Laurier Fall Orientation:
Waterloo Graduate Schedule
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.
Graduate Student Orientation - Wednesday, Sept. 2
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.
GSO Details and Registration
This Orientation is intended for students in programs offered in person at the Waterloo campus, the Kitchener location, or the Balsillie School. Note: Registration is required.
Wednesday, Sept. 2
5 to 8:30 p.m.
Lazaridis Hall, Waterloo Campus
Agenda
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.
Kick off your graduate orientation experience by checking in and collecting your orientation materials and swag items. This is a great opportunity to get organized, familiarize yourself with the event space, and prepare for the exciting activities ahead.
Where: Atrium | Lazaridis Hall
When: 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Connect with your new community in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Meet fellow Golden Hawks, faculty, and staff while enjoying refreshments and beverages. Explore our resource fair, discover key campus supports, and begin building meaningful connections that will help you thrive throughout your time at Laurier.
Where: Atrium | Lazaridis Hall
When: 5:30 to 6:30 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: 6:30 to 6:45 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: 6:45 to 7:30 p.m.
Get excited for the journey ahead and set yourself up for success before classes even begin! This interactive session will walk you through the key tasks and milestones to check off before your first day, helping you feel organized, prepared, and ready to thrive in graduate school. Along the way, we’ll explore some of the common questions, emotions, and experiences that many new graduate students share, reminding you that you’re not alone in this transition.
You’ll also get a sneak peek at upcoming Orientation events, learn about ways to get involved, and discover opportunities to connect with the Laurier community.
Where: LH1001 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 7:30 to 8:10 p.m.
Put your Golden Hawk knowledge to the test in a fun, friendly, Laurier-themed trivia challenge. Compete for bragging rights, climb the leaderboard, and earn a spot on the podium. There will be great prizes up for grabs for the top finishers!
Where: Atrium | Lazaridis Hall
When: 8:10 to 8:30 p.m.
Additional Orientation Events - Sept. 8 to 12
Graduate orientation at Laurier goes beyond the central Graduate Student Orientation event on Tuesday, 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.
Explore More Orientation Events
Wednesday, Sept. 9
International Student Welcome BreakfastIntended Audience: All new international and exchange students
Academic Resource Fair
Intended Audience: All Students
Waterloo Fest
Intended Audience: All Students
Thursday, Sept. 10
Let Us Walk You To Class
Intended Audience: All Students
Syllabus to Success: Map Your Semester
Intended Audience: All Students
Friday, Sept. 11
Get Involved Fair
Intended Audience: All Students
Syllabus to Success: Map Your Semester
Intended Audience: All Students
Saturday, Sept. 12
Laurier Football Game
Intended Audience: All Students
Event Details
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
Program and Faculty Welcomes
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.
Program and Faculty Welcome Schedules
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
Event details for Program and Faculty Welcomes will be posted as they are made available.