Get ready for a jam-packed week of activities to introduce you to life as a Golden Hawk on the Waterloo campus.
We have a ton of orientation events happening Sept. 6 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.
Colour teams are a fundamental part of Laurier Orientation! Each team, led by spirited Icebreakers, will bring bold colours and lasting connections. Colour teams are about building community and celebrating what it means to be a Golden Hawk!
Colour team breakdowns will be made available in July
Curious about what Orientation is really like?
Take a look at our Fall 2025 Laurier Undergraduate 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!
Residence Move-In Day
Intended Audience: Laurier Residence Students
Orientation Headquarters
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Nights with Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, will be made available in July
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: TBD
Host: Department of Residence
Come by our Orientation Headquarters to pick up your Orientation wristband and your O-Kit! Your wristband will be your all-access pass to Orientation events, and your O-Kit is packed with exclusive swag! You can also learn about all the amazing events happening during Orientation!
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: The Orientation Team
Your Students' Union is busy cooking up a lineup of fun, energetic, and engaging experiences that bring students together in exciting ways. Past and potential events have included everything from DJ parties and carnival-style activities to interactive performances like magicians, hypnotists, and other memorable themed experiences.
Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
Residence Move-In Day
Intended Audience: Laurier Residence Students
Orientation Headquarters
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Nights with Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, will be made available in July
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: TBD
Host: Department of Residence
Come by our Orientation Headquarters to pick up your Orientation wristband and your O-Kit! Your wristband will be your all-access pass to Orientation events, and your O-Kit is packed with exclusive swag! You can also learn about all the amazing events happening during Orientation!
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: The Orientation Team
Your Students' Union is busy cooking up a lineup of fun, energetic, and engaging experiences that bring students together in exciting ways. Past and potential events have included everything from DJ parties and carnival-style activities to interactive performances like magicians, hypnotists, and other memorable themed experiences.
Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
Residence Move-In Day
Intended Audience: Laurier Residence Students
LOCUS Off-Campus Welcome Day
Intended Audience: Students Living Off-Campus
Orientation Headquarters
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Nights with Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
Full event details, including descriptions, times, and locations, will be made available in July
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: TBD
Host: Department of Residence
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: TBD
When: TBD
Host: LOCUS Program
Come by our Orientation Headquarters to pick up your Orientation wristband and your O-Kit! Your wristband will be your all-access pass to Orientation events, and your O-Kit is packed with exclusive swag! You can also learn about all the amazing events happening during Orientation!
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: The Orientation Team
Your Students' Union is busy cooking up a lineup of fun, energetic, and engaging experiences that bring students together in exciting ways. Past and potential events have included everything from DJ parties and carnival-style activities to interactive performances like magicians, hypnotists, and other memorable themed experiences.
Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
Campus Tours
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Kick-Off Programming
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Nights with Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
Not sure how to get around campus? Want to map out where all your classes are located? Meet up with our Orientation volunteers and get a tour of the Laurier campus in Waterloo. This is a Drop-in style event.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
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: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union and Wilfrid Laurier University
Your Students' Union is busy cooking up a lineup of fun, energetic, and engaging experiences that bring students together in exciting ways. Past and potential events have included everything from DJ parties and carnival-style activities to interactive performances like magicians, hypnotists, and other memorable themed experiences.
Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
New Student Faculty Receptions
Intended Audience: All Students
Student(ing) 101: Learning in University
Intended Audience: All Students
Room Burn Demonstration
Intended Audience: All Students
Community and Connection Programming
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Nights with Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
Join your Faculty for a welcome event where you’ll meet faculty, hear from the Dean, connect with your peers, and learn about involvement opportunities and what to expect in your first term.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: The Laurier 101 Team
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.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: The Laurier 101 Team
Get ready for a high-impact, eye-opening experience! This live fire demonstration shows just how quickly a small spark can turn into a serious situation. Watch as the scenario unfolds in real time and learn practical fire safety tips you can use every day. It’s a powerful, fast-paced event that’s as informative as it is unforgettable!
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Safety, Health, Environment, and Risk Management (SHERM)
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: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Various Campus Partners and Student Groups
Your Students' Union is busy cooking up a lineup of fun, energetic, and engaging experiences that bring students together in exciting ways. Past and potential events have included everything from DJ parties and carnival-style activities to interactive performances like magicians, hypnotists, and other memorable themed experiences.
Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
International Student Welcome Breakfast
Intended Audience: International and Exchange students only
Academic Resource Fair
Intended Audience: All Students
Preparing for Your First Day
Intended Audience: All Students
Consent is Golden
Intended Audience: All Students
Waterloo Fest
Intended Audience: All Students
Community and Connection Programming
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Nights with Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
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, Academic Advising, 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 Laurier 101 Team
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 effectively navigate MyLearningSpace, and why your syllabus is the most important resource for each course!
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: The Laurier 101 Team
Consent is Golden brings an engaging, approachable take on the essentials of respect, communication, and boundaries. Designed to make an important topic feel accessible and relevant, this interactive experience helps students build a shared understanding of what consent looks like in everyday campus life. Whether you’re brand new to these ideas or continuing the conversation, Consent is Golden is all about learning together, so we can create a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered.
**This year's Consent is Golden speaker is still being determined. Further details will be provided.**
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Consent is Golden
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)
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: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Various Campus Partners and Student Groups
Your Students' Union is busy cooking up a lineup of fun, energetic, and engaging experiences that bring students together in exciting ways. Past and potential events have included everything from DJ parties and carnival-style activities to interactive performances like magicians, hypnotists, and other memorable themed experiences.
Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
Let Us Walk You To Class
Intended Audience: All Students
Syllabus to Success: Map Your Semester
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Nights with Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
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: 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: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Student Success
Your Students' Union is busy cooking up a lineup of fun, energetic, and engaging experiences that bring students together in exciting ways. Past and potential events have included everything from DJ parties and carnival-style activities to interactive performances like magicians, hypnotists, and other memorable themed experiences.
Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
Let Us Walk You To Class
Intended Audience: All Students
Get Involved Fair
Intended Audience: All Students
Syllabus to Success: Map Your Semester
Intended Audience: All Students
Campus Nights with Your Students' Union
Intended Audience: All Students
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: Your Students' Union and Student Success
Between your classes, come check out the Get Involved Fair (GIF) and all it has to offer! The GIF comprises student clubs and committees, Laurier departments, and community partners. Learn how you can get involved at Laurier by connecting with some of the over 150 groups present. Come for the FREE swag, stay for the FUN!
Where: The Quad and Surrounding Area
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
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: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Student Success
Your Students' Union is busy cooking up a lineup of fun, energetic, and engaging experiences that bring students together in exciting ways. Past and potential events have included everything from DJ parties and carnival-style activities to interactive performances like magicians, hypnotists, and other memorable themed experiences.
Details for this year’s lineup are still in the works.
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Host: Your Students' Union
Laurier Football Game
Intended Audience: All Students
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 your Golden Hawk pride!
Where: University Stadium
When: 1 p.m. Kickoff
Host: Athletics and Recreation
