Fall Orientation
The beginning of a new term is always exciting, but what makes Fall 2025 more special is that YOU are now joining us as a UM student! We’ve got a number of activities planned to provide you with all the information you’ll need as you begin your university studies. Discover all the great supports we have at UM, get academic prep and explore opportunities to connect with other UM students.
We are so happy that you are joining us, new Bisons! Welcome to the University of Manitoba and welcome to the Herd!
Fall Orientation
Events
Prep Week
Save the dates: August 31 – Sept 4, 2026!
Prep week provides new students with an opportunity to participate in prep sessions and to explore the UM campus one week before Welcome Day and the commencement of the Fall Term.
Welcome Day
Save the date - September 8, 2026!
Welcome to the Herd! Roam with us on Welcome Day to meet friends, have fun, and show your Bison Pride!
Find out who to know and where to go for answers to the most common questions new UM students have. We know you’re new to this, so we’ve got your back! You’ll hear from students, advisors and support staff, faculty members and more.
We have some great activities planned, but there will also be plenty of time in the day to connect with friends (old and new!), roam the Fort Garry campus, find your classrooms and have some fun, too!
The University of Manitoba is strongly committed to equity and diversity. Accessibility accommodations and/or disability related supports are available for all events. Contact student_accessibility@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-7423.
Indigenous Orientation
Join us on September 10, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge to connect with UM’s Indigenous community—meet new friends, explore cultural and academic supports, and enjoy free lunch, outdoor games, live music, and other activities.
Highlights include:
- Live music by UMFM and Indigenous entertainment
- Booths, games, photo booth, registry bus, student card clinic and vendor market
- Free lunch from Shelley’s Bistro in Migizii Agamik
- Lawn games and tipi showcase
- Orange Shirt origami making with Kookum Karen
Summer skill building
Opportunities offered by different offices and faculties to help you develop specific skills in preparation for your first year at UM.
-
Math Boot Camp
This is a free, 3 week math workshop to help students prepare for university level math courses.
-
Summer University Advantage
Get a head start with ARTS 1110 – Introduction to University, University Math Prep, and connect with peers in Coffee Chats for Success. Earn UM course credit and start the Fall term feeling ready.
-
Reading to Write
Get feedback on writing, reading and language skills from an ALC tutor during this free three week, online, academic writing and reading program.
-
Career Choices
Explore who you are: your interests, values, and favourite subjects and how they relate to the world of work and create a list of occupational ideas just for you.
UM Essentials
UM Essentials, along with other orientation activities, is intended to help you prepare for your studies at the University of Manitoba.
2025/26 course will open early August!
Once you’ve accepted your offer, registered for your classes, claimed your UM Net ID and after Ready to Roam, it’s time to complete UM Essentials! This valuable resource introduces you to the supports and opportunities available to UM students. By completing UM Essentials, you will:
- Gain a basic understanding of the campus layout and important locations;
- Gain experience with UMLearn, the course management system at UM;
- Learn about the ‘university learning environment’ and know what your professors will expect from you in your courses;
- Learn about key support services available to students and how to access them;
- Find out how to get involved in the UM campus community;
- Understand the rights and responsibilities that you have a student.
All new students are expected to complete UM Essentials and will be enrolled automatically once registered in Fall/Winter courses. Enrollment in UM Learn occurs weekly on Tuesday, beginning August 5.
Students will receive a message in via their @myumanitoba.ca email account once enrolled in the course.
Our sponsors
Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors!
Your support helps to welcome new UM students to our campuses and set them up for success as they start their studies at UM.
More important resources for your first year
-
More orientation events
Indigenous, International and Graduate student orientations are also available in addition to all Fall Welcome programming.
-
Student communities
Whether you are looking for other students who share your interests, are in the same academic program, or are committed to advancing similar causes, this is the place for you to connect!
-
Peer mentors
Mentoring programs at UM pair students with peers and professionals who can help you navigate the academic, personal and professional challenges of university and post-university life.
-
First Year Planning Guide
This online document has essential information on how to select and register for your courses, and it’s your best resource for planning your first year.
-
Get ready to register
Get Ready to Register is designed specifically to help all new students make choices and decisions about target degree programs, course selection and registration in classes.
-
New student checklist (PDF)
Follow the new student checklist to start your transition to University.
Questions about any Fall Orientation programming? Connect via email.
Orientation Team
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB Canada