Road To TMU: Recreation & Active Wellbeing
The TMU-wide Orientation Week - Road To TMU - takes place one week before classes begin and gives you the chance to connect with other new students, get familiar with your academic program, and get to know your way around campus.
As part of 'O-Week', TMU Recreation has a full slate of events and programs to make for a fantastic - and active - start to your time at TMU, and to help you discover ways to find community and get active all school year long.
O-Week Event Highlights
Schedule: O-Week x Recreation (August 25 - 29, 2025)
Be Well. Feel Well. Do Well. Chill Lounge
Hosted in partnership with Student Health & Wellbeing
- 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Monday, August 25, 2025 (EDT)
- Gould Street Fair, Gould Street
Join us in the Be Well. Feel Well. Do Well. Chill Lounge as part of the Gould Street Fair, where students can explore a wide range of campus resources and services available to enhance your experience. Meet the student-leaders who bring our TMU Recreation programs and services to life and learn how movement can shift your wellbeing and learning this year - and find options that suit your interests and schedule. Refreshments will be served!
Dance Desi: Bollywood Fitness
- 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM, Monday, August 25, 2025 (EDT)
- RAC Gym 1, Recreation and Athletics Centre (RAC)
Get ready to sweat, smile, and dance your heart out in the ultimate fun fitness class where group workouts meet the vibrant energy of Bollywood! An instructor will lead you through exciting, high-energy Bollywood dance moves designed to get your heart pumping and your body moving. No dance experience required; just bring your energy and enthusiasm!
Eat Well: Nutrition & Cooking Demo
- 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (EDT)
- Floor 8 Common Space, Daphne Cockwell Complex (DCC)
Join us for an exciting live food demonstration with the incredible team from Chef Hassan’s Kitchen (@chefhassanskitchen)! Watch and learn as Chef Hassan's team walks you through a step-by-step recipe that’s both mouthwatering and budget-friendly. You’ll pick up expert tips and techniques you can easily replicate at home.
What to expect:
- A live cooking demo with Chef Hassan Team
- Free tastings of the featured dish
- Recipe cards to take home
- A chance to connect with peers and TMU Wellbeing staff
- Insights into TMU’s nutrition programming
- Bring your friends, your appetite, and your curiosity—we’ll take care of the rest!
(google form) Register by clicking here. (external link)
Activate the RAC
- 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (EDT)
- Recreation and Athletics Centre (RAC)
An event designed to energize and engage TMU students by showcasing a variety of activities and facilities available through RECREATION. Receive a RAC passport and what the RAC has to offer for your chance to win 1 of 3 Fitbits! Additionally, enjoy a smoothie on the house! Whether you're a complete newbie, a casual exerciser or a fitness enthusiast, this event has something for everyone. Come and be part of "ACTIVATE THE RAC" – a celebration of wellbeing and community. Let's get moving together!
As part of Activate the RAC, look for:
- Cardio Gallery & Accessibile Strength Circuit orientation
- Functional Training Room orientation
- Fitness Centre and Beginner-on-Weights orientation
- Learn To: Women's Only Volleyball
- Pilates Class
- Free Smoothie Bar
- Recreational Clubsfest
Be Well. Feel Well. Do Well. Collaging
- 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (EDT)
- Recreation and Athletics Centre (RAC) Studio 2
Ready to get creative? No experience needed! Collage is a super fun and easy way to dive into art. With a mix of awesome supplies at your fingertips, you can explore and create something totally unique. Imagine getting lost in the joy of picking cool pieces and mixing them with different textures and textiles. Your collage can be as small or as big as you want, and as simple or layered as you like. Come sit with your fellow students and let yourself play! This event also allows students an opportunity to learn more about wellbeing services at TMU. We can't wait to see what you create!
Be Well. Feel Well. Do Well. Chill Lounge
Hosted in partnership with Student Health & Wellbeing
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Wed, August 27, 2025 (EDT)
- Gould Street Fair, Gould Street
Join us in the Be Well. Feel Well. Do Well. Chill Lounge as part of the Gould Street Fair, where students can explore a wide range of campus resources and services available to enhance your experience. Meet the student-leaders who bring our TMU Recreation programs and services to life and learn how movement can shift your wellbeing and learning this year - and find options that suit your interests and schedule. Refreshments will be served!
Women's Only Glowga
Registration encouraged to reserve your spot: Register Now! To register, find the event, then click 'add to my schedule'.
- 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM, Wednesday, August 27, 2025 (EDT)
- Upper Gym (KHW-271), Kerr Hall West (KHW)
Join us for Women's Only Glowga, a unique and empowering yoga event designed exclusively for women and those who identify as women. Experience the serenity and strength of yoga in a vibrant, glow-in-the-dark setting that will light up your day and elevate your spirit. Focus on your wellbeing while connecting with other women in a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of community. This event is also a wonderful opportunity to learn about all of TMU Recreation's Women's Only Programming.
Step Into K-Pop Dance Session
- 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM, Thursday, August 28, 2025 (EDT)
- RAC Gym I, RAC
Get ready to move, vibe, and express yourself at Step Into K-Pop! This fun, high-energy dance workshop is your chance to learn real choreography from a trending K-pop song no dance experience required. Led by a professional instructor, the session is open to all skill levels and is designed to make you feel confident and included as you groove to the beat. Just drop in, follow along, and enjoy the music in a welcoming, judgment-free zone. Come dance, connect with fellow fans, and celebrate K-pop culture in style!
Spots are limited and surprise goodie bags are first-come, first-served, so come early to claim your seat and leave with a goodie bag!
