Lakehead University welcomes students and faculty for the start of a new academic year

A new academic year is about to begin at Lakehead University, as students and new faculty from across Canada and around the world prepare to arrive at its campuses and begin a new chapter.

Over the coming weeks, Lakehead's campuses will transform as new and returning students move into residence, reconnect with friends, meet classmates and faculty, and take part in activities designed to help them find their place in the Lakehead community.

Classes for the 2026/27 academic year begin Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.

“There's something special about this time of year at Lakehead,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. “You can feel the energy change as students arrive on our campuses, many of them experiencing university for the first time. They are bringing with them different experiences, ambitions and ideas, but they are all becoming part of the Lakehead community.” 

“This is an exciting beginning, and we want every student to know that there are people here ready to support them, challenge them and celebrate their successes along the way,” said Siddall about the close to 10,000 students on our Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses and Barrie Hub this fall. 

That welcome begins before the first day of classes through a series of Orientation and Welcome Week activities designed to help students build connections, learn about available supports and services, explore their communities, and feel at home at Lakehead.

Across Lakehead's Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses and the new B

arrie STEM Hub, students will take part in a variety of activities throughout the first weeks of September, including welcome events, campus and community activities, social gatherings and opportunities to connect with fellow students, faculty and staff.

One of the first signs of the new academic year began today as students and their families arrive for Residence Move-In Day. Welcome Week activities will continue across Lakehead's locations leading into the first day of classes next week. As well, students new to Canada and to Thunder Bay are busy exploring the region, including a visit to Fort William Historical Park.

“Starting university is a big transition, and Orientation is really about making that transition feel less overwhelming and more p

ersonal,” said Keir Thornburg, Director, Student Success. “We want students to meet people, ask questions, discover the supports available to them and, most importantly, begin to feel that they belong here.” 

Orientation doesn't end when classes begin. Events and activities will continue throughout September, giving students opportunities to meet people, discover services, get involved, and build connections both on campus and in their communities.

For Siddall, those first few weeks represent one of the most important moments of the university year. To learn more about Orientation events at Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca/students/orientation/