First-Year Orientation
August 25 to September 17, 2026
Welcome to Rotman Commerce — You Belong Here
Our First-Year Orientation will introduce you to life at Rotman Commerce. Separate from your College orientation, our events are tailored specifically for Rotman Commerce students. You’ll learn about the resources, services, and supports available to help you succeed—academically, professionally, and personally. You’ll also discover the many extracurricular activities on campus, so you can make friends, discover new interests, and start building your community. We’ve even planned social events for you to meet people and have some fun while exploring the city!
Explore the full 2026 Orientation schedule below.
Registration opens Monday, August 17 on the RC Portal. Please check your U of T email for event registration details then. All new Rotman Commerce students are welcome—including exchange and transfer students.
International students: Explore the international student welcome guide to know what to expect before coming to campus.
For more events and resources available to new U of T students, visit the Start with Student Life website for incoming undergraduates on the St. George campus.
Dates: Tuesday, August 25, 7–8 PM & Thursday, August 27, 8–9 PM ET
Location: Online
Meet fellow first-year students as well as upper-years through a series of fun, fast-paced small group video chats. Every few minutes, you’ll be paired with someone new—and if you’re feeling shy, don’t worry! We’ll provide conversation prompts to help break the ice. Note: This event runs on Gatheround, a web-based video platform (no downloads required). Just make sure you have a webcam and microphone ready.
Dates: Monday, August 31 to Friday, September 4—10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM & 2 PM daily
Location: Tours begin at OISE (252 Bloor St W)
Led by upper-year Orientation Leaders, these tours will introduce you to the key spaces and resources that will shape your Rotman Commerce experience. You’ll also hear tips and insights to help you navigate the academic and personal adjustments of first year. Spots are limited, so register early to secure your preferred time.
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2–3:30 PM
Location: To be announced
PRE U of T is an annual event that helps new students in the Faculty of Arts & Science prepare for university life. As a Rotman Commerce student, you’ll join a session specifically for your program. In this session, you’ll meet Rotman Commerce professors and upper-year students who will share what to expect in your courses, how to succeed academically, and how to make the most of your first year. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and hear about their personal experiences in the program.
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 12–4 PM
Location: Desautels Hall, Rotman School of Management (105 St George St)
Drop by anytime between 12 to 4 PM to meet the Rotman Commerce community, get to know the programs and services available to help you succeed, and celebrate the first day of classes with a free treat. You can also pick up your FREE Rotman Commerce sweatshirt at this event. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 4–6 PM
Location: Rotman Commerce Community Room, OISE 4-492 (252 Bloor St W)
New to Canada? Join us for a warm and friendly welcome to the Rotman Commerce community! This drop-in event is a great chance to meet fellow international students, enjoy delicious snacks, play some fun games, and get insider tips on settling into life in Toronto and RC from upper year students.
Date: Thursday, September 10, 4–6 PM
Location: Rotman Commerce Community Room, OISE 4-492 (252 Bloor St W)
Join Black Rotman Commerce (BRC) at this welcome event designed to help you ease into university life, build community, and feel confident navigating your first year. You’ll hear from upper-year students, get answers to frequently asked questions, and receive valuable advice on life at RC. Plus, enjoy fun icebreakers, prizes, and free refreshments.
Date: Friday, September 11, 12–4 PM
Location: Desautels Hall, Rotman School of Management (105 St George St)
Discover the many ways you can explore your interests, develop leadership skills, and shape your student experience. The RC Clubs Fair is your opportunity to explore over 30 student-led clubs and learn how you can participate in the 200+ student-run events held each year at Rotman Commerce. You can also pick up your free Rotman Commerce Houses t-shirt here!
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2–4 PM
Location: FreePlay Toronto (300 College St)
Come meet other first-year students and have some fun with RC Houses at FreePlay Toronto — a two-floor retro arcade packed with 65+ classic games and old-school consoles like Nintendo, N64, and Wii. This Rotman Commerce–only event gives you full access to the venue, two hours of unlimited free play, plus an ice cream bar and non-alcoholic drinks — all for just $10.
Date: Monday, September 14, 7 PM game start
Location: Rogers Centre (1 Blue Jays Way)
Kick off the school year with the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre! This special event includes a ticket to the 7:07 PM baseball game vs. the Detroit Tigers, AND a special edition Blue Jays hat with our Rotman Commerce logo.
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 12–3 PM
Location: Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)
Our annual BBQ at Hart House is back! This Rotman Commerce tradition brings together new and returning students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the start of the school year with great food and great company. Enjoy a free BBQ lunch with vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. You can also explore our resource fair, featuring games and freebies from various Rotman Commerce and U of T units, to learn about the services available to you.
Date: Thursday, September 17, 6–8 PM
Location: Rotman Commerce Community Room, OISE 4-492 (252 Bloor St W)
Join us for the Rotman Commerce Pride Alliance’s Welcome Event and meet members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community at Rotman Commerce. This event provides an inclusive and approachable space for first-year students to meet peers, ask questions, and learn about the resources and support networks available to them within Rotman Commerce and beyond.
Date: Friday, September 4, 9:30–11:30 AM
Location: Centre for International Experience (33 St George St)
Are you an undergraduate student who is new to Canada? Take part in CIE’s International Undergraduate Student Orientation. In this two-hour morning session, you’ll get the opportunity to learn more about important resources, services, and programs available to you through the Centre for International Experience and on the St. George Campus that will help support your first year at U of T, all while meeting other new students and taking those important first steps towards building your community.
Date: September 14–18
Queer Orientation (QO) is an annual series of 2SLGBTQ-centred programming across all three campuses of U of T during September. QO is an opportunity for new and returning students, staff, faculty and librarians to make connections with other 2SLGBTQ+ people, engage in activities and have discussions related to 2SLGBTQ+ communities at U of T.
Date: Friday, September 18, 12–4 PM
Location: Centre for International Experience (33 St George St)
Welcome to the St. George Campus! You have probably been busy learning your way around campus, attending your first few days of courses, and meeting new people. Now is your opportunity to get the scoop on the Centre for International Experience (CIE)! On Friday September 18, from 12 to 4 PM, swing by the CIE Open House to say hello, learn about what programs and services we have to offer, and pick up an ice-cold treat – a perfect way to end your week!
