Course registration information for new students

student and advisor meeting

We know you are excited to learn all about your courses and your class schedule for the winter. We have provided information about the process, and the information that is currently known. We will keep this page updated until it is time for action in September-October 2023.

Last updated: September 15, 2023


What do I need to know to get started?

A school year for students is usually two academic terms and most full-time students take five courses in a term.

Depending on your program (i.e., degree and major), you might be automatically registered into all or some of your winter term courses. If you have to choose at least one (1) course, you'll participate in the Course Selection Period. Continue reading to learn more.

  • Review all the basics of the multi-phase course registration process (including Course Selection Period and Drop/Add Period).
  • Learn our key terms as you try to choose your courses.
  • Know the various key dates and deadlines.
  • Review your next steps - i.e., what courses you'll be taking and how your class schedule will be built. 

If you are a student transferring from a college or another university, see important details for you below.


Key terms

You may be familiar with the term "program" during your application stage. For some, you may still see program in references, for others, you'll need to get used to new terms, like major:

  • Entry program: An admission point of entry. Students may apply directly into an academic program from which they will graduate, or they may apply to an academic program where they will be required to select a major.
  • Academic program: A defined set of requirements (honours or general, regular or co-operative) common to a particular degree.
  • Major: An academic plan that is the primary area of study in a student's baccalaureate degree (e.g., Arts and Business, Biology, Chemical Engineering).

Required (or Core) course: A specified course that you must take in order to fulfil your program or major requirements.

Elective course: A course not specified as one that you must take for your program and/or major. For some programs or majors, you must choose your electives from a specific list; in others, you may choose from any courses offered that you’re qualified to take.

Blended class: Designated by a campus code of BLND, is a class normally scheduled with both an online and in-person activity (students must be available to come to campus).

For more helpful terms, see 1) Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar for a complete Glossary of Terms and 2) Understanding course description listings for terms like "prereq" and "LEC".


What are the key dates I need to know as a first-year student?

Course Selection PeriodSeptember 22 - October 2, 2023
View class schedule and enrolment appointmentNovember 16, 2023
Drop/Add Period appointmentsNovember 20-21, 2023
Add Period continuesNovember 22, 2023

For all students, lasts until the last day to add classes in January.


Information for first-year students

Your course registration steps and course information

Select the name of the faculty that offers your program/major to see your specific next steps.

List of courses that you might be able to choose


Information for other students