Incoming Students
Starting university is an exciting transition, and it’s normal to have questions along the way. Use this hub to find programs, resources and supports to help you prepare for your first term and settle into life at Ontario Tech.
Prepare for your first term
Transition programs
Build connections, confidence and familiarity with university before classes begin.
Summer transition programs
Orientation
Connect with other students, explore campus and prepare to begin your Ontario Tech experience.
Explore Orientation
Before your first day
Complete these key steps before your first day to help make your transition to Ontario Tech as smooth as possible.
Set up your UCard
Set up your UCard
Your UCard is your official Ontario Tech student ID and provides access to campus services, facilities, and student benefits.
Before arriving:
- Upload your photo
- Complete your UCard setup
- Learn where and when to pick up your card
Download the Ontario Tech Mobile App
Download the Ontario Tech Mobile App
Stay connected with campus information wherever you go.
Use the Ontario Tech App to:
- Access important campus information
- Find campus resources
- Stay updated throughout the year
- View your class schedule
Access your technology
Access your technology
Set up your Ontario Tech accounts before your first day.
Complete:
- OntarioTechU.Net student email setup
- MyOntarioTech portal access
- Other technology services you will need as a student
Review your schedule
Review your schedule
Make sure you are ready for your first day of classes.
Before classes begin:
- Check important academic dates and deadlines
- Confirm classroom locations
- Review your course schedule
Plan your route
Plan your route
Know how you will get to campus before your first day.
Explore:
Your first weeks at Ontario Tech
Starting university is a big transition. Your first few weeks are about getting comfortable, building routines and learning where to find support.
Your first day
Explore your first day - Your first day
Get familiar with campus and start your Ridgeback journey.
Your first day is about finding your way, meeting new people and getting comfortable in your new environment.
Start by:
- Finding your classrooms and exploring campus.
- Meeting your instructors and classmates.
- Reviewing your schedule and course locations.
- Visiting AskMe information booths if you need help finding your way.
Your first week
Explore your first week - Your first week
Build your academic routine and learn how university works.
Your first week is about understanding expectations, finding resources and getting settled into your courses.
Start by:
- Connecting with Academic Advising if you have questions about your program or courses.
- Connecting with your Peer Mentor.
- Exploring academic supports, including Student Learning Support.
- Reviewing your course outlines and important dates.
Your first month
Explore your first month - Your first month
Find your routine, build connections and explore opportunities.
Adjusting to university takes time. Focus on building habits that support your success and help you feel connected to the Ontario Tech community.
Explore:
- Campus events and activities.
- Clubs and student groups.
- Develop writing and academic literacy skills.
- Health and wellness supports.
- Leadership and involvement opportunities.
Build your foundation
Your university experience is about more than getting through your first few weeks. Explore the people, services and opportunities that can help you build connections, succeed academically, support your well-being, and make the most of your time at Ontario Tech.
Find your community
Explore ways to connect - Find your community
Find your community
Building relationships and finding your place on campus can make a big difference in your university experience. Whether you want to meet other students, get involved, stay active or simply feel more connected, there are lots of ways to find your community at Ontario Tech.
Peer Mentorship
Connect with an upper-year student who can help you navigate university life, answer questions and point you toward helpful resources and opportunities.
Explore Peer Mentorship
Clubs and societies
Meet students who share your interests, identities, academic programs or hobbies by getting involved with student-led clubs and societies.
Explore clubs and societies
Campus events
From social activities and workshops to major campus events, there are opportunities throughout the year to meet people, try something new and get involved.
Explore campus events
Stay connected with student-focused updates by following @OTCampusLife on Facebook and @OT_CampusLife on Instagram, Threads and X.
Campus Recreation
Get active, meet other students and take part in recreation through fitness programs, intramurals, drop-in activities, and other opportunities on campus.
Explore Campus Recreation
Student leadership opportunities
Explore leadership, volunteering, involvement and other experiences that can help you build skills while becoming part of the Ridgeback community.
Explore student leadership ppportunities
Succeed academically
Explore academic supports - Succeed academically
Succeed academically
University learning can feel different from high school or previous studies, and you do not have to figure everything out on your own. There are people and resources across Ontario Tech to help you understand expectations, strengthen your learning skills and get support when you need it.
