Time: 9 AM - 3 PM
Location: Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building

Mark your calendar for the International Student Orientation for new international students!

This orientation session will give you an introduction to Dalhousie, workshops and resources designed to help you transition to your life in Halifax, and opportunities to connect with your fellow students.

Time: 5 PM - 6 PM
Location: Virtual | Registration Required

Level Up Your Learning with Tech at Dal!

In this fun and practical virtual session, students will be introduced to Able@Dal Assistive Technology services and the must-know tools available at Dalhousie, including Microsoft Office, Read&Write, and a variety of apps for studying, organization, and productivity.

Time: 12 PM - 3 PM
Location: The Black Student Advising Centre, 1321 Edward St

We want to welcome you to campus the BSAC way – Here at the Black Student Advising Centre we value community and connection.

This welcoming event will provide incoming Black students with an opportunity to discover campus resources and supports, connect with fellow first years, meet BSAC staff and enjoy a meal together.

Time: 12 PM - 1 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

Welcome to Residence Life here at Dalhousie!
Join us for this info session about (almost) everything you need to know about residence living for the upcoming year. After the session you will be taken around the building for a tour!

Time: 1 PM - 2 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

New to Halifax? New to Dal? New to Residence? Speed friending is a great way to meet your community and get to know each other! 

Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Meet at Studley Quad

DalScience invites all new international Science students to our welcome event/field trip.

We’ll meet at the Studley Quad in front of the flagpoles at 1:30 PM ADT before walking down to the Museum of Natural History to visit the Hali-famous 104-year old Gus the Gopher Tortoise as a group.

Time: 2 PM- 4 PM
Location: Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building

The Friends & Family Coffee Break is designed to support the people who matter most in a student’s life—parents, guardians, close relatives, and trusted friends—as they help their student transition into university life.

Time: 2 PM - 3 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

Welcome to Residence Life here at Dalhousie!
Join us for this info session about (almost) everything you need to know about residence living for the upcoming year. After the session you will be taken around the building for a tour!

Time:5 PM - 6 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

New to Halifax? New to Dal? New to Residence? Speed friending is a great way to meet your community and get to know each other! 

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence’s Meal Hall

After a long day of moving in and getting to know your community and surroundings, join us all for a meal to end off the day before going into nighttime activities!

Time: Two Sessions: 6 PM - 8 PM & 8 PM - 10PM
Location: Council Chambers, Student Union Building Floor 2

Unwind and get creative at Paint & Sip, a relaxed social event where you can enjoy painting while sipping on a mocktail. No experience needed — a facilitator will guide you through! Just come with your inspiration, have fun, meet new people, and take home your own artwork.

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM | Thursday
Location: Student Union Building, Room 224

Are you a first-year student living off campus? Drop by the Off-Campus Student Lounge before the DSU movie night for pizza, treats, games, and the opportunity to meet other first year students living off campus!

Time: 7 PM - 8 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

New school year new you?
Want to learn how to make those goals and plans happen and stick? Join your student leaders to learn about goal setting tips and tricks to set you up for success -- and display it all on a fun vision board! 

Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Killam Library, McMechan Auditorium

Able@Dal (Family & Supporters Session) is a welcoming orientation designed to help you support your student as they transition to university with academic accommodations.

Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: McMechan in the Killam Library

Able@Dal is a welcoming orientation for new Dalhousie and King’s students who use, or are considering, academic accommodations. Hosted by Access Advisors, staff, and students, this session helps you build confidence, understand how supports work, and get connected early. It is strongly recommended for students coming directly from high school, though all interested students are welcome.

Time: 10 AM - 3 PM
Location: Indigenous Student Centre

Start your Dal journey with the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) through a welcoming experience focused on community building, connection, and support for Indigenous students.

Time: 12 PM - 4 PM
Location: Indigenous Student Centre

Every three weeks, our Fire Keeper/Pipe Carrier leads a Sacred Fire and Smudge. Let us gather for a time of connection, reflection, and community. 

Time: 2 PM - 3 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

Welcome to Residence Life here at Dalhousie!
Join us for this info session about (almost) everything you need to know about residence living for the upcoming year. After the session you will be taken around the building for a tour!

