Get ready for a jam-packed week of activities to introduce you to life as a golden hawk on the Waterloo campus.
We have a ton of orientation events happening Aug. 31 to Sept 6. On this page, you'll find detailed event information and be introduced to Shinerama.
Get a snapshot of Laurier Orientation. Lost? Find your way using our campus map.
Colour teams are a fundamental part of Laurier Orientation! Each team, led by spirited Icebreakers, will bring bold colours and lasting connections. Colour teams are about building community and celebrating what it means to be a Golden Hawk!
Red Team |
Blue Team |
Green Team |
Yellow Team |
| LOCUS | Bouckaert Hall | Bricker Residence | Euler Residence |
| Macdonald House | Conrad Hall | King St Residence | Leupold Residence |
| Willison Hall | 32 University Ave Apts. | Marshall St Apts. | Little House |
| 202 Lester St. Apts | 260 Regina St Apts. | 53 Bricker Ave Apts. | Waterloo College Hall |
| 308 King St N Apts. | 209 Regina Residence | 201 Lester St. Apts. |
Stay tuned here for key information and updates of events over your Orientation experience.
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.
Date and time: Friday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Date and time: Friday, Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Quad
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.
Date and time: Friday, Aug. 29 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Turret (3rd Floor Fred Nichols Campus Center)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation team
Join the O-Team in the Turret for a night of trivia and friendly competition. Test your knowledge, meet other Golden Hawks, and win prizes.
Date and time: Friday, Aug. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Turret (3rd Floor Fred Nichols Campus Center)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation team
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.
Date and time: Saturday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Date and time: Saturday, Aug. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Quad
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation team
Get hyped with the Golden Hawks at our Fan Fest!
Join us before the big Home Opener for an action-packed pre-game celebration featuring multiple sponsored activations including Sephora and Smuckers, a live DJ, glitter tattoo artist, photo booth, yard games, and so much more. Don’t miss the fun as we set the stage for Golden Hawks Football!
Date and time: Saturday, Aug. 30 from 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: University Stadium
Host: Athletics & Recreation
Come and say hi to your Students’ Union and the Orientation team. Pick up your wristband and learn about all the amazing events that will be going on during Orientation.
Date and time: Saturday, Aug. 30 from 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: University Stadium
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation team
Join the Golden Hawks for another season of Golden Hawks Football! Bring your purple and gold pride to our home opener against the Windsor Lancers. This game is complimentary for incoming students with Orientation wristbands.
Date and time: Saturday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m. kick off
Where: University Stadium
Host: Athletics & Recreation
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.
Date and time: Sunday, Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Date and time: Sunday, Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Quad
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation team
For students living off-campus only
For our Waterloo and Brantford students, Off-Campus Welcome Day is your opportunity to get connected to LOCUS at the start of Orientation.
Off-Campus Welcome Day is also a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other first year off-campus students and your upper year mentors (Off-Campus Advisors) that are available all year long. Check out the full schedule that will cover the following the topics:
Date and time: Sunday, Aug. 31. from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Lazaridis Hall
Host: Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS)
For students living off-campus only
Once Off-Campus Welcome Day has concluded, we will be keeping the Paul Martin Centre open as a drop-in space for folks who would like to stick around. Our Off-Campus Advisors will be present, and the Game Zone and Craft Corner activities will be available.
Date and time: Sunday, Aug. 31. from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Paul Martin Centre
Host: Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS)
Every day during Orientation, Shinerama will be offering up some good eats while also raising money for Shinerama in support of Cystic Fibrosis.
Date and time: Sunday, Aug. 31 from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: The Quad (in front of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre FNCC)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation team
Join the Golden Hawks for another season of Golden Hawks Soccer! Bring your purple and gold pride to our home openers against York University. These games are complimentary for incoming students with Orientation wristbands.
Women's kick off: Sunday, Aug. 31 at 4 p.m.
