Durham College (DC) welcomed a new cohort of first-year domestic and international students to campus last week for the fall semester through a mix of virtual and in-person Orientation activities to kick off the 2021-2022 academic year.

Designed to help new students transition to college, Orientation is a time-honoured tradition that provides the opportunity for first-years to meet staff and faculty, explore student services, get to know the college’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses, and learn more about program expectations, all while developing new friendships.

Festivities began with an in-person Campus Kit pick-up event, where students could take a campus tour, enjoy a refreshing treat, meet members of the Durham College Student Association (DCSA), and attend an in-person Ask a Student, or parent and family session. It was followed by virtual Orientation for International students and online program welcome sessions with faculty and school leadership teams.

Later in the week, DC celebrated the fall semester through a number of exciting social events to help students meet new friends, discover opportunities to get involved on campus, and make the most of their time at DC. Events included the First Day of School Smudge and Prayer, an International Student Social, DCSA Picnic Party, DC’s Price is Right Challenge, Virtual Deal or No Deal, DCSA Movie Night, Virtual Pride Collective Trivia Night, Yoga on the Lawn, the Get Involved and Service Fair, and more.

Closing out Orientation on September 15, all new and returning students were invited to show their DC pride at the 2021 Campus Cup, an annual exhibition soccer match between DC and its campus partner, Ontario Tech University.

With great participation in the various virtual and in-person sessions and activities, Orientation 2021 was an exciting start to a new academic year.