Get ready for a jam-packed week of activities to introduce you to life as a golden hawk on the Brantford campus.
We have a ton of orientation events happening Aug. 31 to Sept 6. On this page, you'll find an at-a-glance schedule, detailed event information and be introduced to Shinerama.
Check out this key information and updates for events over Orientation. Be sure to follow us on @campuslifebrantford for additional up-to-date information.
Head to your new home where our volunteers and Residence staff will welcome you and show you to your new digs. For information regarding your specific move-in day, time slot, and what to bring, see our Residence Move-in page.
Where: Your Residence Building
Host: Department of Residence
Come and say hi to your Students’ Union and the Orientation team. Pick up your kit and learn about all the amazing events that will be going on during Orientation.
Where: Students' Union Office, 1st Floor Student Centre
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
If you’re a new student living off-campus, we will be hosting a full day of programs and activities to help you get acquainted with the Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) program and the Laurier Community.
Where: One Market Building Senate and Board Chamber (OM206-10)
Host: Centre for Off-Campus Initiatives
Come out and grab some food with your fellow first years and the Orientation volunteers.
Where: One Market Atrium (Basement)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Join us for an exciting Paint Party Kickoff to kick off the new school year! This fun-filled event is your chance to meet fellow students, get pumped up, and show your school spirit. Grab a free t-shirt, and get ready to celebrate with a vibrant powdered paint party! Plus, enjoy a few inspiring welcome speeches from our school leaders. Don’t miss out on this colorful start to an amazing year!
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Not sure how to get around campus? Want to map out where all your classes are located? Meet up with our Orientation volunteers in the RAC Courtyard and get a tour of the Laurier campus in Brantford. Drop in style event.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Come and say hi to your Students’ Union and the Orientation team. Pick up your kit and learn about all the amazing events that will be going on during Orientation.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Test your wits and see if you can outsmart our seasoned Icebreakers in this ultimate trivia showdown! First-year students, this is your chance to prove you’ve got the brains and the brawn to take on our experienced team in a fun and fast-paced competition. With questions spanning a wide range of topics, get ready to think on your feet, challenge your knowledge, and maybe even walk away with some sweet bragging rights. Are you up for the challenge, or will the Icebreakers keep their title? There’s only one way to find out!
Where: Level 1 Lounge
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Come out and grab some food with your fellow first years and the Orientation team. You don’t want to miss out on a good bite.
Where: One Market Atrium (Basement)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Dive into the fun as we crank up the music and flood the courtyard with foam! This high-energy kickoff is all about good vibes and welcoming our newest Golden Hawks with a splash.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Join the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences for a fun and welcoming event where you’ll meet faculty, hear from the Dean and Associate Dean, connect with peers, and learn about academic supports, involvement opportunities, and what to expect in your first term. All new undergraduate Faculty of Human and Social Sciences students are encouraged to attend!
Where: Research and Academic Centre - RCW 002Host: The Faculty of Human and Social Sciences & The Laurier 101 Team
Join the Faculty of Liberal Arts for a fun and welcoming event where you’ll meet faculty, hear from the Dean and Associate Dean, connect with peers, and learn about academic supports, involvement opportunities, and what to expect in your first term. All new undergraduate Faculty of Liberal Arts students are encouraged to attend!
Where: Research and Academic Center - RCW 202Host: The Faculty of Liberal Arts & The Laurier 101 Team
Join the Faculty of Social Work for a fun and welcoming event where you’ll meet faculty, hear from the Dean and Associate Dean, connect with peers, and learn about academic supports, involvement opportunities, and what to expect in your first term. All new undergraduate Faculty of Social Work students are encouraged to attend!
Where: Research and Academic Center - RCW 203
Host: The Faculty of Social Work & The Laurier 101 Team
Join us for a fun shirt decorating event! Bring your paint party shirts and show your team spirit by adding your own creative flair. Let's turn those shirts into unique masterpieces!
Where: Research and Academic Center (RAC) Courtyard
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
After your Faculty Welcome, drop by the New Student Faculty Reception & Academic Resource Fair to enjoy light refreshments and connect with faculty, staff, senior students and peers from your program.
Explore tables hosted by each faculty and academic support services like Student Success, Accessible Learning, Academic Advising, and more. It’s a great chance to ask questions, learn about campus resources, and start your Laurier journey feeling informed and supported.
Where: One Market Atrium
Host: The Laurier 101 Team, The Faculty of Liberal Arts, The Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, and The Faculty of Social Work
Studying and learning in university is different. Whether you are coming from high school, college, or coming back to academics after some time away, you’ll likely find that you need to upgrade or adapt your academic skills.
Join us for a review of the academic differences between high school and university and an overview of the study strategies that can help you make the most of your study hours.
This session is offered in RCW002 multiple times — choose the time that works best for you!
Additional Times: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Research and Academic Center - RCW 002
Host: Student Success & The Laurier 101 Team
Studying and learning in university is different. Whether you are coming from high school, college, or coming back to academics after some time away, you’ll likely find that you need to upgrade or adapt your academic skills.
Join us for a review of the academic differences between high school and university and an overview of the study strategies that can help you make the most of your study hours.
This session is offered in RCW002 multiple times — choose the time that works best for you!