Time: 2 PM- 4 PM
Location: Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building

The Friends & Family Coffee Break is designed to support the people who matter most in a student’s life—parents, guardians, close relatives, and trusted friends—as they help their student transition into university life.

Time: 3 PM - 4 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

New to Halifax? New to Dal? New to Residence? Speed friending is a great way to meet your community and get to know each other! 

Time: 4 PM - 5 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

Welcome to Residence Life here at Dalhousie!
Join us for this info session about (almost) everything you need to know about residence living for the upcoming year. After the session you will be taken around the building for a tour!

Time: 5 PM - 6 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

New to Halifax? New to Dal? New to Residence? Speed friending is a great way to meet your community and get to know each other! 

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence’s Meal Hall

After a long day of moving in and getting to know your community and surroundings, join us all for a meal to end off the day before going into nighttime activities!

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: Student Union Building, Room 270

Are you a first-year student living off campus? Drop by the Off-Campus Student Lounge before the DSU movie night for pizza, treats, games, and the opportunity to meet other first year students living off campus!

Time: 6 PM - 7 PM & 7 PM - 8 PM (Two sessions)
Location: Council Chambers, Student Union Building Floor 3, 303

Stretch, relax, and de-stress with Puppy Yoga! This is a beginner-friendly yoga with the joy of spending time with adorable puppies. A perfect way to take a break, recharge, and enjoy some feel-good energy during O-Week.

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: McInnes Room, Student Union Building

Learn the basics and get moving before the dance party. This workshop introduces simple dance foundations in a fun, high-energy environment. No experience needed, just come ready to learn, move, and have a great time.

Led by the Dal Dance Society!

Time: 7 PM - 8 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

New school year new you?
Want to learn how to make those goals and plans happen and stick? Join your student leaders to learn about goal setting tips and tricks to set you up for success -- and display it all on a fun vision board! 

Time: 8 PM - 10 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

Join your student leaders for hall based arts & crafts, building, t-shirt, and door tag decoration, and work with your whole hall on a shared banner to show off your house pride! 

Time: 8:30 PM - 11 PM
Location: Studley Quad (Rain Location SUB McInnes Room)

Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars with an outdoor movie. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and hang out with friends. Popcorn will be provided. Movie announcement coming soon - vote for your fave!

Time: 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Location: Multiple Locations (See individual Events!)

Tiger Welcome Day is Dalhousie's official welcome to the incoming Class of 2026!

This exciting day brings all new students together to build connections, celebrate the start of their university journey, and experience the energy, traditions, and spirit of the Dal community.

Time: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

Start your Dalhousie journey by connecting with your new community.

Students living in residence will meet with their residence community, while off-campus students will join the Off-Campus Welcome to meet their mentors, make new friends, enjoy a meal, and learn about opportunities to get involved throughout the year.

Time: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Studley Quad (rain location, Student Union Building McInnes room)

The Off Campus Welcome is Dalhousie University’s official introduction event for new students who will be living off-campus while studying at the Halifax Campus. Hosted by the Off Campus Council, this event is designed to ensure that all students, regardless of where they live, feel connected, informed, and excited about their university journey from day one.

First year students will meet their mentors, participate in icebreaker games with their mentor groups, and enjoy a meal before the spirit rally and opening ceremonies.

Time: 7 PM - 8 PM
Location: Wickwire Field

Get Dal'd up and get ready to show your Tiger pride!

All new students will gather on Wickwire Field for a spirited rally featuring cheers, friendly competitions, learning the legendary Tiger Shuffle, and the annual class photo to commemorate the start of your Dalhousie journey.

Time: 8 PM - 9 PM
Location: Studley Quad

Celebrate the official start of the academic year at Dalhousie's Opening Ceremonies. Hear from university and student union leaders, enjoy special performances, and learn more about the Dal community as we welcome you to campus with pride, excitement, and Tiger spirit.

Time: 9 PM - 11 PM
Location: Studley Quad

Get ready for a high-energy night of music and dance at the Glow in the Dark Party. Featuring your favourite DJ, glowing props, and an electric atmosphere.

Time: 9 AM - 12 PM
Location: Wickwire Field

Get ready for our annual Dalympic’s, a campus-wide celebration of teamwork, friendly competition, and school spirit, bringing students together for a day of games, challenges, and unforgettable memories.

Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Wickwire Field

DAL vs UNB - Women’s Soccer

Time: 2 PM - 4 PM
Location: Rowe Management Building

Travel downtown and explore Halifax alongside other students who are new to the city or the first in their family to attend university. This guided adventure is a great opportunity to make friends and build confidence navigating your new home before classes begin.

Time: 2 PM - 7 PM
Location: Studley Quad (Rain Location: McInnes Room, SUB)

Take a break and enjoy a laid back afternoon. Relax on the grass, connect with peers, and take part in light games and activities in a welcoming outdoor environment.

MORE INFO COMING SOON!

Time: 2PM - 4PM
Location: Meet at Rowe Management Building

Meet fellow transfer students for a fun and relaxed afternoon. We'll start on campus with some icebreakers before heading downtown with Orientation Leaders to enjoy a scoop (on us!) of the iconic Cow's Ice Cream, a Maritime favourite known for its delicious flavours and quirky charm.

Time: 3 PM - 5 PM
Location: Killam Podium (area between Chemistry Building and Killam Library)

Returning to school is a big step, and you don't have to do it alone. Join us for a relaxed picnic-style social designed specifically for mature and non-traditional students as you begin your Dalhousie journey.

Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Wickwire Field

DAL vs UNB - Men’s Soccer

Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
Location: Glitter Bean Cafe | 5896 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 0A6

Find community, make connections, and celebrate the start of your Dalhousie experience at the Queer Student Social. Hosted in a welcoming and queer-affirming space, this event offers an opportunity for 2SLGBTQIA+ students to connect with peers, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships in a relaxed and inclusive environment.

Time: 7 PM - 8 PM
Location: Studley Quad (Rain Location: McInnes Room, SUB)

Put your knowledge and competitive spirit to the test at Trivia and Games Night. Gather your friends, form a team, and compete in a mix of trivia rounds and fun interactive games for prizes and bragging rights.

Time: 8 PM - 10 PM
Location: Studley Quad

And when we’re having sex, what do we use? LUBE!

Come and get yours along with the chance to win many other prizes through the medium of everyone favourite game of bingo! Come for the prizes, stay for the raunchy jokes, sex education, and fun!

Time: 10 PM - 11 PM
Location: Studley Quad (Rain Location: McInnes Room, SUB)

We’re bringing the sparkle and the sass to the Quad with a lineup of iconic local performers. This is your chance to laugh, cheer, and live your best life with the most fabulous folks in Halifax. It’s pure joy and big personality energy. Experience an exciting night of performance, creativity, and entertainment featuring talented performers, music, and high-energy stage acts!

Time: 9 AM - 5 PM
Location: McInnes Room, Dalhousie Student Union Building

Academic Orientation Day is your opportunity to learn more about academic life at Dalhousie and the supports available to help you start the year with confidence.

More information will be shared closer to orientation.

Time: 10:30 AM - 12 PM
Location: Dalplex Fitness Centre - Studio 1

The mixer will include yoga followed by social time and snacks, giving students a chance to reset before classes get busy, try something new, and connect with others in a welcoming space.

Registration: Information on how to sign up will follow - check back for more details closer to start of term!

Time: 5 PM - 9PM
Location: Mona Campbell Room 1201

Where Does Your Time Actually Go?
Classes, studying, making friends, and trying new things— it’s a lot to take on at once. If things feel out of balance sometimes, that’s normal!

Join the Care Crew and graduate student facilitators from the School of Occupational Therapy for an evening of mocktails and snacks as you map out where your time is really going and identify what may be draining your energy.

Time: 7 PM - 10 PM
Location: Wickwire Field

Need to get all that energy and excitement out before classes start? We got you covered!

Form teams with your building or off-campus community, face off in multiple rounds of scrimmages, and win bragging rights!

Time: 8:30 AM - 4 PM
Location: Ondaatje Hall, McCain Arts & Social Sciences Building

First year Engineering students get a chance to meet Engineering student supporters, instructors, and society reps. They'll get an overview of the day and a chance to sign up for a variety of activities. They'll get a t-shirt and be grouped according to block registration. This will allow students to get to know people in their labs and tutorials.

