Our Laurier 101 team is available throughout the summer to support your transition to university. Join us and connect with other first year students, learn about life at Laurier, and get all your questions answered before September. All event times are in Eastern Time (EDT). We can't wait to meet you!
Summer Kick-Off Party 
Congratulations and welcome to the Golden Hawk family, class of 2025! Join us to celebrate with your fellow classmates and put your knowledge to the test with some Laurier Trivia. Plus, we'll have some sweet Laurier prize packs up for grabs - who doesn't love free Laurier swag!
- Watch the Kick-Off Party Recording. Passcode: *E#@x9g.
- The Party begins at the 6:50 minute mark!
Minecraft Campus Tour
Are you as excited to head back to campus as we are? Join the Welcome Centre Ambassadors, LOCUS Twitch Streamers and Laurier 101 Hosts as they walk through the Waterloo and Brantford Campus on Minecraft! Registration is not required.
- Waterloo Campus Tour: July 28 from 7-8 p.m.
- Brantford Campus Tour: July 29 from 7-8 p.m.
Mock Lecture Series 
Get a sneak peek of a university lecture by attending one or more of our summer lecture series! You must register in advance to attend.
'For those who fight, for those who fall': The Image of the Viking in Assassin's Creed Valhalla
This lecture will introduce you to the subject of medievalism in video games by examining how the Vikings are portrayed in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla. We will look at how the game designers creatively re-imagined Scandinavian history and culture to present an image of the Vikings that feels authentic to the modern audience. But works of medievalism use the medieval to comment on the modern, and Valhalla is no exception. We will also consider what sort of social commentary the game offers about war, colonialism, and religion, and how it is received by different audiences.
- View Recording. Passcode: 2*0DriNA
Phylogenies: Building, Testing and Reading Trees of Life
This lecture will focus on how biologists attempt to understand and organize our knowledge of the incredible diversity of life on Earth constructing phylogenetic trees to attempt to describe the evolutionary relationships among different groups of organisms. We will examine what information is (and is not) useful in constructing such trees, how to (correctly) interpret these trees, as well as how to judge competing hypotheses about the true pattern of ancestry within a group.
An Introduction to Business Models
This lecture will introduce attendees to what a business model is, why it's important and how companies that offer similar products can use vastly different models. We will discuss some business model patterns such as 'Bait & Hook', 'Hotel California Trap' and 'Freemium', and highlight a few model mechanics that make these business models effective for companies like Gillette, Nespresso, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, Spotify, and Netflix.
Images of Crime and Criminality in Popular Media
This lecture will introduce you to some major examples of how popular culture depicts criminal behaviour and crime and justice issues. We will look at how common crime is defined as a 'social problem' in film, television, comics and graphic novels and 'true crime' media. Discussion will also focus on how these images influence our perceptions of real crime.
Summer Webinar Series
Our Summer Webinar Series aims to keep you informed all summer long! Registration is required for each webinar and a recording of the webinar will be posted to this page the following day.
OSAP 
University is expensive, and there are financial resources to support you. The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) can help you with costs of university through grants and loans. In this webinar you will learn more about OSAP including eligibility, timelines, how to apply, and get your questions answered by staff in our Student Awards and Financial Aid Office. Parents and supporters welcome.
International Student Information Session
If you're an incoming international student, this is a session you don't want to miss! We'll cover everything you need to know about studying at Laurier including applying for your study permit, traveling to and quarantine in Canada, part-time employment, and how we can support you as a student. Best of all, get your questions answered by a panel of current international students and connect with staff from our Laurier International office. Parents and supporters welcome.
- View webinar recording
- The information in the webinar was recorded on July 20, 2021. For the most up to date travel information, visit the Laurier International Planning your Move webpage.
Helping Your Hawk Soar: Part I
This session is for parents and supporters of incoming Golden Hawks. In Part 1 of this webinar series, you'll learn more about what life is like for your student at Laurier. Gain insights into the opportunities and challenges your student may encounter in their first year and learn ways to support your student and yourself during this transition.
- View webinar recording
- The webinar was recorded on July 22 and all information was accurate at the time of recording. Visit the Fall 2021 FAQ page for ongoing updates.
Scholarships, Awards, and Bursaries Webinar
Join us to learn about applying for Laurier scholarships, awards, and bursaries! This webinar will cover the differences between all three opportunities including information about the student profile forms and important deadlines you don't want to miss. Parents and supporters welcome.
Off-Campus Living
If you're living off-campus, we bring the Laurier community to you through the Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) program. Join us to learn about our community of active off-campus students who host monthly events, offer peer mentorship with senior students, and provide a connection to campus no matter where you are living. We'll also chat about things to consider when looking for rental housing, tips for commuting students, and ways to connect with other students living off campus. Parents and supporters welcome.
