Start your year right

Launching your university career — getting to know your way around campus and meeting your new classmates — is exciting.

But it can be a lot to take in, which is why Concordia’s Student Services organizes a comprehensive program of orientation activities in both the fall and winter terms to give students all the information they need.

“Orientation is a great way to meet others in your faculty and make connections with people who can guide you throughout your studies,” says Monica Boulos, a counsellor at Services for New Students at the Student Success Centre. “That way, when you show up on your first day it’s not so overwhelming.”

Winter orientation is also a great opportunity for all first years to catch up on the services available to support their success.

“If you missed orientation in the fall, now you have another chance,” adds Boulos, “and it’s not too late to connect with a Student Success Mentor from your faculty to help you stay on course.”

Don’t miss out on these key activities. 

Start Right

Start Right, happening on December 15 and 16, 2015, offers workshops on everything from taking good notes to smart exam preparation strategies, as well as how to get involved on campus and match your education to your longer-term career goals.

It’s designed like an academic conference, with morning and afternoon sessions over two days, along with round-table discussions and a catered reception event.  

“Start Right is a great networking opportunity,” says Boulos. “Each day is an occasion to meet other new students in a fun and relaxed setting.”

Register now for Start Right, which is open to all first-year undergraduate and graduate students.

Discover Concordia

Discover Concordia takes place on January 5, 2016, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It’s your chance to meet key people in your faculty, and learn about resources for getting the most out of your university experience.

As you connect with student groups and Student Services staff at the Information Fair, you’ll earn stamps in your Discover Concordia Passport and the chance to win great prizes.

It’s a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with your classmates and build relationships in the community.

Advance registration is required. The event is open to all first-year undergraduate and graduate students.

Student-led tours

Learn the ins and outs of your new campus on an orientation tour led by one of Concordia’s Student Success Mentors. 

In December 2015 and January 2016, the New Student Tours offer an overview of key resources on campus and a student perspective on life at Concordia. Plus, the mentors are more than happy to answer any other questions you may have. Sign up for a tour now!

MAP to Success

My Action Plan (MAP) to Success helps identify your strengths and weaknesses as you prepare to start your university career.

To create a personalized action plan, you will fill out a survey and meet with an educational counsellor in a small group setting. Then, you'll learn how to access resources tailored to your needs.

International students

Of course, international students are invited to attend all of the events listed above. However, there is also a specific orientation activity geared toward students who are both new to Concordia and Montreal. 

Attendance at the Welcome International Students Events (WISE) is mandatory for international students, and registration is recommended. Find a date and time that works for you.

Check out the full list of Concordia's 2016 orientation events and don’t forget to register in advance.