There’s something for everyone at Orientation Week
Photo: : In 2016, Ryerson broke the record for Most People Blowing Bubbles From Bubble Gum. Another top-secret record attempt will be announced during this year’s Orientation. Photo by Clifton Li.
Just because it’s the end of summer doesn’t mean school needs to start just yet. Orientation Week will welcome the next generation of Ryersonians with over 100 events over nine days, for every possible mood.
For students living in residence, the year begins on August 27 with Move-In Day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), followed by a Welcome Barbeque (5-7 p.m.) in the Kerr Hall Quad, and Opening Ceremonies (7:30-9 p.m.) in the SLC Amphitheatre. Orientation Week officially begins on August 28 with Invocation and Class Photo (1-2:30 p.m., Kerr Hall Quad).
A series of parties and concerts will start the year on a high note. The RSU holds Ryerson’s first party of the year with the Backlight Party (Aug. 30, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.) at Ram in the Rye. The Kerr Hall Quad will be raining beats for Fiesta Del Fuego (Aug. 30, 7-11 p.m.), Ryerson’s annual EDM concert. And what Toronto Orientation Week would be complete without a celebration of the 6 God? Dance to Drizzy’s greatest hits at O-Week Finale: Drake Night (Sept. 2, 7-11 p.m., The Gates, 66 Gerrard Street East).
On August 30, it will be time to make history. In the past, Ryerson has set or attempted world records for Most People Blowing Chewing Gum Bubbles, Most People Playing Paddle Ball, Largest Cowbell Ensemble, and Biggest Maracas Ensemble, among others. Do this year’s incoming Ryerson students have what it takes to go down in history? There’s only one way to find out: the Guinness World Record attempt (1-3 p.m.) in Kerr Hall Quad.
Orientation Week will feature fun activities for every mood. Can you belt out a killer “Greatest Love of All”? Head to Ram in the Rye for a chance to win prizes (and make friends) at RSU Karaoke (Sept. 2, 9 p.m.). Want to jump in a bouncy castle? Check out O’Fest (Aug. 29, 1-6 p.m.), a daylong festival on Gould Street. Want to relive those childhood memories? Head on over to Nostalgia Night (Aug. 30, 7-930 p.m., POD 250) for a night of Dunkaroos, Kool Aid, Fruit Gushers, and classic TV. Are you a singer, rapper, poet, or comic? Show your talents onstage at the Open Mic (Aug. 30, 5-7 p.m., LIB 072). Need a good laugh? Watch as the Bad Dog Theatre Company headlines Laugh Out Loud (Aug. 30, 6-7:30 p.m., RCC 204). Want to enjoy a good romcom, judgment free? Let the waterworks fly at the Grilled Cheese and Cheesy Movie Night (Aug. 31, 8-11 p.m., LIB 072).
Other events include Dance Fire (Aug. 31, 1-2 p.m., Kerr Hall Quad), a fun and stress-free dance class. Try painting a masterpiece in an open art space at Colour Your Canvas (Aug. 31, 3-5 p.m., POD 372). Go on a scavenger hunt and discover the city at Capture Toronto (Sept. 1, 3-5 p.m., meet at Kerr Hall Quad). Have some fun in the sun at Woodbine Beach during Beach Day (Sept. 2, 3-5 p.m.). And see models of all sizes strut the runway at the Body Positivity Fashion Show (Aug. 30, 2-3 p.m., SLC Amphitheatre).
Anyone for sports? On September 3, join past and current housing alumni in the Kerr Hall Quad for the Residence Alumni Football Game (1-3 p.m.), or head to the RAC for a few rounds of that schoolyard classic Dodgeball (1-3 p.m.). After that, discover a taste of rural Canada in the middle of the city: meet at Gould and Victoria for a trip to Riverdale Farm (3-5 p.m.).
Orientation also offers a welcoming environment for mature students. If you’re 21 or over, connect with others making a later transition to university at the Mature Students Outdoor Celebration (Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kerr Hall Quad).
#RoadToRyerson 2017 runs Sunday, August 27 to Monday, September 4. For a complete list of events, visit the Orientation website.