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Winter Orientation

Join us for Winter Orientation 2024 all throughout the month of January!

Winter Orientation is your chance to join the Laurier 101, Students' Union and LOCUS teams as we welcome you to Laurier for the winter term.

If you are a first-time student this term, or a LOCUS student - this program is for you! 

Brantford Campus 

Orientation Kit Pick Up

Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Students' Union U-Desk, 1st Floor Student Centre

For new Winter-start Laurier students only. Your Students' Union has put together a free swag bag full of useful Laurier swag. Stop by and pick up yours this week, you will need your OneCard or a piece of identification to claim your kit. 

Envision Your Tomorrow: Vision Board Creation

Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 12 - 2 p.m. | Level 1 Lounge (The Nook room)

Join the LOCUS (Laurier Off-Campus University Student) team and create a vision board and talk about future goals and aspirations! Even if you're not crafty, we can help you visualize and manifest your success! All materials will be provided. No registration - just stop in!

Policy Pop Up

Thursday, Jan. 11 from 1 - 3 p.m. | Level 1 Lounge

Come visit us in the Level 1 Lounge to learn all about the Smoking Policy on campus and the Non Academic Student Code of Conduct. No registration - just stop in!

BTMSA x UXDSA (Social)

Friday, January 12 from 7 - 10 p.m. | Hudson's Public

Come and kick off the new semester on the right note with Hudson Social from UXDSA and BTMSA! Let's mingle and join us for great food, drinks, and music! No registration required.

Mini Golf 

Thursday, Jan. 18 from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | One Market

Do you find yourself missing the sweet smell of a fresh 9-hole golf course? Experiencing some snowy winter blues? Join us to practice your putt and play some 9-hole mini-golf with friends! No registration - just stop in!

Mug Masterpiece: Ceramic Mug Painting

Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | One Market OM207-47

Indulge your creativity and sip on inspiration at our Ceramic Mug Painting event! Join us for artistic expression as we transform ordinary mugs into personalized masterpieces. Let your imagination flow and bring home a unique, hand-painted treasure to savour your favourite brews. Registration in advance is required.  

It's Beanie Time

Thursday, Jan. 25 from 5 - 7 p.m. | One Market OM207-47

Need a new hat for the new semester? It's time to make a beanie! Come sew your own creative patch onto a beanie to take home. Students who register before January 15th receive an extra patch. All supplies will be provided. Registration in advance is required. 

Winter Welcome Back Concert ft. Olivia O'Brien 

Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. | Athletics Complex

Transportation provided for Brantford students! 

Olivia O'Brien, the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter, captivates audiences with her soulful sound and raw, emotive lyrics. With chart-topping hits and a unique musicality, Olivia has become a dynamic force in the contemporary music scene, leaving an indelible mark on listeners worldwide. Join us as we kick off the new school term with a bang and welcome students back from winter break in style with the one and only Olivia O'Brien! Make sure to buy your tickets before they sell out! Join us on Saturday January 27th at the Athletic Complex Gym!

Register for the Brantford bus. This is first-come, first-serve. There are 50 spots available. Completing this form does not reserve you a spot for sure. You will be emailed by Jan. 10 if you have a reserved spot on the bus.  

Annual Level 1 Lounge Open UNO Tournament

Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 2:00 p.m. | Level 1 Lounge

Get ready to play your cards right at the Level 1 Lounge's highly anticipated Third Annual UNO Tournament! Bring your A-game and stack those Draw 4s as we dive into an afternoon of UNO madness. Expect wild reverses, strategic skips, and epic showdowns that could make you the UNO master of the day!

Whether you're a seasoned UNO strategist or just looking for a fun time, this is your chance to show off your card-playing prowess. Registration in advance required. 

Winter's a Drag 

Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 8:00 p.m. | Sanderson Centre for Performing Arts

Winter’s a Drag, but not on January 31!  Join us at the Winter’s a Drag show that celebrates creativity and self-expression. This is a free public event with seating first come, first served.

Waterloo Campus 

Orientation Kit Pick Up

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Students' Union U-Desk, 2nd Floor of Fred Nichols Campus Centre

For new Winter-start Laurier students only. Your Students' Union has put together a free swag bag full of useful Laurier swag. Stop by and pick up yours this week, you will need your OneCard or a piece of identification to claim your kit. 

Envision Your Tomorrow: Vision Board Creation

Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 1 - 3 p.m. | Arts 2C17

Join the LOCUS (Laurier Off-Campus University Student) team and create a vision board and talk about future goals and aspirations! Even if you're not crafty, we can help you visualize and manifest your success! All materials will be provided. No registration - just stop in!

Policy Pop Up

Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 12 - 2 p.m. | Concourse

Come visit us in the Concurse to learn all about parking on campus, the Smoking Policy, and transit options! No registration - just stop in!

Wilf's Weekly Programming

Starting January 10 at 8 p.m. | Wilf's

Monday's: Bingo, Wednesday's: Trivia, Thursday's: Wing's & Strings. Food specials on all of these days!  No registration required.

