Welcome to campus!
You've made it to StFX campus and are embarking on your Xaverian journey! Not sure what to expect during your first few days at StFX? Wondering what supports and services available at StFX? Here you will find X-Fest & Welcome Week details, and resources to help you settle into life as a StFX student!
X-Fest & Welcome Days
The University and the StFX Student's Union offer a series of safe, inclusive, and informative orientation events and activities designed to celebrate your arrival at StFX. To view the full detailed Welcome Week & X-Fest Schedule, click here.
August 26 & 27: International Student Move-in Days
August 28: International Student Orientation; Community Connections and Relaxed Start Move-in
August 29: Move-in Day for Cameron, FX, MSB, Riley Hall, and new transfer or mature students living on campus
August 30: Move-in Day for MacKinnon, Bishops, MacIsaac Hall, and off-campus check-in
What to expect during your first week
Welcome Week is a busy period and it's the best time to get out there, try something new, and meet new people! Here is what you can expect during your first week at StFX:
- Welcome activities with Student Life staff, off campus coordinators, and StFX’s O-Crew. This includes meeting your residence leaders and student life staff — your go-to for anything you need in first-year.
- An orientation program for international students.
- Residence and floor meetings to introduce you to your floormates and your building.
- "Get to know you" activities with fellow new students to meet your peers.
- The Xaverian Welcome Ceremony, a StFX tradition that marks the beginning of your Xaverian journey.
- A full week of activities, plus much more through the month of September.
X-Fest Schedule
REACH Day / Academic Day / X-Fest Kick-off
To view the detailed X-Fest Orientation Week schedule, click here.
EVENT | TIME | WHERE | DESCRIPTION |
REACH Day - August 31 | |||
| Welcome Breakfast | 9am - 10:45am | Main Arena, Keating Centre | Kick off your first full day at StFX with an amazing pancake breakfast, great energy and a big Xaverian welcome! Come hungry, bring your energy and get ready to start your Xaverian journey together! |
| REACH Day Sessions | 11am - 4pm | Schwartz and Mulroney | All incoming students are expected to attend three REACH sessions. These sessions are peer-led, offering a unique opportunity to learn directly from student leaders who will warmly welcome you into the Xaverian community. They’ll share insights, experiences, and ways you can contribute your own unique voice to campus life. Your CA or O-Crew Leader will give you the REACH schedule for your residence or group. |
| Field Party | 8pm - 10pm | Memorial Field | Get ready for an exciting evening packed with energy, laughter, and opportunities to connect with your fellow Xaverians! Join us outdoors for a high-energy experience filled with interactive activities, music, and plenty of fun. This is your chance to build new friendships, embrace the spirit of community, and experience the Xaverian values of connection, inclusion, and engagement. |
Academic Day - September 1 | |||
| Academic Day Kick-Off | 10:30am - 11:30am | Main Arena, Keating Centre | Come for an introduction to StFX academic services and applications, and to our academic values, by the Academic Success Centre and the Assistant VP Academic. Join us for a chance to have your voice heard on a series of open questions put foreward by your students’ union VP Academic. |
| Academic Orientation | 12:30pm - 5pm | Various Locations | Check the detailed Academic Day schedule starting on page 15 of the X-Fest Schedule, for your specific program. If you are not sure, ask an O-Crew member, your CA, or any staff or faculty member. |
| Xaverian Welcome Ceremony | 7:30pm | Main Arena, Keating Centre | The Xaverian Welcome is a tradition to mark the beginning of your academic journey and becoming a Xaverian. We recommend business casual and sensible shoes. Check with your CA for your gown pick-up time. Off-campus students can pick up gowns at 6:30pm. Procession lineup is at 7pm. |
X-Fest Kick-Off | |||
SEPTEMBER 3 | |||
