The Open House that opens doors — Oct. 18
Finding your purpose starts here! Come explore campus and discover everything the U of A has to offer.
Open House Event Details
Date
Saturday, October 18
Time
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location
Start at The Butterdome (Free parking is available at select lots. Please refer to the FAQ section for a list of locations.)
Coming from Calgary?
from Calgary to North Campus.
Make the Most of Open House
It’s the best day to explore the U of A! Start your day in the Butterdome and browse 200+ program options and many university services at our 60+ booths. But that’s not all! We have tons of guided tours, presentations and special events to choose from happening throughout the day.
Follow these steps to get prepared and ensure you take advantage of all the great activities and events taking place during Open House.
Step 1: Register for Open House
While registration for Open House is not required, it will ensure you are in-the-know about all things Open House prior to the big day. Plus, if you pre-register and check-in on event day, you will be entered to win incredible prizes!
Step 2: Browse Presentations + Events
Open House is packed with opportunities to explore the U of A in new ways! From unique presentations to special events, there is so much to see and do.
Presentations and special events DO NOT require registration.
Step 3: Plan Your Day
Once you register for Open House you will have access to our .
Here you can browse and favourite presentations, guided tours and special events to start building your own day-of schedule.
Doing this will allow you to see at a glance what you want to attend, so you don’t miss out on any great opportunities during what is sure to be a busy day!
Step 4: Register for Tours
Taking a tour of campus is a great way to imagine your life as a U of A student. You can also visit many other hidden gems with our wide selection of faculty/facility tours. Visit the link below to browse all available tours.
Guided Tours DO require registration.
50% of tour spots will open at 9 a.m. on October 2 and the other half will be released at 9 a.m. the morning of Open House. Tours tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to come back to this web page on October 2 to register early to avoid disappointment.
Step 5: Attend Open House
We can’t wait to see you there!
Transfer Student Lunch & Learn
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
If you’re interested in transferring to the U of A from another post-secondary, sign up to learn about the transfer process, explore program options, admission requirements as well as scholarships and awards just for students like you!
Augustana Preview Day
See the Augustana Advantage
Explore our Augustana Campus in Camrose during Preview Day on Saturday, October 25.
How do I get to Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ) while at Open House?
Campus Saint-Jean is a 10-minute shuttle ride away. Shuttles depart several times throughout the day from outside the Fine Arts Building (FAB).
Frequently Asked Questions
Open House does not require registration to attend. However, there are perks to doing so:
- and then check-in on event day for a chance to win prizes!
- Registering provides access to our , which you can use to browse all opportunities and plan your day.
- Registering provides quick and easy access to sign up for our guided tours once they become available.
GUIDED TOURS do require registration. Each member of your group must have a ticket.
Half of all guided tour spots are released online at 9 a.m. on October 2 and the other half are released at 9 a.m. the morning of Open House. Most of our tours sell out, so register early to avoid disappointment.
Presentations and special events do not require registration.
All tours will depart from the Tour Departure Zone in the Butterdome. Please check-in no earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled tour start time.
Presentations are 45 minutes long. Walking shuttles are available to each presentation location and depart 15 minutes prior to the presentation start time from the Walking Shuttle Departure Zone on the Butterdome second-level concourse.
Special Events work on a drop-in basis. Guests can come and go anytime between the hours indicated.
Open House is one of the largest events of the year, welcoming over 10,000 guests to campus in one day! Everyone experiences events differently, so we encourage you to choose the time that feels best for you:
- If you’re eager to start exploring the U of A and don’t mind the bustling energy in the Butterdome, don’t hesitate to join us right at 9 a.m. when the event opens.
- If you prefer a quieter experience, we recommend visiting the Butterdome later in the afternoon. You might enjoy exploring campus, attending presentations and taking part in other events earlier in the day, then wrapping up with a more relaxed visit to the booth fair toward the end of the event.
- You can also rest and recharge from the busyness of the Butterdome in our Calm Room, located by the north entrance of Social Street.
No matter your pace or preferences, Open House is designed to help you feel welcome and supported every step of the way.
Complimentary parking for the day is available at the following locations:
Note: ALL other parking lots at the U of A and in surrounding areas, other than the locations listed above, are NOT complimentary and you must pay to park at them.
There will be plenty of places to purchase food and drinks on campus:
- Butterdome Concession
- Food Trucks at Celebration Plaza
- HUB Mall
- Lister Dining Hall
- Peter Lougheed Dining Hall
- Students' Union Building (SUB)
- Tim Hortons in CAB and ETLC
- Starbucks in Cameron Library and ECHA
We are happy to offer shuttle service to you and your chaperone from Calgary to North Campus on the Red Arrow & Ebus service. Please note, students under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Capacity is limited, so !
Stay close to the action! Lister Centre, which is just steps away from the Butterdome, is offering a special rate of $119 per night for the weekend of Open House. When booking, please ask for the “University of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Open House 2025” rate.
Please note: This special rate is subject to availability.
Event Attendance Contest Rules
Register for Open House and check-in once you arrive to be entered to win a:
- $1,000 tuition voucher, or
- One of two ultimate green and gold prize packs of an iPad, Herschel backpack and U of A hoodie
Post-Event Survey Contest Rules
Register for Open House and take our post-event survey at the exit of the Butterdome (or emailed to registered guests following the event) to be entered to win:
- The ultimate green and gold prize pack of an iPad, Herschel backpack and U of A hoodie
Questions?
Contact the team at openhouse@ualberta.ca
Interested in volunteering?
If you are a current U of A student and would like to volunteer at Open House, visit the Ambassador Program web page.
