Your first week at TMU is a blur of orientation, new buildings, and a to-do list nobody hands you in one place. Most of it is fun. A few pieces of it are financial, and those are the ones that cost you if you miss them. This guide walks through what to expect in your first week, and the money moves to make before the deadlines sneak up.
Orientation: the actual schedule
TMU’s #RoadToTMU Orientation Week runs Sunday, August 30 to Monday, September 7, 2026, the week before classes start. It’s where you get your bearings, your OneCard (your student ID), and your first taste of campus life.
Orientation gives you the chance to connect with other new students, get familiar with the services and supports available to you, and get to know your way around campus. The Students’ Union also runs a Week of Welcome from September 5 to 8, with free pancakes Monday through Thursday of orientation week.
Classes for Fall 2026 begin Tuesday, September 8.
The tuition payment deadline: September 25
Your Fall 2026 tuition is due September 25, 2026. Pay in advance of the due date, because payment timelines vary by payment type.
When fees are 31 days past due, an account hold is applied to your student account that restricts access to specific university services. If fees remain unpaid, additional restrictions apply, including the ability to view grades and enrol in courses.
If you’re on OSAP, your funding is applied to your account once it’s confirmed, and you’re responsible for any shortfall by the due date.
Add, drop, and refund deadlines
Your first weeks are also your window to fix your schedule without academic or financial consequences. The Fall 2026 dates:
| Deadline | Date | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation Week | Aug 30 – Sep 7, 2026 | Week before classes |
| Classes begin | Sep 8, 2026 | First day of fall term |
| Tuition due | Sep 25, 2026 | Pay in full; account holds after 31 days past due |
The practical takeaway: get your schedule settled in the first couple of weeks, and make sure your tuition is paid or your aid is confirmed by September 25.
The money moves to make in week one
Beyond the deadlines, a few small setup tasks in your first week save you money and stress all term:
- Get your OneCard. You’ll need it for the library, buildings, and campus services.
- Set up your bank and payment method. Know how you’ll pay tuition by September 25.
- Check your fees for things you can opt out of. Some incidental fees are optional, and the opt-out windows are early in the term.
- Find your classes before day one. Orientation is the time to walk your route, so you’re not late and stressed on the first morning.
The bottom line
Your first week at TMU is about more than finding your lecture halls. Get to Orientation Week, get your OneCard, and put September 25 on your calendar. Those three things handle most of the money stress before it starts.
Sources
For more on making your money work at TMU, see our guide to student housing at TMU.
This guide is general information for Canadian students, not personalized financial advice. Program rules and dollar amounts change, so confirm the details with the official government source before acting on them.
