Bishop’s Orientation

Welcome to Orientation at Bishop’s University – Your Journey Starts Here!

Orientation is your launchpad into life at Bishop’s. This is your time to explore campus, meet new friends, learn about academic life, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture that makes Bishop’s so unique. From the moment you arrive, we’re here to help you feel at home, informed, and inspired.

Get ready to embrace new experiences, build lasting connections, and start your Bishop’s story with confidence. Let’s make this beginning unforgettable – together.

Bishop’s Orientation starts Friday, August 29, 2025

Start Strong with These Orientation Opportunities:

Pre-Orientation:

Varsity Athletes, Your Season Starts Here!

As a student-athlete, you’ll be arriving early to kick off training camp and prepare for the season ahead. Orientation begins with your team. You’ll be building skills, connections, and the foundation for success both on and off the field. Your coach will be in contact with you to provide precise training camp information, including your start date.

New to Canada? Welcome to your home away from home

As an international student or newcomer to Canada, you’re encouraged to arrive early to participate in the 3-day International Welcome hosted by Bishop’s International. This onboarding experience is designed to help you settle in, connect with others, and navigate life at Bishop’s with confidence. From understanding immigration and legal requirements, campus life and learning about cultural adaptation to exploring your new community, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

International Welcome: Onboarding for Newcomers to Canada

Dates: Wednesday, August 27 to Friday, August 29

For whom?

Mandatory for new international students and incoming exchange students.
Newcomers to Canada such as Canadian citizens who have never lived in Canada and new permanent residents are encouraged to participate.

Fee: $125

This non-refundable fee will be charged to your student account (tuition invoice) alongside your health insurance fee.
Deadline for payment: September 30, 2025.
Included: shuttle transportation from Montreal Trudeau (YUL) Airport (limited space, available on a first come, first served basis); meals during International Welcome; all activities included in International Welcome.

How to register:

All international students who have accepted their offer of admission will receive an invitation by email to register for International Welcome. Students in other situations can write to international@ubishops.ca.
Please note that you must log-in to the registration form using your Bishop’s University credentials.
After students register for International Welcome, they will receive a confirmation email by a member of the Bishop’s International team.

Deadline to register: Friday, August 15, 2025

Early Move-in for students living on campus and registered for International Welcome

Shuttle transportation from Montreal Trudeau (YUL) Airport

Bishop’s is organizing two shuttles to bring international students who are registered in International Welcome from the Montreal Trudeau (YUL) airport directly to campus. Spaces will be limited and available on a first come, first served basis. As part of the International Welcome registration, students must indicate whether they wish to take the shuttle, and if so, will need to provide their flight information. Please note that spaces on the shuttles are reserved for students participating in this activity. Students who will be accompanied by members of their family will need to organize separate transportation. Students who indicate that they wish to take one of the shuttles from the Montreal Trudeau Airport will be contacted to confirm their spot. Further details regarding the meeting point for the airport shuttle will be confirmed with students in August.

IMPORTANT

In order to take a shuttle, your flight must arrive a minimum of 3 hours prior to the shuttle’s scheduled departure time.

Monday, August 25 – shuttle is scheduled to depart YUL at 9:00 PM.
Tuesday, August 26 – shuttle is scheduled to depart YUL at 1:00 PM.

Tuesday, August 26 as of 1:00 PM

Students registered for International Welcome who are organizing their own transportation to campus can move in as of 1:00 PM on August 26.
Information about transportation to the Bishop’s campus can be found on our Arrival in Canada web page.

Fees billed by Residences for early move-in
The lease for students living on campus during the fall 2025 semester will commence on Friday, August 29. Additional fees apply for early move-in. This fee is separate from the registration fee for International Welcome and must be paid by credit card at the time of reservation. Costs associated with early move-in include additional nights’ stay and meal(s) on campus at Dewhurst Dining Hall on Tuesday, August 26th.

August 25th move-in (reserved for students with a confirmed spot on the 9:00 PM shuttle from YUL):

Students will be billed $33.24 per night which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner on Tuesday, August 26th at Dewhurst Dining Hall.

