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Information for new Golden Hawks

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Updated Aug. 6, 2020

Welcome new Golden Hawks! 

Fall classes begin Sept. 10. To help you prepare for the semester, we've compiled a list of resources. Find out more about:

Orientation Week Event Information

Undergraduate Orientation: The Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union has planned two weeks of Orientation from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4 and Sept. 8 to Sept. 12. The entire Orientation experience will be online this year, with most events open to both Waterloo and Brantford students. See the Orientation schedule.

International Orientation: Laurier International is also planning its own International Orientation. Check their website for updates.

Graduate Student Orientation: The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is planning a series of online sessions throughout the summer and into the fall for master’s and PhD students to learn about the many resources and services Laurier has to offer. Learn more about Graduate Student Orientation.

Helpful Information for New Students

Know Important Dates and Documentation

It’s up to you to know when to apply to co-op, apply to graduate or to declare a minor. Keep an eye on the academic calendar and stay up to date on important academic deadlines.

Get on top of any documentation you need as soon as possible. This includes administrative forms required to change your program, verify enrolment or register for a course at another university. It can be difficult to understand the forms you’re responsible for, but Service Laurier can help – check out their frequently used forms. 

Buy Your Books

See your booklist for the fall term on the Bookstore’s website. Create your own custom book list and purchase your books online. 

Apply for Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries

Upper-year students: To apply for competitive scholarships, awards and bursaries, complete your LORIS student awards profile. 

First-year students: If you’re applying for a faculty-specific award, check to see when your LORIS profile opens and when the submission deadline is on the Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries page. 

Graduate students: Visit the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for more information.

Get Smart About OSAP

Pay attention to important dates for applying to OSAP. And visit the OSAP website for details about the release of OSAP funds.

Budget for Student Life

September is the perfect time to create a budget for the academic year. Make your money stretch — know your income, understand your expenses and create a plan to be financially healthy.

Need some help? Sign up for free money management workshops and/or email Laurier’s financial literacy specialist at moneymanagement@wlu.ca.

Be a Responsible Student

Being part of the Golden Hawk family comes with certain rights and responsibilities as a student. Learn about the Non-Academic Code of Student Conduct and become familiar with the Dean of Students office, which can provide valuable resources to help you succeed at Laurier.

If you’re in residence, read the residence policies and procedures. Refer to the Residence Guidebook that will be in your room on move-in day.

Get Help When You Need It

University can be overwhelming and stressful. But we’re here to help you navigate it all. Familiarize yourself with the support services available to you:

Take Care of Yourself

Late-night studying and the daily stresses of university can lead to unhealthy habits and behaviours. Take care of yourself from the start with support from the Student Wellness Centres, which offer an extensive list of services to meet your health care needs.

If You're Moving Into Residence

Keep an eye on your @mylaurier.ca inbox for more information about moving into residence and visit the New Residence Students page.

Helpful Information About Your New City

Stock Your Shelves

If you’re living on your own, with roommates or in apartment-style residence, it’s always a good idea to stock up on groceries and essentials at the start of the semester. Think condiments, toilet paper and dish soap.

Waterloo

For affordable fresh food, drive or take the bus to the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market on Thursdays or Saturdays. You’ll find local vendors selling everything from fresh meat and cheese to breads, fruits and vegetables.

Closer to campus, there is a plaza at the corner of Erb and Bridgeport, where you’ll find Walmart, Sobeys and a bulk foods store, Bulk Barn. There is also a Valu-Mart in Uptown Waterloo; a Zehrs at Conestoga Mall; a Zehrs on University Avenue a few minutes east of campus; and Central Fresh Market on King Street West, across from Grand River Hospital.

Show your OneCard when you check out to receive a discount on student discounts days:

  • Sobeys: 10% off on Tuesdays, with Air Miles card
  • Bulk Barn (all locations): 10% off on Wednesdays  
  • Valu-Mart: 10% off on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Zehrs (all locations): 10% off on Tuesdays

Brantford

The grocery store FreshCo is a five-minute walk from campus. You can use your OneCard here. There’s also a No Frills and a Metro nearby.

The Brantford Farmers’ Market is near the downtown area, less than a 10-minute walk from campus. You can stock up on some fresh goodies on Fridays and Saturdays here.