Laurier 101: Incoming Student Support for Spring Start Students

From the moment you accept your offer through to your first week of classes in May – and beyond – we’re here to support you.

Laurier 101 is a campus-wide program designed to help you and your supporters prepare for life at Laurier, both inside and outside the classroom.

We’ll guide you through the course registration process, share resources to help you navigate university learning, and introduce you to what it means to be part of the Laurier community. Stay connected and stay golden as you get ready for your start this spring. We can’t wait to meet you!

Take a sneak peek at what’s coming this season and get excited as you prepare for May.

We've Got You!

Laurier's network of student support is here to help you navigate the steps to becoming a Golden Hawk, so you arrive feeling prepared to thrive.

Our Student Success team will walk you through what you need to do before your first day of classes. 

Students walking on Waterloo campus in summer

Your Spring Start Checklist

Spring term classes begin on May 4, 2026.

Laurier Logistics

 Submit your final official documents to admissions.

 Activate your MyLaurier student email account (password sent to personal email).

 Activate your Laurier Zoom account.

 Upload your picture to OneCard photo.

 Explore Residence or Off-Campus Housing options (if applicable).

 Apply for OSAP.

 Register with Accessible Learning (if applicable).

 Install Microsoft Office 365 for free.

Course Registration

 View the Course Registration Guide and Academic Calendar to determine your program requirements.

 Visit the Incoming Transfer Students webpage to learn how transfer credits fit within your degree (if applicable).

 Watch the Course Registration Playlist or email laurier101@wlu.ca for course registration support. Virtual appointments available as needed.

 Register in your courses on LORIS. You can register for courses about 48 hours after you accept your offer of admission.

 Pay your Tuition and Fees by the first day of classes.

Prepare for Your First Day

 Purchase textbooks and course materials.

 Join LOCUS to connect with your community of off-campus students (if applicable).

 Check out the Students' Union to learn more about clubs and associations.

 Familiarize yourself with the students.wlu.ca website.

 Learn about academic support resources on campus like Math and Course Support, Writing Support, and Study Skills Support.

 Attend Spring Orientation: Start Strong in May.

Preparing for University

Course Registration Support

Course registration for Spring, Intersession, and Summer opens on Feb. 23, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET, and we want you to feel confident and ready. Start by watching this 3-minute video that breaks down the differences between the three terms offered from May to August. Then, check out our Course Registration YouTube playlist for quick, helpful videos that walk you through common steps in the course registration process.

Your go-to course registration tools are the Academic Calendar, where you’ll find your program requirements and course offerings, and the Course Registration Guide, which walks you through the registration process step-by-step. To stay organized, use the fillable Course Registration Quick Reference Worksheet to map out your timetable as you plan.

If you still have questions, we’re here to help! Book a virtual course registration appointment by emailing laurier101@wlu.ca from your MyLaurier student email. Be sure to include your first name, last name, and your student ID number.

Transfer students: We recommend connecting with your Academic Advisor before you book a Course Registration Appointment to learn how your transfer credits can be used in your program.

The Calculus Preparation Evaluation (CPE) is a mandatory virtual evaluation to register in most of Laurier's entry-level calculus courses: MA100, MA102, MA103; or in the precalculus course: SC101. Registration in any of these courses will be restricted until you complete the CPE.

Spring Orientation: Start Strong in May

Spring Orientation: Start Strong In May is designed to help make the transition to university life easier by reviewing everything you need to know before you start your classes in May. We'll chat about what to expect from your first lecture, how to effectively navigate MyLearningSpace, and why your syllabus is the most important resource for each course. You'll also be introduced to the resources and services available to support you in your first term at Laurier.

* To register for and attend this session, make sure you set up your Laurier Zoom account *

  Thursday, Apr. 23
  7 to 8:30 p.m.
  Zoom | Registration Required

Laurier 101 Blog

Four of your Laurier 101 hosts: Anne, Ella, Hailey, and Leah know you have lots of questions about starting at Laurier, and they have the answers!

Check out our Laurier 101 Blog, where they share their experiences as senior students about things they wish they knew when they were in first year.

University Preparation Resources & Modules

Before you start your courses, make sure to complete the University Preparation Modules. These self-paced modules are designed to help you build a strong foundation for academic success and feel ready to make the most of your time at Laurier.

Modules include: Academic Preparation, University Calculus Readiness, Academic Integrity, Generative AI Literacy, and Consent is Golden 101

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. 

Academic Supports

Book a One-on-One Appointment With a Learning Consultant

Set yourself up for a strong start at Laurier! As you begin your studies this May, we strongly recommend you book an appointment with one of our professional Learning Consultants to build the skills you need for university life. We’ll work with you to strengthen your focus, manage your time effectively, and develop study strategies that help you understand your course material with confidence.

Whether you're adjusting to your first term or looking to establish great habits from day one, we’re here to support your academic success and help you create a healthy school–life balance.

You can book a one-on-one appointment on the Student Success portal. Let’s work together to make your Laurier journey a successful one.

Book With a Learning Consultant Now!



 

Attend Academic Skills (ASk) Workshops

*NOTE: The Spring 2026 ASk Workshop schedule will be available mid-April 2026*

Our Academic Skills (ASk) workshops are designed to help you start strong and stay on track throughout your first year at Laurier. These sessions give you practical strategies you can use right away, like managing your time, taking effective notes, and building solid study habits that set you up for success.

With flexible workshop options, you can learn how to stay organized, boost your focus, and feel more confident as you begin your university journey. It’s a great way to build the skills you need to thrive in your courses from day one.

Here are our recommendations for ASk workshops to attend within the first five weeks of the term. These will help to set you up for academic success at Laurier!
  • Mastering Time Management
  • Notetaking 101
  • Study Smarter, Not Longer
  • Remember More, Study Less! Regular Review
  • Stop Procrastinating Now!
Register for workshops using the Student Success portal.

Sign-Up for ASk Workshops Now!
Parent and student hugging

Parents and Supporters

(Psst! Students! Share this info with your parents and supporters).

Your student's first term at Laurier will no doubt be a journey of many new experiences, and we know that you are eager to support them through each milestone. Check out Laurier's Parents and Families page for additional information to help you support your student.

Great support starts with open and honest conversations.

Before your student begins at Laurier, asking thoughtful questions can help ease nerves, set expectations, and spark excitement for what’s ahead. Once classes begin, your role shifts from helping them prepare to cheering them on as they grow more independent. Checking in with curiosity helps you stay connected and reminds them you’re always in their corner.

Below are some great questions to help guide your chats before they start and during their first few weeks and months at Laurier.

Stay Connected

Student Success and Laurier 101 are here for you. Connect with us!

 @LaurierStudentSuccess

E: laurier101@wlu.ca

E: Studentsuccess@wlu.ca

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