5 ways McMaster students learn about Hamilton during Welcome Week

This article was originally published in CBC Hamilton, Sept. 3, 2012

Welcome Week at McMaster is an annual nine-day event geared to new students and is packed with activities. While much is happening on campus, there are also activities in the city to help get Mac students familiar Hamilton. We have selected five Welcome Week activities that give new students a taste of Hamilton.

Westdale food tour

Westdale is popular with students due to its proximity to campus. And it is a culinary delight. The food tour is a chance for new students to visit local restaurants and businesses in Westdale. There are two tours on Sept. 3, from noon - 2 p.m. and 5:30 - 7:30pm

Community Involvement Project

It is a walking tour beginning at McMaster but ending at a local non-profit, fair trade coffee house in the core of Hamilton. On the way, students visit local hotspots and meet Hamilton community leaders. Nature lovers could opt for a hike to Spencer Gorge/Webster's Fall, with buses departing from McMaster to the entrance of the falls. Tours are in between 1 - 6 p.m. on Sept. 3. 

PJ Parade

A tradition for more than 50 years, Mac students wear their pyjamas and march along the streets of Westdale. This one is on Sept. 5, 6 - 8 p.m.

Shinerama

It is the largest post-secondary fundraiser, aimed to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. McMaster joins 60+ Canadian universities and colleges in this initiative, with a fundraising goal of $100,000. Students take part in car washes, shoe-shines and other fundraising activities. Take this opportunity to get your car washed or your shoes shined on Sept. 8, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Don't forget to donate some money.

Community Clean-Up and BBQ

Help to keep McMaster and the community clean, but there is also a prize for collecting the most trash and points to win the Welcome Week Cup. Armed with garbage bags, students get into teams, walk around Westdale and the campus, picking up trash on Sept. 7, 3 - 6 p.m.