WINTER 2026 ORIENTATION WEEK
The Society of Graduate Students is proud to present its Winter 2026 Term Graduate Student Orientation Week schedule of events! These events run Monday, January 26th to Sunday, February 1st.
⚠️ ALL SOGS MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE!
💰 REGISTRANTS and TICKET HOLDERS will be entered to win 1 of 4 SOGS O-Week Swag Bags (includes: SOGS zip-up hoodie, Grad Club mug, SOGS Pride patch, stickers, StudentVIP stress squish, Student Vip travel cutlery set, $10 Grad Club gift certificate) valued at $100 each.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26
SIP AND PAINT
7-10PM | The Grad Club (Middlesex College, Room 19)
$20
Get to know your Western University landscape and new grad life by participating in this selfie treasure hunt. Explore campus, snap selfies at iconic spots, and win grad-friendly prizes!
HOW TO PLAY:
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- Go around to various hot spots on campus and take a selfie at that location to prove you were there.
- Submit your photos via our online form, and post your selfie on Instagram (or other social site) + tag the official accounts (@westernsogs, @westernustudentexperience if you’d like.
- Do as many locations as you can! The more selfies you complete, the better your chances of winning more goodies!
PRIZE PACKS:
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- Big Prize Pack (x3) includes a StudentVIP large stainless steel water canteen, Grad Club mug filled with candy, StudentVIP stress squish, $25 Grad Club gift certificate, and more!
- Mini Prize Pack (x6) includes a Grad Club mug filled with candy, StudentVIP stress squish, and a $15 Grad Club gift certificate, and more!
This event is funded by SOGS and Western University’s Student Experience.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27
TRIVIA NIGHT
7-10PM | The Grad Club (Middlesex College, Room 19)
New to WesternU? Returning for another year of #gradschool? Want to make new social connections?
Join our Orientation & Social Committee for another instalment of BOARD GAME NIGHT! We have over 60 board games, so there’s something for everyone
🍽️ Complimentary nachos for attendees to share. Limited quantities of food, so first come, first served.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
2026 GOALS VISION BOARD MAKING
5-7PM | (TBA)
$5
Want to learn more about the supports for graduate students offered by SOGS, the University, PSAC 610, and more? Want to learn about all the ways to connect in grad school and engage your community?
Join the SOGS Health Plan Committee for another GRAD LIFE RESOURCE FAIR at the Grad Club. Attendees will meet a variety of campus stakeholders, including StudentVIP, Student Experience, PSAC 610, Office of the Ombudsperson, Indigenous Initiatives, Western International, SOGS Commissions, SOGS Committees, and more!
🍽️ Grab a FREE BREAKFAST at the fair. Coffee, tea, muffins, and croissants will be served. First-come, first served.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
WINTER GRAD LIFE PARTY
7:30-9PM | The Grad Club (Middlesex College, Room 19)
TICKET SALES CLOSED.
- 🍔 Beef or veggie burger or hot dog (beef)
- 🍟 Fries
- 🥤 Can or pop or bottled water
- 🥗 Garden salad
- ⭐️ Teams will play CORN HOLE and GIANT JENGA
- 🏆 Winning teams will earn GC drink tickets (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) or GC gift cards ($5).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
GLOW BOWLING
8-10PM | Fleetway Bowling
$12
Join Indigenous Initiatives and the Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Education (SAGE) Coordinator for a luncheon where Indigenous students can connect with each other, supports, and resources. This event is funded by Indigenous Initiatives.
⚠️ This event is only for First Nations, Métis or Inuit graduate students.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
TUBING
1-5 PM | Boler Mountain
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1
OUTDOOR SKATING
1-4 PM | Storybook Gardens
Join us for the live stream of the Western Mustang’s Homecoming football game at the Grad Club! Come for the game, stay for the food and vibes.
⚠️ FREE FOOD IS LIMITED. First come, first served
Questions about SOGS Orientation Week? Email the SOGS Communications and Promotions Manager (sogs.communications@uwo.ca).