Connection, support, engagement, and academic readiness – the cornerstones of Orientation Week 2023 at Trent University, a week-long series of events and activities designed to provide 4,500 new students with opportunities to build lifelong friendships, resiliency, and the skills and supports needed for success at university and beyond. 

"Orientation at Trent is an opportunity to welcome new students into our campuses and local communities, fostering a sense of belonging during a week filled with activities designed to prepare new students for the year ahead and for long-term success on both an academic and personal level," shared Lawrence Lam, associate vice president of Students at Trent. "Creating a sense of belonging during Orientation is very important to Trent – it’s one of the many benefits of our unique collegiate system. We empower students with diverse backgrounds and passions to make meaningful connections and thrive in their studies.” 

“O Week” begins on Saturday, September 2, with move-in weekend and runs through Saturday, September 9. Events offer incoming Trent students the opportunity to take part in an array of planned activities to help them get acquainted with the campus, show their school spirit, and familiarize themselves with the local communities, as they prepare for university-level learning and life. 

Orientation Week Highlights

Highlights of orientation events at both Trent campuses offering engaging photo opportunities for media include: 

PETERBOROUGH CAMPUS  

Move-In Weekend
Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Orientation Week and Trent Colleges staff, together with senior leadership and staff from Student Housing at Trent, will be on hand to welcome and assist new students and their families with registration and their move into residence.  President Leo Groarke will be on campus on Saturday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to personally meet new students and their families.  

Trent International Leader Talks & World Trivia
Sunday, September 3, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

Students will hear from international orientation leaders sharing invaluable insights, helping them navigate common challenges, and offering expert tips to transition into university life smoothly. 

Tipi Talks
Tuesday, September 5, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Traditional Areas

Small groups from Trent’s college residences will travel to Trent’s Traditional Areas to learn about dedicated Indigenous spaces on campus, hosted by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL). 

Intro to your Undergrad
Tuesday, September 5, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Bata Podium

Academic Skills, Advising, and Careerspace invite students to begin the year with their best foot forward. Students will learn the ins and outs of their academic programs from the professors who will teach them throughout their undergrad. 

Minute to Win It
Tuesday, September 5 at 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Justin Chiu Stadium

Tick tock, tick tock... the clock is counting down! Students will unite to show their college pride and cheer on participants in this annual race against the clock. Who will be the newest holder of the Minute to Win It trophy? 

Trent Excalibur Men’s Lacrosse Varsity Game
Wednesday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Justin Chiu Stadium

Kick off the season with an exhilarating match! Be there to support your reigning Baggataway Cup champions and showcase your Trent pride by donning the iconic Trent green. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of cheers, camaraderie, and top-notch lacrosse action! 

Flavours of Peterborough Food Festival & Trent International World Fest  
Thursday, September 7, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Lady Eaton College South Field  

Students will kick off the first day of classes by enjoying some of the most popular dishes in Peterborough, including fare from local Farmers’ Market vendors. Trent International’s World Fest will feature performances by students from around the globe – providing entertainment alongside delectable dishes.  

The Great Race  
Friday, September 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Justin Chiu Stadium

The Great Race, a time-honoured collegiate Trent tradition, kicks off with the annual cheering competition. Each college is assigned the task of creating a new cheer for their college and Trent University. This giant relay race always brings out the college spirit in everyone.  

Traill Carnival
Saturday, September 9, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Traill College

Traill's annual Carnival & Barbecue is back! With free food, a beer tent, and activities for all ages (bouncy castle, anyone?), this event is one of the best opportunities to discover Trent's downtown college. 

Explore the Boro
Saturday, September 2 to 21, Peterborough

Students are invited to discover their new home away from home with an interactive scavenger hunt collaboration between Trent University, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism. From September 2 to 21, 2023, Trent students can use the Explore the Boro app to unlock missions, earn points, and unveil the City's best-kept secrets while fostering a deeper connection to both campus and community. 

DURHAM GTA CAMPUS

Move-In Day  
Sunday, September 3, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Orientation leaders and staff from housing services at Trent Durham will welcome and support new Trent Durham students and their families with registration and their move into residence.  President Leo Groarke will be at Trent Durham between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to personally meet new students and their families. 

Residence Students Scavenger Hunt
Monday, September 4. 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Students living in Trent Durham’s new residence will compete in teams in this interactive scavenger hunt on-campus, filled with riddles, trivia, and good times. 

Campus Cup  
Tuesday, September 5, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

The highly anticipated Campus Cup makes a triumphant return! From adrenaline-pumping physical challenges to mind-boggling intellectual quests, there's something for everyone as groups battle for the ultimate honour of claiming the esteemed Campus Cup. 

Trent Durham Campus Carnival
Tuesday, September 5, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

This signature Orientation Week event features interactive (and inflatable) activities, a mechanical bull, petting zoo and food trucks. 

Three-Minute Professor  
Wednesday, September 6, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  

Hear special welcome messages from department heads and learn more about various areas of study on campus. Get a glimpse into different departments through three-minute lectures from across the Trent disciplines. 

The First Lecture
Wednesday, September 6. 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

Students attend an engaging presentation to get an idea of what to expect in their first university course. This year's guest presenter and topic? It’s a secret. You will have to attend to find out.   

Support Alley
Thursday, September 7, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

During the first day of classes, students can explore the wide range of supports and services available at Trent Durham all year round.  

Movie Night on the Lawn  
Thursday, September 7, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.  

Students will gather for a memorable movie experience under the stars with free popcorn, cotton candy, and a giant outdoor movie screen – all on campus. 

The Oshawa Orientation Experience
Saturday, September 9, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  

Hosted by the City of Oshawa, in partnership with Trent and city organizations, Oshawa Orientation will welcome students into the community with a scavenger hunt, a local business job fair, and a dance party.   

More information about Orientation Week, including a full list of events and activities at both campuses in Peterborough and Durham GTA, can be found at trentu.ca/orientationweek.