“It's about community”
Does anyone really need to have a reason to have fun? No. Because that would take the fun out of fun. Fun should be had for the sake of fun. End of story.
OK, that can’t be the end of the story – we made a whole web page for this. There is, in fact, a reason for all the fun that goes on at NAIT in between classes. And it’s a really good one.
“It's about community,” says Petrina Ferreira, NAIT’s interim associate vice-president of student experience. “It’s about belonging.”
You’re more likely to stay in a place where you feel comfortable, a place where you find your fit, Ferreira adds. Especially for new students, “post-secondary can sometimes feel like a different planet.” So NAIT and the NAIT Students’ Association work together to make it feel more down to earth.
“That’s different for each student,” says Ferreira. And that’s why there are dozens of events designed to appeal to a range of interests, from food to sports to crafts to wellness and much more. “There are so many different ways to engage.”
Below is just a sample. For the up-to-date and ever-expanding list of activities, check the calendar at OoksLife or, better yet, follow along with the Ooks Life app, available through Google Play or the App Store. See you in the pancake line, or the petting zoo, or at the cricket match in the Quad!
Need to know where things are? This map will get you there
Free pancake breakfast
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 9 a.m., South Lobby
Wednesday Sept. 3, 9:30 a.m., CAT
Don’t miss out on “the best pancakes you’ve ever tasted.” Be sure to load them up with all the toppings on offer! You may even win vouchers for Nest Fest, which you can learn more about below.
Friendom
Friday, Sept. 5, 4 - 6 p.m.
O1X3
Hosted by the International and Intercultural Community Centre, this event welcomes students from abroad into the NAIT community. Drop in for an introduction to campus clubs, words of advice and encouragement from a guest speaker, games and food, and to meet fellow students also new to Canada.
Field trip to Fort Edmonton
Saturday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m - 4 p.m.
Off campus (transportation provided)
Interested in exploring the history of Edmonton as if it were happening right before your eyes? The streets and exhibits of Fort Edmonton Park take visitors back in time, offering a unique, interactive experience shaped by Indigenous traditions and the origins of the city. Very reasonably priced tickets are now available.
Ooks home opener
Saturday, Sept. 6, 12 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Off campus: Strathcona Athletic Park - Field B, 1100 Clover Bar Road
The NAIT Ooks athletics season – which fields a roster of nine sports – kicks off in September with soccer. The men (reigning Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference champs) and women teams will face the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder at 4:15 p.m. and noon, respectively. Students watch for free.
Petting zoo
Monday, Sept. 8, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
CAT Quad
Petting zoos are the GOAT, especially when they have goats, like the one at NAIT will. Swing by the Quad and get your furry fix of not just goats but rabbits, ponies and more. RSVP to skip the line.
Nest Fest
Thursday, Sept. 11 and Friday Sept. 12, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
CAT Quad
The start of the school year is a time to celebrate! Billed as “the best back-to-school bash in Edmonton,” Nest Fest is two days of entertainment, food and drinks. Free entry for students, who are welcome to bring a non-student pal.
Cricket in the Quad
Monday, Sept. 15, 12 p.m.
CAT Quad
Not sure why there are bowls in cricket? Can’t tell a bail from a stump? Wondering what a dismissal is? All will be revealed! Join the cricket-curious and seasoned veterans alike for a game. Bring your OneCard, and don’t forget to sign the waiver.
Brainfreeze
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
CAT
School isn’t easy – it’s never too soon for a break! Set your books aside and cool off that overheated brain with a free scoop of ice-cream.
Friday evening games
Friday, Sept. 19, 4 - 8 p.m
Main Campus
This recurring event provides dice, character sheets, books, miniatures and more. All you need to do is show up ready to play. Check on the club page for the room number and join the Discord to see what games are running on a given day.
Wellness circuit
Monday, Sept. 22, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
South Lobby
Check out the activities, tips and tricks at the Wellness Circuit, an interactive experience hosted by NAITSA, Athletics and Recreation, the Library and others. You’ll leave recharged and ready to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the semester ahead.
Roots for trees
Thursday, Sept. 25, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Off campus
Looking to put down some roots at NAIT? Try tree-planting with a group of like-minded new friends! This excursion includes transportation to the site, training and supplies. Dress for the outdoors and get ready to sow the seeds of a fantastic semester.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation flag-lowering
Monday, Sept. 29, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Flag Pole Plaza, Main Campus
Join in solidarity and community for reflection and recognition of the cultural, spiritual, familial and personal damages perpetuated by Canada's residential schools. Wear an orange shirt for a group photo at 9:15 a.m. The flag lowering will begin after that.
Try the New Student Experience
This self-led program offers you the chance to not only check out the more than 2,000 experiences available on campus throughout the year but also be rewarded for all the fun you’ll have.
Events touch on themes including everything from social events to getting to know NAIT to career planning and much more. It’ll keep you busy – completing the program will mean participating in enough experiences to fill a couple of hours a week.
It’s worth it! Not only will you have a blast during your school year but your efforts will be recognized with NAIT swag, recognition on your involvement record, entry into monthly draws, and more. Head over to OoksLife and select “Paths” to get started.
Learn more about the New Student Experience