The students are coming!
The University of Lethbridge is readying to welcome students at both its Lethbridge and Calgary campuses over the next several days as they begin to arrive for the start of the 2025 Fall Semester. Residences will spring to life over the weekend with the annual move-in day slated for Monday, Sept. 1.
“It’s always exciting to see the families come in and get their students settled in their new home,” says Laura Correal, Associate Director of Housing Services. “It’s also a pretty emotional day because for many, this may be their first time living away from home, so we’re there to help with that transition and make things as comfortable as possible for them.”
One of the key activities welcoming students to campus is the annual New Student Orientation (NSO), which has taken on a new look this year. Previously a one-day event, NSO will now run Sept. 2-5, allowing students a full four days to become acclimated to campus and post-secondary life.
“We’ve been wanting to expand programming for many years, and the academic schedule afforded us the opportunity to extend NSO to four days,” says Kendra Fuglerud, Assistant Registrar, Curriculum and Student Records. “This format allows students to attend more than one faculty meet and greet — a great bonus for students in combined degrees or who are curious about exploring another program, major, or minor down the road.”
In addition to multiple meet-and-greet events with faculties and schools, students can take part in scavenger hunts, campus tours, open advising sessions, learn transit tips, get the ins and outs on how to live with a roommate, participate in fun games, chill with art sessions, and more.
“Students can curate an experience just for themselves. They can attend presentations and events throughout the week as they pertain to their interests and curiosities,” adds Fuglerud. “We partnered with folks around campus and beyond to make this week come together, and we’ve been very fortunate to have the support of our colleagues and the community so we could put this iteration of NSO together.”
As well, the StartSmart Quiz returns for its third year. An initiative that began in 2023, ULethbridge encourages all first-year students to take the quiz before they begin their academic journey.
“We’re really pleased with how many students took the quiz last year. It set the tone for this new world they are entering and gave students a leg up heading into their first few weeks by helping them learn about the skills and attitudes needed to succeed at university and proactively connecting them to helpful supports at ULethbridge,” says Kathleen Massey, Vice-Provost (Students). “This is such an important time for new students, and we want to make sure they get off to a positive start because it can really set them up for success and help them grow confidence as post-secondary students.”
First day of classes is Monday, Sept. 8.