First-Year Orientation

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!

Registration opens Monday, August 11. To sign up, visit the RC Portal and click the “Attend” button on each event page you’d like to join. All new Rotman Commerce students are welcome—including exchange and transfer students. 

International, out of province and exchange students: Fill out this form by August 24 to be matched with a friendly upper-year Rotman Commerce student who can help you settle in, explore campus, and navigate life in the city.  

For more events and resources available to all U of T students, visit the Start with Student Life website for incoming undergraduates on the St. George campus. 

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Dates: Wednesday, August 20, 7-8:30 PM & Thursday, August 21, 8-9:30 PM ET 

Location: Online

Meet fellow first-year students as well as upper-years through a series of fun, fast-paced one-on-one 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 25 to Friday, August 29—10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM daily 

Location: Tours begin at OISE, 252 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6 

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. To sign up, please search for “RC Campus Tours” on the RC Portal > Events page.

Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2–3:30 PM 

Location: MC102, Mechanical Engineering Building, 5 King’s College Rd, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 

PRE U of T is an annual intercollegiate Orientation event which aids in the academic transition for incoming first year students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. The program is designed to introduce students to their area of academic study and to help students develop strategies for academic success by connecting students with professors and upper-year students in their program of study. During PRE U of T, first-year students attend one of six sessions based on their academic stream. In each of these sessions, these students hear from a panel that is made up of faculty members and upper-year students in their program of study. 

Date: Tuesday, September 2, 1–5 PM

Location: Desautels Hall, Rotman School of Management, Second Floor (105 St George St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E6) 

Drop by anytime between 1 to 5 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 smoothie. You can also pick up your FREE Rotman Commerce backpack at this event. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Date: Wednesday, September 3, 6–8 PM

Location: Rotman Commerce Community Room, OISE, Fourth Floor (252 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6) 

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: Thursday, September 4, 6–8 PM 

Location: Rotman Commerce Community Room, OISE, Fourth Floor (252 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6) 

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: Friday, September 5, 12-4 PM 

Location: Desautels Hall, Rotman School of Management, Second Floor (105 St George St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E6) 

Discovering 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 communities 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 6, 2–4 PM 

Location: FreePlay Toronto, 300 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1R9 

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 food platters and non-alcoholic drinks — all for just $10.  

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 1–4 PM 

Location: Hart House (7 Hart House Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3) 

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: Wednesday, September 10, 7 PM  

Location: Rogers Centre (1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J3) 

Kick off the school year with the Toronto Blue Jays at University and College Night at Rogers Centre on Wednesday, September 10! This special event includes a ticket to the 7:07 PM baseball game vs. the Houston Astros, AND a special edition Blue Jays Co-Branded Hat with our Rotman Commerce logo.

Date: Friday, September 12, 6-8 PM  

Location: Rotman Commerce Community Room, OISE, Fourth Floor (252 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6) 

Join us for the Rotman Commerce Pride Alliance’s Welcome Event and meet members of the LGBTQ+ 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.

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Centre for International Experience (CIE) Open House

Date: Friday, September 12, 12-4 PM 

Location: Centre for International Experience (33 St George St, Toronto, ON M5S 2E3)

Welcome to the St. George Campus! You have probably been busy these past few weeks 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). Swing by the CIE Open House on September 12th from 12 PM to 4 PM 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!  

Queer Orientation

Dates: September 15 to 19

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. Throughout the years, Queer Orientation has featured drag nights, dance parties, informational sessions, ice skating, games days/nights, and more!