OWeek: What To Expect!
Written by: Lily Hosseini, 2nd Year Political Science
Stepping onto campus for the first time is both exciting and nerve-wracking, whether you're moving into residence or are commuting. For me, OWeek was a first-year highlight that introduced me to many great people and set the tone for my year. OWeek welcomes you to student life, sparks connections, and helps you find your place. With events from opening ceremonies and concerts to volunteer moments, the week shapes your Western journey.
What Is OWeek?
OWeek stands for Orientation Week, a campus-wide welcome to help you transition to university and feel included. Faculty, staff, and 950+ trained upper-year volunteers, called sophs, will guide you into the Western community.
Meet The Sophs: Your OWeek Guides
Sophs are upper-year students who bring energy and support. If you move into residence, they’ll welcome you, cheer you on, and help you settle in. Sophs are trained in mental health and first aid, and are always on campus for your safety and support. They’re your mentors and event companions throughout the week.
Highlights Of OWeek Events
Opening & Closing Ceremonies
Opening ceremonies are on Monday to kick off the week; your sophs will guide you to the ceremony, where cheers and concerts fill the air. It is a way to celebrate your first days and conclude with a musical sendoff.
Faculty Day
A dedicated day throughout the week where your sophs will gather and organize all students in a specific housing group and faculty group. The sohps will take you around campus to meet professors, get academic advice while building your academic community.
Global Village
Global Village is another great aspect of OWeek, a multicultural celebration that highlights the diversity of the Western community. Whether you're sharing your own culture or learning about others, it's a great reminder that Western is home to students from all over the world.
Late Night Programs
There is a variety of late-night programming across campuses and residence buildings for first years to meet people. On the OWeek 2025 app, you can find details and locations. Some of the most popular late-night programs are the silent disco and sex toy bingo, but there is something for everyone!
OServes
Give back to the London community with OServes, volunteer activities such as writing letters for Make-A-Wish, working with special Olympic athletes, and other service projects that connect you to your new city. Your residence sophs will give you more information and resources about OServes and how you can participate.
Closing Concert
The Saturday night, after the football game, Western will host a concert, the main event of the week, which is the highlight of most students' OWeek. In the past, Western has had some big artists for the concert, such as Ava Max, Loud Luxury, and T-Pain. So it is definitely the one event you won't want to miss.
Tips To Make The Most Of OWeek
- Download and use the OWeek 2025 app to explore event schedules, updates, and notifications for different promos and freebies
- Take advantage of every event, don't be scared to go alone, sophs are there to help introduce you to new people
- Stay hydrated, rest, and pace yourself throughout this fast-paced week
- Visit the Care Hubs, available all week across campus with support from staff, faculty, sophs, and counsellors. Providing wayfinding, snacks, water, charging stations, and personal hygiene and sexual wellness supplies.
- Visit the low sensory room to chill and unwind from all the fast-paced activities
OWeek at Western is an amazing welcome filled with energy, connection, and fun. Whether you’re soaking up the ceremonies, volunteering, enjoying performances, or finding your circle of friends, this is only the start of your Western journey.
Visit OWeek.ca for more information and download the OWeek 2025 app to stay up to date!
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