The Durham College (DC) Oshawa and Whitby campuses were abuzz with activity last week as the college kicked off the 2019-2020 academic year, welcoming first-year students to campus during its annual Orientation from September 3 to 6.

Designed to help first-year students acclimatize to college life, meet staff and faculty, explore student services and explore the college’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses, Orientation also provides students with an opportunity to learn more about program expectations and student clubs, all while developing new friendships.

“Orientation is such an exciting time for our new first-year students! We work diligently with our campus and community partners to ensure that a wide variety of programming is available to all students so that everyone feels home here at Durham College,” said Krista Licsi, student development manager, Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions.

After the official welcome ceremony and program orientation sessions on September 3, students were invited to a country-themed barbecue hosted by Durham College Students Inc. at the Whitby campus, which featured live music, lunch and a mechanical bull. At the Oshawa campus students enjoyed the first-ever DC Street Festival with live music, games, a clubs and services fair and access to a variety of food trucks and local vendors.

New this year, students were welcomed into the Student Centre on September 5 for an Open House and Gaming Day, allowing them to check out the new Esports Gaming Arena, whose consoles and computers were available for free for the day. Other Orientation events included Flamingle, hosted by the DC Pride Collective, the Part-time Job Fair, the Get Involved Fair and Movie Under the Stars.