START International & Orientation Programs 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 a free orientation program for new full-degree international undergraduate and graduate 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, essential immigration information, the Canadian university academic system, health insurance, professional development, and other support services that can help students make successful transitions.
Fall Semester: 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 International normally takes place the Sunday before the first day of classes.
To learn more and register for START International checkout the START International intranet page (U of G login required).
START International Frequently Asked Questions
For Winter 2026, please coordinate with Student Housing for your move-in date. If your move-in is not scheduled for or before January 3rd, 2026, please contact the START International team as soon as possible.
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.
START International is free. However, not all meals are provided (details will be released to START International registrants closer to the orientation), and students should budget $10-$15 per meal.
Although cafeteria options are limited on Sunday, there will be some options available on campus, please see this webpage for on-campus options. There are also many off-campus options nearby. Please see Hospitality Services 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 Winter 2026 semester will not be active until January 1, so you will have to pay for bus fare if you arrive before January. 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 other students and resources, 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.
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Connect With Us
Email: student@uoguelph.ca
Phone: 519-824-4120 Ext. 52214