Laurier Fall Orientation:
Brantford Undergraduate Schedule
Let’s Kick Off Your Golden Hawk Journey!
Get ready for a jam-packed week of activities to introduce you to life as a Golden Hawk on the Brantford campus.
We have a ton of orientation events happening Sept. 7 to Sept. 12. On this page, you'll find detailed event information and be introduced to Shinerama!
Looking to find your way around campus? You can do so by using our interactive campus map.
Orientation Recap
Curious about what Orientation is really like?
Take a look at our Fall 2025 Laurier Brantford Orientation recap and experience the excitement for yourself! From unforgettable moments and vibrant campus spirit to meaningful connections and can’t-miss events, this recap video gives you a taste of the unforgettable experiences we’re planning for September 2026!
Overview of the Day
Residence Move-In Day
When: You will receive an email with a specific move-in timeslot
LOCUS Off-Campus Welcome Day
When: TBD
Orientation Headquarters (Check-In and O-Kit pick-up)
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residence Community Meeting
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Residence Wide Building Meeting
When: 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Dinner
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Outdoor Movie Night
When: 8 to 10:30 p.m.
Event Details
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, can be found in the accordions below.
Events are open to ALL new to Laurier undergraduate students only unless otherwise noted in the event description.
Intended Audience: Laurier Residence Students
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.
Where: Your Residence Building
When: You will receive an email with your move-in timeslot
Host: Department of Residence
Intended Audience: Students Living Off-Campus
If you’re a new student living off-campus, we will be hosting a full day of programs and activities to help you get acquainted with the Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) program and the Laurier Community.
Where: One Market Building
When: TBD
Host: LOCUS Program
Intended Audience: All Students
Come by our Orientation Headquarters to pick up your Orientation wristband and O-Kit! Your wristband is your all-access pass to Orientation events, and your O-Kit is packed with exclusive swag. While you're here, connect with staff at our Student Support tables, learn about all the exciting events happening throughout Orientation, challenge your new friends to a few lawn games, and snap some photos to remember the experience!
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Host: Laurier 101 and Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: Laurier Residence Students
Start building connections in your new home away from home! Join your Residence Community Meeting to meet your Residence Don, connect with other students living in your community, and start getting to know the people you'll be sharing your residence experience with. You'll also learn important information about living in residence, including community expectations, available supports and resources, safety information, and tips to help you have a successful year. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet your neighbours, and begin creating a welcoming and supportive community together.s.
Where: Your Residence Don will provide you with the location
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Host: Department of Residence
Intended Audience: Laurier Residence Students
Kick off your residence experience by joining the entire Brantford residence community! Meet the professional staff who support and manage residence, connect with fellow students from across all buildings, and learn about the expectations, resources, and opportunities that will help make your residence experience a successful one. Together, we'll set the tone for a positive, respectful, and welcoming community for everyone.
Where: RCE004 | Research and Academic Centre East
When: 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Host: Department of Residence
Come out and grab some food with your fellow first-years and the Orientation volunteers.
Where: One Market Atrium
When: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Get cozy in the courtyard, enjoy some Beaver Tails and drinks, and relax while watching a movie under the stars.
Where: Research Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 8 to 10:30 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Overview of the Day
Orientation Headquarters (Check-In and O-Kit pick-up)
When: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Scavenger Hunt
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Campus Kick-Off Programming
When: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Are You Smarter Than an Icebreaker?
When: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dinner
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Headphone Disco
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Craft and Chill
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Event Details
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, can be found in the accordions below.
Events are open to ALL new to Laurier undergraduate students only unless otherwise noted in the event description.
Intended Audience: All Students
Come by our Orientation Headquarters to pick up your Orientation wristband and O-Kit! Your wristband is your all-access pass to Orientation events, and your O-Kit is packed with exclusive swag.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union and Laurier 101
Intended Audience: All Students
Not sure how to get around campus? Want to map out where all your classes are located? Participate in our campus-wide scavenger hunt to discover popular spots on campus and feel prepared for your first day in a fun way!
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Kick-Off is where your Laurier journey begins! As the first major event of Orientation, this high-energy experience is your chance to step onto campus, meet fellow Golden Hawks, and dive into everything Laurier has to offer. Through fun and engaging activities, you’ll build connections, discover campus life, and start feeling right at home.
Where: Various locations around campus
When: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Host: The Student Experience Team
Intended Audience: All Students
Test your wits and see if you can outsmart our seasoned Icebreakers in this ultimate trivia showdown! This is your chance to prove you’ve got the brains and brawn to take on our experienced team in a fun, fast-paced competition. Are you up for the challenge, or will the Icebreakers keep their title? There’s only one way to find out!
Where: Level 1 Lounge | One Market
When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Come out and grab some food with your fellow first-years and the Orientation volunteers.