Residence Life
Residence is about to become your new home and there are some things you'll need to know before move-in day! Join us to learn more about the move-in process, roommate assignments, meal plans, leadership opportunities, and daily life in Brantford and Waterloo. The session will include a Q&A period with Residence Life staff. Parents and supporters welcome.
Helping your Hawk Soar: Part II
This session is for parents and supporters of incoming Golden Hawks. In Part 2 of this webinar series, we'll focus on your student's academic transition to university. We'll chat about the differences your student may notice from high school to university and provide more information on the various supports and resources at Laurier to support your student's success.
Get Connected Fair
One of the best things about Laurier is how supportive our community is! Meet the services and resources across campus that will support you throughout your entire university career. This is a great opportunity to connect with departments such as Athletics & Recreation, Career Centre and Co-op Education, Centre for Student Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Laurier International, Indigenous Initiatives, and many more! Parents and supporters welcome.
- Brantford Campus: Tuesday, August 24 from 3-4:30 p.m.
- Waterloo Campus: Thursday, August 26 from 3-4:30 p.m.
Hawk Talks
Hawk Talks are an opportunity for you to hear from current students about what it's really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk. Join us, Laurier 101 Hosts, live as we share our experiences and provide advice on how we navigated first year of university. Registration is not required but students must activate their Laurier Zoom account to access the events. Weekly topics will be covered twice a week - you choose which day and time works best for you!
Off-Campus and Residence Life Living
Get the inside scoop on what it's like to live in residence or off-campus. We'll talk about roommates, share life hacks (such as laundry tips, student-friendly recipes, things you can't live without, etc.) and discuss some of the events and activities we attended in our Residence and LOCUS communities. If you missed this Hawk Talk, email laurier101@wlu.ca for more information!
Getting Involved
Your university experience isn't just about the classes you take. We're excited to chat about the many ways that you can get involved in the Laurier Community, whether that be virtually or on-campus! From clubs and associations, volunteering, athletics and recreation, or events and workshops, there are so many opportunities to consider! If you missed this Hawk Talk, email laurier101@wlu.ca for more information!
Living in Brantford and Waterloo
Are you curious about what your new community will be like? Wondering where you can grab the best burrito, how to get to the mall, or what you can do for fun in the city when you're not in class? We are eager to share our knowledge about all things Brantford and Waterloo to make sure you're an expert before you get here!
Budgeting
If you're worried about living on a student budget and want to hear about student-friendly money-saving tips, you're in the right place! We'll be chatting about expenses you'll need to consider, what it's like to balance classes and working a part-time job, and share some great student discounts you can find in Brantford and Waterloo!
High School vs. University
We know you've heard that university will be much different than high school, but do you know what exactly to expect? Join the Hosts as they talk about the main academic differences they experienced when starting university classes and learn about what you can do now to prepare before your classes begin.
First Week of Classes
Whether you're taking classes remotely or on campus, we'll walk you through what your first week of classes will look like including how to read your syllabus, how to find and access your courses, and some great ideas on how to set up a schedule to keep you on track this fall term.
Last Chance to Chat Before You Pack
It's the final countdown to Orientation Week and the start of classes... are you ready? We'll share tips and things we wish we knew before we started our first year. If you have any lingering questions, come chat with us and ask us anything on your mind!
Transfer and Mature Student Programming
Transfer and Mature Student Coffee Social
Calling all Transfer and Mature students! Transitioning to university can be different for students who have taken some time away from school or have attended a previous post-secondary institution. Join us to meet fellow students who've had a similar path to Laurier as you. Brew your favourite cup of coffee or tea and join us on Zoom for a fun and informal chat to network before classes start. Our Laurier 101 hosts will also be on hand to help break the ice and answer any questions you may have. No registration required!
Transfer and Mature Student Lunch n' Learn
Grab your lunch and join us for a session to learn more about your transition to Laurier after attending another college or university, or after taking some time away from your studies. We've also invited some campus partners, including Off-Campus Initiatives, Money Management, and the Career Centre (among others!) to join us in breakout rooms so that you have the opportunity to make a personal connection with them, learn about the supports they can provide, and ask them any questions you might have before September! Registration in advance is required.
Activate your Student Email and Zoom Account
Important information will be sent to your Laurier student email including the Laurier 101 Newsletter with important dates, reminders, and event registration information. Please ensure you have activated your student email and check it regularly to stay informed. Many Laurier 101 events will be hosted through Zoom and are exclusive to incoming students. Before registering for and attending the events, ensure you have set up and configured your Zoom account.
Course Registration Support