Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley organizes a number of student-centred events and activities throughout the school year.  These activities are meant to help you, as a new student, feel welcome, get to know the campus and and your fellow students, and feel comfortable in your new environment.

By participating in school-wide activities, you will become part of a larger group that can foster a positive environment throughout the campus and give you valuable interpersonal and networking skills as well. 

Because social activities are also an important part of having a successful academic year, we try to combine a fun component along with a learning component in many of the events we organize.  And some events, like our annual Student Vs. Staff hockey game, are just plain fun!

Algonquin Advantage Days are a major component of orientation activities held each fall at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley. For three days leading up to the start of classes, students can take care of business so they are prepared to begin their studies.  Activities featured:  

• Pick up student loan documents
  (OSAP and out of province loans if available)
• Review your timetable and meet your teachers
• Have your picture taken for your student photo ID card
• Obtain your book list and purchase your books from the Bookstore
• Register for General Education on-line courses
• Participate in helpful workshops that help you get better prepared for classes
• Purchase a parking pass and rent a locker
• Enjoy a free BBQ with staff and faculty from the college and get to know your new classmates
• CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FALL 2012 ADVANTAGE DAYS SCHEDULE!

Jump Start Program

The Jump Start program assists students with preparing for their college studies by refreshing their academic skills a few weeks before fall classes start.  Classes are offered free to students over a two week period in mid-August.

Students pick up tips on how to study, manage their time, and get back in the groove with English, Math and computer classes that help them become more comfortable with college.

Here's what one Jump Start student, who was concerned about their computer skills, had to say about the program:

"I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated being part of the Jump Start program. As a mature student returning to school after 20-some years, I have really benefitted from the program. I no longer have the overwhelming feeling that I thought I might have when asked to complete an assignment on the computer."

The Jump Start program has limited enrolments and runs in two 1-week sessions held in August.  Students who feel they would benefit from participating should contact the college at 613-735-4700, ext. 2803 to learn more.

First Contact

Some of our programs offer students the opportunity to meet with their faculty and more senior students so they better understand the program they have enrolled in, before classes start.

First Contact opens dialogue between incoming students and teachers and helps a new student understand the program better. It's a chance to ask questions and explore deeper what your college experience is going to be like when classes start in the fall.  First Contact meetings with students are normally held a few days before fall classes get underway.

Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley Fall Orientation Games

Each fall, all first year students are invited to participate in the Fall Orientation games. This activity takes place at Riverside Park in Pembroke and involves several fun and interactive activities where you will get to know students from other programs, meet faculty and staff and find out lots of information about student services available to you.  This half- day orientation activity concludes with a large BBQ with dozens of great prizes to be won.

Multicultural Celebration
Students and staff alike participate in this Celebration of Cultures. Displays of books, a variety of exotic food samples from around the globe, music, dance, quizzes, and lots of camaraderie between students.  A fun event that celebrates the diversity of cultures, traditions, and tastes. 

Out-of-Town Student Cafe

Out-of-town students are invited to learn more about the community they have joined to study at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley. Information is shared on recreational facilities, health care, sports clubs, theatre and arts organizations, and the city’s history. Plus, there are more great prizes to be won and lots of helpful handouts.

Lunch ‘N Learn Workshops

Always popular --we have been offering students a chance to enjoy a delicious free lunch while they get important information about a variety of student success topics.  Workshops range from Test Taking Tips to Budgeting your Money, or Landlord & Tenant Rights,  to Improve Your Memory.  These lunch-hour get-togethers are a great way to relax with your classmates while learning important things to help you succeed at college.

Christmas & Holiday Send-off and Mid-Winter Pancake Breakfast

It seems students are always hungry so we're sure you will really enjoy special events during the year when our staff serves up some food with friendly conversation.  Before students write their final exams in December, we have a free lunch of hot dogs, snacks, refreshment and cupcakes. 

Musical entertainment and lots of prizes make it a great way to wish you and your classmates good luck on your exams and best wishes of the season.  Also, each February we hold a free pancake, bacon & sausage breakfast to ease the mid-winter blues. 


Students Vs. Staff Hockey Game

Whether you play hockey, you hate or love the game, this event is a lot of fun.  At the end of a school day in January, there's a free skating hour, then student and staff hockey players don their uniforms for a fun face-off.  This friendly game is followed by a great free supper back at the College with entertainment, most valuable player awards, and lots of bragging.  This event is organized each year by your Students' Association.

Family and Friends Barbeque

Each fall, the Algonquin Students’ Association holds it annual Family and Friends BBQ, come rain or shine.  Live entertainment, plenty of food and the opportunity to meet classmates make this a very popular orientation event.  It's a great way to kick off the new school year in a casual environment.


The Algonquin College Students' Association also sponsors a number of events throughout the year, from live music, to hypnotists, to Yuk Yuks, or the Trailer Park Boys!  Check out their website soon.