Join us on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Graduate Orientation is a one-day event where you'll have the opportunity to kick-start your academic journey at Waterloo.
- Meet your peers
- Connect with graduate supports and resources
- Start building your community on campus
2025 Graduate Orientation schedule
Below is the core Graduate Orientation schedule. You can also explore concurrent sessions and drop-in activities. You can view your personal orientation schedule in Portal after you register.
| Time | Location | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 3 p.m. | Physical Activities Complex (PAC) | Check-in |
Check in to receive your swag bag and wristband for the day. Wristbands are required to enter all Grad Orientation events and it’s your ticket to a free dinner during the Grad House evening social. |
| 2 to 3 p.m. | PAC | Services fair | Meet key people working in graduate support units. Ask any outstanding questions you have about your transition to graduate life. |
| 3 to 3:30 p.m. | PAC | University welcome |
Your official welcome to the University of Waterloo from:
Light refreshments will be provided. |
| 3:45 to 5:10 p.m. | n/a | Concurrent sessions | See concurrent sessions below. |
| 5:45 to 6 p.m. | Student Life Centre (SLC), South entrance | Grad student guided walk | Join us for the grad student march to the Graduate House. |
| 6 to 9 p.m. | Graduate House | Graduate House evening social | An evening of games, music, food and fun at the campus social hub for graduate students. |
Concurrent sessions
Concurrent sessions take place during two time blocks. You can choose one session to attend during each time block.
| Time block 1 | Time block 2 | Location | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:45 to 4:20 p.m. |
4:35 to 5:10 p.m. |
PAC | Funding your graduate education |
Get an overview of the primary components of graduate student funding, including internal scholarships, Teaching Assistantships (TA)/Research Assistantships (RA), and financial need-based support. This session also:
|
| 3:45 to 4:20 p.m | 4:35 to 5:10 p.m. | Expansion (EXP), Room 1689 | Speed networking |
Hear inspiring stories from a panel of Waterloo alumni as they reflect on their time at Waterloo and how their experiences shaped their careers and personal journeys. After, you’ll have time to connect with your peers in a speed networking session. |
| 3:45 to 4:20 p.m | 4:35 to 5:10 p.m. | SLC, Grad Lounge Room 3216 | Grad connection collective human library |
Join this unique, equity-focused event where Waterloo staff, faculty and community members serve as “Human Books” by sharing their lived experiences, identities, and roles in supporting grad students. This event is a chance for you to engage in meaningful conversations, build early connections, and meet campus role models in a relaxed, welcoming space. |
Drop-in activities
Explore campus or complete important tasks.
| Time | Location | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3:30 to 6 p.m. | Main campus | Self-guided tour | Grab a campus map to explore your classrooms and get familiar with popular study and social spaces. |
| 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Needles Hall (NH), The Centre first floor | Complete administrative tasks |
Complete any administrative, registrarial, financial account or financial aid tasks at The Centre. You can also pick up your WatCard here — make sure to bring government-issued photo ID. |
| 3:30 to 5 p.m. | South Campus Hall (SCH), W Store first floor | Back to school shopping | Visit the W Store to purchase official Waterloo clothing, school supplies or gifts. |