Men's kick off: Sunday, Aug. 31 at 6:15 p.m.
Where: Ansley Alumni Field
Host: Athletics and Recreation
Join us in the quad for some lawn games and live music.
Date and time: Sunday, Aug. 31 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Quad
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation team
Meet new people, challenge friends on the giant inflatable obstacle course, and enjoy lawn games in a relaxed, social setting. A great way to connect and kick off your Laurier experience.
Where: Sunview Place (188 Sunview)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Welcome to Laurier! Get ready to unleash your Golden Hawk spirit at our high-energy Opening Ceremonies! Feel the pride of being a Golden Hawk and get pumped for the adventure ahead. This is where your journey begins!
Where: Athletic Complex - Main Gym
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Every day during Orientation, Shinerama will be offering up some good eats while also raising money for Shinerama in support of Cystic Fibrosis.
Where: The Quad (In front of the FNCC building)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation team
Looking for a campus tour? Join your Laurier ambassadors around campus to help you find your way around and learn some of the key areas on campus. Bring your class schedule and ask them to point out your classes along the way! Tours are faculty-specific, find starting points below.
Faculty of Arts Students: Stay Golden Mural inside of Peters Building
Lazaridis School Students: Lazaridis Hall Atrium
Faculty of Music Students: Amphitheatre outside of Savvas Chamberlain Music Building
Faculty of Science Students: Science Building, outside of N1001
Where: Around campus
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Welcome Centre
Welcome to Laurier! Get ready to unleash your Golden Hawk spirit at our high-energy Opening Ceremonies! Feel the pride of being a Golden Hawk and get pumped for the adventure ahead. This is where your journey begins!
Where: Athletic Complex - Main Gym
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Doors open at 7 p.m. and event starts at 7:30 p.m.
Be prepared to be amazed by the incredible talents of Savio Joseph, a magician, mentalist, and hypnotist who will leave you questioning reality with his mind-bending act. It's a night that you won't want to miss!
Where: Athletic Complex - Main Gym
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: The Turret (3rd Floor Fred Nichols Campus Center)
Host: Laurier International
At Laurier, our campus community is here to help you succeed. Drop in to learn about all the academic support resources across campus including Student Success, Accessible Learning, Academic Advising, Service Laurier, and so many more. It’s a great chance to ask questions and start your Laurier journey feeling informed and supported.
Where: Science Building Atrium
Host: The Laurier 101 Team
Get moving with a high-energy group exercise class led by Laurier’s fitness instructors. A fun way to stay active, relieve stress, and connect with fellow Golden Hawks.
Where: Science Building Atrium
Host: Athletics and Recreation
Join the Faculty of Music for a welcome event where you’ll meet faculty, hear from the Dean, connect with your peers, and learn about involvement opportunities and what to expect in your first term.
All new undergraduate Faculty of Music students are encouraged to attend!
Where: Maureen Forrester Recital Hall
Host: The Faculty of Music & 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 LH1001 two times today — choose the time that works best for you!
Additional Times: 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Lazaridis Hall - LH1001
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 LH1001 two times today — choose the time that works best for you!
Additional Times: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Lazaridis Hall - LH1001
Host: Student Success & The Laurier 101 Team
For International and Exchange Students Only
This talk by Dr. Kevin Spooner 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: Bricker Academic Building - BA101
Host: Global Engagement 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: Northdale Campus (66 Hickory St. West)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation 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: Northdale Campus (66 Hickory St. West)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Step right up to the O-Carnival!
Join us for a day of thrilling midway rides, bounce around on giant inflatables, and enjoy captivating roam-around entertainment. Check out our talented artists, indulge in delicious treats, and so much more!
Where: Sunview Place (188 Sunview)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Every day during Orientation, Shinerama will be offering up some good eats while also raising money for Shinerama in support of Cystic Fibrosis.
