Universities across the province are preparing to welcome their new students. Orientation or O-Week, as it is also known, is a wonderful opportunity for students to make new friends for this next journey in their lives. With that in mind, here are some O-week dos and don’ts so that you can safely enjoy your school’s O-week festivities.
Do: Buddy Up
If you have a friend going to the same university as you, use the buddy system. Check in with each other consistently to make sure you’re both alright. Especially at night time stick with your friend, make sure nobody is going anywhere alone.
Don’t: Leave Your Drink Unattended or Accept Drinks from Strangers
Alcohol and parties are common during O-week. If you’re going to drink, do so safely. Never leave your drink unattended and always keep an eye on it so that nobody can tamper with it. Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
Do: Have a Safe Ride Home Plan
Before heading out, decide how you will get home safely. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you have to walk alone at night or get in a car with someone who’s been drinking. You can order an Uber, call a taxi, or have a designated driver come pick you up. Any of these options can help make sure you have a good time and get home safely.
Don’t: Feel Obligated to Do Anything
The goal of O-Week is to have fun, meet new people and get accustomed to life at university. Don’t feel pressured to go anywhere you don’t feel comfortable. Have clear boundaries and commit to those boundaries. There are a wide variety of events to attend at O-Week and it won’t harm your social life to skip events that you aren’t comfortable with.
O-Week is a fun time, so go out there and have some fun but stay safe!
