You've Accepted Your Offer... Now What?
You've accepted your offer to graduate studies at Laurier, here are some next steps you can take to continue on your graduate student journey. If you are an incoming international student, make sure you check out the International Student Support office for immigration assistance and travel information.
Register for Your Courses
Graduate course registration is now open.
There are some things that you'll need to consider before course registration opens. Whether you're writing a thesis or doing the coursework options for your grad studies, preparation is key:
- For registration tips, see the Graduate Course Registration page.
- For comprehensive video tutorials of the registration process, view the registration playlist on YouTube.
Next step: Register for your courses on LORIS, Laurier's information system for all things registration and finances.
Explore and Apply for Funding
Whether you're pursuing a master's or PhD, navigating tuition payment can be overwhelming. That's why we've gathered some tips on how you can explore scholarships, bursaries and awards, and the steps you can take to apply for the awards.
- Complete the Scholarships and Bursaries Student Profile form so that you'll be considered for funding opportunities.
- Check out the Graduate Funding and Awards page for eligibility, application requirements and deadlines.
- Ask and apply for scholarships available through your program.
- Learn about the Graduate Tuition Payment Plan Program.
- Get familiar with what's included in your health and dental plan.
For students with a funding offer, view and accept your funding on LORIS.
Paying Your Tuition Fees
Pay your upcoming term invoice (tuition fees) by the due date to avoid late fees. Invoices are issued and can be found on LORIS once tuition fees have been assessed. Fees are assessed one month before the start of each semester.
- Estimate your tuition invoice with a breakdown of fees
- Determine tuition due dates
- Pay your term invoice by the first day of class
Set Up Your Tech
- Activate your MyLaurier student email to participate in orientation and beyond.
- Activate your Laurier Zoom account to participate in online orientation events and more.
- Familiarize yourself with MyLearningSpace to access course content and more.
- Check out Laurier's Tech Guide to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), connect to your Wi-Fi, and download available software to your device.
- Download Microsoft Teams.
- Install Microsoft Office 365 for free.
Campus Essentials
- Download the SafeHawk app.
- Complete the Student Self-Identification (ID). It’s confidential, voluntary, and supports our equity, diversity, and inclusion goals at Laurier.
- Apply for a Parking Permit if you're planning to drive to campus.
- Upload your Laurier OneCard photo, this is your identification card and more on campus.
- Review textbook list and purchase course materials.
- Register with Accessible Learning (if applicable)
- Check out Indigenous Student Services supports (if applicable)
- Find out more about the different support options available to you.
Funding and Financial Aid
- Complete the Scholarships and Bursaries Student Profile.
- Check out the Graduate Funding and Awards page for eligibility, application requirements and deadlines.
- Apply for the Graduate Tuition Payment Plan Program by the deadline and pay your tuition in three equal instalments.
- Learn about your health and dental plan.
- For those with a funding offer, view and accept funding on LORIS.
Accessible Learning
In this 2-minute video, learn how Accessible Learning provides academic accommodations for students with temporary, suspected, or permanent disabilities – and how to register.
Financial Support
In this 3-minute video, the Financial Support team explains budgeting tools, financial aid options, and strategies for managing tuition and expenses during university.
International Student Support
In this 2-minute video, discover how International Student Support helps international students adjust to life at Laurier.
Laurier Crash Course
The Laurier Crash Course is your introduction to all things grad school. It is a series of webinars and workshops designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to thrive in your graduate studies. All events are organized based on your term of entry.
To register for and attend the sessions, make sure you set up your Laurier Zoom account.
Winter Term Start Students
If you're starting graduate studies during the Winter 2027 term, register for an upcoming Zoom webinar or workshop.
Schedule
Graduate School Kick-Off: Your Pre-Semester Checklist
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Plan Ahead: Financial Strategies for Graduate Students
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Academic Skills Refresh: Update Your Toolkit for Graduate School
Thursday, November 19, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Write with Confidence: Transition to Graduate-Level Writing
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Ready to Thrive: Starting Strong at Laurier
Wednesday, December 16, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Ask Us Anything: Graduate Student Drop In
Wednesday, January 5, 2027
7 to 8 p.m.
Pre-Recorded Sessions
Rent Smart: Your Guide to Off-Campus Housing
Watch the recording here
Accessible Learning: Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Watch the recording here
Event Details
Open the accordions below to view session descriptions and to register for upcoming Laurier Crash Courses. For Laurier Crash Courses that have already been completed, you can open the accordion to view the recording.
Oct. 21 from 7 to 8 p.m. | Live session.
Want a jump start on your preparations for graduate school? This 'Crash Course' delivers key information and checklists to get an early start on feeling prepared. You’ll learn what you can do now—from getting familiar with Laurier's learning platform (MyLS), understanding GenAI in academia, to ensuring your technology and accounts are ready to go. We’ll also introduce key academic supports available even before classes start. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan and know where to turn for support as a Laurier graduate student.
Nov. 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. | Live session.
Wondering how to make your finances work during grad school? This 'Crash Course' breaks down key funding options like OSAP, bursaries, and flexible payment plans. Join us to get practical tips to help you plan ahead and manage your money with confidence.
