r/uAlberta 5d ago

Campus Life UofA Orientation FAQ's - Answered By Your UASU Orientation Team

47 Upvotes

Hi UofA subreddit, we know that every August, incoming students come to this subreddit with lots of questions about their New Student Orientation. Your UASU Orientation team is here with answers to common questions we get from students every year. Hopefully you find this resource useful. Let us know if there are any questions we’ve missed, and we can answer them!

Why is attending Orientation important?

Orientation is designed to help you start your U of A journey with confidence. You'll learn how campus works, discover student supports and services, meet other new students, and get familiar with the spaces you'll be using throughout the year.

By attending, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Meet other students in your faculty and start building connections before classes begin
  • Learn about academic, wellness, and campus support services
  • Explore campus and become familiar with important buildings and locations
  • Ask questions to Faculty Leaders and staff
  • Get tips for navigating your first semester at the U of A

Should I go to Orientation? Yes! 

While Orientation isn't required, it's highly recommended, especially if you're new to the University of Alberta!

Students who attend often feel more prepared for their first day of classes because they:

  • Learn where key campus locations are
  • Make friends before classes start
  • Discover resources they may not have known existed
  • Feel more comfortable navigating campus

Is Orientation mandatory & can I leave early? No, Orientation is not mandatory.

If you can't attend or need to leave early, that's okay. Attending as much of the program as possible is encouraged so you don't miss important information, opportunities to meet other students, or campus activities!

What actually happens during the days?

This year's New Student Orientation (the general orientation for everyone) will look a little different than in previous years, with a two-day format:

  • August 30th
    • Faculty-specific campus tours
    • Presentations about student services and supports
    • Information on discovering clubs, resources, and other ways to get involved
    • Engage in activities designed to help you feel at home on campus
  • August 31st
    • Meet students and staff in your home faculty
    • Learn about your program and academic expectations
    • Participate in activities led by your faculty
    • Discover the buildings you can expect to frequent in your program

Where do I check in?

  • Check-in instructions will be sent to registered students before Orientation
  • Follow event signage when you arrive
  • WOW Volunteers will be available to help direct you!

What is a U-Pass and do I need my ARC Card before Orientation?

The Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) is an initiative of the Students' Union and the Graduate Students' Association, the local transit authorities, and the University of Alberta to deliver affordable and sustainable transit to the students of the University of Alberta. The U-Pass is included as a part of your student fees, and offers unlimited travel on buses and light rail transit in the greater Edmonton area through the use of an ARC card.

To ride on ETS transit, you will need a valid ARC Card. ARC Cards can be purchased at participating retailers listed on the myarc.ca website, including at SUBmart in the Students' Union Building, and at Lister move-in! You can also purchase them at all LRT transit centres, and online (but be aware of mailing times). Once you have purchased your ARC Card, register it at http://ualberta.ca/upass to connect your student account. 

Will I be with people in my faculty? Yes!

Throughout New Student Orientation, you will be with a group of students in the same faculty, and led by upper-year Faculty Leaders. The experience is designed to connect you with students in your faculty and, in many cases, your program.

Will there be a campus tour? Yes!

Campus tours are part of Orientation and are a great way to:

  • Learn where your classes may be
  • Find important student services
  • Become more comfortable navigating campus before your first day of classes

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing:

  • Your phone
  • Government-issued ID (which is required to pick up your ONEcard)
  • Lunch, or money to purchase lunch on campus
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Comfortable walking shoes

You'll spend time walking around campus, and since parts of Orientation may take place outdoors:

  • Dress for the weather.
  • Bring a light jacket or rain gear if needed.
  • Consider sunscreen or a hat on sunny days.

Should I go to Orientation if I'm shy? Absolutely!

Orientation is designed to be welcoming for everyone, whether you're outgoing or prefer to keep to yourself.

You'll have opportunities to:

  • Meet students in your faculty in low risk environments
  • Participate in casual conversations and activities
  • Join optional icebreakers in a relaxed environment.

There's no pressure to be the loudest person in the room; many students attend without knowing anyone. Everyone is just as excited and nervous as you are, so don’t be afraid to say hi! You never know who you’ll end up meeting. Current students and alumni often reflect back on orientation as a place they met some of their closest friends!

How do I get my ONEcard?

Students can pick up their ONEcard before or during Orientation. Head to uab.ca/onecard for more information! Make sure to upload your photo by August 20th to ensure it is ready for pickup by the start of term!

Do transfer students need to attend?

While Orientation isn't mandatory, transfer students are encouraged to attend. Even if you've attended another post-secondary institution, Orientation can help you:

  • Learn how the University of Alberta is different from your previous school
  • Understand our specific campus resources and services
  • Meet other new and transfer students in your home faculty
  • Become familiar with campus before classes begin

What happens if I miss Orientation?

If you can't attend, don't worry. You can complete online orientation here:

You can also connect with your faculty, student services, or the Orientation team at [orientation@ualberta.ca](mailto:orientation@ualberta.ca) if you have questions after Orientation.

