
Information for new Golden Hawks
Updated Aug. 26, 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
- Dates and Documentation
- Buying Textbooks
- Remote Learning
- Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries
- Budgetting
- Additional Help
- What's Open on Campus
- Moving into Residence
- Your New City
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. 11. 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. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of important Fall 2020 dates.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
You can access your book list and order books and course materials, along with supplies and merchandise, at Laurier's online bookstore. Orders can be shipped within Canada and internationally. Because of the high volume of orders, students should place orders as soon as possible to avoid delays. Find out more about ordering textbooks and course materials.
Remote Learning
Since most of Laurier’s fall semester courses will be held virtually this year, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. You can find many of the resources and supports you’ll need on the Remote Learning: Student Support Hub, including:
- Tech requirements for online learning
- A guide to Laurier’s learning management system, MyLearningSpace
- Preparing for online and take-home exams
- Virtual experiential learning opportunities
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:
- Academic advising
- Accessible Learning Centres
- Incoming student supports
- Indigenous initiatives and services
- International Student Support
- Writing Centres
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.
What's Open on Campus
Many on-campus spaces have closed with services suspended or offered online only. For a listing of what services and spaces are open, visit the Recovery page on wlu.ca/coronavirus.
If You're Moving Into Residence
Keep an eye on your @mylaurier.ca inbox for more information about moving into residence and visit the Department of Residence website.Helpful Information About Your New City
- City of Brantford
- Including garbage and recycling, public transit and police
- City of Waterloo
- Parking, city road closures, bylaws
- Region of Waterloo
- Garbage and recycling, police
- City of Kitchener
- Parking, city road closures, bylaws
- Grand River Transit
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.