Where: Sunview Place (188 Sunview)
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: Peters Building, Room P119
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: Peters Building, Room P119
Host: Student Experience
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 LH1001 three times today — choose the time that works best for you!
Additional Times: 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Lazaridis Hall - LH1001
Host: Student Success & The Laurier 101 Team
Join the Faculty of Science for a welcome event where you’ll meet faculty, hear from the Dean, connect with your peers, and learn about involvement opportunities and what to expect in your first term.
All new undergraduate Faculty of Science students are encouraged to attend!
Where: Science Building Atrium
Host: The Faculty of Science & 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 LH1001 three times today — choose the time that works best for you!
Additional Times: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Lazaridis Hall - LH1001
Host: Student Success & The Laurier 101 Team
Join the Faculty of Arts for a welcome event where you’ll meet faculty and the Dean, connect with your peers, and learn about involvement opportunities and what to expect in your first term. You can also win some awesome prizes!
All new undergraduate Faculty of Arts students are encouraged to attend!
Where: Arts Atrium, Schlegel Building
Host: The Faculty of Arts & The Laurier 101 Team
Join the Lazaridis School in the Lazaridis Hall Atrium for a welcome from the Dean, introductions to some of the key people in your Lazaridis community including professors and LazSoc clubs, and a chance to connect with your classmates. Light snacks will be available while you mingle and explore
All new undergraduate Lazaridis School students are encouraged to attend!
Where: Lazaridis Hall Atrium
Host: The Lazaridis School & The Laurier 101 Team
Every day during Orientation, Shinerama will be offering up some good eats while also raising money for Shinerama in support of Cystic Fibrosis.
Where: The Quad (in front of the FNCC building)
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 LH1001 three times today — choose the time that works best for you!
Additional Times: 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Lazaridis Hall - LH1001
Host: Student Success & The Laurier 101 Team
Doors open at 3 p.m. and event starts at 3:30 p.m.
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: Athletic Complex - Main Gym
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation team
Get connected with all the City of Waterloo has to offer! You are starting a new chapter of your life in Waterloo, join us for an evening of fun, food, and community. Discover your favourite new study spot, track down the Uptown businesses with the best student deals and find services that will help you feel at home in Waterloo.
Where: Uptown Waterloo - Waterloo Public Square 75 King Street South
Host: The City of Waterloo (@citywaterloo), Uptown BIA (@uptownwaterloo), Conestoga College (@conestogacollege), University of Waterloo (uofwaterloo), and Wilfrid Laurier University (@wilfridlaurieruni)
Doors open at 7 p.m. and event starts at 7:30 p.m.
Bingo, but make it fabulous. Join our dazzling drag queens for a night of outrageous fun, cheeky humor, and prizes worth shouting for. Big laughs, bold performances, and a bingo experience you’ll never forget, don’t miss it!
Where: Athletic Complex - Main Gym
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Still not sure where to go or how to get to your classes? Stop by our table in the Quad in front of the FNCC building and let some of our amazing volunteers give you directions or better yet walk you right to your class!
Where: The Quad (in front of the FNCC building)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Shinerama will be offering up some good eats while also raising money for Shinerama in support of Cystic Fibrosis.
Where: The Quad (in front of the FNCC building)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
The Headphone Disco party is always a hit at Laurier! Switch between the different DJs with your wireless headphones and dance the night away with your friends.
Where: The Quad
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: Concourse
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
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 over 150 groups present. Come for the FREE swag, stay for the FUN!
Where: The Quad & Surrounding Area
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Every day during Orientation, Shinerama will be offering up some good eats while also raising money for Shinerama in support of Cystic Fibrosis.
Where: The Quad (in front of the FNCC building)
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team
Doors open at 8 p.m. and event starts at 8:30 p.m.
Come on out to Alumni Field and enjoy a movie outdoors under the stars on our large inflatable screen.
Where: Ansley Alumni Field
Host: Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union and the Orientation Team