Frequently Asked Questions

 How can I prepare for my first term?

1. Review the content on this page. 
2. Complete Course Selection. 
3. Engage with the Science Ready Modules on LEARN. 
4. Register for Orientation. 

 What is course selection?

Course selection is your opportunity to submit a wish list of the courses you’d like to take in the upcoming term. Please note that enrolment in all requested courses is not guaranteed, as it depends on space and scheduling availability.

First-year students should refer to the required courses webpage for a list of courses they are required to take in the first-year of their program. All required courses will be automatically selected for you. Some programs have room for electives in your first term (1A) which students. Please monitor your UWaterloo email inbox for next steps from your First-Year Coach. 

Course enrolment is the period when you can review and adjust your schedule. During this time, you can:

• Switch to different sections of your required Science courses,
• Update your elective choices.

If a course or section that you want is full, you'll need to wait for a space to open in Quest when another student drops the course or switches to a different section. 

The Drop/Add Period starts in July, with new students receiving their Quest appointment times in mid–late July. This appointment time simply indicates when you can begin making enrolment changes. It’s not an in-person meeting. You can check your appointment time in Quest starting in July.

You can add courses or switch sections until mid-September. Refer to the Academic Calendar Important Dates & Deadlines for exact dates.

 What should students expect in terms of course load and time commitment in first-year?

In your first term, most Science students will take 5 courses (2.5 units) and 2 lab courses (0.5 units). There are options available for students who may want to take fewer courses each term. We suggest you connect with your First-Year Coach if you have questions about your course load. 

While each course may vary slightly in structure, most courses include three hours of lecture time with additional tutorial and lab sessions. You should expect to spend approximately 10 to 15 hours per week on each course, though individual experiences may vary. This time includes reviewing course content and lectures, readings, and assignments.

To stay on top of your studies, it is important to review the course outline and complete any assigned readings or assessments prior to attending lectures, labs, and tutorials. Effective time management will help you balance multiple courses and academic expectations. The key to success is to carefully manage your time from the very beginning of the term. 

 How can I switch programs?

If you have questions about your current Science program or are interested in switching to another one, email science.advisor@uwaterloo.ca. The Modifying Your Program page outlines the steps needed to change your program. 

Program changes are not guaranteed, but an advisor can review your academic record to determine whether a transfer is possible. They will guide you through the next steps.

Students interested in transferring to a different faculty will need to contact that faculty's internal transfer advisor to learn about their admission requirements. Your first step should be reaching out to your Science Academic Advisor, who can help you start the process and explain what to expect.

Transferring from the regular program into the co-op program is highly competitive, with only a limited number of spots available to current Waterloo students.

 What can I do to prepare for co-op? 

If you have questions about your future or current co-op, you can contact a Science Co-op Advisor. Please note that a Science Co-op Advisor is different from your academic advisor. Science Co-op Advisors assist with the academic components of your co-op program, such as co-op sequences and work report requirements, while academic advisors support you with program planning and course-related questions.

In addition to the academic requirements for your Science program, all co-op students must complete five PD courses. PD courses help you build key professional skills that enhance your employability and effectiveness in the workplace. You’ll take your first course, PD 1: Co-op Fundamentals, in the term before your first work term. PD 1 introduces you to important resources and activities that will help you conduct a strong job search and prepare for a successful first co-op experience.

Before your first work term, you can meet with an advisor at the Centre for Career Development for a co-op consultation. They can help you with job-search questions, résumé and cover-letter feedback, and overall career strategies.

 What does Campus Safety look like? What are common scams?

The University of Waterloo Special Constable Services has two complementary areas of core responsibilities; supporting the UW community in a manner congruent with UW's policies, practices and culture, and performing the law enforcement duties of Special Constables as defined by the agreement with the Waterloo Regional Police Service Board. Special Constable Services is on duty 24 hours a day every day of the year and can be reached at 519-888-4911 or 519 888 4567 Ext. 22222. 

Be aware of scams at UWaterloo - Scammers use fear and cause confusion to manipulate us. If you receive a call or text from an unfamiliar number, ignore it. If someone you do not know insists they are trying to help you but uses intimidation or threats, it is illegitimate. Don't give in to high-pressure tactics. Scammers often use these to trick you into making unsafe decisions. Before you give money or information, make sure you know who you're dealing with: 

• Find a company's real number – look online and call them directly to confirm the previous call 
• Double-check with your credit card company – call the phone number on the back of your card 
• Talk to family – if someone claims a relative is in trouble, verify with other family members