Orientation

Welcome to Cape Breton University! Here you will find everything you need to know to set yourself up for success from the very start of your educational journey. From orientation, Week of Welcome, important dates and events, make sure to bookmark this page as a resource to come back to.

ACCEPTED STUDENT CHECKLIST

AIRPORT PICK-UP REQUEST

CBU STUDENT HANDBOOK

CBU EVENTS

IMPORTANT DATES

CBU START SMART

Week of Welcome

Week of Welcome (WOW) is CBU’s official welcome to the Caper family and is all about you, the student. You’ll learn about student supports and services, participate in fun activities and see just what campus life is like at CBU!

This semester, WOW will take place in early January, with many fun events to look forward to. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! You will also have the opportunity to take campus tours and meet faculty, staff and fellow students, allowing yourself to become familiar with the campus community right away. WOW will also give you the opportunity to learn more about services offered at CBU and throughout the community.

Each September, January and May, new and returning students are encouraged to participate in the many activities and festivities offered during WOW to start your semester off on the right foot. The full schedule and details of campus events can be found at cbu.ca/events, so keep an eye on that page to learn more!

Directional Support will be offered through WOW on the CBU Campus. If you would like to familiarize yourself with Campus prior to your arrival, visit cbu.ca/map or check out our virtual tour.

Week of Welcome Fall 2026

Each semester, new and returning students are encouraged to participate in Week of Welcome activities and events to meet their classmates and start the semester off strong. This is your official introduction to life at CBU and a great way to explore campus services and supports.

Pre-Week of Welcome Orientations

• Master of Education Virtual Orientation – Monday, August 31, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Atlantic Time)

Fall 2026 WOW Schedule

Saturday, September 5

• Residence Move-In: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Residence / The Pit
• Students’ Union Information Table: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Residence 
• Campus Tours: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Meal Hall
• Student Commons Open: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Student Commons
• CAPERFEST – CBU Men’s and Women’s Soccer Games: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm | CBU Ness Timmons Field
• CBUSU Karaoke Social: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | The Pit

Sunday, September 6

• Shuttle for Groceries/Essentials: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Residence Parking Lot
• CAPERFEST – CBU Men’s and Women’s Soccer Games: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm | CBU Ness Timmons Field

Monday, September 7

• Campus Tours / Ask Me Hub / ID Cards / Merch: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Student Commons

Tuesday, September 8 (Orientation Day)

• School of Nursing Orientations: 
  • Direct Entry Students: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | CS-104
  • Advanced Entry / In-progress: 12:00 pm – 4:00pm | Verschuren Centre Atrium
• Shannon School of Business Orientation: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | SB-100
• Bachelor of Social Work Orientation: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm | Yvonne Levert Hospitality Suite
• School of Arts and Social Sciences Orientation: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | The Pit Lounge
• School of Science and Technology Orientation: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Wanda Robson Student Lounge
• CBUSU Games Tournament: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | The Pit Lounge

Wednesday, September 9

• Trivia and Wing Social: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Pit Lounge

Thursday, September 10

• Community Service Fair: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Cafeteria
• Creative Arts Open House Tour: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Tours leave every hour | Start at Boardmore Theatre
• Career Centre Drop-In: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | Career Centre
• Sex Toy Bingo: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Pit Lounge

Friday, September 11

• International Student Orientation: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm | Boardmore Theatre
• CBUSU Centres Showcase: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | The Pit Lounge
• Mega Pit: 9:00 pm – 1:00 am | The Pit Lounge

Saturday, September 12

• CBUSU Amazing Race at the Fortress of Louisbourg: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Fortress of Louisbourg

President Dingwall’s Welcome
Need further help? Check out our Student Handbook and the CBU ServiceHub, these tools help you navigate the variety of services and programs offered at CBU. For more events check out the Events Calendar and for drop-in sports and intramural opportunities, check out the CBU Recreation website.