the day takes you!
Wednesday, September 9: Classes Begin
Photo Source: Western Communications
Yes, it is already time for classes! Your first day of lectures has arrived, but that doesn't mean the OWeek fun is over. Along with finding your classrooms and getting into your academic routine, there is still plenty happening around campus, including Fusion Fest and late-night events.
Fusion Fest is a celebration of the different cultures and communities that make Western so special. It's a great opportunity to explore different cultures, try something new and enjoy the diversity of the Western community.
Between finding your classroom, meeting classmates and deciding what to check out that night, Wednesday will be a busy one - but an exciting one!
Thursday, September 10: Keep the Week Going
By Thursday, you might finally know your way around campus, or maybe you are still checking your map every five minutes. Either way, you are doing great!
Classes continue throughout the day, but there is still plenty happening around campus, including concurrent programming, Faculty Late-Night Programming (LNP) and other late-night events. There are lots of ways to keep enjoying OWeek while settling into your new routine.
With so much going on, remember to take some time for yourself, too. Grab a bite to eat, get some rest and recharge before heading out to your next event. You do not have to do everything to make the most of OWeek!
Friday, September 11: OWeek Recap and Concert
Friday is one of the biggest nights of OWeek! Start the day by celebrating everything that has happened throughout the week at the OWeek Recap, then get ready for the closing concert featuring The Chainsmokers at 9 p.m. It's the perfect way to celebrate an amazing week with the rest of campus.
And once the concert wraps up, late-night programming keeps the OWeek energy going!
Saturday, September 12: OServes
You made it to the final day!
Saturday includes daytime programming and OServes, giving you an opportunity to get involved in service activities and give back to the London community.
OServes is a chance to step outside of campus, connect with your new community and take part in something meaningful. It's also a great way to experience a different side of OWeek beyond the concerts and events.
And there is still more late-night programming to keep the OWeek energy going as you wrap up an exciting week!
Do Not Miss the Late-Night Programming
If there is one thing you should know about OWeek, it is that the fun does not stop when the sun goes down.
Some of the late-night favourites are back this year, including the Silent Disco and Magician, along with plenty of other programming throughout the week.
These events are also a great way to meet people. You might show up with your floor, tag along with someone you met earlier that day or even decide to go on your own. There is no right or wrong way to join in, just find what feels right for you!
And if you are nervous about going to an event by yourself, give it a try! Your sophs are there to help you connect with other students and make those first introductions a little easier.
How to Make the Most of OWeek
- Check the schedule: there are changes to the schedule this year, so make sure you are looking at the most current version before making your plans. The Whova app makes it easy to view your personalized schedule and stay up to date throughout the week.
- Do not feel like you have to do everything: there will be a lot happening, and that is okay. Choose the events that sound exciting to you and give yourself time to recharge.
- Try something new: OWeek is a great time to step outside your comfort zone. Go to an event you have never heard of, introduce yourself to someone new or check out a part of campus you have not explored yet.
- Do not be afraid to go alone: you might arrive by yourself and leave with a new group of friends. Your sophs are there to help you meet people and get involved.
- Take care of yourself: stay hydrated, eat regularly, get some sleep and take breaks when you need them. OWeek is exciting, but it can also be a lot! Care Hubs will be available throughout the week across campus, offering support from staff, faculty, sophs and counsellors, along with wayfinding help, snacks, water, charging stations and personal hygiene and sexual wellness supplies. You can also visit the low-sensory room to take a break, relax and unwind from the fast-paced activities.
- Ask questions: lost on campus? Not sure where to go? Wondering what an event is? Ask your sophs. They are there to help!
Your First Week at Western Starts Here
Your first OWeek might feel a little chaotic. You are meeting new people, learning your way around campus, figuring out your classes and probably trying to remember approximately 47 new names at once.
But that is part of the experience.
Somewhere between the ceremonies, Faculty Day, late-night events, the concert, OServes and all the little moments in between, campus will start to feel a little more familiar.
So come ready to explore, meet people, try something new and make some memories.
Welcome to Western. We will see you at OWeek!
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