The University’s largest ever incoming class will discover the transformative Trent experience first-hand and in-person during Orientation Week 2022 at Trent’s Peterborough and Durham Greater Toronto Area (GTA) campuses. 

“There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a busy campus as students once again fill our lecture halls, labs, libraries and campus spaces,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent. “Orientation is an opportunity for students to make life-long friendships, learn more about the academic journey they are about to embark upon, discover resources and supports available to them, and connect with faculty and college communities. This is an invigorating week which lays the foundation for our students’ university experience.” 

Beginning on Saturday, September 3 with move-in weekend and running through Saturday, September 11, Orientation Week offers incoming Trent students at both campuses the opportunity to take part in an array of events and activities that encourage students to get acquainted with the campus as they create new connections and friendships. Planned orientation events give students the opportunity to kick off the year their way by getting active, exploring creativity, showing their collegiate spirit and getting familiar with the local community. 

Mask friendly campuses

University campuses will be mask-friendly as Trent continues to prioritize the health and safety of the campus and local community. Additional health and safety protocols include vaccination requirement and rapid testing upon arrival for residence students, improved ventilation throughout Trent’s buildings and facilities, and continued wastewater monitoring on campus. On September 10, the University will also host the GO VAXX mobile vaccination clinic on Trent’s Symons Campus and a vaccination clinic will be held at the Oshawa Centre, close to the Durham Greater Toronto Area campus. 

Largest-ever number of new students starting at Trent Durham

Trent University Durham GTA is preparing to welcome the largest group of new students ever at the Durham campus. Orientation Week kicks off with move-in day to Trent Durham’s new student residence on September 5, followed by a week of activities to welcome new and returning students to campus. On Friday, September 9, a welcome party will introduce a new Trent Durham mascot. On Sunday, September 11, Trent community family and friends are invited to join students for games, snacks, and a personal picnic at Lakeview Park in Oshawa.  

A highlight of the week will be the new collaborative Oshawa Orientation event on September 10, hosted alongside partners from the City of Oshawa, the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, as well as other postsecondary institutions in the region. 

“We’re excited to have students return to the campus. Staff, faculty and student volunteers have worked hard to prepare activities to welcome and orient new and returning students,” said Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA. “This is going to be a great year and we’re looking forward to the engagement and community we’ll build together.”  

Orientation Week Highlights

Highlights of campus-wide orientation events offering engaging photo opportunities for media include: 

PETERBOROUGH CAMPUS  

Move-In Weekend

Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Orientation Week staff at Trent will welcome and support new students and their families with registration and their move into residence.  

Intro to your Undergrad

Tuesday, September 6, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Academic Skills, Advising, and Careerspace invites students to begin the year with their best foot forward. Students will learn the ins and outs of their program from the very professors who will teach them throughout their undergrad. 

Tipi Talks

Tuesday, September 6, throughout the day, Traditional Areas 

Small groups from Trent’s college residences will travel to the Trent’s Traditional Areas to learn about dedicated Indigenous spaces on campus, hosted by the First Peoples House of Learning. 

Food Trucks

Wednesday, September 7, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Athletics Centre Parking Lot 

Some of the finest food trucks brought together on campus for students to come out and enjoy. 

Flavours of Peterborough

Thursday, September 8, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lady Eaton College South Field 

Peterborough’s finest food is paired live music from I, The Mountain at this event hosted by the Colleges at Trent. 

The Great Race  

Friday, September 9, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Trent Athletics Centre 

The Great Race, a time-honoured Trent tradition, run by the Trent Central Student Association, kicks off with the annual cheering competition. Each college is assigned the task of creating a new cheer for their college and Trent University. This giant relay race, which takes place at the Trent Athletics Centre, always brings out the college spirit in everyone.  

Traill Carnival

Saturday, September 10, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Traill College 

Traill's annual Carnival & Barbecue is back! Free food, a beer tent, and activities for all ages (bouncy castle, anyone?), make this the best time to discover Trent's downtown college. 

DURHAM GTA CAMPUS

Move-In Day  

Monday, September 5, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Orientation Leaders and staff from housing services at Trent Durham will welcome and support new students and their families with registration and their move into the award-winning new residence building.   

Food Truck Dinner & Campus Carnival  

Tuesday, September 6, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

Students will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at a food truck marketplace happening alongside a carnival complete with games, inflatable activities, music, dancing and more. This event offers lots of engaging fun, including an obstacle course, team sports and a mechanical bull.   

Welcome Party  

Friday, September 9, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  

New and returning students are invited to attend a dance party on Friday evening. The event includes a DJ, a 19+ area where alcohol will be served, and the reveal of the new Student Affairs mascot.  

The Oshawa Orientation Experience

Saturday, September 10, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.  

Hosted by the City of Oshawa in partnership with the three post-secondary institutions and other city organizations, Oshawa Orientation will welcome students into the Oshawa community with a scavenger hunt, a local business job fair and a dance party.