Hot Girl’s Guide to Welcome Weeks
Written by Liza Zahid
Note: For more information, including event timings, locations, and details, click here.
If you’re reading this, consider yourself lucky to be experiencing Fall semester orientation and Welcome Weeks. Take it from someone who arrived in the middle of a snowstorm for the bleak start of the Winter semester - you’ve got it good.
Ever since I came to Saint Mary’s, my highlight of the academic year has always been the start of September when Welcome Weeks kick off. It’s the best time of the year to go all out, meet new people, and party with your friends.
So, what’s in it for you this year?
August 30 – Meet Your SMUSA Execs
Kick things off on August 30 by meeting your Saint Mary’s University Student Association executives. It’s important to put a face to the titles of “President,” “VP Academic,” etc., because these are the people who will advocate for you throughout the year. SMUSA also provides different services like the Husky Patrol, which you can ask them about from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Loyola Academic. Bonus: grab some popcorn and enjoy bubble machines to make a hot day more fun.
August 30 – SMUSA Family Feud
One of my absolute favourite Welcome Week activities is SMUSA Family Feud. Usually hosted by the President, it is exactly what it sounds like: chaotic, hilarious, and a little too competitive. Last year, Simba, our SMUSA President at the time, hosted, and let me tell you, I played one round and have never yelled answers louder in my life. I also learned I don’t know nearly enough about Star Wars. And yes, there’s free pizza. Enough said.
August 31 – Welcome to the Gorsebrook
If you’re in the mood to move and dance the night away, this one’s for you. With a live DJ and themed mocktails, get ready to get down. The music is always banging, and you don’t have to think about assignments yet, so dress to impress. You might even catch me in a corner with a Diet Coke, screaming to Justin Bieber. Guys, they even played Taylor Swift last year, so this truly is for everyone.
September 1 – Husky Festival
My personal favorite. Picture a carnival in the Quad, complete with a dunk tank (you might even get to dunk the SMU President and SMUSA President, who knows), mechanical bulls, and pirate ship rides. Last year, I got dared to sit on one and hated every second, but maybe you’ll love it. They also have a climbing wall, bouncy castles, and booths of all sorts, plus plenty of free rides, cotton candy, and popcorn. The festival truly has something for everyone, whether you’re into thrill rides, sweet treats, or just hanging out with friends. Fun fact: I worked for the company that set this up last year, so I got to operate one of the rides… and yes, I made it just a little challenging for people.
September 2 – The Amazing Husky Race
A new event this year is the Amazing Husky Race! Team up and explore Halifax through challenges along the route, then end with an epic water toss back on campus. Put your competitive shorts on, bring a towel and some sunscreen, and try not to get lost on the way before classes even start!
September 4 – Paint & Sip: Mocktail Edition
One day after classes, you’ll realize that your life of adulting has already started. For you to relax, we’ve got Paint & Sip Mocktail edition at the Gorsebrook Lounge. All art supplies are provided, so just pull up some Pinterest inspo and get painting.
September 6 – Pep Rally
If you find yourself lost in the Quad at 1 p.m., you might stumble into the Pep Rally. Think American football vibes - cheerleaders, hype music, and cheering for our Huskies. I don’t know much about football, but you bet I’m going to bring my A game to cheer for our Huskies, so join!
September 7 – Beach Day
Show up to the first floor of the Student Centre with your beach essentials, and SMUSA will handle the rest. Hot Girl Fall essentials include cute swimwear and aesthetic pictures by the beach.
September 8 – Outdoor Movie Night
By now, you’ve probably met new friends and maybe had your “Mom, I made it” moment. Congrats, you survived your first week of university. To add to that Letterboxd list of yours, we have an outdoor movie night at the Huskies Stadium. This year’s pick is Lilo & Stitch under the stars.
September 10 – Societies & Partners Expo
This is your chance to sign up for everything - drama, commerce, investment, debate - you name it. Campus partners like RBC will be there, and many giveaways will be happening throughout the day. Expand your interests and unlock a whole new range of activities.
The SMU Journal will be present too! If you’re curious about the work we do or want to get involved, whether as a column contributor or a creator for the SMU Creatives column, make sure to drop by our table.
This isn’t a complete list of activities because SMU has so many events, but these are the ones I would recommend you attend the most. If you live in residence, connect with your Resident Assistants - RAs (and if you’re on my floor - hi!) because they’ll take you to these events to help you settle in.
September at SMU only happens once a year, so go all out. And if you catch me outside, come say hi!