| Jason Cyrus - LIVE! | 8pm - 10pm | Keating Centre | Jason fostered his love for magic and hypnosis at a very young age and is now called “Canada’s Stage Hypnosis KING” by the country’s entertainment capital, Niagara Falls. This event is only open to incoming students who have bought an X-FEST kit and is hosted by the Student’s Union! |
SEPTEMBER 4 | |||
| Mobile Vaccine Clinic | 12:30pm - 5:30pm | Keating Centre | If you have a copy of your immunization record, please bring it with you. If you don't have your records, you're still welcome to attend. Public Health Nurses can review your immunization history, discuss your vaccination needs, and determine which publicly funded vaccines you may be eligible for. |
| Sports & Recreation Showcase | 2pm - 4pm | Outside the Saputo Centre | Want to learn more about Club Sports, Intramurals and Societies? Come out to our Sports & Recreation Showcase at the Saputo Courtyard from 2-4 pm. We will have answers to the most frequently asked questions, registration information, and much more! |
| Welcome Home Tent Event | 9pm - 12am | Bloomfield Parking Lot | This event will feature the amazing DJ duo Pineo & Loeb. This is a wet/dry event; tickets can be purchased on Showpass. If you are 19+ you will need 2 pieces of government ID to enter the licensed spaces. This event is NOT included in your X-Fest Kit and is hosted by the Students' Union. |
SEPTEMBER 5 | |||
| Mobile Vaccine Clinic | 10:30am - 3:30pm | Keating Centre | |
| Pep Rally & Varsity Football Game | 12pm | Bloomfield Parking Lot | Get special early access to be game-day ready before the big StFX vs. SMU football game! Join us for music, face paint, school spirit, and plenty of excitement as we rally together before heading into the game. Be ready to rush the field to the bleachers when the gates open. Wear your blue and white and get loud; let's cheer on the X-Men! Tickets for the varsity game can still be bought at the box office. This event is only open to incoming students who have bought an X-FEST kit and is hosted by the Students’ Union! |
| Headphone Disco | 9pm - 11pm | Main Arena, Keating Centre | Get ready to dance the night away and celebrate your first week at X! We will have the Main Ice surface at the Keating Center kitted out with some of the coolest glow in the dark furniture and have 2 amazing DJ's competing for the room by playing some of the best beats around. Bring your student ID and your Showpass QR code. This event is only open to incoming students who have bought an X-FEST kit and is hosted by the Students’ Union! |
SEPTEMBER 6 | |||
| Sunday Funday | 2pm - 5pm | Memorial Field | You have heard about it, now it is your chance to experience it....Jello slide! Join us on Memorial field in your house shirts to take a slip slide down the Jello slide, a StFX tradition! We will have some massive inflatables - think wipe out and we will also have yard games like spike ball, volleyball and may others. Bring your student ID and your Showpass QR code. This event is only open to incoming students who have bought an XFEST kit and is hosted by the Students’ Union! |
| Opening Mass | 5pm | StFX Chapel | All students who wish to attend are warmly invited to the Catholic Opening Mass. |
SEPTEMBER 7 | |||
| Drag Show Sex Toy Bingo | 7pm - 10pm | Keating Centre | This is an event where students play bingo (cards and tokens provided at the event) to win a variety of prizes, including sex toys! Both the Bingo and Drag hosts will dazzle the audience with essential tips, tricks and information through musical performances and comedy routines, often bringing the audience to tears (of laughter). It’s also a lighthearted way to help us more safely navigate a reality that some students may be choosing as a new part of life. This event is only open to incoming students who have bought an X-FEST kit and is hosted by the Students’ Union! |
New Student Resources
Academic Supports
Key Contacts
Financial Aid Office
For assistance in financing your education
@email
(902) 867-2374 / 2301
Registrar's Office
For questions about registration, adding/dropping courses, and more
@email
(902) 867-2160
Student Services
For supports and services available to StFX students
@email
(902) 867-3934
University Housing
For questions or information about living in Residence
@email
(902) 867-5106
