Winter term is just around the corner, and with a new year comes new beginnings for our students, including those joining NC for the first time. As we prepare to welcome students back to campus after the holidays, now is an ideal time to review key start-of-term information and highlight available supports and campus resources, to help ensure a smooth transition into NC Life.
Residence move-ins will take place on Jan.10 for returning students with an early move-in option for new students from Jan. 6 to 8 to allow them to take part in orientation activities. The Winter 2026 term officially begins Monday, Jan.12, with Orientation taking place on Friday, Jan. 9, at both the Welland Campus and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus. Program information sessions will run on Orientation from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both campuses, while Welcome Hubs will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Learning Commons (Welland) and the Wellness Lounge (Daniel J. Patterson Campus). These spaces will provide students with access to key resources, helpful staff, refreshments, and engaging activities to help them start the term with confidence.
The fun continues into the evening with a varsity basketball game in the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus from 6 to 10 p.m., giving students an opportunity to experience Knights culture and connect with the vibrant student community at NC.
Pre-Orientation Programming
Virtual Pre-Orientation Sessions:
In collaboration with Student Engagement and International, free virtual sessions will run from Dec. 1 to 18, offering easy access for students who may not yet be in the region or country. Topics include timetable selection, communication tools like Brightspace and MyNC, the NC Engage app, a student services series, and more, along with open Q&A sessions.
KickSTART:
From Jan. 6 to 8, both campuses will host KickSTART in-person drop-in days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. giving students the chance to complete key pre-term tasks ahead of Orientation. Students can pick up their ID card, join a campus tour, register their locker, attend learning sessions, and walk their schedules to locate classrooms.
Transition Peers:
This volunteer-based program connects new students with experienced Level 2+ student mentors during the two weeks before the term begins, and the first four weeks of the new term. Transition Peers help newcomers navigate resources, answer questions, and feel at ease as they settle into NC Life.
We encourage all employees to familiarize themselves with these offerings so they can promote them among students and connect them with the right resources. To learn more about the Pre-Orientation programming outlined below, visit the Orientation website here.
International Student Orientation
To help international students begin their journey in Canada and at NC with confidence, a series of orientation activities will be offered.
International Student Orientation will take place on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. in Room AH141 at the Welland Campus. The event will feature sessions on essential services, including Academic Advising and Immigration, Engagement and Events, Financial Services, Guard.me Insurance, and Housing & Settlement.
Additionally, International Student Advisor (ISA) sessions will be held on Friday, Jan.9, offering students an opportunity to connect directly with advisors before the term begins. Sessions are scheduled at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus (12 – 1 p.m., Room E208) and the Welland Campus (12:30-1:30 p.m., Room S212).
Submit your Orientation events
If your department is hosting an event during the first six weeks of the winter term, Student Engagement invites you to have it included as part of the official Orientation event listings. By sharing your event details, you can ensure it’s featured on the Orientation website, making it easier for students to identify and participate.
We also encourage you to post your events on NC’s official student engagement app, NC Engage, a primary resource students use to discover campus events and stay informed, helping you reach more students and boost participation
For event submissions or inquiries, contact Marilia Welter, Student Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected].
Learn more about NC’s Orientation and start-of-term activities and programming here.