Where: One Market Atrium
When: 4 to 6 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
Get ready to dance the night away at our Headphone Disco! Join us for an electrifying evening where you can dance and sing to your favourite tracks playing through a pair of glowing headphones!
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
Want a break from the dancefloor? Feeling creative? Check out our craft stations inside RAC Lobby!
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Lobby
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Overview of the Day
International Students Welcome Breakfast
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Faculty of Human and Social Sciences New Student Welcome
When: 11 a.m. to Noon
Faculty of Liberal Arts New Student Welcome
When: 11 a.m. to Noon
Faculty of Social Work New Student Welcome
When: 11 a.m. to Noon
New Student Faculty Reception and Academic Resource Fair
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Student(ing) 101: Learning in University
When: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m.
Shine Dodgeball
When: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Community and Connection Programming
When: 4 to 6 p.m.
Giant Game Night
When: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Event Details
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, can be found in the accordions below.
Events are open to ALL new to Laurier undergraduate students only unless otherwise noted in the event description.
Intended Audience: International and Exchange 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: The Belmont - One Market Building
When: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Host: International Student Support
Join the Human and Social Sciences faculty for a fun and welcoming event where you’ll meet faculty, hear from the Dean and Associate Dean, connect with peers, and learn about academic supports, involvement opportunities, and what to expect in your first term. All new undergraduate students in the Human and Social Sciences faculty are encouraged to attend!
Where: RCW002 | Research and Academic Centre (RAC) West
When: 11 a.m. to Noon
Join the Liberal Arts faculty for a fun and welcoming event where you’ll meet faculty, hear from the Dean and Associate Dean, connect with peers, and learn about academic supports, involvement opportunities, and what to expect in your first term. All new undergraduate students in the Liberal Arts faculty are encouraged to attend!
Where: RCW202 | Research and Academic Centre (RAC) West
When: 11 a.m. to Noon
Join the Social Work faculty for a fun and welcoming event where you’ll meet faculty, hear from the Dean and Associate Dean, connect with peers, and learn about academic supports, involvement opportunities, and what to expect in your first term. All new undergraduate students in the Social Work faculty are encouraged to attend!
Where: RCW203 | Research and Academic Centre (RAC) West
When: 11 a.m. to Noon
After your Faculty Welcome, drop by the New Student Faculty Reception & Academic Resource Fair. Enjoy light refreshments, explore the Academic Resource Fair, and discover the services and supports that will help you succeed in the classroom at Laurier. Connect with representatives from your faculty and academic support services such as Student Success, Accessible Learning, Academic Advising, the Library, and more. Learn about the resources available to help you achieve your academic goals.
Where: One Market Atrium
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Host: The Laurier 101 Team
Looking for ways to get involved outside the classroom? Be sure to check out the Get Involved Fair (GIF) on Thursday, September 9, where you can connect with student clubs, Students’ Union committees, Laurier departments, and community organizations to explore involvement, leadership, volunteer, and engagement opportunities across campus.
Intended Audience: All Students
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 multiple times; choose the time that works best for you!
Where: RCW002 | Research and Academic Centre (RAC) West
When: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. or 3 to 4 p.m.
Host: The Laurier 101 Team
Intended Audience: All Students
Donate any spare change and go head-to-head with your Icebreakers and fellow first-years in the ultimate dodgeball tournament! Can't Dodge, Dip, Duck, or Dive? No problem! Come out and cheer!les.
Where: Laurier Brantford YMCA (LBYMCA) Double Gym
When: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Community and Connection Programming invites you to choose your own Orientation experience.
Running alongside each other, these smaller-scale programs, hosted by campus partners and student groups, will offer a range of opportunities to connect and engage in ways that matter most to you.
Whether you’re looking to meet people who share your interests, explore your identity, or join engaging conversations, this programming is designed to help you find your place. Each program will create a welcoming space to build connections with like-minded peers and communities across campus.
Follow what sparks your curiosity, find your people, and start building your Laurier community, your way!
**Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.**
Where: Various locations around campus
When: 4 to 6 p.m.
Host: Various Campus Partners and Student Groups
Intended Audience: All Students
Get your game on! Play solo or challenge your friends on our various game consoles and large games. Want to test your wits? Step into an escape room and see if you have what it takes to get out before the timer hits zero. nces.
Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.
Where: One Market Atrium
When: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Overview of the Day
I’ve Got Your Back! Building Community Care at Laurier
When: 10 to 11 a.m.
Preparing for Your First Day
When: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 2 to 3 p.m.
Mayor's Lunch
When: 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Community and Connection Programming
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Glow Foam Party
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Event Details
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, can be found in the accordions below.
Events are open to ALL new to Laurier undergraduate students only unless otherwise noted in the event description.
Join award-winning public educator Julie S. Lalonde for a fast-paced and interactive presentation on how we can create a safer Laurier community through bystander intervention. Learn about the importance of consent and the toolkit of ways you can safely de-escalate and intervene sexual violence – IRL and online. Active participation could win you a prize!
