First-Year GBDA Prep

Welcome to the Stratford School.

We're excited for you to be here! As Global Business and Digital Arts students, you're embarking on an exciting career in design, tech, and business.

Don't forget to check your University of Waterloo email!

We'll send you notices through the summer in preparation for school in the fall

- when they get access

- how to access

  1. 2024
    1. Jul
      1. July - ARTS Ready Day

        Attend the ARTS Ready Day remotely or in-person. Learn more about preparing for your first year at the University of Waterloo, and get connected to your new community!

        Learn more about Arts Ready Day →

    2. Aug
      1. August 20th - Tuition and Fees Due

        Pay in full or become "Fees Arranged". 

        Plan for bank processing time: 3-5 days for Canadian banks and 14 days for international banks.

        Read more on the Finance website →

      2. August 29th to 31st - International Orientation

        International Orientation

        Registration opens mid-August

  2. 2025
    1. Jun
      1. June 3rd - Deadline to Accept GBDA Offer

        Accept your offer on OUAC. This is typically found under "My Offers".

        UWaterloo Guide to Applying to University →

        Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) →

      2. June 3rd - Submit your Application for Guaranteed Campus Housing

        The application deadline for guaranteed housing is June 2, at 11:59 PM. Missed the deadline? You can still be placed on the waitlist for availability.

        Campus Housing Incoming First Year Guide →

      3. Mid June 15 - Recommended Deadline to Apply for OSAP

        OSAP Deadlines and Important Dates →

        The recommended deadline to apply for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) is June 15th. The final deadline is mid October (60 days before the end of the study/co-op period for fall term).

      4. June 17th - Course Approval Form (CAF) Deadline

        Complete your first-course selection by submitting your CAF from June 6th - June 17th. The submission time doesn't make any difference.

        ARTS First Year Course Selection (See GBDA tab) →

        Live Q&A help will be available on June 5th from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM EDT.

        Course Approval Form (CAF) Frequently Asked Questions →

        First-year Global Business and Digital Arts course requirements

        Fall (1A) Winter (1B)
        • ARTS 160 (see Important course selection notes below)
        • GBDA 101 - Digital Media Design and Production or Elective (see Notes 1 and 2)
        • CS 105 - Introduction to Computer Programming 1 (see Note 3)
        • Language course (see note 2)
        • Elective
        • ARTS 160 (see Important course selection notes below)
        • GBDA 101 - Digital Media Design and Production or Elective (see Notes 1 and 2)
        • CS 106 - Introduction to Computer Programming 2
          (see Note 3)
        • ECON 101 - Introduction to Microeconomics
        • Language course

        All of our courses are four months in length. You'll take five courses in your fall term and five courses in your winter term.

        Notes:

        1. GBDA 101 can be taken in either fall or winter term. Space in the fall term is limited so if you request it but are not enrolled you will need to add an elective course in Quest starting July 18. Since some elective courses may only be available in the fall or winter term you will need to carefully plan your first year course requests.
        2. If you are considering a minor or diploma, select one or two courses in that subject area in your first term
        3. Students interested in pursuing a Computing minor are encouraged to speak with their GBDA advisor about the option to take CS 115 and CS 116 instead of CS 105 and CS 106.
        4. Notes about second language courses:
          • ​The second language requirement can't be fulfilled by taking a course taught in English (e.g., a culture course).
          • Students choosing Chinese or Arabic are required to submit a placement form before enrolling.

    2. Aug
      1. August 30 to September 6 - First Year Orientation

        First Year Orientation

        Registration opens mid-August

    3. Sep
      1. September 3 - First day of classes!

        Welcome to Waterloo!