Durham College (DC) welcomed more than students to Spring Orientation this month to mark the beginning of a new year and educational journey.

Students participated in a variety of activities with other students and volunteers to help them feel comfortable and adjust to campus life. They also had the opportunity to meet employees and faculty members, explore DC’s services and supports available to them on campus and learn more about their new programs, all while making new friends with other attendees.

Rashi Kakkar, a first-year student at the Whitby campus, shared it was her first orientation at a post-secondary institution. “It’s very comfortable, even while being an introvert. I didn’t expect it to be as friendly as it was, there are lots of caring people around,” she said.

Khushi Pandya and Uttara Jaiswal, both international students taking the became friends during orientation. Pandya said, “We came from India and we just met here. We didn’t know each other and we met two other people, too.”

International students received program specific support to assist with adapting to the Canadian classroom, finding part-time employment and more.

“It’s beyond our imagination,” said Jaiswal. “Professors gave us great information with great experience, and Professor Heather was amazing. Everything was perfect.”

Following both campus program orientations, students received new DC swag to show off their #DCpride and enjoyed music and food while connecting with other new students.

Did you miss out on some of the fun? Check out these top three blog posts for new students!

• Stay healthy at DC with our wellness directory
• 10 campus spaces every student needs to know
• Five things to ‘check out’ at Durham College libraries