Incoming Graduate Student Support

The weeks and months leading up to your first days of graduate classes are full of things to do and to take note of. Through Aspire programming, we're here to help you be prepared.

The incoming student page has important dates and resources to set you up for success. There are workshops that you can attend to learn about and connect with graduate support services.

On this page: 

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: 

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.

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.

Preparation Checklists

Complete the tasks in each category to ensure you're fully prepared for day one.

Set Up Your Tech

Campus Essentials

Funding and Financial Aid

Student Support Spotlight Videos

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.

Preparing for Graduate Studies at Laurier

Graduate students can begin their programs in different academic terms, and each start date comes with its own set of resources, timelines and onboarding steps. To help you get oriented, we've organized key events and workshops based on your term of entry.

Fall Term Start Graduate Students

If you're starting graduate studies during the Fall 2026 term, here are some workshops and events to get you acquainted.

Laurier Crash Course for Fall Start Students

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.

To register for and attend the sessions, make sure you set up your Laurier Zoom account. These sessions are intended for students starting Fall 2026.

*Laurier Crash Course sessions for students starting their graduate program in Fall 2026 will be made available in May 2026.*

Fall Graduate Student Orientation

Graduate Student Orientation is a chance for graduate students beginning their studies to engage with the graduate student community at Laurier. You'll have the opportunity to discover key strategies for success, learn about campus resources, and connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty.

Only register for the campus you will be attending in the Fall 2026 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.

*Graduate Student Orientation dates for students starting their graduate program in Fall 2026 will be made available in May 2026.*

Register for Orientation

Only register for the campus you will be attending in the Fall 2026 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.

Brantford Orientation

Date to be announced.

 

Orientation for Virtual Students

Date to be announced.

 

Waterloo and Kitchener Orientation

Date to be announced.

Orientation Schedules

Take a peek at the upcoming events during your fall graduate orientation.

*NOTE: Orientation schedules will be made available in early July*

Winter Term Start Graduate Students

If you're starting graduate studies during the winter 2026 term, here are some workshops and events to get you acquainted.

Laurier Crash Course for Winter Start Students

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.

To register for and attend the sessions, make sure you set up your Laurier Zoom account.

These sessions are intended for students starting their graduate program in the Winter 2026 term.

Winter Graduate Student Orientation

Graduate Student Orientation is a chance for graduate students beginning their studies to engage with the graduate student community at Laurier. You'll have the opportunity to discover key strategies for success, learn about campus resources, and connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty.

Only register for the campus you will be attending in the Winter 2026 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.

Register for Orientation

Only register for the campus you will be attending in the winter 2026 term as each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered. 

Brantford Orientation 

Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | One Market Atrium (OM100) and Level 1 Lounge (OM116)

Registration is closed.

Orientation for Virtual Students 

Jan. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. | Watch the Recording!

Registration is closed.

Waterloo and Kitchener Orientation 

Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Senate & Board Chambers

Registration is closed.

Orientation Schedules

Take a peek at upcoming events during your winter graduate orientation.

Spring Term Start Graduate Students

Graduate Student Orientation is a chance for graduate students beginning their studies to engage with the graduate student community at Laurier. You'll have the opportunity to discover key strategies for success, learn about campus resources, and connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty.

If you're starting graduate studies during the spring 2026 term, here are some workshops and events to get you acquainted.

Laurier Crash Course for Spring Start Students

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.

To register for and attend the sessions, make sure you set up your Laurier Zoom account. These sessions are intended for students starting their graduate studies in Spring 2026.

Spring Graduate Student Orientation

Registration is required for all Graduate Student Orientation events. Please only register for the campus you will be attending in the Spring 2026 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.

Register for Orientation

Only register for the campus you will be attending in the Spring 2026 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.

Brantford Campus Orientation 

  Tuesday, May 5
  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  TBD | Registration Required

Register Now for the Brantford Campus Orientation

Registration Deadline: Apr. 19, 2026

Virtual Campus Orientation

(for students studying in fully online or remote programs) 

  Thursday, Apr. 30
  7 to 9 p.m.
  Zoom | Registration required  

Register Now for the Virtual Campus Orientation

Waterloo and Kitchener Orientation 

  Tuesday, Apr. 28
  5:30 to 8 p.m.
  TBD | Registration required

Register Now for the Waterloo Campus/Kitchener Location Orientation

Registration Deadline: Apr. 19, 2026

Orientation Schedules

Take a peek at the upcoming events during your Spring Graduate Orientation.

*NOTE: Spring 2026 Graduate Orientation Schedules will be posted in early March 2026*

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!

Aspire logo against patterned background