The International Student Welcome Experience
Incoming International Students
Lakehead International is excited to meet you at our International Student Welcome Day!
Welcome Day provides new Lakehead students with an opportunity to meet new friends, engage with Lakehead staff and departments, learn about supports and services at Lakehead and within the community, ask questions, and gather all the necessary information they need to have a successful start to their term.
Things to consider for your Fall 2026 arrival:
- You are expected to be on campus for your first day of classes: September 8, 2026.
- If you are moving into on-campus residence, please confirm your arrival details with Residence staff before your arrival.
- If you require transportation from Airport to your place of accommodation, you must submit the "Airport Arrival Accommodation Application Form" at lease 4 business days (Monday to Friday) before your flight to Canada.
Thunder Bay Campus Orillia Campus Barrie STEM Hub Transition Webinars Pre-Arrival Modules
Thunder Bay Campus
Fall 2026- International Student Welcome Day
Start your Lakehead journey off right! Connect with other international students and the ISS (International Student Services) Team, discover what campus has available for you, and embrace the Canadian way with fun activities! This is a mandatory event, all new students should plan to attend Welcome Day.
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: The Outpost (on campus) and Fort William Historical Park, transportation from Lakehead University is provided. Details will be provided closer to Welcome Day.
Please note this event is for new Lakehead students only. You can meet up with family and friends after the event!
Orillia Campus
Fall 2026 - International Student Welcome Day
Start your Lakehead journey off right! Connect with other international students, discover what Lakehead University has available for you, and embrace the Canadian way with fun activities! This is a mandatory event, all new students should plan to attend Welcome Day.
Please note this event is for new Lakehead students only. You can meet up with family and friends after the event!
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Simcoe Hall, 500 University Ave., Orillia
REGISTER HERE
Barrie STEM Hub
Fall 2026 - International Student Welcome Day
Start your Lakehead journey off right! Connect with other international students, discover what Lakehead University has available for you, and embrace the Canadian way with fun activities! This is a mandatory event, all new students should plan to attend Welcome Day.
Please note this event is for new Lakehead students only. You can meet up with family and friends after the event!
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Simcoe Hall, 500 University Ave., Orillia (*Transportation is available from Barrie - please see the registration form.)
REGISTER HERE
New International Student Checklist
Check out the step-by-step guide to help you have a successful start to your Lakehead journey!
LAKEHEAD LIVE! Pre-Arrival Webinars
Lakehead International will be hosting numerous pre-arrival webinars throughout the semester that will help to provide you with important information about Lakehead University, your transition to Canada, your classes, services and supports, online programs for you to join and much more! Attendance is very important to ensure your success and have you feeling prepared to start your new journey with Lakehead.
More information will come review the webinars and register.
Transition Tuesdays
Transition Tuesdays will be hosted every Tuesday (Dates coming soon). Our International Advisors will be discussing topics such as course selection and understanding your new program, academic supports, housing options, virtual programming, and numerous guest speakers!
Immigration 101
Join Lakehead University International, our in-house International Immigration Officer, Jennifer Hay and she will be answering your questions related to Study Permits, Visas and Immigration. Dates coming soon.
Transition Thursdays
Transition Thursdays will be hosted every Thursday (Dates coming soon). Our International Advisors will be discussing topics related to transitioning to a new country, a new city and a new school. Topics will include understanding the Canadian classroom, tips to being a successful online learner, peer mentor program, health and wellness, culture shock, conversation club and more!
Designed especially for admitted international applicants, this series helps you prepare for your studies and travels to Canada. You'll get guidance on all your next steps including accepting your Letter of Acceptance, tuition payments and deadlines, residence options, travelling to Canada, and more.
Pages
Connect with a Current Student
Lakehead International’s Peer Mentor program pairs up experienced Lakehead students with a small group of new international students to help them:
- Transition to university
- Adjust to the Lakehead University campus, the Thunder Bay or Orillia community, and Canadian culture
- Access and get to know on-campus or off-campus resources
The Peer Mentor program organizes activities for all participants. It is a great way to meet new students and explore your new home.