New Students

COVID-19 Updates: Check out the University of Waterloo Information on COVID-19 page for the latest updates and information regarding COVID-19.

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.

Tips for online learning: For tips and strategies for online learning, check out the following pages:

• Student Success Online Learning (STEM)
• Getting Ready to Learn Online
• Centre for Extended Learning - Learn Online

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!

Blue Goggle Calculator: Post-secondary transfer students will be contacted by the Science Undergraduate Office with instructions to pick up their calculators.

Apply for OSAP: The 2021-2022 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 here.

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.

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: Faculty and external transfer 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.

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.

Accessibility Services: Whether you have a known or unknown disability, illness, or condition, Accessibility Services can help you develop your individualized academic accommodation plan for all components of your academic career.

Science Student Transition Coach: The Science Student Transition Coach is a resource to help with adjusting to university as well as life in Canada. You can book an appointment through email to talk about goal setting, managing deadlines, homesickness, English resources, and navigating Canadian culture.

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.