Welcome to a new academic year at McMaster, Marauders!

Whether you are returning to campus, or joining us for the first time — welcome!

As we get set to start a new fall term, here are five things you need to know:

1 – Getting to campus

Parking – Campus parking passes are limited and applicants are encouraged to purchase as soon as possible after sales begin. To buy a parking pass, visit the Parking Services website. Click ‘pay online’ and log in using your MacID. Find more information about purchasing parking passes here. For assistance, email the parking team at parking@mcmaster.ca.

Transit – The HSR, Hamilton’s public transport agency, runs buses onto and near McMaster’s campus. Use their trip planner tool to find plan your trip to campus. Eligible undergraduate students can get a 12-month, unlimited ride bus pass with the HSR. See here for full details.

GO Transit, a network of train and bus lines that operates in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, runs busses onto McMaster’s campus. The bus terminal is located between the Mary E. Keyes Residence and H. G. Thode Library. Use GO Transit’s trip planning tool to plan your route. Full-time postsecondary students can qualify for a discounted fare, see here for details.

Alternate methods of transportation – We have several bike rack locations and locker rental units for safe and secure storage.

Check out this helpful map for getting around campus: https://discover.mcmaster.ca/map/

2 – COVID-19

While our vaccination mandate continues to be paused, we encourage students, faculty and staff to keep up to date with their COVID vaccinations.

Masks will continue to be available for free on campus, and we encourage our community to wear a mask indoors, especially in classrooms, libraries, crowded spaces or close workspaces.

If you are feeling unwell, stay home. While daily MacCheck is not required, community members must use the provincial self-assessment screening tool if you or someone you live with has symptoms or tests positive for COVID.

Please see this student guide and the Back to Mac website for full details about McMaster’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

3 – Places to eat

Hospitality Services operates more than 20 food service locations across campus and are committed to providing a variety of balanced menu options that support health and wellness. They continue to expand the number of vegetarian and vegan options, halal, and allergen-friendly offerings across campus.

See here for a full list of on-campus food options. Check out these off-campus food options too!

4 – Welcome Week & orientation

Welcome Week is a great way to connect with other members of the McMaster Community. From workshops, to orientation events, to games and social gatherings, the Student Success Centre (SSC) has more than 150 events for you to explore throughout the week. Find all the details here.

And follow along with all the fun on Instagram at @MacSSC and @MacWelcomeWeek!

5 – International Students Services (ISS) & Student Success Centre (SSC)

The International Students Services (ISS) & Student Success Centre (SSC) are committed to giving students the tools they need to succeed. Be it academic support, help with the transition to university life or getting to know Hamilton, ISS and SSC staff are there to help students thrive and succeed.

Are you an international student? See how the ISS can support your success at McMaster and beyond.

Visit the Student Success Centre’s website for a full list of programs and services, from writing and academic support, to financial wellness, to career counselling services.