Graduate orientation at Laurier offers a warm, meaningful welcome to your experience as a graduate student and member of the Golden Hawk community. It is designed to help you feel connected from the moment you arrive, setting the stage for a successful and rewarding journey ahead.
Through engaging programming, you'll have opportunities to build connections with fellow incoming Golden Hawks and be introduced to key tools, strategies, and resources to help you navigate your graduate studies.
Whether you are new to Laurier or continuing your education here, graduate orientation provides an opportunity to feel welcomed, informed, and ready to begin this exciting next chapter.
Join us for an engaging orientation designed to help you feel confident, connected, and prepared. Meet fellow students, hear from experienced peers, explore key resources, and gain practical tools to succeed in your first weeks. Start building your community and set a strong foundation for your graduate experience at Laurier.
This Orientation is intended for students in programs offered in person at the Waterloo campus, the Kitchener location, or at the Balsillie School. Note: Registration is required.
Wednesday, Sept. 2
5:15 to 9:30 p.m.
Lazaridis Hall, Waterloo Campus
Check out the full agenda for your Graduate Student Orientation.
Get to know Laurier through a guided campus tour designed specifically for graduate students. You’ll explore essential study spaces and classrooms, food options, and the location of key academic resources while building confidence navigating campus. This optional experience is a great way to start feeling at home and learn the spaces that will support your success.
Where: Tours will depart from the Lazaridis Hall Atrium
When: 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.
Start your graduate journey by connecting with your new community. Check in, grab refreshments, and meet fellow students through a fun, low-pressure networking opportunity. You’ll also have the chance to explore a mini resource fair and connect with key campus supports. This session is designed to help you feel welcomed and begin building meaningful connections.
Where: Atrium | Lazaridis Hall
When: 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Join Dr. Brent Wolfe, Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, for a formal welcome to Laurier’s graduate community. This welcome highlights the shared values that define graduate education at Laurier and reinforces your role as both a scholar and a professional.
Where: LH1001 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 6:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Hear directly from current graduate students as they share their honest experiences navigating coursework, research, and life at Laurier. This panel offers practical insights into academic expectations, time management, and other common challenges. Gain valuable peer advice, discover helpful resources, and learn strategies to set yourself up for success.
Where: LH1001 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
Take a pause to recharge, connect, and continue conversations in a relaxed setting. This informal break is designed to help you build relationships with fellow graduate students while reflecting on what you’ve learned so far.
Where: LH1001 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 7:15 to 7:30 p.m.
Reduce uncertainty and feel confident heading into your first week. This session covers what to expect in graduate-level courses, how to navigate your syllabus and MyLearningSpace (MyLS), and key tasks to complete early on. You’ll leave with practical tools and checklists to help you start strong and stay organized.
Where: LH1001 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 7:30 to 8 p.m.
Take time to reflect on why you’ve chosen graduate studies and what success looks like for you. Through guided prompts, you’ll explore your motivations, set meaningful goals for your first year, and identify the people and supports that will help you along the way.
Where: LH1001 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 8 to 8:30 p.m.
Wrap up the day with key takeaways and a reminder that support continues well beyond orientation. This brief session highlights next steps and previews upcoming orientation events so you can stay engaged and connected.
Where: LH1001 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 8:30 to 8:35 p.m.
Continue the conversation in a relaxed, informal setting. This social event is an opportunity to build friendships, strengthen connections, and unwind after Orientation.
Where: Atrium | Lazaridis Hall
When: 8:35 to 9:30 p.m.
Graduate orientation at Laurier goes beyond the central Graduate Student Orientation event on Tues. Sept. 2. Throughout the week of September 7–12, a variety of additional events and activities will be offered to help you connect, learn, and get settled into your graduate experience. These opportunities provide even more ways to build community, explore campus resources, and engage with peers and supports across the university.
Academic Resource Fair
Intended Audience: All Students
Waterloo Fest
Intended Audience: All Students
Let Us Walk You To Class
Intended Audience: All Students
Syllabus to Success: Map Your Semester
Intended Audience: All Students
Get Involved Fair
Intended Audience: All Students
Syllabus to Success: Map Your Semester
Intended Audience: All Students
Laurier Football Game
Intended Audience: All Students
Kick off your Laurier journey with good vibes and great food at our International Student Welcome Breakfast!
Join us 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.
Where: TBD
When: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Host: International Student Support
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, Service Laurier, and so many more. It’s a great chance to ask questions and start your Laurier journey feeling informed and supported.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: The ASPIRE Incoming Student Support Team
Welcome to Waterloo! The City and the Uptown BIA are excited to welcome you as you begin this new chapter. Join us for an evening of fun, food, and community as we celebrate you becoming part of our vibrant city. Discover your new favourite study spots, explore Uptown businesses offering student deals, and learn about the services and supports that will help you feel at home here in Waterloo.
Where: Uptown Waterloo - Waterloo Public Square - 75 King St. South
When: 4 to 7 p.m.
Host: The City of Waterloo (@citywaterloo), Uptown BIA (@uptownwaterloo)
Not quite sure where your classes are yet?
We’re here to help! Connect with our friendly volunteers for directions or even a guided walk to your classroom.
Whether you need help finding a building or just want a little extra support getting there, this service is designed to help you feel confident navigating campus as you settle into your schedule.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Student Success
Start your term with a clear plan and the confidence to succeed. This drop-in session connects you with Learning Consultants who are here to help you break down your course syllabi, map out key deadlines, and build a schedule that works for your life.
Come with questions or just a willingness to get started, and leave with a plan to thrive this semester.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Student Success
Start your term with a clear plan and the confidence to succeed. This drop-in session connects you with Learning Consultants who are here to help you break down your course syllabi, map out key deadlines, and build a schedule that works for your life.
Come with questions or just a willingness to get started, and leave with a plan to thrive this semester.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Student Success
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 and collect all the FREE swag!
Where: The Quad and Surrounding Area
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Get ready to rally behind our Golden Hawks as they take on the Ottawa Gee-Gees in an exciting matchup you won’t want to miss! This is your chance to show your school spirit, wear your Laurier colours with pride, and be part of the electric game-day atmosphere.
Join fellow students and community members as we pack the stands, cheer loudly, and celebrate what it means to be a Golden Hawk. Whether you're a lifelong football fan or just looking for a fun way to connect with others, a Laurier Football game is the perfect opportunity to embrace campus traditions, build new friendships, and create unforgettable memories.
Bring your energy, your friends and family, and your Golden Hawk pride!
Where: University Stadium
When: 1 p.m. Kickoff
Host: Athletics and Recreation
In addition to the central Graduate Student Orientation on Sept. 2, many programs and faculties host their own welcome sessions tailored to your specific academic experience. These sessions offer a closer look at your program expectations, introduce key faculty and staff, and help you connect with peers within your discipline. Attending your program or faculty welcome is an important step in building your academic community and gaining insights directly relevant to your field of study.
More information is coming soon. Our program and faculty teams are currently finalizing session details and logistics—please check back regularly throughout the summer for updates.
Event details for Program and Faculty Welcomes will be posted as they are made available.
