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Ultimate back to campus list

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Fall classes start Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019. It’s an exciting time, but there’s a lot to think about as you prepare for the semester. To make things easier for you, here is a list of resources that support a smooth transition as you arrive on campus.

Getting Started

Find Your Way Around

Although Laurier is known for its small campus size, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with campus and find your classes in advance to avoid stressing about the location of your classroom on the first day.

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. 

Download the SAFEHawk App

Stay safe with real-time alerts about campus safety issues. Using the SAFEHawk app, you can also connect with personal and academic support resources, report outages to building features, reach Special Constables and report suspicious activity.

The SAFEHawk app is available for free download on iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices.

Get your OneCard

Your OneCard lets you “bank” online and check your account information. It's also your student identification card. Make sure to get your OneCard as soon as you can.

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.

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 or in-store. Books purchased online can be shipped to you or you can pick them up at the store.

Sell Old Books

If you’re an upper-year student and would like to sell your books back to the Bookstore, textbook buy-back happens in the first two weeks of September. Stop by the Concourse (Waterloo) or the RCW lobby (Brantford) and sell your used books. See what you will get for your used textbooks at sellmytextbooks.org. 

Student Life

Experience O-Week

First-year students: Start your university experience off with an epic week of activities. Meet new people, explore campus, discover our community and come together to raise money for charity. Visit the Students’ Union website for a schedule and more information.

Graduate students: Graduate Student Orientation is a one-day event that will get you acquainted with Laurier. Visit the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for more information.

International students: International Student Orientation occurs just before the general Orientation Week. Visit Laurier International's webpage for more information.

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.

Money Matters

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.

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.

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.

Succeed at Laurier

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

Living in residence, 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.