Academic Advising
Connect with your Academic Advisor for guidance on your program, course planning, degree requirements and academic decisions.
Connect with Academic Advising
Student Learning Support
Get help with course content, writing, study skills and learning strategies. Supports include Peer Tutoring, Academic Subject Specialists, Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), workshops and drop-in study halls. Availability varies by subject and course.
Explore Student Learning Support
Library Services
The Library can support you with research, finding credible sources, citations, subject-specific guidance, and accessing books, articles and online resources. You can also connect with a Subject Librarian, book study rooms and use individual or group study spaces.
Explore Library Services
Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
SAS works with students with permanent, prolonged, persistent or temporary disabilities to identify appropriate academic accommodations and reduce barriers to learning. Incoming students can connect with SAS as they prepare for their transition to Ontario Tech.
Explore SAS
Use your course supports
Your instructors and teaching teams are also important sources of academic support. Review your course outline for information about how to ask questions, connect with your instructor or TA where applicable, and access course-specific help.
Take care of yourself
Your well-being matters. Explore resources that support your physical, mental and overall well-being.
Explore well-being supports - Take care of yourself
Take care of yourself
Your well-being can have a big impact on how you experience university. Ontario Tech offers resources to support your physical health, mental health, healthy habits and access to basic needs throughout your time as a student.
Health Promotion
Explore programs, events and practical resources related to student well-being, including sleep, stress, nutrition, active living, sexual health, substance use and self-care.
Explore Health Promotion resources
Student Mental Health Services
Access confidential mental health support, including intake appointments, counselling and therapy, peer support, groups and workshops, self-help resources and distress support. Student Mental Health Services uses a stepped-care approach to help connect students with the level of support that fits their needs.
Explore Mental Health Services
Campus Health and Wellness Centre
Connect with health-care professionals for medical and other health services available on campus. The Campus Health and Wellness Centre is located in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre and supports both Ontario Tech and Durham College students.
Explore the Campus Health and Wellness Centre
Explore your wellness
Wellness looks different for everyone. Ontario Tech’s wellness resources cover physical, mental, social, financial, vocational, environmental and spiritual well-being, with strategies and campus resources to help you take care of yourself in ways that work for you.
Explore the Dimensions of Wellness
Develop your skills
Grow beyond the classroom. Explore ways to develop your skills and gain leadership experience.
Explore opportunities - Develop your skills
Develop your skills and experience
University is also a chance to build skills, gain experience and explore what you want to do next. Whether you are interested in leadership, employment, hands-on learning or getting involved outside the classroom, there are opportunities to grow throughout your time at Ontario Tech.
Student leadership opportunities
Build transferable skills and contribute to the campus community through student leadership roles such as peer leadership, mentorship, orientation and other involvement opportunities. Many eligible experiences can also be recognized on your Student Experience Record.
Explore leadership opportunities
Ambassador Program
The Ambassador Program is a great starting point for students who want to get involved and develop leadership skills. Through training, ongoing involvement and campus opportunities, Ambassadors can build experience in areas such as communication, community, leadership, equity and cultural safety.
Explore the Ambassador Program
Leadership Foundations
Build a foundation for leadership at Ontario Tech through this self-paced Canvas course. Leadership Foundations explores topics including communication, community, equity, cultural safety, reflection and everyday leadership, and can be completed at your own pace.
Explore Leadership Foundations
Career Centre
You do not have to wait until graduation to start thinking about your career. The Career Centre can help you explore options, prepare for job searches, strengthen your resumé and interview skills, connect with employers, and learn about internships and co-op opportunities.
Explore the Career Centre
Experiential Learning
Put your learning into practice through hands-on experiences such as co-op, internships, practicums, research, projects, volunteer opportunities, and other experiences connected to your program or interests. Opportunities vary by faculty and program.
Explore Experiential Learning
Student Experience Record
As you get involved, your Student Experience Record helps capture eligible co-curricular experiences and the skills you develop through them. It can help you reflect on your growth and communicate your experience when applying for employment, co-op and future leadership opportunities.
Explore Your Student Experience Record
Still need help?
Not sure where to start?
These teams can help point you in the right direction.
Getting connected → Student Engagement and Equity
Academic questions → Office of the Registrar or Academic Advising
Financial support → Student Awards and Financial Aid