Nov. 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. | Live session.
Returning to studies after time away? Looking to upgrade your study skills for gradaute-level learning? This 'Crash Course' helps you refresh the skills you need to succeed as a graduate student. Join us to learn practical note-taking and reading strategies, explore effective study habits, and get advice for staying organized and focused so you can step into graduate-level learning with confidence.
Dec. 1 from 7 to 8 p.m. | Live session.
Graduate writing isn’t just “more” of what you did as an undergraduate, it involves a shift in how you think, communicate, and participate in your field. Together in this 'Crash Course' we’ll explore what distinguishes graduate‑level writing from undergraduate work, including expectations for argumentation, evidence, and scholarly voice. You’ll learn strategies for positioning your research within ongoing academic conversations and for using common writing frameworks to clearly communicate your ideas. By demystifying the purposes and expectations of graduate writing, this session will support your development as an emerging scholar.
Dec. 16 from 7 to 8 p.m. | Live session.
This 'Crash Course ' is designed to help you start strong during your first semester at Laurier. We’ll walk through Laurier’s learning platform, MyLearningSpace (MyLS), share a practical pre-term checklist, and offer helpful time management strategies for graduate studies. You’ll leave feeling prepared, organized, and ready for your first day of classes. Bring any burning final questions for a closing Q&A (Question and Answer)
Jan. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. | Live session.
Last minute questions answered here! Drop into the zoom call anytime between 7 and 8 p.m. (EST) to meet with staff and talk through your questions.
NOTE: There is no registration required for this session. However, Grad students still need to be joining using their Laurier Zoom acocunt.
Event Details
Open the accordions below to view session descriptions and to watch our Fall 2026 Laurier Crash Courses recordings.
Want a jump start on your preparations for graduate school? This 'Crash Course' delivers key information and checklists to get an early start on feeling prepared. You’ll learn what you can do now, from getting familiar with Laurier's learning platform (MyLS), understanding GenAI in academia, to ensuring your technology and accounts are ready to go. We’ll also introduce key academic supports available even before classes start. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan and know where to turn for support as a Laurier graduate student.
Tuesday, Jun. 16, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Looking for a place to live off campus? This 'Crash Course' covers essential housing terms, leases and legal documents, sublets, and where to search for student housing in Waterloo, Brantford, and Milton. You’ll also learn how to spot rental scams so you can house‑hunt with confidence.
Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Wondering how to make your finances work during grad school? This 'Crash Course' breaks down key funding options like OSAP, bursaries, and flexible payment plans. Join us to get practical tips to help you plan ahead and manage your money with confidence.
Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Are you a student with a documented or suspected disability? Did you use academic accommodations in undergrad? Will you require academic accommodations at Laurier? If so, please join us for a live info session hosted by Accessible Learning.
Gain insights into how to register with Accessible Learning and what documentation you’ll need, and answers to lots of popular questions covering topics like funding, privacy, and Laurier's approach to individualized accommodation planning.
Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2026
6 to 7 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Received a funding offer? This 'Crash Course' is designed to show you where to find your funding details, review the different types of funding available to you, and understand how and when you’ll receive your payments. We’ll also break down key components of your funding package, including Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs), Research Assistantships (RAs), and studentships, so you know what to expect in terms of timelines and compensation.
**This session is intended for incoming graduate students who have received a funding offer**
Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Returning to studies after time away? Looking to upgrade your study skills for graduate-level learning?
This 'Crash Course' helps you refresh the skills you need to succeed as a graduate student. Join us to learn practical note-taking and reading strategies, explore effective study habits, and get advice for staying organized and focused so you can step into graduate-level learning with confidence.
Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Big funding opportunities don’t have to feel overwhelming. This 'Crash Course' guides incoming PhD students through major external scholarship applications, including key timelines and application tips. Join us to feel confident and prepared to tackle these prestigious awards.
**This session is intended for incoming graduate students starting a doctoral program (PhD)**
Wednesday, Jul. 29, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Graduate writing isn’t just “more” of what you did as an undergraduate; it involves a shift in how you think, communicate, and participate in your field. Together, in this 'Crash Course', we’ll explore what distinguishes graduate‑level writing from undergraduate work, including expectations for argumentation, evidence, and scholarly voice. You’ll learn strategies for positioning your research within ongoing academic conversations and for using common writing frameworks to communicate your ideas clearly. By demystifying the purposes and expectations of graduate writing, this session will support your development as an emerging scholar.
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
This 'Crash Course ' is designed to help you start strong during your first semester at Laurier. We’ll walk through Laurier’s learning platform, MyLearningSpace (MyLS), share a practical pre-term checklist, and offer helpful time management strategies for graduate studies. You’ll leave feeling prepared, organized, and ready for your first day of classes. Bring any burning final questions for a closing Q&A (Question and Answer).
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Contact Us
For questions about Graduate Student Orientation or your transition to graduate studies, you can connect with us at aspire@wlu.ca.
Be sure to follow @lauriergradstudents on Instagram, too, and share your graduate student journey with us!
