First Year Orientation

Orientation is your opportunity to build further connections with your classmates and other UWaterloo students, be introduced to the unique traditions at UWaterloo and in your faculty, and learn more about what Waterloo has to offer. You will also have the opportunity to get to know your campus and explore the larger City of Waterloo community. 

We think Orientation is an important part of your first-year experience at Waterloo - but don't just take our word for it!  

Orientation registration opens August 2026. Once you have confirmed your Orientation registration, your personalized schedule will be available in your Portal Calendar. New undergraduate students are encouraged to attend all days of Orientation. 

You'll have the opportunity to participate in exciting events and connect with fellow Warriors. Some things you can look forward to are: 

• Celebrate at Waterloo After Dark with a live DJ and drone show

• Show your spirit at the Black and Gold Day carnival, plus cheer on both the men's and women's Waterloo Warriors varsity soccer teams

• Join a colour team and compete to win points all week

• A performance by fellow students about the ins and outs of university life, called To Be Honest: The Musical

• Attend faculty-specific events and learn traditions to help you connect with your classmates 

• Attend the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) First-Year Fair to learn about your student association and win prizes  

• Foodies prepare — keep an eye out at events for a variety of local food trucks 

• So much more! 

Orientation offers a variety of different events. Some events are more active (i.e. Black and Gold Day varsity game and carnival) and some allow for passive participation (i.e. campfire).

You can expect to navigate campus throughout the week to attend a variety of events. Event-specific accessibility information is available in your Orientation schedule in Portal.

The Orientation registration form includes an opportunity to identify your accessibility needs. If you complete this part of the form, a staff member will reach out to coordinate support within 7 days. 

Note: if you are registering for Orientation after September 2, please reach out to us directly to coordinate accommodations at orientation@uwaterloo.ca.

The fee is $140.56+HST for 2026. This will cover your Orientation kit as well as 20+ events you’ll be able to attend! 

The Orientation Fee is included in your fall term fee statement on your Quest account. Not seeing it on your fall term fee statement? Don't worry — you can still attend, but you'll have to pay the fee when you arrive. We accept debit and credit at Orientation Check-In.
 

Not able to join?

If you cannot attend Orientation, please make sure to opt-out of the Orientation Fee through your Quest account prior to paying your fees. Please see the Undergraduate Important Dates Calendar for applicable deadlines to opt-out of your various refundable fees.  

International Orientation starts on September 3, 2026. At International Orientation you'll:

• Learn about the services supporting you at Waterloo
• Travel around the region to pick up essentials
• Access immigration support
• Learn about Canadian culture 

You can register for International Orientation at the same time you register for First Year Orientation. Once you register, event information will be available in your Portal Calendar. There is no cost associated with International Orientation. 

• Waterloo Ready offers online events, including webinars and speed friending sessions, throughout July and early August. 

• Follow @uwaterloolife and @yourwusa on Instagram to learn more about campus life.  

Orientation is a completely dry week (no alcohol/drugs). This policy applies regardless of age. Students found to be drinking before an event, at an event, or arriving intoxicated to an event, will not be allowed entrance, have their wristband removed, and Orientation privileges revoked for the remainder of the week.

We acknowledge that some individuals may not adhere to this policy. In that event, we encourage you to practice harm reduction. Review the guide to a safe night out.

Do not put your own or others safety at risk. In the event of an emergency, contact the Special Constable Service or call 911. Your residence dons are also trained to help you in the event of an emergency. Learn what to look for and when to call for help.

In an emergency, look for an Orientation staff member or volunteer in a red vest or call 911. Your residence or off-campus community dons can also help you. 

Know your resources:

• After hours support

• Campus Wellness

• Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

• Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office

• Special Constable Service