Students say tours, lectures best part of orientation – so far

The results are in.

Incoming students that took part in Welcome Day earlier this month said they most enjoyed seeing their residence for the first time, meeting upper-year students, touring campus and catching a glimpse of downtown Hamilton on the “Pop the Bubble” bus tours.

According to a recent Student Success Centre survey, students ranked residence tours as the best part of their day. In second and third place were a pair of academic sessions offered throughout the day — preparing effective study notes and managing your time.

Leezanne Young, an incoming first-year student at McMaster, was originally concerned about balancing a busy schedule and adjusting to classes in various locations. However, she says the energetic atmosphere on Welcome Day helped calm her nerves.

“I liked that everyone was cheering and there were so many people,” she says. “It was really exciting.”

Monica Nasralla, an incoming student in the Faculty of Engineering, said she was also concerned about managing her time, adjusting to large classes and keeping her grades up. Once again, Welcome Day came to the rescue. “My favourite part of Welcome Day was going around talking to other engineers,” she explains. “Because I was really scared.”

“Welcome Day is always a great family and community day and this year we welcomed more than 4,000 students and parents with a great line up of activities and information,” says Gina Robinson, director of the SSC and assistant dean, Students and Learning.

“We had great support from the City of Hamilton and local businesses this year and our bus tours of the downtown were at capacity. Visitors clearly embraced the experience of getting to know McMaster and the community.”

As Welcome Week approaches and an estimated 6,000 new students prepare for life at McMaster, orientation will continue with the Success Centre’s online SOAR program (Summer Orientation for Academic Readiness) and other on-campus initiatives.

In the long run, Welcome Week helps incoming students:

• Make connections with their academic faculty program office, student faculty society, residence/off-campus community, other students and the greater city of Hamilton
• Develop an identity as a McMaster student within their faculty, residence/off campus community
• Feel safe on campus, both physically and emotionally
• Connect with academic, emotional and university support systems
• Meet and connect with student leaders, who are positive role models

Each year, Welcome Week involves a wide range of educational events, team-building activities, concerts and local tours. The goal is to provide incoming students with the educational and social grounding they’ll need to connect with other students, clubs and services, faculty members, residence and off-campus society leaders and the greater Hamilton community.

McMaster Events App for mobile users

For more information about orientation and details on Welcome Week (which takes place Aug. 31 to Sept.8), check out the new McMaster Events App for smartphones and cellular devices.

Watch the video below to hear what incoming first-year student Monica Nasralla had to say about Welcome Day.