Time: 8:30 AM - 1 PM
Location: Fenwick Medical Center (5595 Fenwick St, suite 200)

Incoming School of Health Sciences students will meet at the school to pick up their information packages and tshirts.

Current students will give first year students a tour and host a lunch after an information session with faculty and staff.

Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
Location: Indigenous Student Centre

Visit your home away from home!
Drop into the Indigenous Student Centre (1321 Edward St) to see the space, meet other students, and connect with the advisors! New and returning students are welcome. 

Time: 10 AM - 4 PM
Location: Writing Centre office (room G40c of the Killam Library)

Students will work together in teams to solve puzzles and complete challenges by interacting with staff from student support services.

The challenge will begin at the Writing Centre office (room G40c of the Killam Library). Teams that complete all the tasks in the challenge will be entered in a draw for one of four prizes.

Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: Studley Quad

Drop by the Welcome Fair to explore the many programs, services, and communities that make up life at Dalhousie. This engaging event gives students the chance to connect with campus supports, student groups, and university staff while learning about opportunities that can enrich both their academic journey and personal well-being.

Time: 2 PM - 4 PM
Location: Howe Meal Hall

Are you a first-year student living off campus? Drop by Howe Hall's dining hall to learn how to make your own fresh pasta from scratch, meet other off-campus students, and have some fun! Once you’ve made your pasta, you’ll package it up and take it home to cook when you’re ready for a homemade meal. Gluten free and vegan options will be provided.  

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: TBD

Whether you're a new Dalhousie student or joining us as a transfer student in Kinesiology, Health Promotion, Recreation Management, or Therapeutic Recreation, this event is designed to help you start your HAHP journey with confidence, excitement, and a strong sense of community.

Time: 8 PM - 10 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

Starting a new university experience can be stressful, so come and relax with your community and learn about safer socializing, self-care during the year, and ways to max out your relaxation! Come for the tips, stay for the face masks, snacks, and shows!

Time: 11 AM - 12 PM
Location: Indigenous Student Centre

New to Dalhousie? Join us for an information session covering important Indigenous resources and other key student tips on navigating Dalhousie. New and returning students are welcome. Attending this event will enter you in a prize draw! 

Time: 12 PM - 3 PM
Location: Black Student Advising Centre

You’re invited to the cookout! The BSAC Block Party is here to kick off the semester – Join us on Sept 9th from 12pm-3pm in our backyard. Come through for good music, food, vibes and community. 

Time: 2 PM - 4 PM
Location: Wallace McCain Learning Commons

The Faculty of Science and the Dalhousie Science Society want to welcome first year students to our Dal Science community! We will be at Dal's Studley Campus in the Wallace McCain Learning Commons and the outdoor area near the Life Science Centre (LSC) Biology Tower (weather permitting).

Time: 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: McCain Arts and Social Science, Front Atrium

This is a great opportunity to meet FASS faculty members and people from the Dean's Office. You'll also have the chance to meet and mingle with some upper-year students and members of the Dalhousie Arts and Social Sciences Student Society (DASSS) who are excited to talk to you about what to expect in your first year as students in Dal’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), how you can get involved with DASSS, and of course, meet your fellow first-year FASS classmates (or FASS-Mates)!

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Sexton Field

Sexton Field Days will be a combination of games and challenges designed to help students have a good time while getting to know one another. Activities will include dodgeball, painting, crafts and other games and design challenges. For Faculty of Engineering and Architecture and Planning students.

Time: 5:30 PM - 9 PM ( Session 1: 5:30 PM - 7 PM Session 2: 7:30 PM - 9 PM)
Location: Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building, Room 1011

There are two available time slots for these sessions. Register for the time that works best for you.

Walking into a large exam room like the DalPlex can feel overwhelming—even when you've prepared. Join the Care Crew and graduate student facilitators from the School of Occupational Therapy for an evening of mocktails and snacks as you learn practical strategies to manage exam stress, stay focused, and build confidence before and during tests. Leave with simple techniques you can use throughout the semester to feel calmer and more prepared.

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: Rowe Management Building Lobby

​​Join us for The Self in the Scientist, a relaxed crafting event hosted by the Dalhousie Science Scholars and Leaders Society. You can create felt “identity tiles” representing who you are and what you hope to accomplish at Dalhousie and in science.

