In just a couple of weeks, Saint Mary’s will be bursting with energy as students, staff and faculty make their way back to campus and new students prepare to begin their journey here. As we get ready for the excitement and bustle of Welcome Weeks, we want to highlight what’s open on campus and which events you’ll want to save the date for.
Move-in weekend
Move-in weekend starts on Saturday, September 2. There will be higher than normal volume coming from Robie St. and moving through the roundabout by the Loyola Residence entrance. Be sure to have your SMU campus map on hand to help navigate campus or find alternate driving and walking routes to avoid excess congestion.
What’s open on campus during move-in weekend?
C-Store (campus convenience store)
Loyola Colonnade, through the Loyola Academic Complex (LA)
September 2-5, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.Tim Hortons
Loyola Academic Complex (LA), en route to Loyola Residence
September 2-5, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.Dockside Dining Hall
Loyola Residence (LR), down the hall from the Residence Information Desk
September 2, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
September 3-5, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.Campus Bookstore
O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre, 2nd floor
September 2 and September 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.Patrick Power Library (PPL)
For hours, visit The Patrick Power LibrarySMUSA Information Desk (Bus Pass)
O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre (SC), 1st floor (by the elevators)
September 2-4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.The Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness (HC)
September 2-3, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
September 4, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
All facilities and resources will resume regular operations beginning on September 5. SMU Dining locations, will resume regular operations beginning on September 6.
Welcome Weeks key events
Welcome Weeks activities will run from September 2-15. These events are designed to introduce students to Saint Mary’s, learn about the campus, build connections in their program/faculty, find their supports and resources, and make friends. It’s also an excellent time for faculty and staff to get reacquainted with each other, make a lasting impact on new students, expand their own awareness of supports and resources and have some fun! Below are some of the key events that everyone will want to save the date for.
Husky Festival | September 4, 2-5 p.m.
Come out to the Quad for an afternoon full of fun! There will be games, inflatables, snacks and more. This is a great way to shake off the start of term nerves, make friends and enjoy some time away from screens before classes begin.
Service Expo | September 2-7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Key campus service providers will be set up to meet with students. Students can pick up their SMU ID, learn about the Student Health Plan, talk to advisors and learn about the various services and supports available. Just past the circulation desk of the Patrick Power Library, get all your questions answered. It's all here!
Academic Welcome Sessions | September 5
An opportunity for students, faculty and staff to meet within their respective faculties. This is a great opportunity to connect with peers, find out how to get involved within each program and start the academic term off on the right foot. Students - check your email for details.
Faculty of Arts | September 5, 10 a.m.-noon
Faculty of Science | September 5, 10 a.m.-noon
Bachelor of Commerce | September 5, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Santamarian Ceremony | September 5, 3-4 p.m.
Saint Mary’s annual ceremony officially welcomes new students to SMU, inviting them to share in the core values of the Santamarian: academic integrity, the pursuit of knowledge, responsiveness to community needs, openness to change and concerns for a just and civil society. Hear from the University President and an alumni speaker.
Festival of Food | September 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Leave the lunch bag at home and have some cash ready. The Festival of Food is coming to campus and there will be all kinds of delicious food to taste, including Abhi’s Curry N’ More, Bud the Spud, Jamaica Lee’s, PBJ Eatery, and Drift coffee truck. Please note that a portion of the Inglis St. pay and display parking lot will be closed off to regular parking to accommodate the food trucks.
Husky Kickoff and Home Opener | September 15, 6-7 p.m.
It doesn’t feel like the academic term is in full swing until the Huskies play their first home game of the season. Get out your maroon and burgundy and meet us in the Quad for games, face painting, snacks and all kinds of energy to get everyone pumped up. Then head over to the field in time for the football game kick-off and take in the awesome atmosphere of the Friday night lights with your fellow Huskies. Get your Home Opener tickets here.
Find out more!
For information on Welcome Weeks activities, checklists, student resources and more, be sure to visit New to SMU, and don’t forget to register your favourite events and add them to your calendar! If you have questions, reach out to welcome.weeks@smu.ca.
Want to stay in the know all throughout the year? Be sure to follow @SMU_StudentLife and @SMUhalifax on social media.