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.
Your Winter Start Checklist
Winter term classes begin on Jan. 5, 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 Laurier 101 Winter Start Sessions and January Jumpstart Events.
Register for First Five Workshops series (Waterloo and Brantford students).
Preparing for University
Laurier 101 Winter Start Sessions
Winter Start Q&A
Got questions about starting your studies at Laurier? We've got answers. Join this question and answer (Q&A) session to get real-time advice on everything from settling in to managing your workload. No question is too big or too small, we're here to help you start strong!
Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. ET. | Zoom | Access Q&A session
Winter Orientation: Start Strong in January
Winter Orientation: Start Strong In January is designed to help make the transition to university life easier by reviewing everything you need to know before you start your classes in January. 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.
Monday, Dec. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. ET. | Zoom | View the recording here.
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.
University Preparation Resources & Modules
Before you start your courses make sure to complete the University Preparation ModulesThese 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
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.
Laurier 101: First Five Workshop Series
Audience: New to Laurier undergraduate students starting on the Brantford or Waterloo campus in Winter 2026
Join us for the first five weeks of the semester to learn about the academic strategies needed to start strong and succeed in university. The First Five series focuses on upgrading time management, note taking, exam preparation, and motivation strategies.
If you are a Milton or Virtual campus student or cannot attend the First Five Workshop series, see our Academic Skills (ASk) Workshop webpage for information on additional winter semester study skills workshops.
Register on the Student Success Portal!
Join the Laurier 101 team to learn about building a weekly schedule that will help you start strong and manage your time this semester.
Brantford
- Monday, Jan. 12: 10 to 11 a.m. in One Market, OM209
- Tuesday, Jan. 13: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in One Market, OM209
Waterloo
- Monday, Jan. 12: 10 to 11 a.m. in Peters Building, P224
- Wednesday, Jan. 14: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Peters Building, P224
- Thursday, Jan. 15: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom (shifted to virtual due to inclement weather) - Click here to register!
Join the Laurier 101 team to learn about how to create useful and meaningful notes to help you review and study content effectively.
Brantford
- Monday, Jan. 19: 10 to 11 a.m. in One Market, OM209
- Tuesday, Jan. 20: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in One Market, OM209
Waterloo
- Monday, Jan. 19: 10 to 11 a.m. in Peters Building, P224
- Wednesday, Jan. 21: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Peters Building, P224
- Thursday, Jan. 22: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Peters Building, P224
Join the Laurier 101 team to learn about effective strategies to understand and apply course concepts and study for your midterms. We'll cover how effective studying actually works, teach you how to get started, and provide some practical strategies for you to implement.
Brantford
- Monday, Jan. 26: 10 to 11 a.m. in One Market, OM209
- Tuesday, Jan. 27: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in One Market, OM209 (Cancelled)
Waterloo
- Monday, Jan. 26: 10 to 11 a.m. virtual on Zoom (due to campus closure) Register here!
- Wednesday, Jan. 28: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Peters Building, P224
- Thursday, Jan. 29: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Peters Building, P224
Join the Laurier 101 team to learn about how to manage your procrastination and get to work. We’ll cover strategies for how to identify your procrastination triggers, how to just get started on your tasks, and how to stay motivated during busy exam seasons.
Brantford
- Monday, Feb. 2: 10 to 11 a.m. in One Market, OM209
- Tuesday, Feb. 3: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in One Market, OM209
Waterloo
- Monday, Feb. 2: 10 to 11 a.m. in Peters Building, P224
- Wednesday, Feb. 4: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Peters Building, P224
- Thursday, Feb. 5: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Peters Building, P224
Join the Laurier 101 team to learn about why goal setting matters. We’ll provide an overview of the SMART goals framework and give you time to create your own to help you stay focused.
Brantford
- Monday, Feb. 9: 10 to 11 a.m. in One Market, OM209
- Tuesday, Feb. 10: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in One Market, OM209
Waterloo
- Monday, Feb. 9: 10 to 11 a.m. in Peters Building, P224
- Wednesday, Feb. 11: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Peters Building, P224
- Thursday, Feb. 12: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Peters Building, P224
Laurier 101: Winter Welcome Drop-ins
Audience: New incoming undergraduate students starting in winter 2026.
Come drop by with Student Success and the Laurier 101 team to learn about the resources and supports available that will help you succeed as a student at Laurier. Our team provides support with math, writing, and overall study strategies that you can access throughout your time as a student. Snacks and light refreshments will be provided. By joining, you will also be entered into a draw for a $50 gift card to the Hawk Shop!
Waterloo: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 | 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. | P224 (2nd floor, Peters Building)
Brantford: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 | 2 to 4 p.m. | OM207 (One Market Student Learning Commons)
January Jumpstart: Events & Activities
Audience: All Laurier students
Start your semester with some fun! January is packed with events to help you meet your peers, explore campus, and make memories. Jump in, get involved, and make the most of your Laurier experience!
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.
1. How involved would you like me to be in your university experience?
This question empowers your student to take ownership of their independence. It helps you both set boundaries and find a balance between offering support and giving them space to grow.
2. How often would you like me to check in, and what’s the best way to do that?
Establishing communication preferences early helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps your connection positive, whether it’s quick texts, weekly calls, or visits home.
3. What are you most excited (or nervous) about as you start university?
This question opens the door for honest reflection. It helps you celebrate their excitement and identify areas where they might want extra reassurance or preparation.
4. Have you explored any of the clubs, associations, or communities at Laurier that interest you?
Getting involved is one of the best ways to make friends and feel connected. This question encourages your student to think beyond academics and explore Laurier’s vibrant community.
5. How do you plan to take care of yourself once classes begin?
Encouraging students to prioritize well-being early reinforces healthy habits around sleep, nutrition, exercise, and downtime, all essential for success and balance.
1. How are you finding the transition to university life so far?
This open-ended question gives your student space to share both challenges and wins. It can lead to deeper discussions about time management, academics, and new experiences.
2. What’s been your favourite part of Laurier so far?
Focusing on positives helps your student recognize what’s going well and can remind them of the joy and community that come with new experiences.
3. How are you managing your workload and finding balance?
University academics can feel overwhelming at first. This question helps them reflect on study habits, routines, and the importance of rest and self-care.
4. Have you connected with any professors, classmates, or campus resources yet?
Encouraging connection helps students build their network of academic and social support which are both key to success and developing a sense of belonging.
5. What’s something new you’ve tried or learned about yourself since starting at Laurier?
Reflection helps students recognize their growth and resilience. It reinforces that university is not just about academics but about discovering who they are becoming.
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Student Success and Laurier 101 are here for you. Connect with us!
