Welcome new Waterloo Warriors

Orientation is your official welcome to the University of Waterloo — and we can’t wait to meet you.

When you look back on your university experience, orientation will be among the highlights you’re most likely to remember. This year, the memory-making will begin on Thursday, August 29.

“Joining a post-secondary institution is a huge moment in a young person’s life. We know the struggle of living away from home, making new friends, starting a degree, and trying to find a new community,” shares Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) Vice President Student Life, Amanda Fitzpatrick. “We hope that through orientation, students make meaningful memories, meet new connections, understand the resources available to them and feel supported in pursuing their goals.”

Here are some key Orientation dates:

International Orientation (Thursday, August 29 to Saturday, August 31) — For first-year students who have a study permit, attended high school internationally, are new to Canadian culture or are developing their English language skills. There is also programming for parents and family members.
Exchange and Study Abroad Orientation (Friday, August 30) — For undergraduate and graduate students coming to Waterloo as an exchange or study abroad student.
Parent and Family Orientation (Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1) — For parents and family members to learn more about how to best support their first-year student.
First-year Undergraduate Orientation (Saturday, August 31 to Saturday, September 7) — For all incoming first-year students, Orientation is their official welcome to the University of Waterloo.
Transfer Orientation (Sunday, September 1) — For college and university transfer students.
Out-of-Province and American Student session (Sunday, September 1) — For students from across Canada and the United States.
Graduate Orientation (Saturday, September 7) — For all incoming graduate students.

Fun events to suit your style

Orientation includes a variety of activities, from the exciting Warrior Welcome event in the PAC to quieter, small group activities. You can choose your own adventure throughout the week including:

Faculty Programs — Students are grouped with their faculty orientation leaders to participate in academic skill-building events and icebreakers throughout the week —including memorable choreographed group dances.
Single & Sexy (September 2 to 3) — This high energy, entertaining and powerful presentation shares scenarios and attitudes students may witness or experience in university. It’s a collective play written and performed by University of Waterloo students and alumni.
Waterloo Fest (Thursday, September 5) — Students will explore Uptown Waterloo at this market style event, hosted in partnership with Conestoga College and the City of Waterloo, while they engage with Uptown vendors and enjoy live performances, food trucks, buskers, and more.
Black and Gold Carnival (Saturday, September 7) —The carnival is the event to get pumped up for the Waterloo Warriors vs. Guelph Gryphons rugby game. The carnival includes face painting, black and gold swag, inflatables, and a photo booth where students can show their Waterloo pride.
Saturday Night Bash (Saturday, September 7) — This finale of First-Year Orientation includes a silent disco, board game café, and Picture This! Exhibit occurring simultaneously across campus. With three DJs, a plethora of games, and many photobooths, students will have quite the memorable night to end off orientation week.

The schedule for Fall 2019 Orientation is available on the Orientation website.

To keep you energized and excited to start at Waterloo, check out our #UWready Spotify playlist. It features Orientation favourites and current hits to help you get into that back-to-school groove.

Finally, expect to hear the “Water! Water! Water! Loo!Loo!Loo!” chant throughout the week.

About Orientation

Orientation at Waterloo is a team effort, made possible through a shared partnership between the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA), the Graduate Student Association (GSA), the Student Success Office (SSO) and all six faculties.

If you have any questions about Orientation 2019, visit our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us directly.