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START International

START International & Orientation Programs for New International Students

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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.

New International Student Pre-Arrival Guide
Have Questions? Ask an Advisor

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).

For Fall 2026, START International is occurring on Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Thursday, Sept. 3. Registrations are open until Sunday, Aug. 9. Be sure to register now!

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).

Login for more START International info

START International Frequently Asked Questions

For Fall 2026, if you are living in campus residences, as a START International registrant, you can move-in early as Sept. 1, 2026 (the day before START International begins). You must sign in, every day during START International Orientation to avoid early move-in fees.

If you would like to move in earlier than Sept. 1, you will need to submit a request on the Housing Portal for early move-in.

If you will be living in residence, please review the move-in information above and plan your travel accordingly.

If you will be living off-campus, we suggest arriving early so that you have time to get settled in before classes begin.

If you are planning to book a flight to return home for vacation during scheduled breaks (e.g. winter holidays, semester break, etc.), do not book your flight until you know your class and final exam schedule.

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-$20 per meal.

Although cafeteria options are limited during START International, a selection of on-campus food services will be available. For more details, please visit Hospitality Services. Additionally, a variety of dining options are located nearby off-campus.

At this point, we are not providing any airport pickups. However, both private and public transportation options are accessible for travel from the airport to Guelph. For more information on reaching Guelph from the airport, please visit the Getting to Guelph webpage.

As a U of G student, the Universal Bus Pass (UPass) is included in your student fees and provides unlimited transportation around. Please note that your bus pass will not be active until the start of the semester.

We are currently working to have passes activated by the last week of August or by September 1, 2026, to support your participation in orientation and help you get settled before classes begin. Please keep an eye on your U of G inbox and MS Teams channel for updates.

If you arrive before your UPass becomes active, you will be required to pay regular bus fare. For more details on fares and payment options, please visit 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.

About Orientation Week

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.

About Snow Days Winter Orientation

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.

START Indigenous

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.

New Grad Student 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.

U of G Student Experience

New Students

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  • International Pre-Arrival Guide

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