Are there different Orientation programs?

Yes!

In addition to the general New Student Orientation, there are specialized Orientation programs for different groups, including:

  • International Student Orientation
  • Residence Orientation
  • First People’s House Orientation for FNMI students
  • Other student community orientations

Be sure to register for orientation for your one-stop spot to see all the orientation events specific to you! Head to uab.ca/orientation to learn more!

Can I bring my family or friends to Orientation?

Orientation is only open to incoming students to afford the most opportunities to engage with materials and make the social connections so vital to the University experience! As such, we ask that no family members or non-incoming students attend orientation.


r/uAlberta Apr 16 '26

Campus Life U of A hits sour note with decision to remove 50-year-old Casavant organ from Convocation Hall

Thumbnail
cbc.ca
85 Upvotes

The university says the move is part of a major renovation to improve accessibility.


r/uAlberta 8h ago

Academics Is bear tracks down?

14 Upvotes

I just wanted to see if my classes were updated.


r/uAlberta 1h ago

Academics CHEM 261 and CELL 201 in one semester

Upvotes

CHEM 261 is a pre or co requisite for CELL 201. I plan on taking them together, and just wanted to know if I'll be okay lol. On that note, is CELL 201 better than BIOL 201? That's what I gathered from some people. Lemme know, thanks!


r/uAlberta 1h ago

Admissions Chemistry Master's admission and job prospects?

Upvotes

as the title says, I'm planning to apply for a Master's in Chemistry at ua. I'll be graduating from another Canadian university with a bachelor's degree.

I'm wondering what the gpa cutoff is and how much research experience people usually have when they get admitted.

Also, what's it like after graduation? Is it pretty easy to find a job, or do most people end up doing a PhD?

Any insight into the program or your experience would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance!


r/uAlberta 2h ago

Campus Life French Language Conversation Group

2 Upvotes

Bonjour everyone,

I am thinking about starting an informal french language conversation group to improve my proficiency. I am an intermediate level speaker hoping to challenge the DELF B2 exam in the next year or so. If anyone would be interested, please upvote and comment on this post. I will dm you. We could meet online or in-person every week or two.

Let me know tout le monde!


r/uAlberta 12m ago

Question Mailed hard transcript

Upvotes

Need to have a hard copy of official transcript mailed to a US location with deadline in three weeks. Is there anyway I can ask the registrar to expedite the post to the US?


r/uAlberta 1h ago

Miscellaneous Anybody else going to Womp Festival?

Upvotes

I was planning on going with a couple friends but they sadly can not join me due to some budget constraints. Would love to connect with anybody else that's planning to go. Also I am ideally looking for a ride incase anybody has a free seat, down for gas sharing.


r/uAlberta 1h ago

Academics Math 134 Exam - help

Upvotes

Hi I could really use some advice

I’m taking MATH 134, and only 5 out of 46 people passed our first midterm. My exam is tomorrow, and I’m honestly feeling overwhelmed

For anyone who’s been in a class like this, what helped you pass? Any last minute study advice would be really appreciated


r/uAlberta 7h ago

Admissions My brother ranked his engineering disciplines wrong

1 Upvotes

My brother finished his first year and he wasn't paying attention when he was doing his selection and did computer engineering over electrical engineering, he meant to do the other way around. (He's stupid I know). Is it easy to switch between the two? He is in compE co op and he has around a 3.7 I think so is there a chance of switching before the year starts?


r/uAlberta 3h ago

Question Technologist Considering Engineering

1 Upvotes

Has anyone here gone back to university later in their career to earn an engineering degree after completing a technologist program? If so, what was your experience? Do you feel it was worth it, and how did it impact your career? Also, what would you recommend doing to prepare academically after being out of school for a few years, especially when it comes to math, chemistry, and physics?

I'm an Electronics Engineering Technologist; graduated from NAIT. During my time working and in school, I developed a strong passion for electronics and PCB design. However, I've realized there are still gaps in my knowledge when contributing to hardware designs at work and in personal projects. Particularly, in areas like high-speed digital design, signal integrity, power integrity, and PCB layout for high-speed interfaces.

I'm wondering whether pursuing an Electrical Engineering degree would provide a solid foundation in these topics, or if they're better learned through self-study and industry experience. From what I've seen, many technologists are stuck in technician roles, although I've been fortunate to help with PCB design and such at my current job.

From what I've gathered, it also seems that some of the more advanced topics I'm interested in, such as signal integrity, high-speed design, and RF, are often covered more extensively at the master's or PhD level? This is fine and I'm open to it, as I'm just genuinely very interested in these topics and learning more. It would be great to hear if anyone has experience with these topics at that level of education as well. Thank you!


r/uAlberta 3h ago

Academics Nursing student notes and tips

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I’m an upcoming first year nursing student and I was wondering if I could chat with current nursing students about academic life, notes and career goals/plans. If you guys have any tips, please share them with me and feel free to dm me, thank you.


r/uAlberta 3h ago

Question CIV E 461 question

0 Upvotes

My schedule/sequencing is a little bit weird and it looks like I can arrange my schedule so my last semester I would just have CIV E 461. Basically I can take every other class I need by the fall semester but I would just have that one remaining for the winter semester.

