Registering for courses

Timing

Normally, class registration periods occur in the following months (see Important Dates, filter for Type = Class registration, for exact dates):

Once the academic term begins, you will have the first two weeks of classes to add new classes, and the first three weeks to drop classes with 100% refund (if applicable).

There are three primary tools you'll want to get familiar with - learn more about them below:

1. Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar - In the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, you'll find the academic requirements for your program (degree) and plan(s) (major, minor, etc.) that you need to complete in order to graduate.

   You'll also find an updated list of all course descriptions in the most recently published version. You can quickly find the subject and desired course level (e.g., BIOL 200-level courses).

2. Course Selection Offerings List (during the Course Selection Period) - The Course Selection Offerings List, normally available one week prior to the Course Selection Period, is used during the Course Selection Period and gives you a look into what courses are offered in the next term. It does not include class offering information (e.g., time, day, place, instructor) as that information is not yet available.
3. Schedule of Classes (during the Drop/Add Period) - The Schedule of Classes provides you with all of the class offering information, including courses available per term, number of sections offered, enrolment capacity, and day/time the class is offered. Learn how to understand the Schedule of Classes. Note: Location and instructor information can be found in Quest.

Quest (Waterloo's student information system) is used to self-register for courses; for some majors, academic advisors may automatically add courses to your schedule.