Black Student Afrobeats Dance Class
- 3:00 PM- 4:30 PM, Thursday, August 28, 2025 (EDT)
- RAC Studio 2, RAC
Get ready to move, vibe, and connect! Join us for the Black Student Afrobeats Dance Class, a high-energy, beginner-friendly session where rhythm meets community. This event is all about celebrating Black joy, movement, and culture through the vibrant beats and moves of Afrobeats.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, this class is open to all Black students who want to sweat, smile, and groove in a welcoming and affirming space. Come solo or bring friends, just be ready to feel the beat!
In Good Relation: A Yoga/Meditation Circle
- 2:00 PM- 3:30 PM, Thursday, August 28, 2025 (EDT)
- RAC Studio I, RAC
This gentle yoga and meditation session is created with Indigenous students healing and strength in mind, inviting all who want to support in respectful ways. Move and breathe at your own pace while connecting to your body, your breath, and your community. Allies who come with openness to learn and solidarity are warmly invited to participate.
Find calm, build community, and deepen your connection to yourself and the TMU community.
Orientation Volleyball Bash
- 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM, Thursday, August 28, 2025 (EDT)
- Kerr Hall Quad, Kerr Hall
Orientation Volleyball Bash! Drop by the Quad for an afternoon of casual volleyball matches no registration or experience needed. Just show up, join a team, and hit the court! With music playing, and teams rotating, its the perfect way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy. Whether you're playing for fun or just cheering from the sidelines, this is your chance to connect, move, and make memories in the heart of campus.
TMU Bold PEP Rally
- 6:00 PM- 6:45 PM, Thursday, August 28, 2025 (EDT)
- 2nd Floor Court, Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC)
Gather at the MAC to meet your TMU Bold student-athletes, play along with them in some friendly competition, and have your chance to win some cool prizes!
SLC Live: Enchanted Forest
Hosted in partnership with Student Health & Wellbeing
- 7:00 PM- 10:00 PM, Thursday, August 28, 2024 (EDT)
- 7th Floor, Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre (SLC)
Join us in the enchanted forest for a magical evening of dancing, scavenger hunting, games, trivia and more! Then, remember the night forever by getting your photo taken at our photo booth!
Don't miss the rest of SLC Live, as every floor of the Student Learning Centre will be activated with activities, games, music & food in collaboration with faculties and departments across campus!
Pilates Party for Residence Life
- 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM, Friday, August 29, 2025 (EDT)
- Studio 1, Recreation & Athletics Centre (RAC)
Join us for a refreshing Pilates class that welcomes all skill levels. Amidst the hustle and bustle of O-Week, this session offers a perfect opportunity to unwind, prioritize your health, and rejuvenate your mind and body. With energizing music setting the tone, this class will help you relax, refocus, and recharge, ensuring you make the most of your O-Week experience and prepare for your first week of university!
RAC & Roll: Facility Orientation
Meet at RAC Studio 2, or join Rec staff at 31 Gerrard St. East for an orientation to RAC's accessible entrance through Kerr Hall West.
- 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM, Friday, August 29, 2025 (EDT)
- Enter at 31 Gerrard St. Entrance, the accessible entrance to the Recreation and Athletics Centre (RAC)
Join us for RAC & Roll, an inclusive multi-opportunity event designed to introduce students with disabilities to their recreation centre. Join us for a guided tour of the accessibility features of the Recreation & Athletic Centre (RAC) to ensure a seamless experience for the upcoming school year. Students can be introduced to RAC's wheelchair-accessible Strength Circuit, Accessibility Lift, Pool Lift, and try an adapted chair fitness class. Snacks and games will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own board games as well!
What to Expect:
- 10:00am-10:30am: Navigate to RAC Studio II
- 10:30am: Opening Welcome
- 11:00am-11:45am: Adapted Chair Fitness Class in Studio II
- 11:45am: Snacks and Drinks
- 12:00pm-2:00pm: Explore the RAC through guided or self directed tours, try the accessibility strength circuit with an instructor's guidance, and/or stay in Studio II to play games and socialize.
** Recreation staff will be available at 31 Gerrard St. East to provide guidance on navigating to the wheelchair-accessible entrance to the RAC.
Purple Fins: Trans and non-binary affirming swimming
Hosted in partnership with Toronto Purple Fins (external link)
- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Friday, August 29, 2025 (EDT)
- RAC Pool, Recreation and Athletics Centre (RAC)
Join us for a gender-inclusive swim practice and free swim, led by the Toronto Purple Fins. One half of the pool hosts a beginner-friendly swim practice led by queer and trans coaches, while the other half features a (restorative) community swim as an opportunity to relax and move at your own pace. Privacy curtains are in place, and staff are available to provide an orientation to available change spaces and washrooms.
Find what moves you this school year!
That's the end of the line for O-Week! But just the beginning of your active well-being journey at TMU. Moving your body - especially in community - is one of the best well-being strategies going. Plus, it doesn't just make you feel good: it makes you smarter too!
Physical activity is key to your wellbeing and academic success
Getting active remains one of our best strategies in support of our wellbeing and academic success, both for the direct benefits and the sense of community it helps build. The research is clear: Whether mood, physical health, critical thinking, creativity, recall and mental stamina - to name just a few - we feel and think better when we're regularly active. And most importantly: It doesn't matter how skilled or experienced we are - movement is movement, and transforms our days in all its forms.
Inclusive by design, committed to improving
While always a work-in-progress, our programs are designed to ensure we're not "just another gym", but rather a thoughtful place where we actively work to build inclusion. Far too many of us grow up feeling unsure, unwelcome and even unsafe in physical activity spaces.
From ensuring we have a broad range of programs for beginners to experts, a wide-range of women's only programs, ongoing efforts to address racism, homophobia and transphobia, or our focus on improving the accessibility of our facilities, programs and services, we hope you find there's a place for you with us - and are committed to learning and growing over time to ensure there is.