New Student Orientation

Whether you are a new student coming directly from high school, a transfer student, a mature student, or an international student, Trent University Durham’s orientation program is the first step in providing you with the tools and information you need to start your university degree.

The Trent Durham Student Association (TDSA) and Trent University Durham work together to create an orientation program that meets all your needs. Join us as we set you on the path to a successful educational journey.

Upcoming TrentU Durham Orientation Events:

Fall Start-Up Orientation - Tuesday, September 5th & Wednesday, September 6th.

Our official Orientation runs on Tuesday and Wednesday in the first week of September.

We have provided a quick snapshot of the week's events below. This year's orientation is to be our biggest one yet with our largest incoming class ever at the Durham Campus!

We have events throughout the week that will help you become familiar with the campus, your peers, staff and faculty, and life at TrentU Durham. It will be an engaging week filled with fun experiences as you transition into your first days of university life! We also hope to prepare you for the dynamics of university academics and also familiarize you with the various supports and services on campus to help you in your journey.

On Tuesday, September 5th, the program runs from 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm:

12:30 pm – Arrival & Registration
Once you arrive on campus, check in with our Orientation Leaders in the Front Atrium. From there, you will be able to pick up your student ID, bus pass, and athletics memberships. Then grab your free orientation t-shirt and sunglasses, and head in to meet your fellow new students!!

** Don’t forget to upload your image for your student ID and bus pass!! Take a selfie and go to your MyTrent under Services to upload. **
1:15 pm – Opening Ceremonies
Hear from our Master of Ceremonies, Katie Cassin, the Vice-President of Campus Life for the Trent Durham Student Association as she welcomes all new and transfer students to TrentU Durham. We will also have a special welcome message from Joe Muldoon, the Head of our campus.
1:45 pm – Team Building Games
Get to know your fellow Orientation Leaders as well as each other where we will participate in some engaging icebreakers. This is a great opportunity to learn from upper year students about our campus and meet your fellow classmates in a fun setting!
2:15 pm – Challenge Cup Competition
The Trent University Durham Challenge Cup is our new orientation competition giving students the opportunity to participate in various games and activities as they strive to win the cup for their team! There are games ranging from physical competitions to intellectual abilities so that there is something for each student to participate in. Teams will gain points through each activity, and the top team will be awarded with the coveted Campus Cup!
3:30 pm – Dodgeball Competition
As part of the Campus Cup, teams will face off in our traditional dodgeball competition. In a round robin style format, teams will each play each other and determine who can outlast the other, to the end. Look for a special game at the end where you will have the opportunity to throw at those dodgy orientation leaders (and maybe even a few staff members.)
5:45 pm – Campus Cup Ceremony
At the end of the competition, we award the cup to the team with the most points. The winners will hoist the cup for the first time, and have their pictures and names engraved forever!
6:00 pm – First Blast!!
Our biggest addition to Orientation Week!! We will be hosting a ‘backyard fair’ for all new and returning students for the first time at our campus. New and transfer students will get free food truck tickets to grab a bite at the many selections coming to our event. Then you can grab a group of friends to jump on the many inflatable games we will have including the massive obstacle course, human hamster ball track, and the MASSIVE obstacle course. Lastly, relax and chat the evening away in our refreshment tents complete with DJ and dance floor.

On Wednesday, September 6th, the program runs from 10:00 am – 3:30 pm:

9:30 am – Arrival & Registration
After checking in at the front desk, students can grab a coffee or tea and head into our biggest lecture hall to hear from some of our amazing staff and even some special guests.
10:00 am – Welcome & Advising Session
Listen to our Academic Advisor, Craig Cameron, talk about the expectations that we strive for at Trent University as he presents on different ideas related to academic success and student involvement on campus.
10:30 am – Guest Speaker: Blake Fly
Blake Fly is a dynamic speaker who uses a creative approach to share ideas around community building and campus life. He uses personal testimonials to relate the values of support and connections throughout the university. He has been heavily involved in residence life during his time during and after graduation and combines the power of arts and leadership to give students the inspiration to understand how to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
11:15 am – Guest Speaker: Julie Lalonde
Julie Lalonde is a leading advocate in her work to end violence against women through the Draw the Line campaign. She has received numerous awards of recognition for her efforts and can be seen across the country sharing her presentations on women’s rights advocacy.
12:15 pm – Meet Your Faculty Lunch
Faculty from each program and major will be here to share in food and fundamentals. You will have the opportunity to talk to your professors in your program and hear from other upper year students about their experiences in the classroom and time at TrentU Durham.
1:00 pm – Workshop Series
There will be 4 half-hour workshops in the afternoon to introduce you to some of the services on campus and the people who are part of them. Those workshops include: Academic Skills, Library Skills, Academic Mentoring, and Student Life.
3:00 pm – Closing Ceremonies & Awards
During closing remarks, we will be handing out awards to new students who showcase exemplary energy and enthusiasm as a part of the TrentU Durham family.

Orientation Week Sunday, September 3rd to Friday, September 8th

New this year, we have a full week of Orientation programming planned for incoming students, both new and transfer, to pick and choose from anything and everything that interests them.

There are events scheduled every day starting on Sunday, September 3rd and running until Saturday, September 9th.

TDSA Residence Welcome
Saturday, September 2nd
8:00 am – 10:00 am

Executive members of the Trent Durham Student Association will be at the residence to hand out Survival Kits to all Trent Students moving into either the Simcoe or South Village buildings. If you have submitted your picture on MyTrent for your student ID and bus pass, you can pick those up as well!
Pre-Orientation Canada’s Wonderland Trip
Sunday, September 3rd
10:00 am – 8:00 pm

As part of our offerings for orientation, this year we are running a trip to Canada's Wonderland for new students wishing to meet other new students, current students, and orientation leaders while having a great time visiting the best theme park in Canada.

There is limited space on the trip so it is a first come, first serve event. We have a special discounted rate of $35 per ticket which includes admission and transportation to the park from the Durham Campus.
TDSA Movie Matinee
Wednesday, September 6th
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm

After closing ceremonies, join us for a movie at the Landmark Cinemas where we have reserved a whole theatre for a showing of “Baby Driver”! We will be running a shuttle to and from the campus for any student that needs a ride over.
TDSA Swag Giveaway Day
Thursday, September 7th
10:30 am – 2:30 pm

TDSA will be in the atrium on the first day of class to hand out welcome back gifts complete with discounts and coupons to local businesses. They will also be running prize wheels and providing information about their services.

There is no registration required for this, just show up on campus to get your gift and a chance to win great stuff!
TDSA Sleepover Event
Friday, September 8th
5:00 pm – 10:00 am

For the first time ever, students will have the opportunity to stay the whole night during our sleepover event at the Durham Campus. The night will include dinner, games, movies, activities, refreshments, and more! There will be many new and returning students here in their PJ's for a whole night of fun and entertainment, complete with s'mores and maybe even a pillow fight!

Instructional Videos & Academic Advising for all Programs:

Fall Tuition & Fees Payment

Due: Friday, September 1, 2017

Payment due for Fall term tuition and fees. If you receiving OSAP you will need to complete the promissory note online on your MyTrent portal to have your Fall tuition due on Friday, September 29, 2017. This can be found under the academics tab on your myTrent portal.

Additional Important Links for Trent University Durham Students:

If you will be studying on the Peterborough campus, please use the following link: Peterborough Orientation

Durham Greater Toronto Area