Western University O-Week to welcome class of 2017

Western University, and its affiliated university colleges, will welcome back some 38,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students for the 2013 fall term with a full schedule of activities. Orientation Week, or O-Week, takes place from Sunday, September 1 to Saturday, September 7, 2013.

“O-Week is designed to ease the transition for the 6,500 first year students arriving at Western,” said Susan Grindrod, Associate Vice President, Housing & Ancillary Services at Western. “Social and academic programs have been designed to encourage students to get to know each other, their campus, the City of London and to prepare for the start of classes.”

Approximately 5,000 Students will be moving into Western’s residences on September 1-2 from 8am-4pm. September 1 is move-in day for Delaware Hall, Essex Hall, Medway-Sydenham Hall, Perth Hall, Saugeen-Maitland Hall and Brescia University College. September 2 is move-in day for Alumni House, Elgin Hall, Saugeen-Maitland Hall, Huron University College and King’s University College.

The Western Mustangs Football team plays its home opener on September 2 at 7pm at TD Stadium. Attendance at the game by first-year students representing Western’s various residences and off-campus groups as part of O-Week festivities is a longstanding tradition.

O-Week Opening Ceremonies will officially kick-off the week on September 3 from 7pm-9:30pm at the main stage located outdoors in Talbot Bowl at the base of University College Hill. The entire class of 2017 will enjoy a night of cheering, dancing and a celebration of their new home at Western.

Faculty Day takes place on September 4 from 9am-4pm allowing new students to get to know more about their academic futures at Western by meeting students in their program, getting to know their faculty resources, taking in lectures from future professors and viewing demonstrations in their future labs.

Western’s annual Shinerama campaign begins with the Shine Rally on September 7 at 10am at the Talbot Bowl before students fan out across London to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis.

In addition to ongoing spirit-focused activities throughout the week, students also have the opportunity to attend events, seminars and sessions geared toward helping them adjust to life away from home and to make the most of their time at Western and in London.

“Western takes great pride in the City of London and we certainly encourage our students to get to know the city and to get involved through volunteering, community and cultural groups and the many other opportunities available,” said Grindrod.

In addition to students from across Canada, Western will welcome more than 2,800 international students from 117 countries to engage academically on campus as well as culturally with the surrounding community.