Laurier Orientation:
LOCUS Schedule
Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) offers a variety of programs throughout Orientation to help off-campus students connect, feel supported, and build community from the very start of their Laurier journey.
Kick things off at our Off-Campus Welcome Day, where you’ll meet other new off-campus students, learn about life at Laurier, and start building meaningful connections right away. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with your Off-Campus Advisor (upper-year student mentors) who will support you throughout Orientation and the academic year.
LOCUS also hosts additional events and activities throughout Orientation, creating more opportunities to engage, make friends, and feel part of campus life, no matter where you live.
To learn more and explore everything planned for you, select your campus below to view the full schedule of LOCUS programs and events.
Note: All Milton students are considered off-campus students and part of LOCUS. There is no separate Off-Campus Welcome Day for Milton students; instead, they participate fully in the Milton Undergraduate Orientation schedule.
More Orientation Events
In addition to LOCUS-specific programming, be sure to explore the full Fall Undergraduate Orientation schedule for your campus so you don't miss out on other exciting programs and activities available to you!
Off-Campus Welcome Day - Sunday, Sept. 6 (Brantford)
As part of Laurier Orientation, LOCUS is excited to welcome first-year off-campus students to our Off-Campus Welcome Day to kickstart the year!
We want to make sure your first day on campus as a Golden Hawk is filled with opportunities to meet other first-year students and learn about life at Laurier. At the event, students will be able to connect with their Off-Campus Advisor and Icebreakers (upper-year student mentors) for Orientation and the year ahead.
Sunday, September 6th, 2026 | 12:30 to 5:15 p.m. | One Market Building
- Early Bird Registration: Before August 21st
- Registration Deadline: September 2nd
NOTES:
Register before the early bird deadline (August 21st) to be entered for a chance to win a Laurier prize pack! The selected winner will receive their prize at check-in on Off-Campus Welcome Day.
This event is also open to transfer students entering their first year at Laurier (but may be entering their second year overall). Transfer students can opt in to LOCUS by emailing locus@wlu.ca.
Overview of Off-Campus Welcome Day
Check-In
When: 1 to 1:30 p.m.
Welcome Mixer
When: 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Mentoring Cafe
When: 2:10 to 2:55 p.m.
Off-Campus Student Campus Tours
When: 3 to 3:45 p.m.
Choose Your Own Adventure Programming
When: 3:45 to 5 p.m.
Orientation Kit Pick-Up
When: 5 to 5:45 p.m.
Event Details
Our staff and volunteers will be waiting to welcome you to Laurier and check you into our Off-Campus Welcome Day. Students should come prepared by arriving early and knowing their Laurier student number and email address.
Where: OM206-10 | Senate and Board Chambers | One Market
When: 1 to 1:30 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Join us for a quick and friendly Welcome session, where you’ll learn about the LOCUS program and all the supports/resources available to help you thrive as an off-campus student. You’ll also have the chance to meet other off-campus students through optional icebreakers.
Where: OM206-10 | Senate and Board Chambers | One Market
When: 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Find your fit with one of our many Mentoring Cafe options! During this event, students have the opportunity to learn more about our LOCUS Links by meeting the Off-Campus Advisor (OCA) and learning how to opt in to a Link! Alternatively, we also have space dedicated to asking an OCA your questions about Laurier and to learn more about leadership opportunities that are exclusive to first-year students in our LOCUS House Council Information Session.
*Each session will run twice within the scheduled time block. Students can select up to two unique sessions to attend.
Where: Multiple Locations (see below) | One Market
When: 2 to 2:55 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
AVAILABLE SESSIONS:
Social Work Link Connection
The Social Work LOCUS Link is a faculty-based community that all off-campus first-year students are eligible to opt into. This Link will provide social work students with more opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, attend related events, connect with their classmates, and more.
Where: OM207-1 | One Market
Arts and Literature Link Connection
The Arts and Literature LOCUS Link is an interest-based community that all off-campus first-year students are eligible to opt into. This Link will provide its students with more opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, an assigned Off-Campus Advisor, and related events, such as those involving painting, reading, beading, and more. .
Where: OM207-2 | One Market
Gaming Link Connection
The Gaming LOCUS Link is an interest-based community that all off-campus first-year students are eligible to opt into. This Link will provide its students with more opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, an assigned Off-Campus Advisor, and related gaming events such as Minecraft, Mario Kart tournaments, board game cafes, and more.
