Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about New College Orientation?

Check out these FAQs!

ABOUT NEW COLLEGE ORIENTATION
Ticket purchase & payment
ATTENDANCE & ELIGIBILITY
accessibility & support

ABOUT NEW COLLEGE ORIENTATION

  • Orientation is your official welcome to New College and the University of Toronto! It’s a week of fun events, campus tours, and helpful sessions designed to help you transition into university life — socially, academically, and logistically.

    You’ll get the chance to meet fellow incoming students, connect with upper-year leaders, explore campus, and learn about the many resources available to support your journey. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, Orientation is here to help you feel confident, connected, and ready to start this new chapter.

  • New College Orientation runs from August 31st to September 4th, on five full days of activities. Meals will be provided.

  • Welcome Kits are bundles of freebies you’ll receive at check-in, filled with New College Orientation merch, helpful resources, and some surprises! They’re a small gift to help you feel part of the community and make your first week even more memorable.

  • The orientation schedule will be posted here on our website, as well as on our Instagram @ncorientation.

  • Follow us on instagram @ncorientation!

  • Please bring sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, comfortable clothes, and anything else you need to stay healthy and happy during the week. Also make sure to wear the wristband provided during mealtimes to receive your food.

TICKET PURCHASE & PAYMENT

  • At some colleges, orientation fees are included in tuition, meaning students are automatically enrolled in orientation without needing to pay separately.

    At New College, however, we use a pay-to-go ticketing system.
    This means orientation is optional and not built into tuition costs — students have the freedom to decide whether they’d like to participate by purchasing a ticket themselves.

  • - Access to all New College Orientation activities 

    - 10-12 light meals and snacks

    - Welcome Kit consisting of orientation merch, small gifts from our campus partners and sponsors.

  • The order is listed as pending as you have successfully purchased a ticket and the ticket will be fulfilled when you check in for Orientation. It is totally normal.

  • For those in need of financial assistance to purchase orientation tickets, please reach out to new.oc@utoronto.ca

  • We review refund requests on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at new.oc@utoronto.ca for any refund requests.

  • Transfer Requests are on a case-by-case basis. We do not normally grant transfer requests. For any inquiries, please email new.oc@utoronto.ca.

  • While there is no deadline to purchase a ticket, we recommend buying your ticket as early as possible to secure a spot.

  • Tickets must be purchased individually using each student’s U of T email and information. This ensures we have the correct details for check-in and accessibility needs. If your friend wants to attend, encourage them to buy their own ticket through the official registration page.

  • New College Orientation is not mandatory, though we highly encourage all incoming New College students to attend.

ATTENDANCE & ELIGIBILITY

  • Absolutely! Orientation is open to all incoming first-year students, including commuters. Our events are designed to be in a drop-in format, making it easy to join, and it’s a great way to meet other commuters too.

  • Orientation has a choose-your-own-activity structure, where you can pick what events you would like to attend. We would love to see you at every event, but it’s your choice!

  • No — Orientation is exclusively for incoming New College students. Guests and family members are not permitted to attend any events. This helps us ensure a safe and inclusive space for students to connect and participate fully.

  • Please email new.oc@utoronto.ca.

  • Students are advised to register for orientation with your original affiliation. If you have further questions, please email new.oc@utoronto.ca.

ACCESSIBILITY & SUPPORT

  • There is a question in your check out form that allows you to indicate whether you require accessibility accomodations. We will contact you about the needs. Alternatively you can also directly email us at new.oc@utoronto.ca.

  • Yes — all Orientation venues are wheelchair accessible. We’re committed to making sure all students can participate comfortably and safely.

  • We offer a range of accommodations based on your needs, including dietary accommodations, mobility support, sensory-friendly spaces, and other arrangements. You can let us know your needs in the checkout form or by emailing us directly at new.oc@utoronto.ca.

  • If you need support during Orientation, our team is here to help. You can speak to any Orientation Executives (Purple Shirts) and Coordinators (Red Shirts) or email us at new.oc@utoronto.ca. For additional resources, U of T also offers 24/7 mental health support services for students. For more information, you can visit the resources here.