Additional Times: 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: Research and Academic Center - RCW 002
Host: Student Success & The Laurier 101 Team
For International and Exchange Students Only
This talk is a wide-ranging introduction to Canada, aimed at providing a sense of how Canadians see themselves. It’s a starting point for international and exchange students, as they begin their own journeys of understanding what Canada will mean to them.
Where: Odeon Building - OD110
Host: Global Engagement Team
Come out and grab some food with your fellow first years and the Orientation team. You don’t want to miss out on a good bite.
Where: One Market Atrium (Basement)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Get ready to light up the night at our Silent Glow Party! Join us for an electrifying evening where the beats drop, and the dance floor glows. Dress in your brightest neon, grab some glow sticks, and dance the night away to your favourite tracks.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
For International and Exchange Students Only
Kick off your Laurier journey with good vibes and great food at our International Student Welcome Breakfast!
Join us bright and early at 8:30 a.m. for a great morning with a free breakfast, friendly faces, and fun connections. You’ll get the chance to meet your fellow international students, connect with our awesome team, and finally say hi in-person to your International Student Leader!
It’s the perfect way to start your day - and your semester. We’ll wrap up by 10:00 a.m., so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore campus and settle in. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Where: One Market Atrium
Host: Laurier International
Unita Assk is a high-heeled, consent-educating drag queen from Hamilton, Ontario. With glitter, laughter, and real talk, Unita draws on years of experience in community and campus-based sexual violence prevention work to make a serious topic a little easier to talk about.
Her goal is to make sure students know what healthier relationships look like, how to find
support if they need it, and ways they can contribute towards building a culture of consent.
Where: Laurier Brantford YMCA
Host: Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management
The Mayor wants to treat you to lunch to welcome you to Brantford, a tradition held since the start of our campus.
Where: Harmony Square
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
We know that the first day of classes is an exciting milestone in your Golden Hawk journey and being prepared will help you make the most of your first day!
This session will walk you through everything you need to know about your first day of classes including what to expect from your first lecture(s), how to effectively navigate MyLearningSpace, and why your syllabus is the most important resource for each course!
This session is offered in RCW002 multiple times — choose the time that works best for you!
Additional Times: 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Research and Academic Center - RCW 002
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Host: Student Success & The Laurier 101 Team
We know that the first day of classes is an exciting milestone in your Golden Hawk journey and being prepared will help you make the most of your first day!
This session will walk you through everything you need to know about your first day of classes including what to expect from your first lecture(s), how to effectively navigate MyLearningSpace, and why your syllabus is the most important resource for each course!
This session is offered in RCW002 multiple times — choose the time that works best for you!
Additional Times: 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: Research and Academic Center - RCW 002
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Host: Student Success & The Laurier 101 Team
This event is sure to be LIT! Come check out this vivid demonstration of a dorm room being lit on fire and see just how quickly things can get out of hand. You will also learn about some important fire safety tips.
Where: 50 Wellington (Parking Lot)
Host: SHERM (Safety, Health, Environment and Risk Management)
Bounce around on giant inflatables, verse your friends in some fun games, and enjoy captivating roam-around entertainment. Check out delicious treats from food trucks, and so much more! All the fun is in support of Shinerama, helping to make a difference for those affected by Cystic Fibrosis.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard & Student Centre Parking Lot
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
For Mature and Transfer Students Only
Calling all New Mature & Transfer students! Start your Laurier journey with pizza, tote bags, games, and great people. This event is all about making friends, having fun, and feeling part of campus life from day one.
Where: Level One Lounge
Host: Student Experience
Need a break from the excitement and overwhelm of Orientation? Drop in and de-stress with the Wellness Education team! Enjoy snacks, herbal tea, relaxing crafts, while making social connections in a space with calm vibes. Have a question about wellness resources? Ask our team!
Where: One Market, OM206-30
Host: Wellness Education
Between your classes come check out the Get Involved Fair (GIF) and all it has to offer! The GIF is made up of student clubs and committees, Laurier departments and community partners. Learn how you can get involved at Laurier by connecting with some of the groups present. Come for the FREE swag, stay for the FUN!
Where: One Market Atrium
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Donate any spare change and go head-to-head with your Icebreakers and fellow first-years in the ultimate Dodgeball tournament! Can't Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive or Dodge? No problem! Come out and cheer!
Where: Laurier Brantford YMCA
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Get cozy in the courtyard, enjoy some snacks and drinks, and relax while watching a movie under the stars.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Get your game on! Play solo or challenge your friends on our various game consoles.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Lobby
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Stretch, smile, and de-stress with the help of some adorable puppies and kittens. Whether you're a yoga pro or just in it for the cuddles, it's the perfect way to brighten your day.
Where: Laurier Brantford YMCA
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Get creative and have some fun! Make something cool at our craft tables or challenge your friends to an epic battle of one of our lawn games.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
For Off-Campus Students only
Come on down to enjoy some smooth jazz and fun trivia hosted by LOCUS! Trivia not your thing? No problem! Enjoy one of the many games offered by the Level One Lounge instead!
Where: Level One Lounge
Host: LOCUS Team
Be ready to have your mind blown by the amazing mentalist and hypnotist Savio Joseph. Bring all your energy and excitement and enjoy the show.
Where: The Sanderson Centre
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Our final ode to Shinerama and chance to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis is a community car wash.
Where: Student Center Parking Lot
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and Shinerama