Get ready to have the best graduate experience.
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
2024 Graduate Orientation schedule
| Activity | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-in and university welcome | 1:30 to 3 p.m. | Physical Activities Complex (PAC) - main gym |
Your official welcome to the University of Waterloo. Remarks begin at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Hear from:
|
| Services fair | 3:15 to 5 p.m. | Student Life Centre (SLC) - Black & Gold Room (2nd floor) and Grad Lounge (3rd floor) | Meet key people working in graduate support units. Ask any outstanding questions you have about your transition to graduate life. |
| Speed networking |
Session 1: 3:15 to 4 p.m. Session 2: 4:15 to 5 p.m. |
Health Expansion Building (EXP) 1689 |
Hear from a panel of Waterloo alumni, then connect with your peers in a speed networking session. Hear inspiring stories from alumni as they reflect on their time at Waterloo and how their experiences shaped their careers and personal journeys. Each session will cover the same content so choose the time that works best for you. |
| Graduate House evening social | 5:30 to 9 p.m. | Grad House (GH) | Join us at the social hub for graduate students on campus for an evening of games, music, food and fun. |
Drop-in activities
Explore campus or get important tasks done from 3:15 to 5 p.m.
| Activity | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grad Connection Collective living library | 3:15 to 5 p.m. | SLC - lower flex space | This event is for Black, Indigenous, Racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ and other historically underrepresented students. Connect and learn about campus resources with campus staff at this drop-in social and “living library.” Join us to learn about campus support services and equity initiatives in a casual setting. |
| Self-guided tour | 3:15 to 5 p.m. | Main campus | Are you on campus for the first time? Grab a campus map and explore to find your classrooms and get familiar with popular study and social spaces. |
| Complete administrative tasks | 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. | Needles Hall (NH) - The Centre, 1st Floor | Drop-in at The Centre in-person for any administrative, registrarial, financial account or financial aid tasks. You can also pick up your WatCard here. |
| Back to school shopping | 3:15 to 5 p.m. | South Campus Hall (SCH) - W Store, 1st Floor | Visit the W Store to purchase official University of Waterloo clothing, school supplies or gifts. |