Where: OM207-3 | One Market
LOCUS House Council Information Session
Join us to learn all about getting involved in your first year at Laurier. In this session, students will learn about the First Year Leadership Program (FYLP) and the related interest-based councils available to join and engage with. Students can connect directly with the LOCUS House Council Advisor and receive all application and council hiring details
Where: OM206-10 | Senate and Board Chambers | One Market
Take some time to explore campus with our Off-Campus Advisors! The campus tours will show you some of the highlights of campus, as well as some important information that you’ll want to know as an off-campus student! Bring your class schedule; we would be happy to help you find your classes before they begin
Where: Tours are departing from the Student Commons Lounge | One Market
When: 3 to 3:45 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
First Year Game Zone
Get familiar with the Level 1 Lounge on our Brantford campus, and join the LOCUS team for Levi’s LOCUS Games, a team challenge featuring a variety of mini-games. Additionally, you can explore our Gaming Tournaments with your new friends.
Where: Level 1 Lounge | One Market
When: 3:45 to 5 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
First Year Keepsakes
Take some time to capture this memory by creating something you can take home and hold onto for years to come. In this event, students will have the opportunity to engage with their peers while choosing from a variety of crafts such as a letter to a future self, terracotta pot decorating, friendship bracelet, and keychain making.
Where: Level 1 Lounge | One Market
When: 3:45 to 5 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
To conclude Off-Campus Welcome Day, our Off-Campus Advisors (OCA) will walk you over to the Orientation kit pick-up location, where you can make sure you are fully registered for the rest of the week, receive your Laurier o-kit, and engage with fun photo booths and activities.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 5 to 5:45 p.m.
Host: LOCUS and Your Students' Union
Week of Sept. 7 to 12 (Brantford)
These events are designed specifically for off-campus (LOCUS) students and are a great opportunity to connect with other students living in the Brantford community or commuting to campus.
Please note: This is not the full Orientation schedule. Be sure to explore the full Brantford Undergraduate Orientation schedule for a complete list of events and opportunities throughout Orientation.
Programming Overview
Monday, Sept. 7
LOCUS Orientation Hub
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 8
Craft Your First Year: Journal Decorating
When: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Event Details
Looking for a place to hang out between Orientation events? Stop by the LOCUS Orientation Hub! This is a dedicated space for off-campus first-year students to relax, recharge, and meet new people throughout the day.
The LOCUS Orientation Hub will be open throughout Orientation, offering casual activities, games, and opportunities to connect with fellow students and your upper-year Off-Campus Advisors (OCAs).
Where: OM207-10 | One Market
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Your first-year at Laurier is the start of a brand-new chapter of your life‚ so why not design a journal to capture it all? The Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) program invites our First-year Off-Campus Students to join them for a fun and relaxing activity, where you can decorate and design a journal that is uniquely yours! Journals and decorating supplies will be provided. Please note that supplies are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. We can't wait to see what you create!
Where: Student Commons Lounge | One Market
When: 4 to 6 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Off-Campus Welcome Day - Saturday, Sept. 5 (Waterloo)
As part of Laurier Orientation, LOCUS is excited to welcome first-year off-campus students to our Off-Campus Welcome Day to kickstart the year!
We want to make sure your first day on campus as a Golden Hawk is filled with opportunities to meet other first-year students and learn about life at Laurier. At the event, students will be able to connect with their Off-Campus Advisor and Icebreakers (upper-year student mentors) for Orientation and the year ahead.
Saturday, September 5th, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall
- Early Bird Registration: Before August 21st
- Registration Deadline: September 2nd
NOTES:
Register before the early bird deadline (August 21st) to be entered for a chance to win a Laurier prize pack! The selected winner will receive their prize at check-in on Off-Campus Welcome Day.
This event is also open to transfer students entering their first year at Laurier (but may be entering their second year overall). Transfer students can opt in to LOCUS by emailing locus@wlu.ca
Overview of Off-Campus Welcome Day
Check-In
When: 11:30 to Noon
Welcome Session
When: 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
Choose Your Own Adventure Programming
When: 1 to 2 p.m.
Off-Campus Student Mixer
When: 2 to 4:15 p.m.
Find Your Fit with LOCUS Links
When: 2:15 to 4 p.m. (session times vary)
Off-Campus Student Campus Tours
When: 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Orientation Kit Pick-Up
When: 5:15 to 5:45 p.m
Event Details
Our staff and volunteers will be waiting to welcome you to Laurier and check you into our Off-Campus Welcome Day. Students should come prepared by arriving early and knowing their Laurier student number and email address.
Where: Lazaridis Atrium | Lazaridis Hall
When: 11:30 a.m. to Noon
Host: LOCUS
Our staff and volunteers will be waiting to welcome you to Laurier and check you into our Off-Campus Welcome Day. Students should come prepared by arriving early and knowing their Laurier student number and email address.
Where: LH1001 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Olympic Games
Get to know other students by competing in teams in a variety of mini-game challenges.
Where: Lazaridis Hall
When: 1 to 2 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Mapping Your First Year
Get organized and feel confident in your first year by hearing from upper year students as they share their experiences living off campus in their first year, how they got involved on campus, and more tips and tricks on being a Laurier student.
