Key important dates for winter 2026
To do before the start of winter 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 is the University's emergency notification system. Download the app to receive fast and accurate alerts during emergencies.
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 resources
Your UWaterloo life is just one click away! Bookmark this website to easily access help and support throughout the term.
- Get involved and build your UWaterloo community.
- Prioritize your physical and mental health.
- Find academic supports and resources.
- Boost your résumé, enhance your professional skills, and get co-op and career support.
To do when the winter 2026 term begins
Confirm your class schedule
- Sign in to Quest to review your schedule.
- You can add or swap classes until January 16.
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.
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 January 5 to see which courses are using the platform.
Review optional opt-outs
- Grand River Transit (GRT) Bus Pass: Opt out between January 1–31 if you won’t be in Waterloo Region for the term.
- Health & Dental Plan: Opt out between January 5–23 if winter 2026 is your first academic term in the 2025–2026 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, January 9, to your @uwaterloo.ca email address.
- After January 9, 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.
