Ignite Program 2026
Aug 26, 2026 10:00 AM
to
Aug 28, 2026 07:00 PM
Various Locations
Registration Deadline: Aug 3, 2026 11:55 PM
Ignite Program 2026: Your McMaster Welcome Starts here
As you prepare for your journey to Canada and your first year at McMaster University, we are excited to invite you to Ignite 2026- a special pre-orientation experience created for incoming international students.
Taking place from Wednesday August 26 to Friday August 28, 2026, Ignite is designed to help you settle in, meet new people, and start feeling at home before the Fall term begins.
As you prepare for your journey to Canada and your first year at McMaster University, we are excited to invite you to Ignite 2026- a special pre-orientation experience created for incoming international students.
Taking place from Wednesday August 26 to Friday August 28, 2026, Ignite is designed to help you settle in, meet new people, and start feeling at home before the Fall term begins.
What you can Expect:
During Ignite, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Get settled into life in Hamilton by setting up essentials like your bank account, phone plan, and shopping for items you may need for your room or home
- Meet other incoming and current international students and start building friendships before classes begin
- Experience campus life at McMaster before the busy Fall semester starts
- Learn about student supports, campus resources, and ways to get involved
- An opportunity to meet and connect with your Faculty and Academic Advisors
Important Program Information:
Participation in all 3 days of the program is required in order to take part in the Ignite Program.
There is no additional cost to participate in the program. However, students who register and do not attend will be charged a no-show fee.
Space is limited to 150 participants, and registration is offered on a first come, first served basis.
Please note that submitting the registration form does not automatically confirm your participation. Once we review your registration and ensure all required information has been received, you will receive a confirmation email if you have secured a spot in the program.
The schedule and additional program information will be shared in August.
Residence & Early Move-in Information:
If you will be living in residence during your first year, the official move-in weekend for students living at 1280 Main St. W (main campus) is August 29-30, 2026.
Students participating in Ignite who would need to arrive earlier may request an early move-in beginning on August 24, 2026.
Participation in all 3 days of the program is required in order to take part in the Ignite Program.
There is no additional cost to participate in the program. However, students who register and do not attend will be charged a no-show fee.
Space is limited to 150 participants, and registration is offered on a first come, first served basis.
Please note that submitting the registration form does not automatically confirm your participation. Once we review your registration and ensure all required information has been received, you will receive a confirmation email if you have secured a spot in the program.
The schedule and additional program information will be shared in August.
Residence & Early Move-in Information:
If you will be living in residence during your first year, the official move-in weekend for students living at 1280 Main St. W (main campus) is August 29-30, 2026.
Students participating in Ignite who would need to arrive earlier may request an early move-in beginning on August 24, 2026.
How to Request Early Move-In:
- Complete your residence application in the Housing Portal by 4PM ET on June 1, 2026.
- Wait for an email with your room self-selection timeslot.
- Log in to the Housing Portal at your assigned timeslot.
- Submit a request for early move-in and say you are in the Ignite program.
- A cost of $125 per night will be added to your Mosiac account.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ana Pereira: ferreiar@mcmaster.ca
Brought to you by the Student Success Centre (SSC)
Select Registration Type
Ignite Participant