Where: Lazaridis Hall
When: 1 to 2 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
First Year Keepsakes
Take some time to capture this memory by creating something you can take home and hold onto for years to come. In this event, students will have the opportunity to engage with their peers while choosing from a variety of crafts.
Where: Lazaridis Hall
When: 1 to 2 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Find your fit with one of our many faculty and interest-basedLOCUS Links! During this event, students have the opportunity to learn more about our LOCUS Links by meeting the Off-Campus Advisor (OCA) and learning how to opt in to a Link! Students can learn more about each link by clicking here.
Where: Multiple Locations (see below) | Lazaridis Hall
When: 2:15 to 3 p.m. - Block One | 3:15 to 4 p.m. - Block Two
Host: LOCUS
BLOCK ONE
Business and Economics Link (faculty-based)
Where: LH2066 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 2:15 to 3 p.m.
STEM Link (faculty-based)
Where: LH2062 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 2:15 to 3 p.m.
Arts and Literature Link (interest-based)
Where: LH2064 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 2:15 to 3 p.m.
BLOCK TWO
Sports Entertainment and Recreation Link (interest-based)
Where: LH2066 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 3:15 to 4 p.m.
Social Sciences Link (faculty-based)
Where: LH2062 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 3:15 to 4 p.m.
Gaming Link (interest-based)
Where: LH2064 | Lazaridis Hall
When: 3:15 to 4 p.m.
The Off-Campus Student Mixer provides a free space for students to get to know their peers, connect while playing common lawn games and giant board games, or engage in a light craft between LOCUS Link breakouts. Our LOCUS House Council Advisor will also be available to answer all your questions about first-year exclusive leadership opportunities.
Where: Lazaridis Atrium | Lazaridis Hall
When: 2 to 4 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Take some time to explore campus with our Off-Campus Advisors! The campus tours will show you some of the highlights of campus, as well as some important information that you’ll want to know as an off-campus student! Bring your class schedule; we would be happy to help you find your classes before they begin.
Where: Tours will depart from the Lazaridis Atrium | Lazaridis Hall
When: 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
To conclude Off-Campus Welcome Day, our Off-Campus Advisors (OCAs) will walk you over to the Orientation kit pick-up location, where you can make sure you are fully registered for the rest of the week, receive your Laurier O-kit, and engage with fun photo booths and activities.
Where: The Quad
When: 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.
Host: LOCUS and Your Students' Union
Week of Sept. 7 to 12 (Waterloo)
These events are designed specifically for off-campus (LOCUS) students and are a great opportunity to connect with other students living in the Waterloo community or commuting to campus.
Please note: This is not the full Orientation schedule. Be sure to explore the full Waterloo Undergraduate Orientation schedule for a complete list of events and opportunities throughout Orientation.
Programming Overview
Monday, Sept. 7
LOCUS Orientation Hub
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Campus Walkabout with Your OCAs/Icebreakers
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 8
Craft Your First Year: Journal Decorating
When: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Music Bingo
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Event Details
Looking for a place to hang out between Orientation events? Stop by the LOCUS Orientation Hub! This is a dedicated space for off-campus first-year students to relax, recharge, and meet new people throughout the day.
The LOCUS Orientation Hub will be open throughout Orientation, offering casual activities, games, and opportunities to connect with fellow students and your upper-year Off-Campus Advisors (OCAs).
Where: Senate and Board Chambers | Above the Fresh Food Company (Dining Hall)
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Meet up with your OCAs/Icebreakers and explore your new campus before classes begin! As you walk through campus together, you'll visit key academic buildings, discover important campus spots, and pick up insider tips along the way. Whether you're finding where your classes are held or learning the best routes between buildings, this is a great opportunity to get comfortable with your surroundings, ask questions, and build the confidence you need to navigate campus and start your first day feeling prepared.
Where: Meet at the LOCUS Hub | Senate and Board Chambers | Above the Fresh Food Company (Dining Hall)
When: Walkabouts will depart at 10:30 a.m.
Host: LOCUS
s
Your first-year at Laurier is the start of a brand-new chapter of your life‚ so why not design a journal to capture it all? The Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) program invites our First-year Off-Campus Students to join them for a fun and relaxing activity, where you can decorate and design a journal that is uniquely yours! Journals and decorating supplies will be provided. Please note that supplies are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. We can't wait to see what you create!
Where: Senate and Board Chambers | Above the Fresh Food Company (Dining Hall)
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Host: LOCUS
Bingo, but make it a bop.
Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) invites all first-year students living off-campus to Music Bingo!
Mark the songs, sing along, and win big at Music Bingo. Bring your friends and your best music guesses!
We can't wait to see you there!
Where: Senate and Board Chambers | Above the Fresh Food Company (Dining Hall)
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Host: LOCUS