Classes haven’t even started yet, and already Itunu Adekoya is learning a lot.

A first-year student of biochemistry and biotechnology, she was one of almost 300 participants in International Student Orientation. She said Sunday’s opening session was very informative.

“I learned that culture shock happens to everybody, that it’s good to stay safe on campus. I learned about visas and the study permit. I learned about Lancer sports,” said Adekoya, a native of Lagos, Nigeria.

She said she chose to study in Canada for its diversity.

“You can meet all kinds of people,” she said. “And there are so many different kinds of activities!”

Her mother, Abimbola Adekoya, attended the orientation as well, and said she was happy she did.

“People are very friendly and helpful,” she said. “I’m pretty sure that she is in safe hands.”

Windsor Welcome Week continues today with Adrenaline Rush, a fun fair in front of Dillon Hall, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students Offering Support will host a free barbecue to feed hungry participants starting at noon and Volunteer International Students' Assistance is running a campus version of the Amazing Race, starting at 1 p.m. in front of Dillon Hall.

The River’s Edge Beach Party offers a chance to play some volleyball with members of the Lancer men’s varsity team, enjoy inflatable bowling, or just hang out. It starts at 4 p.m. in the riverfront park by the foot of the Ambassador Bridge; the first 100 students will get a UWindsor beach blanket compliments of Student Ancillary Services.

Windsor InterResidence Council is hosting several events in the Vanier dining halls this evening: Vanier Bingo starts at 5 p.m.; the Culinary Olympics starts at 5:45 p.m.; and a Mock Casino, with mocktails and open-mic performances, starts at 8 p.m.

Other events this week include:

• Wednesday, September 7. Program orientation for all faculties and programs takes place in the morning and is compulsory for first-years students. New this year is Turf Talk on the lawn outside Dillon Hall, three 40-minute sessions offering wisdom from upper-year students: “41 Things All First Year Students Should Know” at 9:45 a.m. “Make Your Money Work For You” at 10:30 a.m. and “Decode Your Professors” at 11:15 a.m. Welcoming Celebration follows at 3 p.m. in the St. Denis Centre. All new students will receive a pair of UWindsor sunglasses and one lucky winner will receive a semester’s free tuition from the Alumni Association.
• Thursday, September 8. First day of classes. Grab some freebies at the all-day Vendor Fair in the CAW Student Centre courtyard, and check out the play Single & Sexy hosted by the Campus Safety Audit Committee, the School of Dramatic Art, and the Educational Development Centre, at 7 p.m. in the St. Denis Centre.
• Friday, September 9. Join the Campus Community Clean-up, tour some nearby eateries to get a Taste of Windsor, and Bring Your Own Toga to an all-ages party in the Thirsty Scholar.
• Saturday, September 10. Shinerama Shine Day. From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., UWindsor students will participate in the largest post-secondary fundraiser in Canada, taking their shoe-shining skills to the streets of Windsor to benefit cystic fibrosis charities.

Visit www.windsorwelcomeweek.ca for a full list of events, locations and times.