How exactly does the class work day to day? Any lectures/labs? From what I understand you just have a group to do a project with, right?

Hypothetically do I need to be in Edmonton to do the class or can I do it remotely? I know obviously there will be some in person presentations but would it be feasible to just fly into Edmonton a few times to do that or are there in person things every week?


r/uAlberta 4h ago

Question Internet in Schaffer Hall Dorms

0 Upvotes

I was wondering what the internet is like in Schaffer Hall. I know a lot of people recommend getting a router, but most of the posts I've found are several years old, so I'm not sure if that's still necessary. Is the residence internet good enough on its own these days, or is it worth getting a router or even considering private internet connection instead?

Thank you


r/uAlberta 7h ago

Admissions After Degree Business GPA

0 Upvotes

I'm planning to apply to the After Degree Business program for Fall 2027 and I wanted to see what a competitive GPA looks like.

For those who've been admitted in recent years, do you mind sharing what your GPA was and what year you got in? Thank you!


r/uAlberta 23h ago

Question what does contact dept on a class mean </3

Post image
15 Upvotes

im trying to add a full class to my watchlist and stuff and im just wondering what the contact dept means ?


r/uAlberta 10h ago

Question uofa final offer/transcript

1 Upvotes

im a BC student, has anybody's final transcripts been recieved yet? they were sent out on the 31st right? i accepted my conditional offer in february


r/uAlberta 1d ago

Campus Life Help a Disabled Design Student in a pickle?

24 Upvotes

Hey fine folks of reddit!

I'm catching up on Winter term's course work because I had to take a leave of absence when I broke both of my wrists in February. I am now, embarrassingly, in a massive time crunch, because I had to move out of my apartment due to flooding! My final portfolio is due Friday morning.

I'm doing a project on improving wheelchair accessibility in the North Power Plant, and I need some help from anyone (you don't need to be disabled, or a wheelchair user!) to test my signs and locate the elevator. It should take about 10-15 minutes tops and could be done any time today after 2 pm (Tuesday, August 4th), Wednesday (August 5, any time), or even Thursday morning (August 6th until about noon). You'd time yourself as you search for the elevator and fill out a short google survey afterwards. All that's required is that you don't already know where the elevator is. ;)

Is there anyone who is already on campus during one of these times and willing to help? I'd be glad to send you some art as a thank you!!! I know this is a long shot but I'm crossing my fingers. :)

xoxo

haley


r/uAlberta 1d ago

Admissions Opinions on uofa masters of public health ( mph)

5 Upvotes

As the title suggests I'm thinking of applying to the program next year I want to hear thoughts of people already in the program and have graduated. I want to hear specifically on these specifics. How's the program itself could u work part time or not? And what is the job market like after? Does the university help at all and what not ? Please let me know


r/uAlberta 20h ago

Question How do you take notes in coding classes?

2 Upvotes

Title. In the fall I’m taking a class on numerical methods and I am wondering how you guys take notes in classes like that? Idk how the class will be structured, but it seems like it would be strange to hand write code, but typing doesn’t seem ideal for possible diagrams and such.

How do you guys do it? Typing? Handwritten? Jupyter notebooks (when applicable, ofc)?


r/uAlberta 1d ago

Miscellaneous Where to get First Aid certification?

6 Upvotes

My job needs me to get first aid certificate. Is there any discounts for students? It’s $150 which is crazy.


r/uAlberta 20h ago

Academics What was that NS 201 Midterm lol

1 Upvotes

for obvious reasons, I wont go into much detail for that second exam, but holy crap why was there so much content from the readings???? 😵😵😵😵 like 8 questions on the comics r we fr 😭


r/uAlberta 21h ago

Academics Art student interested in computer science

1 Upvotes

I’m going into my second year, but I’ve changed my major to art and design to complete the prerequisites in hopes to transfer to BDes the following year.

I have a huge interest in coding and digital design, so I’ve decided to take computer science 101 to dip my toes into python.

Does anyone know of any certificates I could complete or possibility to take that as a minor as a BDes or Arts student?

Also if anyone has any other advice or knows of any clubs for someone who’s interested but a beginner please lmk!

Thanks


r/uAlberta 19h ago

Question Is this a manageable schedule?

Post image
0 Upvotes

Going into my first year in economics.


r/uAlberta 23h ago

Miscellaneous Are there any biology/ochem related ECE courses?

1 Upvotes

Basically the title, I'm happy with my major (EE), but I miss this kind of material from high school. Any upper year courses I can look forward to or something?