Registering for courses

image of an open notebook and calculator

On this page, you'll find information that's useful for new and returning undergraduate students:

  • The phases of course registration explained
  • The timing
  • Tools and resources to help you pick your courses
  • The system

The phases of course registration

Course registration occurs in two phases:

clipboard iconCourse Selection PeriodThe creation of a wish list of courses you want to take during the next academic term.

Visit Course Selection Period for specifics.

cart iconDrop/Add PeriodThe time to modify your class schedule or add classes if you missed the Course Selection Period.

Visit Drop/Add Period for specifics.

Timing

Generally, class registration periods occur in the following months (see Important Dates, filter for Type = Class registration, for exact dates):

Academic Term Course Selection Period Drop/Add Period
Fall Returning students: Late May

New students (if needed):
Arts and Math (mid-June)
All others (early July)

 Begins mid-July
Winter Begins late September Begins mid-November
Spring Begins late January Begins late-March

Once the academic term begins, you will have the first two weeks of classes to add new classes, and the first three weeks to drop classes with 100% refund (if applicable).

Planning tools

There are three primary tools you'll want to get familar with - learn more about them below:

  1. Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar
  2. Course Selection Offerings List (during Course Selection Period)
  3. Schedule of Classes (during Drop/Add Period)

The system

Quest (Waterloo's student information system) is used to self-register for courses; for some majors, academic advisors may automatically add courses to your schedule.

Learn more about the two phases