ABOUt

What is OWeek?

Orientation Week (OWeek) introduces incoming students to many aspects of campus life, while fostering peer connections and building a sense of belonging on campus and in the London community. In collaboration with staff, faculty, and over 950 upper-year student volunteers (aka Sophs), OWeek aims to facilitate a seamless transition to campus, providing the necessary resources to support student well-being and academic preparedness.

There are several programs and services at Western that support student transition and OWeek is an important element of this large network. Although OWeek is heavily focused on social connectedness, it also serves as a catalyst for the beginning of a lengthier, year-long transition by connecting students to learning and development resources at Western.

Lorem Ipsum

There are several programs and services at Western that support student transition and OWeek is an important element of this large network. Although OWeek is heavily focused on social connectedness, it also serves as a catalyst for the beginning of a lengthier, year-long transition by connecting students to learning and development resources at Western.

Students enjoying treats from some of our many food trucks available across campus during OWeek 2021

Being a Science Faculty Soph has been such an amazing experience and I cannot wait to continue this journey! You not only get to meet so many like-minded individuals that can help you with your own educational journey but most importantly, you get to help first-years experience all the amazing opportunities Western has to offer whether it be academic or social.”

(Megan McCormick, 2023-2024 Science Soph)

OWeek attendees
OWeek Closing Ceremony
photos-no-logo-for-tatiana-6-rsz-64820f9a03246
OWeek Performance
OWeek Performance
OWeek Performance
OWeek One Love
The History of the Orientation Program

Way back in the day, before the phenomenon of online registration, course registration had to be done by hand. As you can probably imagine, that took a long time – a week to be exact. Gradually, upper-year students on campus noticed that first-year students’ first impressions of Western involved waiting around in line. Something needed to be done. These upper-year students, now called “Sophs”, began organizing events for the incoming first-year students to welcome them to Western, and demonstrate the wide range of opportunities our school has to offer. This tradition continued and became known as Orientation Week, or OWeek!

Now that online registration takes a matter of minutes and happens over the summer, OWeek focuses on welcoming students to their new home, helping them meet other first-year incoming students, and giving them the opportunity to learn about all the different aspects of life at Western. Over the years, OWeek has evolved into an incredible and truly unique experience!

The History of the Orientation Program

Way back in the day, before the phenomenon of online registration, course registration had to be done by hand. As you can probably imagine, that took a long time – a week to be exact. Gradually, upper-year students on campus noticed that first-year students’ first impressions of Western involved waiting around in line. Something needed to be done. These upper-year students, now called “Sophs”, began organizing events for the incoming first-year students to welcome them to Western, and demonstrate the wide range of opportunities our school has to offer. This tradition continued and became known as Orientation Week, or OWeek!

Now that online registration takes a matter of minutes and happens over the summer, OWeek focuses on welcoming students to their new home, helping them meet other first-year incoming students, and giving them the opportunity to learn about all the different aspects of life at Western. Over the years, OWeek has evolved into an incredible and truly unique experience!

Highlights from
OWeek 2023

Testimonials

“I found the social aspect [of OWeek] most enjoyable. It was a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and start building a sense of community on campus. The various social events and activities provided a fun and relaxed atmosphere to connect with fellow students, which helped ease the transition into university life.”
“Soph-ing is such an amazing experience! Being able to contribute to such an impactful event really gives a sense of belonging at Western, whether it be guiding the new students through the ins and outs of campus life, or forming countless memories and connections with other like-minded students. I personally chose to be a Soph because it gives you the ability to be a leader for those around you, to truly make a difference in the lives of others. There’s nothing like experiencing OWeek all over again through the eyes of a Soph, a community unlike any other!”

In a past OWeek survey, 81% of respondents said Sophs heavily contributed to a safe and enjoyable OWeek

USC Orientation Week 2023

First year survey

Virginia Johnson Steeves

Faculty of Science Soph 2023-2024

USC Orientation Week 2023

First year survey

“I found the social aspect [of OWeek] most enjoyable. It was a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and start building a sense of community on campus. The various social events and activities provided a fun and relaxed atmosphere to connect with fellow students, which helped ease the transition into university life.”

USC Orientation Week 2023

First year survey

“Soph-ing is such an amazing experience! Being able to contribute to such an impactful event really gives a sense of belonging at Western, whether it be guiding the new students through the ins and outs of campus life, or forming countless memories and connections with other like-minded students. I personally chose to be a Soph because it gives you the ability to be a leader for those around you, to truly make a difference in the lives of others. There’s nothing like experiencing OWeek all over again through the eyes of a Soph, a community unlike any other!”

Virginia Johnson Steeves

Faculty of Science Soph 2023-2024

In a past OWeek survey, 81% of respondents said Sophs heavily contributed to a safe and enjoyable OWeek.

USC Orientation Week 2023

First year survey

What to Expect

What to Expect

Additional Orientations

International Students OWeek

International Students

All international students – whether you are new to Canada or not – are encouraged to take part in International Student Orientation, in addition to OWeek!

Hosted by Western International, International Student Orientation programming begins a few days before OWeek with the opening of the Welcome Centre and continues throughout September offering a wide range of events and services that provide opportunities to meet friends, have fun, get help settling in, and learn more about academics, resources and student life on campus.

Participation is free for all international students!

Learn more and register here.

Indigenous Students

Get connected before OWeek! Are you an Indigenous student? Come meet other first-year students for a fun day with the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC)! During the Indigenous Student Orientation you will also meet ISC staff, learn about resources and services offered on campus, and meet some amazing student leaders!

Learn more here.