Engineering Orientation Week features several exciting events that are unique to the University of Waterloo. In addition to being better acquainted to the University through tours and informative lunches, you will also have the opportunity to participate in many of our flagship events, including Earn Your Hardhat and Junkyard Wars. Let’s also not forget about the infamous Engineering Scavenger Hunt! More information on these and the other events that fill your week can be found below:
Opening Ceremonies: Your week will begin with a quick introduction to the Dean of Engineering and what the University of Waterloo has to offer you. Don’t be fooled, however, as this inspirational speech will leave you pumped and eager to participate in as much as you can! The introductory video is also played at this time and it will highlight Orientation Week and what it has to offer you. The theme of the week and the respective colour groups will be officially announced which marks the start of the week’s competitions. EngFOC, the organizers and your leaders of the week also introduce themselves at this time. You definitely do not want to miss this event!
Faculty Lunch: This is a great opportunity to meet upper-year students, faculty and staff in your department that you will be working with during your academic career. This mingling session is run by the faculty of Engineering and is always a great venue to answer questions you may have regarding your department of choice. You can also pick up several tips to help you succeed at the University from the get go!
Earn Your Hardhat: Earning your Hardhat is one of the longest running traditions at the University of Waterloo. Dating back to its founding in 1957, the Hardhat is a prestigious item awarded to incoming Engineering students and is worn with pride by all. At this event, you will complete several challenges as a team that represent the Principles of Engineering which are vital to what the Hardhat represents. Again, you definitely do not want to miss your opportunity to collect the coveted Yellow Hardhat!
Aerial Photo: Taking place immediately after earning your Hardhat, this is a time honoured tradition that portrays the theme of your Orientation Week. You can find this photo eternally mounted on the wall of POETS (well, at least for the five years of your undergraduate degree).
Single & Sexy: An original drama production of the University of Waterloo, this genuinely hilarious play deals with the challenges of living away from home and out from under the parental eye for the first time. Issues explored include sexual harassment, orientation, sexual assault, transmitted infections, pregnancy, love and succeeding in university. With several TV and music video farces, this play promises not only a humorous view of student life but also crucial information on how to receive any help that you may require. Definitely one of the highlight events of the week!
Service Safari: This informative Safari tour highlights many of the places that you will frequent during your stay at the University. Get your safari gear ready, because this all inclusive package has exciting stops at the library, fitness centre, co-op building and more! There will be several fun challenges at every stop – who knows, there might even be surprise at the end!
Variety Night: Variety Night is an event for all first year students to mingle and try some new events! There are many mini-events and major events to choose from including: hiphop, salsa, bonfire, comedian and hypnotist. Oh, and with a haunted house, you definitely can’t go wrong!
Boars, Tools, and Ties: This variety night has something for everyone. As a joint event with Arts and Math, this is a great chance to meet people from different faculties. We don’t want to ruin the surprise, but with past events such as Sumo and laser tag, how could you go wrong?
Junkyard Wars: Our flagship event. Junkyard Wars is exactly what the name implies. Colour groups are challenged to solve problems using only recycled materials and scrap parts. Be warned: not everything can be won with a hammer and saw; it’ll take creativity, wit, ingenuity and plain-old smarts to win this competition!
Student Teams Lunch: Following immediately after Junkyard Wars, the Student Teams Lunch is your opportunity to meet with upper-year students that are working on one of our many different student teams. This also gives you the opportunity to see what extracurricular activities are available to you and how easy it is to take part. The corporate sponsors of the week are also present, several of which hire co-op students, making this is a great chance to see what you can offer as a co-op! To top it off, a delicious barbecue is served. Yum!
Meet The TOOL: The oldest and most sacred of all traditions at the University of Waterloo. This is a must see event where you get introduced to our Engineering mascot. The TOOL: Live it. Love it.
Eng 101: This is your introduction to the academic world at the University. The faculty and students will work together to answer your questions about academics, co-op education and balancing school and fun.
Monte Carlo: Come and show UW your classy side for Monte Carlo night! This is your chance to get dressed up and live the high life, with tons of awesome events including a dance, gourmet snacks, Acapella groups, jazz bands, magicians, acrobats and a fire show, mock gambling (Craps, Roulette, BlackJack, Poker, Wheel of Fortune, Slots), salsa and ballroom dance lessons, Tarot Card Reading, and much, much more!
Escape from the Zoo! (Scavenger Hunt): The infamous Engineering Scavenger Hunt is where the colour groups have their last chances to try to win the competition of the week. There are countless activities for everyone and also a never-ending acquisition list with items for you to collect. This is our final flagship event and what a way to finish an amazing week! This Hunt is sure to not disappoint!
Black & Gold Day: On Saturday you’ll get the chance to dress up in black and gold to show your best Waterloo spirit. Come cheer on our men’s and women’s rugby teams and enjoy free lunch, tons of give-aways, and a giant carnival featuring GIANT inflatables, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, wide sports games, live DJ, and a dunk tank!
Saturday Night:
The last official event of Frosh Week, and the best way to finish with a bang! The world’s largest Toga party is being held on the BMH Green, but if that isn’t your thing, there’s also a comedy/impov show, crazy Talent Show, night tour of campus’ secrets, and even video gaming. There’s something for everyone!
ComEng: This stand-up comedy night is held by the Engineering Society and is a great chance to unwind from the long week and really get to know your upper year peers! The winning colour group and the Psycho Frosh awards are also announced at this time so don’t miss out!
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