Welcome to the Faculty of Science!
Whether you are a new student coming from high school, another Faculty at the University of Waterloo, or from another university or college, we are here to help you! The information and checklist below is intended to help prepare new students for their studies in the Faculty of Science.
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Updates: Check out the University of Waterloo Information on COVID-19 page for the latest updates and information regarding COVID-19.
Program Requirements, Course Selection and Enrolment
Required Courses: Not sure what courses to take for your program? Check out our Required Courses page for more details!
Potential Electives: The Potential Electives page will provide information on what electives you can consider for an upcoming term.
Course Selection and Enrolment: The Course Selection and Enrolment page will help you learn more about the different processes regarding course selection, enrolment, and the planning tools that are available to you.
Enrolment Problems and Course Overrides: Not sure why you were unable to enrol into a specific Science course? Check out the Enrolment Problems and Course Overrides page for more information.
Get to Know your Advisors: Your academic advisors are here to help! If you have any questions about your program and courses, consider connecting with an advisor!
Transfer Credits: Review the information regarding the transfer credit process for post-secondary transfers. Faculty transfer students should connect with your academic advisor regarding transfer credits.
Learning Tips, WHMIS, and Lab Goggles/Blue Goggle Calculator
Tips for learning: For tips and strategies for success in your studies, check out the learning resources offered by the Student Success Office.
Complete WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System): All students in the Faculty of Science must complete WHMIS before their first lab. Students can enrol on LEARN through the "Self-Registration" link and selecting the course "Student Safety Orientation / WHMIS 2015". Be sure to print your certificate or proof of completion and bring it to each of your labs!
Lab Goggles/Blue Goggle Calculator: Science students will receive lab goggles and a Blue Goggle calculator in their orientation kits. Post-secondary transfer students will be contacted by the Science Undergraduate Office with instructions to pick up their goggles and calculator.
Financial Aid and Payment of Tuition/Fees
Apply for OSAP: The 2022-2023 applications for full-time students will open in the spring (April to June). Apply early to get an estimate of the amount of grants and loans you can receive. For any questions about OSAP and any other provincial funding, please refer to our Student Awards & Financial Aid homepage.
Out of Province Financial Aid: If you are coming from outside of Ontario and within Canada, look up your out of province student aid.
Pay Tuition and Fees for the Term to Become "Fees Arranged": Make sure to become "Fees Arranged" by paying your tuition and fees for the term by the specified deadline.
UWaterloo Email and Important Student Online Systems
Activate your UWaterloo email: All official University communication will be sent to your @uwaterloo.ca email including course selection and fee deadline reminders, and messages from your faculty and professors. You'll need to follow 4 steps in order to activate your UWaterloo email account.
Student Online Systems: There are several online systems available at Waterloo that you'll need to use and become familiar with. You'll be able to learn more about WatIAM, Quest, LEARN, Office 365, and Portal in the video below. Please also see what IT services are available to you on the Student IT Services website.
Applying for Residence and Getting Involved
Applying for Residence: Check out Campus Housing for information on applying to residence. Upper year, transfer, and exchange students are eligible to apply for residence.
Ways to get involved in Science: Looking to meet friends in Science and get involved? There are many clubs, associations, teams, and activities you can join to enrich your student experience. Check out our Student Life page for more details!
Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA): Check out the numerous clubs and societies at the University of Waterloo! There are over 250 student clubs on campus for you to consider.
Wellness and Academic Resources
Campus Wellness: Campus Wellness is here to help all students at the University of Waterloo. Their professionals provide primary medical care and mental health services using an inclusive, connected, and collaborative approach.
AccessAbility Services: Whether you have a known or unknown disability, illness, or condition, AccessAbility Services can help you develop your individualized academic accommodation plan for all components of your academic career.
Peer Success Coaching: Meet with a Peer Success Coach to create a plan for academic success. Peer Success Coaches are upper-year students from diverse faculties and student populations who can teach you key foundational study skills and strategies
For a more extensive list, please visit the Faculty of Science's Wellness and Academic Resources page.
