Laurier 101: Incoming Student Support for Winter Start Students

Congratulations and welcome, Golden Hawk! From the time you accept your offer until the first week of classes and beyond, we're here for you.

Laurier 101 is a campus-wide program that provides exclusive content to you and your supporters to prepare you for the time you'll spend at Laurier both inside and outside of the classroom.

We'll support you with the course registration process, provide you with resources to help you navigate the world of university learning, and help you understand what it's like to be a student in the Laurier community. Stay connected and stay golden as you prepare. We're so excited to meet you. 

Have a sneak peek at what you can expect this summer and get excited while you prepare for January.

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 the first day of classes to be prepared for your winter start. 

Your Winter Start Checklist

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 off-campus student housing options.

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

 Pay your Tuition and Fees by Jan. 5, 2026 (for Winter 2026).

Prepare for January

 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 Winter Orientation events.

Preparing for University

Winter Welcome: Start Strong in January

The Winter Welcome: Start Strong In January webinar 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.

Registration required.

Accessible Learning: Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Are you a student with a documented or suspected disability? Did you use academic accommodations in high school? Will you require academic accommodations at Laurier?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you will want to watch the recording of our Accessible Learning: Accommodations for Student with Disabilities webinar. You will gain insights into how high school and university learning systems differ, how to register with Accessible Learning and what documentation you’ll need. You will also get answers to lots of popular questions covering topics like funding, privacy, and Laurier's approach to individualized accommodation planning.

Watch the recording.

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

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.

student in yellow Laurier sweater sitting across from student in grey sweater and grey hat conversing. In the background is a snowy winter scene.

Winter Orientation

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

If you are a first-time student this term, a LOCUS student, or a first-year student returning form the Winter break, this program is for you. 

Orientation dates for Winter 2026 are coming soon

laptop and notebook

Parents and Supporters

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

Your student's first year at university will no doubt be a journey of many new experiences, and we know that you are eager to support them through each milestone. We have all the information you need to support your student.

Want to stay in the loop as your student begins their Laurier jounrey? Subscribe to our monthly Parents and Supporters Newsletter!

Stay Connected

Let's share the #LaurierLove with other incoming students. Follow Laurier's social media accounts to see what our community is up to. 

 @Laurier
 @wilfridlaurieruni
 @LaurierStudentSuccess
 wilfridlaurieru
 Wilfrid Laurier University
 LaurierVideo

Still have questions? Send us an email at laurier101@wlu.ca.

winter scenes around Laurier's three campuses.