Paint & Sip Night

Tuesday, January 16 at 8 p.m. | Turret (3rd Floor Fred Nichols Building)

Join Shinerama for a Paint Night with a live instructor!  Come out to paint with friends, grab some drinks, and free food.  For those 19+ the bar will be open! Registration in advance will be required

It's Beanie Time

Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 5 - 7 p.m. | Paul Martin Centre

Need a new hat for the new semester? It's time to make a beanie! Come sew your own creative patch onto a beanie to take home. Students who register before January 15th receive an extra patch. All supplies will be provided. Registration in advance is required. 

Mug Masterpiece: Ceramic Mug Painting

Monday, Jan. 22 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. |  DAWB 3-106

Indulge your creativity and sip on inspiration at our Ceramic Mug Painting event! Join us for artistic expression as we transform ordinary mugs into personalized masterpieces. Let your imagination flow and bring home a unique, hand-painted treasure to savour your favourite brews. Registration in advance is required.

New Year, New Me, Networking

Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 5 - 6:30 p.m. | Career Centre - Rm CC-031

Starting to think about a summer job? Looking to refresh your interview or networking skills? New Year, New Me, Networking will include a short workshop followed by an opportunity for students to receive resume advice, a headshot, and more! Registration in advance is required. 

Battle at the Aud

Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. | Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 

The Battle at the Aud is an annual event hosted at the historic Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Following last year's Women's team as our featured contenders, the Men's Hockey team will make their return to the Auditorium. Join us on Wednesday, January 24th at 7:00pm to cheer on the Golden Hawks as they take on cross-town rivals, the Waterloo Warriors. Buy your tickets here.

Mini Golf 

Thursday, Jan. 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Concourse

Do you find yourself missing the sweet smell of a fresh 9-hole golf course? Experiencing some snowy winter blues? Join us to practice your putt and play some 9-hole mini-golf with friends! No registration - just stop in! 

Winter Welcome Back Concert ft. Olivia O'Brien 

Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. | Athletics Complex

Olivia O'Brien, the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter, captivates audiences with her soulful sound and raw, emotive lyrics. With chart-topping hits and a unique musicality, Olivia has become a dynamic force in the contemporary music scene, leaving an indelible mark on listeners worldwide. Join us as we kick off the new school term with a bang and welcome students back from winter break in style with the one and only Olivia O'Brien! Make sure to buy your tickets before they sell out! Join us on Saturday January 27th at the Athletic Complex Gym!

Winter's a Drag 

Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 8:00 p.m. | Sanderson Centre for Performing Arts

Free transportation available for Waterloo students! 

Winter’s a Drag, but not on January 31!  Join us at the Winter’s a Drag show that celebrates creativity and self-expression. This is a free public event with seating first come, first served.

Multi-Campus Academic Events

Learning in University Workshop

Thursday, Jan. 4 from 2 - 3 p.m. | On Zoom 

Studying and learning in university are different. Whether you're coming from high school, college, or coming back to academics after some time away, you'll likely find that you need to adapt your academic skills. Join us for an overview of the study strategies that can hlpe you make the most of your hours this term!

Registration required. You must activate and use your Laurier Zoom account to register and attend.

Preparing for Your First Day Workshop

Friday, Jan. 5 from 2 - 3 p.m. | On Zoom 

We know that the first day of classes is an exciting milestone in your Golden Hawk journey, and being prepared will help you make the most of your first day! This session will walk you through everything you need to know about your first day of classes including what to expect from your first lecture, how to effectively navigate MyLearningSpace, and why your syllabus is the most imporant resource for each course! 

Registration required. You must activate and use your Laurier Zoom account to register and attend.

Peer Academic Coaching Sessions (PACS)

As a student involved in PACS, you'll meet weekly with a small group of fellow first-year students and a First-Year Peer Academic Coach to chat about tips and strategies to succeed in your academics, and have dedicated time to complete your readings, work on assignments or study! Not only does this program keep you accountable to your academic goals, but it’s also a great way to meet students, gain motivation and learn how to study smarter. We’ll cover strategies to read more effectively, take stronger notes, prepare for midterms, stay motivated, and more! 

Students Union

Waterloo Campus

Winter Clubs Fair

Monday, January 15 - Friday January 19 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Concourse, Science Atrium, Arts Atrium, & Lazaridis Atrium 

Clubs & Associations will be boothing across campus! Come out and learn about all the opportunities you have to get involved! No registration required - just stop by!

FOSSA Karaoke Night

Tuesday, January 16 from 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | Wilf's

Kick off the Winter term with FOSSA at our very own Karaoke Night - hosted at Wilf's on January 16th! You can either perform solo or alongside your friends, just let our executive team know which song you'd like to sing! Not a singer? No worries, enjoy some fun entertainment! No Registration required!

Winter Committee Fair

Wednesday, January 24 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Concourse

Students' Union Committees are boothing in the concourse! Come and learn about the ways you can get involved next year! No registration required!

Brantford Campus

Winter Clubs Fair

Monday, January 22 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | One Market Atrium

Clubs & Associations will be boothing all across campus! Come out and learn about all the opportunities you have to get involved! 

Winter Committee Fair

Monday, January 22 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Students Commons Lounge

Students' Union Committees are boothing in the concourse! Come and learn about the ways you can get involved next year!