Are you in Toronto for the summer, looking for ways to connect with other OCAD U students?
Are you looking for fun ways to get familiar with our campus and the neighbouring community?
Our upper-year Welcome Squad student leaders are standing by, happy to welcome you and help you get involved! All new and current students welcome!
OCAD U strives to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for the OCAD U community to engage safely. To confidentially request an accommodation for this activity (including transit fare), contact Brent E. James in OCAD U’s Campus Life office (by noon the day before the event) at bjames@ocadu.ca
Photography: please be advised that OCAD U-hosted events may be documented through photography and video. These images may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes.
By participating in our events, both on-campus and off-site, you consent to allowing OCAD U to document and use your images and likeness. However, if you do not want to be photographed or included in video, please don’t hesitate to let us know when you arrive at the event.
Watch below for updates on summer Welcome Squad programming 2024*:
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JULY 2024
Friday, July 26, 2024
Field Trip: Taste of Vietnam
CANCELLED due to low interest
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a big fat Vietnamese WEDDING FESTIVAL for delicious food, beautiful decorations, weddings traditions, cultural fashion shows, live music, games, and MORE.
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Saturday, July 27, 2024
Field Trip: Toronto Islands – Hanlan's Point
12:30 pm to 4 pm
Transit and Ferry fees required
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students on a trip to explore Hanlan's Point, the most westerly of the three main islands that make up the Toronto Island Park. It has a baseball diamond, beach--including a clothing optional beach-- bike trail, changeroom, drinking fountain, firepits, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, outdoor tennis courts, outdoor volleyball (more about sports activities), fast-food outlet, 12 picnic sites, and washrooms.
Light refreshments will be provided but bring some snacks to share!
RSVP: register here to participate...
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Saturday, July 27, 2024
Field Trip: Movie Night Series 01 "The Lunchbox"
7 to 11 pm
Sorauren Park
Free admission. Transit fees applicable
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a movie in the park:
The Lunchbox (1h 44m) Drama/romance 2013
A mistaken delivery in Mumbai’s famously efficient lunchbox delivery system connects a young housewife to an older man in the dusk of his life as they build a fantasy world together through notes in the lunchbox.
RSVP: register here to participate...
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Sunday, July 28, 2024
Field Trip: Salsa on Market Street
3:30 to 6 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a field trip to quickly learn the basic steps of salsa and embrace the vibrant atmosphere!
RSVP: register here to participate...
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Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Board Games 01
In collaboration with Writing & Learning Centre
2 to 4 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students with board games in the Writing & Learning Centre and some light snacks.
RSVP: register here to participate...
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AUGUST 2024
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Campus Tour 01
1:30 to 4 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a guided tour of the main OCAD University campus, the library and more!
RSVP: register here to participate...
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Friday, August 2, 2024
Maker Space Series: 02 Button-Making and Origami
In collaboration with Library Learning Zone
1 to 3 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students learning origami and get creative to make your own button design. Craft materials provided. Bringing extra materials that suit your aesthetic is highly recommended!
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Saturday, August 3, 2024
Field Trip: Evergreen Brick Works Saturday Farmers Market
11 am to 2:30 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a field trip to Evergreen Brick Works for their famous Saturday Farmers Market. Enjoy and treat yourself to fresh produce in Toronto.
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Sunday, August 4, 2024
Field Trip: Movie Night: "Sister Act"
7 to 11 pm
Christie Pits Park, 5 Christie Street
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a movie in the park:
Sister Act (1h 40m) Musical/Comedy/Crime 1992
When a nightclub singer is forced to take refuge from a mob in a convent, she ends up turning the convent choir into a soulful chorus complete with a Motown repertoire, until the sudden celebrity of the choir jeopardizes her identity.
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Field Trip: Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
2 to 5 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students and visiting the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum,) Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum. Enjoy 40 gallery and exhibition spaces with a collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens.
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Thursday, August 8, 2024
Field Trip: Summer Music Garden "From Baghdad to Toronto"
5:30 to 8 pm
Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay West
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students and enjoying a live performance of Arabic Maqam, the groove of Africa, and the joy of jazz, funk, and reggae. Moneka Arabic Jazz will take you on a captivating voyage through Baghdad, Iraq’s rich sounds and rhythms to Toronto’s vibrant and diverse music scene.
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Friday, August 9, 2024
Campus Tour 02
1:30 to 4 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a guided tour of the main OCAD University campus, the library and more!
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Saturday, August 10, 2024
Field Trip Picnic Series: Trinity Bellwoods Park Picnic Walk
3 to 5 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students and enjoy a scenic walk from OCAD U, along Queen St. West to Trinity Bellwoods Park. A great chance to explore a new route and have a light picnic in the park with others!
