A glimpse into international winter welcome week
2025 has arrived with the promise of fresh beginnings, including a new school year for many incoming international students. This year’s winter intake welcomes international students with an exciting orientation week organised by International Student Support and opportunities to connect with the TMU community before classes commence.
From January 6th to 10th, hundreds of students attended TMU winter orientation events and joined in university festivities, including an ice hockey game! Here are all the events that students flocked to during this week:
Day 1
Let's Talk Orientation: Undergrad & Grad
Held on the last floor of the SLC, Let’s Talk Orientation consisted of a panel of upper-year international students who spoke about their academic, social, and personal experiences studying at TMU. During the Q&A session, undergraduate and graduate students asked questions and received insights into the resources and tools that can make their transition into university smoother.
Day 2
Life in Canada
Life in Canada immersed students into Canadian culture and lifestyle as the SLC Floor 8 was transformed with Canadian snacks, decorations, and music. After a Kahoot game consisting of Canadian trivia, students were given a rundown of the financial, social, and cultural life in Canada. The resources provided covered tips on navigating a new academic structure, icy winters, grocery shopping, transit, etc.
Day 3
From Toronto, With Love
Students love From Toronto, With Love each year because it allows them to send postcards back home! With stationery supplies like colours, stickers, stamps, and envelopes, students wrote and drew their messages for family and friends on postcards that were mailed after the event wrapped up. With snacks and music, this allowed many students to make new friends and learn where everyone’s home is.
Day 4
Winter Welcome: ISS Goes to a Hockey Game
The week wrapped up at the Mattamy Athletic Centre with a quintessential Canadian experience — an Ice Hockey game! With popcorn and pops, students got to see the TMU Bold (external link) in action as they competed with the Badgers from Brock University. School spirit soared while cheering for our home team, making it an exciting match for new international students witnessing it for the first time!
Orientation week gives students a glimpse into the life and culture they can expect at TMU. With events every week, online and campus resources, and the International Student Support office available for advising, students feel ready to kick off the winter semester whether it’s their first year or last!