August 26th move-in (for students arriving on the 1:00 PM shuttle from YUL and those arriving via their own transportation):

Students will be billed $30.06 per night which includes dinner on Tuesday, August 26th at Dewhurst Dining Hall. The dining hall will be open from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM on August 26th.

August 27^th – Welcome to Canada Dinner

The Welcome to Canada dinner will be held at the Gait on Wednesday, August 27^th at 6:30 p.m. We wish to thank our sponsors: CIBC and TELUS / KOODO for their financial contribution for this event.

Personalized Welcome

From September 4 to 16, Bishop’s International team of student ambassadors will continue to welcome incoming students each weekday to answer your questions. Details of the schedule will be posted on the Bishop’s International website. No registration necessary!

Questions? Please write to international@ubishops.ca.

Visit the Bishop’s International website.

Welcome, Indigenous Students – Your Path Begins Here

As part of our commitment to supporting Indigenous students, we offer early onboarding to help you feel grounded, connected, and confident as you begin your journey at Bishop’s. This is your time to explore campus, meet your support network, and start building a community that honours who you are and where you come from.

Early Move-in: Wednesday, August 27

Orientation: Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29

Visit the Indigenous Student Support website.

Accessibility Support Starts Before Day One

If you’re registered with Student Accessibility Services, we provide an early onboarding session designed to ensure a smooth and supported transition into university life. Meet your support team, explore available accommodations, and get familiar with the tools and resources that will help you thrive at Bishop’s – academically, socially, and personally.

Early On-Campus Move-In and Introduction to Residence Life: Wednesday, August 27

Orientation: Thursday, August 28

Visit the Student Accessibility Services website.

Orientation:

Move-In Day: The Start of Something Big

Move-In Day at Bishop’s is more than just unpacking boxes; it’s the moment campus becomes home. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a team of friendly faces ready to help unload your car and welcome you into the community. It’s your first chance to meet fellow students, explore your new space, and feel the energy of a campus coming to life.

Friday, August 29 – for all first-year students living on campus

Parent / Supporter Information Session: Partnering for Student Success

Starting university is a big transition not only for students, but for families too. This session is designed to help parents and supporters understand Bishop’s University’s role as an academic institution and how we support students throughout their journey. You’ll learn about key campus resources, our commitment to student independence and confidentiality, and how your student can access help when they need it. With time set aside for questions, this session offers a valuable opportunity to gain insight, clarity, and confidence as your student begins this exciting new chapter.

Friday, August 29 at 3:30 PM

Parent / Supporter Information Session Registration

Welcome to B.U. 101 – Your First Step into the Bishop’s Experience!

Starting university is a big moment, and B.U. 101 is here to make sure incoming students don’t take that step alone. From discovering essential campus resources to building lifelong connections, this event is all about helping you feel informed, included, and inspired from day one.

Whether you’re a first-generation student, part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Black, Indigenous, mature, or a graduate student – B.U. 101 is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and empowering environment for everyone. Through interactive sessions, engaging presentations, and community-building activities, you’ll gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive academically and socially.

At B.U. 101, you’re not just starting university; you’re joining a community. Let’s build it together.

Saturday, August 30 – MANDATORY for all first-year students

Facilitators:

Gabrielle Joncas-Brunet – Sexual Violence Response Advisor
Noemie Thibault – Sexual Violence Response Advisor
Sarah Beth Frost – Social Worker
Jennifer Fleury – Nurse
Carson Brooks – Manager of Security
Mike Teed – Faculty (Williams School of Business)
Vicky Boldo – Associate Director of Indigenous Initiatives
Alexandre-Olivier Jean – Residence Life Coordinator

B.U. 101 Coordinators :

Katie Bibbs

Manager of Student Services

Aline Pierrisnard

Manager of Residence and Campus Life

Stephanie Forgues

Student Services Coordinator

Serena Couturier

B.U. 101 Coordinator

SRC’s Orientation Week

Sunday, August 31st to Friday, September 5th

Hosted by your Students’ Representative Council (the SRC!) Orientation continues on Sunday for all incoming students. Be sure to follow @bu.oweek and @bu_src on Instagram to stay in the loop, meet your O-Week leaders, and catch more can’t miss events!

Learn more about the SRC’s Orientation Week

Questions? Contact us at studentservices@ubishops.ca.

Visit the Student Services website.