Light snacks provided. Bring snacks/drinks to share.
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Board Games 02
2 to 4:30 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students with board games in the Writing & Learning Centre and some light snacks.
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Field Trip: Downtown Toronto Community Tour
12:30 to 3 pm
New and returning students welcome!
This downtown walk leads you through the dense core of the City near OCAD U. Hidden among the skyscrapers, discover a variety of parks, gardens and streetscapes
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Friday, August 16, 2024
Campus Tour for Mature Students (25+)
1:30 to 4 pm
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other older OCAD U students for a guided tour of the main OCAD University campus, the library and more!
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Saturday, August 17, 2024
Field Trip Picnic Series: 02: Trivia Afternoon at Grange Park
2 to 4 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students and enjoy a fun trivia afternoon at Grange Park (right behind OCAD’s main building). Test your trivia knowledge and enjoy the afternoon atmosphere in the park!
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Sunday, August 18, 2024
Field Trip Movie Night Series: 03 "Perfect Days"
7 to 11 pm
Christie Pits
New and returning students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a movie in the park:
Perfect Days (2h 5m) Narrative/Drama 2023
Hirayama cleans public toilets in Tokyo, lives his life in simplicity and daily tranquility. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world.
Additional Short Films Screenings Featuring:
Mobilize (2015) by Caroline Monnet
Cutaway (2014) by Kazik Radwanski
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Toronto Islands Series - Centre Island
12:30 to 4 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Details TBA
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Maker Space Series: 03 Mini-Zine Workshop
In collaboration with Library Learning Zone
1 to 4 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Details TBA
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Thursday, August 22 , 2024
International Student Field Trip: Fan Expo Canada
3:30 to 6 pm
New and returning international students welcome!
Join Campus Life Welcome Squad leaders and International Student Support Office for for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a thrilling field trip to Fan Expo 2024 Toronto! Explore comics, gaming, sci-fi, anime, and more at Canada’s biggest fan event. Meet industry icons, attend panels, and get inspired.
Note*: A $20 deposit is required to secure your spot. Your deposit will be returned after August 22. For students who already paid for the deposit but can no longer attend, you must let us know by August 16, so we can return your deposit and open the spot for another student. If you cancel after August 16, you will not receive a refund. If you are late the afternoon of the trip, we will consider this as a no-show, and your deposit will not be refunded.
Meet at 3:30 pm front of the main entrance, 100 McCaul Street for a prompt 3:45 pm departure and walk or take public transportation to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. West.
Registration deadline: Friday, August 16, 2024 (registration will be closed earlier if all spots are full). This will be a rain or shine event. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
RSVP: register here to participate...
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Friday, August 23, 2024
Field Trip Picnic Series: 03 Spike Ball at Grange Park
2 to 4 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Details TBA
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Saturday, August 24, 2024
Field Trip Movie Night Series: 04 "Barbie" at Sorauren Park
7 to 11 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Details TBA
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Sunday, August 25, 2024
Ice-breaker Scavenger Hunt at Grange Park
In collaboration with International Student Support Office
11 am to 1:30 pm
New and returning students welcome!
Details TBA
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Monday, August 26, 2024
International Student Campus Tour 01
In collaboration with International Student Support Office
1 to 3 pm
All new and returning international students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other international OCAD U students for a guided tour of the main OCAD University campus, the library and more!
RSVP: register here to participate...
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Tuesday, August 27, 2024
International Student Community Tour
In collaboration with International Student Support Office
11 am to 3 pm
All new and returning international students welcome!
Lunch provided
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other international OCAD U students for a look at nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and shopping malls and explore the core of downtown Toronto.
RSVP: register here to participate...
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Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Campus Tour 03
4 to 6 pm
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other OCAD U students for a guided tour of the main OCAD University campus, the library and more!
RSVP: register here to participate... (coming soon)
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Thursday, August 29, 2024
International Student Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) Tour
In collaboration with International Student Support Office
1 to 3 pm
All new and returning international students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other international OCAD U students for a visit to one of the greatest art museums in North America! You will see spectacular collections of Canadian art and art from around the world.
RSVP: register here to participate...
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Friday, August 30, 2024
International Student Campus Tour 02
In collaboration with International Student Support Office
1 to 3 pm
All new and returning international students welcome!
Join our Squad leaders for the opportunity to connect, network, and socialize with other international OCAD U students for a guided tour of the main OCAD University campus, the library and more!
RSVP: register here to participate...
*Subject to change