Key important dates for fall 2026
- August 25: Tuition and fees due
- September 9: Classes begin
- September 22: Last day to add a class
- December 8: Classes end
- December 10-23: Final Examination Period
To do before the start of fall 2026
Review your bill and arrange your fees
- Sign in to Quest to check your fee bill.
- Pay your fees in full or complete the Promissory Note in Quest.
- If you are expecting to receive provincial aid, check for missing or required documents.
- Arrange your fees by the due date to avoid a Fees Arranged Extension Fee and a Not Fees Arranged Hold.
- Watch the instructional video to learn how to become Fees Arranged.
Verify and update your personal information
- Confirm your contact details in Quest.
- Update any changes to your address, phone number, or email.
- Provide or update your socio-demographic informationto help improve University services.
Secure your university accounts
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Log in to WatIAM and add an external password recovery email to avoid being locked out.
- Apply for academic accommodations (if applicable).
- If you have a known or suspected disability, condition, illness, injury, or are experiencing trauma-related impacts, apply online with AccessAbility Services to create your accommodation plan.
Prepare for emergencies
- Regroup Mobile is the University's emergency notification system. Search "Regroup Mobile" in the app store.
Study spaces and resources
Places to study on campus
- Review the list of available study spaces.
- Look for open classrooms using the Portal map (via layers).
Student support resources
Bookmark the student website to easily access help and support resources throughout the term.
- Build your UWaterloo community and attend events
- Prioritize your health and well-being
- Access academic help for your studies
- Develop your leadership and mentorship skills
To do when the fall 2026 term begins
Confirm your class schedule
- Sign in to Quest to review your schedule.
- You can add or swap classes until Sept 22.
Review your fee bill again
- If you made any course changes, check your updated fee bill in Quest.
- Any new balance after the fees arranged deadline should be paid as soon as possible.
Get your WatCard (student ID)
- On-campus students: Apply online and pick it up at The Centre (first floor, Needles Hall).
- Note: Only new students can use the online application.
- Fully online students: Request a PDF version using the online form.
- If you are living in residence, your WatCard will be delivered there (no need to come to The Centre to pick it up)
Review course materials
- Check each course outline/syllabus for required textbooks.
- Visit the W Store’s Course Materials page for:
- Print/digital textbooks
- Course kits
- Access codes
- Access selected readings for specific courses via the Libraries' Course Reserves.
Access your courses on LEARN
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Log in to LEARN on or after Sept 9 to see which courses are using the platform.
Review optional opt-outs
- Grand River Transit (GRT) Bus Pass: Opt out between Aug 1 - Oct 31, 2026 if you are eligible.
- Health & Dental Plan: Opt out between Sep 9-26 if fall 2026 is your first academic term in the 2026–2027 year.
Accessing your online classes
Registered for an online course?
- Reliable internet access will be required.
- Tools such as a webcam may be used in your course.
- If your instructor is using LEARN (the web-based learning management system):
- Before classes start, check your technology to ensure you can successfully participate in online classes - see LEARN's system and software requirements.
- Find technical support on the LEARN help website or send an email to learnhelp@uwaterloo.ca.
- If instructors are using other platforms, you can expect:
- An email from your instructor, no later than Friday, September 11, to your @uwaterloo.ca email address.
- After September 11, if you still haven't heard from your instructor, reach out to them via email.
- Have an online class while on campus? You can use available computer labs, libraries, open study spaces, and empty classrooms.
Need support? Learn more about the Student IT Services available to you.