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: SURGE space, Life Sciences Building, Room O2660

Calling all first-year students with an interest in science, design, or innovation! Join us for the Science Innovation Challenge! Work on a team and get creative as you build a prototype to solve an assigned problem!

Time: 8 PM - 10 PM
Location: Your Respective Residence

Need some practice before DalFest? Or a way to get all that high energy from the week out? Bring your favorite song to belt and sing your heart out at Karaoke Night!

Time: 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: Design Commons, Richard Murray Design Building

Join the School of Planning for a fun and welcoming afternoon designed to help you connect with your classmates, faculty, and the Bachelor of Community Design (Planning) program. Enjoy interactive activities, snacks, and a community BBQ as you kick off your first year and start building your planning community.

• Event Energy Level:
  Low Energy (quiet, relaxed, smaller groups)

• Target Audience:
  Open to all first year Bachelor of Community Design students.

Time: 3 PM - 4 PM
Location: Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building, Room 1028

Kick off the year with energy and connection at the Management Student Orientation, a welcoming and engaging event designed to help you feel part of the community from day one. You will be welcomed by the Dean’s Office, academic advisors, student societies, and Faculty members, who are all eager to support your success and share what to expect in your program.

Time: 4 PM - 5 PM
Location: Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building, Room 1028

Kick off the year with energy and connection at the Commerce Co-Op Program Orientation, a welcoming and engaging event designed to help you feel part of the community from day one. You will be welcomed by the Dean’s Office, academic advisors, student societies, and Faculty members, who are all eager to support your success and share what to expect in your program.

Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Wickwire Field

DAL vs SMU - Women’s Varsity Soccer

Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
Location: Indigenous Student Centre

Come out for the first Friday Night Bingo with ISC Staff and Elder Ann as Bingo caller. Enjoy a fun evening with peers and the chance to win prizes! Tonight’s bingo theme: Dalhousie Swag. 

Time: 6 PM - 11 PM
Location: Studley Quad

DalFest 2026 Lineup is officially here — and we weren’t kidding when we said we were going BIG!

Headliner: The Beaches!!!!
Opener: Neon Dreams
DJ & Activations and photobooth

Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Wickwire Field

DAL vs SMU - Men’s Varsity Soccer

Time: 10:30 PM - 3 PM
Location: BSAC (Black Student Advising Centre)

Join us on a visit to Africville, Halifax’s historic Black community, where we will visit the Africville museum and learn more about local Black history and community. Students will meet at the Black Student Advising Centre at 10:30AM before travelling together for this experience. Lunch will be provided as participants explore the legacy of Africville, reflect on its significance, and build a deeper connection to the African Nova Scotian community.

Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Wickwire Field

DAL vs MtA - Women’s Varsity Soccer

Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Wickwire Field

DAL vs MtA - Men’s Varsity Soccer

Time: 12 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Indigenous Student Centre

Join us for an exciting time with the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) as we BBQ some delicious burgers, hot dogs and all the extras. Come meet the ISC staff, Elder Ann, our Dalhousie support team and other Indigenous students – new and returning.

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: TBD

This event will feature a panel and a Q&A from upper-year students from a variety of Health and Human Performance programs (Health Promotion, Kinesiology, Therapeutic Recreation, and Recreation Management). They'll share their experiences, offer advice, and answer your questions about navigating university life. Attendees can enjoy complimentary refreshments while connecting with fellow students, meeting peers from across the school, and building new friendships.

Time: 2 PM - 4 PM
Location: Indigenous Student Centre

Start your semester rooted and ready. Let us gather together with plant medicine and crystals, to help set some intentions for the school year. Leave with a small medicine bundle you put together during the session. 

Time: 9 AM - 5 PM
Location: Meet at your respective Residences

Join us on a trip to Noggins Farm!

Time: 10 AM - 3 PM
Location: Studley Quad (Rain Location: McInnes Room, SUB)

Come experience the 16th annual Dalhousie Mawio’mi, where Indigenous students, staff, faculty and community come together for a day of dancing, drumming, vending and more! All are welcome, and we can’t wait to see you there!