As thousands of students kick off a new academic year, Brock University launched the semester with a blend of concerts, orientations, volunteer opportunities and social events. This year’s Welcome Week, spanning from Aug. 30 to Sept. 6, offered something for every student from first-year undergraduates to graduate learners.
Move-In Days
Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 saw a flood of residence students arrive on campus as the move-in process began. They were greeted by the Surgite Support Squad, who were easy to spot in red-and-white tie-dye bucket hats. The volunteers offered directions, carried boxes and helped Brock’s newest residents adapt to their surroundings.
Music and Community in Niagara Region (Aug. 31 & Sept. 5)
On Aug. 31, BadgerFest Kickoff Concert at Montebello Park had thousands of students celebrating in downtown St. Catharines. The free event featured R&B artists Mariah the Scientist, Kiana Ledé, FRVRFRIDAY, Eb3n and Benita. Brock offered shuttles running from campus and food vendors to add to the festival atmosphere.
On Sept. 5, Misty City Music Festival in Niagara Falls gave students the chance to explore the Niagara region. With discounted tickets and round-trip transportation organized through BadgerFest, students enjoyed performances from Riley Green, Kaleo and The Reklaws at Fallsview Event Grounds.
These festivals gave students the opportunity to connect and share evenings of music and community spirit while familiarizing themselves with the region.
Orientation, Academic Foundations and Midweek Engagements
On Sept. 2, the New Student Welcome and Academic Orientation (NSWAO) opened with a ceremony in the Ian Beddis Gymnasium, where students were officially welcomed into the Brock community. From there, students broke off into faculty-specific sessions, meeting professors, staff and classmates. Additional programming, including the Co-op Kickoff — a pizza lunch hosted by the Marilyn I. Walker School and Concurrent Education sessions — allowed for students across different programs to get a sense of the school environment and prepare for the coming year.
As the week continued, students were offered a range of small-scale activities. The GSA hosted a prize-wheel drop-in with giveaways, while BadgerFest programming featured events such as movie nights under the stars, pottery painting, a community fair and The Badger Show. These events combined comedy and magic, allowing students to relax, meet new people and participate in experiences as they entered or returned to their studies.
Closing with Service and Celebration
On Sept. 6, students took part in the Brock Cares Day of Service, volunteering at community projects across Niagara students gathered for one final event before classes began, Welcome Bash. The event is hosted by Brock’s Black Student Clubs and Black Student Success Centre and is a day of friendly competitions, mini tournaments, music by WildSoja, live dance offs, and movement sessions. Various local student owned businesses and Brock student services were also set up throughout the day to familiarize students with their local and academic resources.
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Welcome Week 2025 balanced celebration with preparation, offering students opportunities to meet peers, engage with faculty, explore the community and enjoy entertainment both on and off campus. From the energy of Montebello Park to the quiet connections made in orientation sessions, the week cultivated a supportive and vibrant student experience.
As the academic year begins, the memories and connections formed during Welcome Week will continue to shape the student journey. For many, it was not only the start of a new year, but the beginning of lasting friendships and community ties.