Laurier Orientation:
International and Exchange Students Schedule
International and exchange student events offer additional opportunities for new international and exchange students to connect and build community.
Led by Laurier’s International Student Support team and the Global Engagement team, these events focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment where you can meet other students, make new friends, and start building your Laurier community from day one.
To learn more and explore everything planned for you, select your campus below to view the full offerings of international and exchange student-specific events.
More Orientation Events
In addition to International and exchange student-specific programs and events, be sure to explore the full Fall Undergraduate Orientation or Graduate Student Orientation schedules for your campus to discover the wide range of exciting programs and activities available to you!
Have You Registered For Orientation?
Undergraduate Students: Don't forget to register for your campus's Fall 2026 Undergraduate Orientation
Graduate Students: Don't forget to register for your campus's Fall 2026 Graduate Student Orientation
Weekly Events Snapshot
Tuesday, Sept. 8
International Student Welcome Breakfast
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Belmont Restaurant | One Market
Free Store Pop-up
When: 5 to 6 p.m.
Where: Level 1 Lounge | One Market
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Your First Grocery Tour in Canada
When: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Meet at Laurier International Office (OM207) | One Market
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: The Belmont Restaurant | One Market
When: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Host: International Student Support
Weekly Events Snapshot
Tuesday, Sept. 15
International Welcome Back BBQ
When: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
Saturday, Sept. 19
Niagara Falls Trip
When: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Departure locations will be provided
Event Details
Exchange Student Orientation - Tuesday, Sept. 8 (Waterloo)
Join us for an unforgettable start to your Laurier journey! Exchange Student Orientation provides opportunities to connect with fellow exchange students, meet new friends from around the world, and take part in interactive sessions designed to help you settle into life at Laurier. From campus tours and helpful drop-in support to workshops and social events, Exchange Student Orientation is here to make your transition smooth, exciting, and memorable. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Golden Hawk community!
Overview of the Day
Welcome to Laurier Session!
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: BA101 | Bricker Academic Building
Guest Lecture: The Top Ten Reasons Why Canadians Have an Identity Crisis
When: 11 a.m.
Where: BA101 | Bricker Academic Building
Lunch
When: Noon
Where: The Turret | 3rd Floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Adapting to Canadian Academic Culture
When: 12:45 p.m.
Where: The Turret | 3rd Floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Campus Tour
When: Departing at 1 and 2 p.m.
Where: Departing from The Turret | 3rd Floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Drop-in Academic Advising for Business and Economics Students
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: The Turret | 3rd Floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Scavenger Hunt Competition
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: The Turret | 3rd Floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Event Details
Meet Global Engagement Staff and fellow exchange students while learning about Laurier, important topics like health insurance, adding and dropping courses, and the many activities available during the Fall term.
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: BA101 | Bricker Academic Building
Join our Guest Lecturer, Dr. Kevin Spooner, for 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.
When: 11 a.m.
Where: BA101 | Bricker Academic Building
Enjoy a buffet lunch and an opportunity to network with other exchange students.
When: Noon
Where: The Turret | 3rd Floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Exchange students sometimes tell us that they were surprised by the number of differences they encounter studying in Canada. We’ll give you a heads-up on some of those differences.
When: 12:45 p.m.
Where: The Turret | 3rd Floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Get to know Laurier and find your way around campus with a guided tour led by Laurier students who have recently returned from their own exchange experience. This is a great opportunity to explore key campus locations, hear insider tips, and ask questions about student life at Laurier.
When: Tours will depart at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Where: Departing from The Turret | 3rd Floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Business or Economics students interested in adding a new course or with questions about their courses are welcome to drop by Laurier International to meet with an Advisor who can help you.
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Laurier International Office (2A01) | Arts Building, A Wing
Make a team and challenge yourselves to complete this Scavenger Hunt! There will be free treats and prizes!
When: 3 p.m.
Where: The starting point is The Turret | 3rd Floor, Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Weekly Events Snapshot
Tuesday, Sept. 8
Meet and Greet with International Student Leaders
When: 5:630 p.m.
Where: P111 | Peters Building
Wednesday, Sept. 9
International Welcome Breakfast
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Turret | 3rd Floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
Your First Grocery Tour in Canada
When: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Meet at Laurier International Office (2A01) | Arts Building, A Wing
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: The Turret | 3rd Floor, Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC)
When: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Host: International Student Support