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: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Studley Gymnasium

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: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Dalplex, Studio 2

Join us for an exhilarating 45-minute introduction to spin! You’ll experience a variety of drills, including hills, sprints, and tempo rides, while learning the fundamentals of indoor cycling.

Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace by adjusting the bike’s resistance to find an intensity that feels right for them. Class begins with a warm-up and ends with a cool-down and standing stretch.

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: 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 Sciences Building, 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 PM - 7 PM
Location: International Centre

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: 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 - 8:30 PM
Location: Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences lobby - Upper deck

Mix up a mocktail while learning how to make nights out safer and more fun! Join Human Rights & Equity Services’ Sexual Violence Prevention Team, the Care Crew, and Two Sailors Bartending for an interactive session exploring consent and strategies for navigating parties, bars, and nightlife. Build skills you can use to support yourself and others—all while creating your own delicious mocktails with Two Sailors Bartending! Two sessions available - spots are limited!

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: Rowe Management Building, room 1007

​​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: 7 PM - 9 PM
Location: Abstract Cafe , SUB Floor 1

Get ready for a night of comedy, live music, and good vibes at The Abstract! Headlined by Ola Dada, with more comedians and live performances joining the lineup, this is a night you won’t want to miss.Come out, bring your friends, and enjoy an evening of laughs, music, and entertainment

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 10th from 12pm-3pm in our backyard. Come through for good music, food, vibes and community. 

Time: 12 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Rowe Management Building, Room 3089

Build skills, support your community, and make a difference! Join Human Rights & Equity Services Sexual Violence Prevention Team and get trained in Waves of Change, Nova Scotia's bystander intervention program!

Time: 1:30 PM -3:30 PM
Location: Killam Library

DalScience invites all transfer science students for a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the unique spaces and opportunities you’ll find on campus! We’ll meet in the Killam Library lobby before heading through Dalhousie’s underground tunnels to begin our tour. From there, we’ll visit the Duffy Lab in Psychology, the Greenhouse, and end in the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, where you’ll get a glimpse into the research, learning, and experiences happening across the Faculty of Science. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to meet other transfer science students and make new connections in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

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: 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM
Location: Dalplex

Join us for an exhilarating 45-minute introduction to spin! You’ll experience a variety of drills, including hills, sprints, and tempo rides, while learning the fundamentals of indoor cycling.

Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace by adjusting the bike’s resistance to find an intensity that feels right for them. Class begins with a warm-up and ends with a cool-down and standing stretch.

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 PM - 2:30 PM
Location:
Emera IDEA Building – Community Kits
Studley Quad – Community Clean-up

Ready to kick off your Dalhousie journey with purpose? Join us for Dal Gives Back – an afternoon of building community, connecting with like-minded people, and making a difference in your new home from day one. There are two Dal Gives Back events to choose from:

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!