Queen's Orientation- 10 things I wish I knew before Orientation

From all the gossip around purple dye, and nurses, to the controversy behind “life sci should be its own faculty”, "o-week" is one of the most insightful weeks of the year. 

It can, however, be overwhelming. Knowing where campus locations are, navigating group chats, and burnout. Here are 10 things to know about orientation that promote health and wellness:

Try remembering names

Using names promotes inclusivity. One 2026 meta-analysis, including over 30,000 students, found that folks who felt a stronger sense of belonging reported less loneliness. A simple gesture such as a conscious effort remembering someone’s name, can build connections needed for long-term wellbeing. 

Comparison is the thief of joy It’s easy to compare yourself to others during Orientation, especially when it seems like everyone else is making friends faster than you. What you see is only part of their experience, so focus on your own pace and give yourself space to enjoy O-Week without feeling like you’re falling behind.

Memorize Your Schedule

Pro tip! Make your school schedule your phone’s wallpaper! Knowing when your classes are makes it easier to see who from o-week might be in your classes and makes it easier to say, “Hey, want to walk to our 8:30 together?” Those small connections can help build friendships and a sense of community within your program, both of which are linked with better mental health. 

Know your way around campus. 

Learning where key buildings, meeting spots, and wellness resources can make Orientation feel much less overwhelming. Knowing a few quiet places to study, recharge, or get support can also help you build healthier routines early on.

Here are some locations to start out with:

• Health Promotion in the John Deutsch University Centre, 4^th floor room 430 

• Come by to grab a snack, say hi to our campus therapy dog (Wednesdays from 12-1pm), and learn about what Student Wellness Services offers 

• Stauffer Library “fireplace room” on the 2^nd floor (also where you access the library terrace from)

• Third floor in the arc (especially at night when the fairy lights are on)

Give yourself breaks

If there's an event you don't feel like attending, social battery is low, listen to yourself.  Taking a break and come back feeling better than before.  

The shoe situation

For the most part, wear comfortable shoes. Staying comfortable can prevent soreness, blisters, and unnecessary fatigue. If you're taking part in the mud run, or messier events, remember to bring a pair you don't care about.

“Eat your veggies”

Pack a snack or make time to get a ‘Trade a Meal’ (TAM) or meal from the dining hall. Ask your ORT Leaders for recommendations; they probably know which TAMS to recommend.

Don’t stress about finding your best friends immediately

It may seem like everyone around you has already found their friend group, but that's rarely the case. Meaningful friendships develop over time through classes, clubs, residence, and shared experiences. Focusing on genuine conversations instead of putting pressure on yourself can improve both your confidence and well-being.

Keep an open mind when it comes to creating connections – Be Community to find community. 

Orientation is one of the easiest times to meet new people because so many students are looking for connection. Our friends in the Student Experience Office have been exploring this through the SHIFT Project, which focuses on building a stronger sense of community among students. Some of your strongest connections may come from people you never expected to click with, so show up as yourself, be kind, and don’t put pressure on every interaction to become a lifelong friendship.

Go to club fairs, resource fairs, and open houses

 It’s important to know what resources you have access to as a student, what fees you are paying for, and communities you may want to be involved in. If you make a conscious effort to learn about these clubs and apply, you will feel less behind looking into clubs later in university and get more time to grow within these clubs. 

Belongingness and loneliness in higher education: a meta-analysis of pre- and post-pandemic trends - PubMed