Year-round learning, driven in part by our world-leading co-operative education program, is part of what makes University of Waterloo so unique. The arrival of a new crop of students each January — and the return of students following the holiday break — has given rise to Frost Week, a welcome celebration led by the university’s Federation of Students.

University of Waterloo frost week 2012 volunteers

University of Waterloo Frost Week 2012 volunteers.

From January 14 to 18, undergraduates at the University of Waterloo will have access to opportunities for personal growth and the opportunity to attend welcome events, including a concert by Canadian band, Dragonette.

“I think Frost Week is important because it helps ease the transition back to school after the holidays,” says Shelley He, a senior student in the Environment and Business program, who helps plan and organize the events. “The start of the semester is always a time of mixed emotions for students. They’re excited to see their friends again, and try new things. Yet, they’re stressed out because classes are a lot of work and they want to do well.”

This is the third time the Federation of Students has hosted Frost Week. Along with He, Pratik Patel has worked to learn what kind of events students want. “Waterloo Team Feds makes it a top priority to know what students want for Frost Week. This is their time to create bonds with their peers, while strengthening their ties to the University of Waterloo leading to enhanced school spirit,” says Patel, a senior student in the Biomedical Sciences program. “The campus also has such a diverse student population, and we want to have something for everyone.”

Students voted on Feds.ca to have Dragonette perform. Other Frost Week highlights include lunch with President Feridun Hamdullahpur, breakfast at The Bombshelter Pub, Feds’ Get Involved Fair, and Clubs and Societies Days.

“Everyone with Waterloo Team Feds had so much fun putting Frost Week together,” says Patel. “We’re excited to see the students enjoy themselves, and know how much of an impact it’s made.”