Where: Laurier Brantford YMCA (LBYMCA) Double Gym
When: 10 to 11 a.m.
Host: Consent is Golden
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 navigate MyLearningSpace effectively, and why your syllabus is the most important resource for each course!
This session is offered multiple times; choose the time that works best for you!
Where: RCW002 | Research and Academic Centre West
When: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 2 - 3 p.m.
Host: The Laurier 101 Team
Join us for the Mayor’s Lunch, a warm welcome to the Brantford community! Hosted by the City of Brantford, this longstanding tradition invites you to enjoy a complimentary meal while connecting with fellow students and local leaders. It’s a great opportunity to feel at home in your new city and experience the community spirit that makes Brantford unique.
Where: Harmony Square | 89 Dalhousie St.
When: 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Host: City of Brantford
Community and Connection Programming invites you to choose your own Orientation experience.
Running alongside each other, these smaller-scale programs, hosted by campus partners and student groups, will offer a range of opportunities to connect and engage in ways that matter most to you.
Whether you’re looking to meet people who share your interests, explore your identity, or join engaging conversations, this programming is designed to help you find your place. Each program will create a welcoming space to build connections with like-minded peers and communities across campus.
Follow what sparks your curiosity, find your people, and start building your Laurier community, your way!
**Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.**
Where: Various locations on campus
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Host: Various Campus Partners and Student Groups
Dive into the fun as we crank up the music and flood the courtyard with foam! This neon night is all about good vibes and celebrating first years with a glowing splash!nd other memorable themed experiences.
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Overview of the Day
Let Us Walk You To Class
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Syllabus to Success: Map Out Your Semester
When: 10 a.m. to Noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
Get Involved Fair
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A Night At Sanderson
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Event Details
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, can be found in the accordions below.
Events are open to ALL new to Laurier undergraduate students only unless otherwise noted in the event description.
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: Student Commons Lounge | One Market
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union and Student Success
Start your term with a clear plan and the confidence to succeed. This drop-in session connects you with Learning Consultants and Peer Academic Coaches 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: Student Commons Lounge | One Market
When: 10 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Host: Student Success
Between your classes, stop by the Get Involved Fair (GIF) and discover life beyond the classroom! The GIF brings together student clubs, Students’ Union committees, Laurier departments, and community partners to help you find ways to connect, belong, and make the most of your Laurier experience outside of your academic studies. Whether you're looking to meet new people, explore your interests, develop leadership skills, or get involved in the community, there's something for everyone. Come for the FREE swag, stay for the FUN!
Where: One Market Atrium and Surroundi Areas
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Looking for academic resources and support? Be sure to visit the Academic Resource Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 8, where you'll connect with the services, departments, and support teams dedicated to helping you succeed in the classroom and throughout your academic journey.
Come on out to Brantford's local theatre to experience a double act full of fun!
Witness magic and wonder with Savio Joseph, a mind-blowing mentalist and hypnotist! Cheer the night away while watching the stunning Tynomi Banks' drag performance!
NOTE: This program is open to upper-year students for a minimum donation of $5 to Shinerama!
Where: The Sanderson Centre | 88 Dalhousie St, Brantford
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Overview of the Day
Let Us Walk You To Class
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Syllabus to Success: Map Out Your Semester
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Carnival
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
Lipsync
When: 9:30 to 11 p.m.
Event Details
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, can be found in the accordions below.
Events are open to ALL new to Laurier undergraduate students only unless otherwise noted in the event description.
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: Student Commons Lounge | One Market
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union and Student Success
Start your term with a clear plan and the confidence to succeed. This drop-in session connects you with Learning Consultants and Peer Academic Coaches 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: Student Commons Lounge | One Market
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Host: Student Success
Witness how the RAC Courtyard is transformed into a carnival full of games, buskers, and fun! Grab a bite to eat from a food truck, get your portrait drawn by a caricaturist, and compete in some carnival-style games. Don't forget to stick around afterwards for our Lipsync!
NOTE: This program is open to upper-year students for a minimum $5 donation to Shinerama, which gives them access to the event along with food tickets for the food trucks!
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Want to feel like a popstar? Get up on the stage to dance and lipsync your heart out to a song of your choosing! Being on stage not your thing? Clap and cheer from the audience to support your peers' performance!
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 9:30 to 11 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Overview of the Day
SHINE DAY! - in Support of Cystic Fibrosis
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Event Details
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, can be found in the accordions below.
Events are open to ALL new to Laurier undergraduate students only unless otherwise noted in the event description.
Our final ode to Shinerama and chance to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis is a community car wash. Grab a sponge alongside your peers and end the week off with a day of bubbles, music, and fun!
Shinerama brings students together to support important research and resources for Canadians living with cystic fibrosis, while creating memorable experiences and strong community connections.
Where: TBD
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union