START International Orientation for New International Students
Welcome to the University of Guelph!
All incoming international students, including undergraduate students, graduate students, and exchange students, are invited to attend START International. This orientation program is designed to help you settle in, connect with peers, and get more information about living and studying in Canada. International students are also invited to attend orientation programming for all students. Read on to learn more.
START International
START International is an orientation program for new international students, new permanent residents to Canada, new exchange students and out-of-country Canadians. The program will introduce you to the U of G campus, the resources available to help you with your social and academic transition, and what you can expect from your University of Guelph experience. Attendance is highly recommended as the sessions will cover useful information on topics such as cultural adjustment, the Canadian university academic system, health insurance, professional development, and other support services that can help students make successful transitions.
Fall Semester start: START International Orientation for students starting classes in the Fall Semester is held in late August / early September (the week before classes begin for the fall semester, or the Wednesday before the weekend of Move-In Day).
Winter Semester start: START International normally takes place the Sunday before the first day of classes.
Registration for START International for 2025 is now open! Register by July 27 to secure your spot. You can register now on the START International webpage (login required).
If you have been approved to live on-campus and have registered to attend START International, you will be able to move in to your residence room a day before the orientation program begins. Check your U of G email address for the date, time, and additional information.
Note: To avoid early move-in fees, you must attend and sign-in every day of the START International program.
START International Frequently Asked Questions
For Fall 2024, Campus Move-in Days are August 30 to August 31. However, students who are registered for the START International Orientation are allowed to move into residence free of charge starting on August 27, which is the day before the orientation program begins. If you are registered for START International and are arriving on August 27, you do not need to submit the Early Arrival Request Form because we will let the Residence office know that you are moving in early. Please note that you must sign in at the registration desk for START International on every day of the orientation in order to not be charged extra for residence.
If you are attending START International and if you plan to arrive and move-in before August 27, you will be considered an early arrival and will be billed $40 every night until August 27 (the day before START International Orientation begins), and you must submit the Early Arrival Request form.
Please see the move-in information above and plan your flight accordingly. If you plan to fly home for the winter break, make sure you check when the residence closes on Student Housing Website.
You may participate in START International whenever your flight arrives, even if it is in the middle of the program, as long as you have registered.
No, START International 2024 is free. However, not all meals are provided (details will be released to START International registrants in the digital program closer to the orientation), and students should budget $10-$15 per meal.
Although cafeteria options are limited at the end of August, they will fully reopen in September. There are also many off-campus options nearby. Please see this webpage for more information about food options.
For information on how to get to Guelph from the airport, refer to this page. For information on public transit in Guelph, refer to this page. Please note that your bus pass for the Fall 2024 semester will not be active until September 1, so you will have to pay for bus fare if you arrive before September. For information on how to pay, see the Guelph Transit website.
Other Orientation Programs
Orientation Week
Orientation Week or "O-Week" is U of G's welcome for all new undergraduate students starting in the fall semester. You'll have opportunities to connect with students, explore clubs and events, attend academic orientation, and prepare for life as a Gryphon.
Snow Days Winter Orientation
Snow Days is a month-long series of events and activities that takes place every January to welcome new and returning undergraduate students at the start of the winter semester. It’s all about building community, having fun, and helping you learn how to live your best life as a Gryphon.
START Indigenous
START Indigenous is an orientation program hosted by the Indigenous Student Centre for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students and their families. It’s about building community, getting familiar with life at U of G, and learning about the supports available to help you thrive.
Graduate Student Orientation
All incoming graduate students are invited to learn more about what it means to be a graduate student, get tips on how to succeed in graduate school, learn about services available on campus, and meet other students. Orientation is typically held in the first week of the semester in which you begin your studies.
Information will be sent your University of Guelph email and posted to the Graduate Studies website. Contact Graduate and Post-Doctoral Studies for more information.
Certain resources on this page require a U of G login, which is sent to eligible students by email. Learn more on our login information page.
New Students
Advising & Support
Connect With Us
Email: student@uoguelph.ca
Phone: 519-824-4120 Ext. 52214