Saskatchewan

It's orientation day for U of R's first-year students

Tuesday was orientation day at University of Regina, where new students were being introduced to a world of big classes and a big campus.

Some 1,500 new students being welcomed at University of Regina

Hundreds of students gathered in a gymnasium Tuesday as part of orientation day at the University of Regina. (CBC News)

Tuesday was orientation day at University of Regina, where new students were being introduced to a world of big classes and a big campus.

The U of R is welcoming about 1,500 first-year students with an expo, faculty sessions and various social events.

First-year arts student Taylor Balfour, 18, says there's a lot of value in a day of orientation. (CBC News)

The jump from high school to university can be daunting, so the idea is minimize the cultural shock and get things off on the right foot.

Arts student Taylor Balfour, 18, says entering university is a bit scary and the orientation is welcome.

"Orientation, especially, is getting to know people in your faculty which is a lot more comforting than just being thrown into it," Balfour said.

University of Regina president Vianne Timmons gives a pep talk to students on orientation day. (CBC News)

U of R president Vianne Timmons told the students there was no orientation when she began university.

She said her mother put her on a bus and told her not to talk to strangers when she got to school.

More "welcome back" events continue throughout the week, including a pancake breakfast on Wednesday.

New students heard from members of the faculty and fellow students as they eased into the campus life. An expo and various social events were also part of U of R orientation day. (CBC News)