Sunday, September 6 - Saturday, September 12, 2026
No great adventure starts alone. Build your community and confidence through specialized programs and events for new Waterloo students.
Below is a high-level schedule of First Year Orientation events. Check your calendar in Portal after you register to see all of your events, including faculty events.
Check in to get your wristband in the Student Life Centre (SLC) Great Hall on September 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or September 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
IYKYK: After you check in, you can scan the QR code on your wristband to view your schedule.
Sunday, September 6
Warrior Welcome
Attend Warrior Welcome to celebrate the start of your student life.
Remember:
Orientation is a completely dry week (no alcohol/drugs). This policy applies regardless of age. Students found to be drinking before an event, at an event, or arriving intoxicated to an event, will not be allowed entrance, have their wristband removed, and Orientation privileges revoked for the remainder of the week.
Do not put your own or others safety at risk. In the event of an emergency, contact the Special Constable Service or call 911. Your dons are also trained to help you in the event of an emergency.
Review the guide to a safe night out to learn how to practice harm reduction and how to know when to call for help.
Monday, September 7
WAT It Takes
Represent your Orientation colour team as you complete challenges and work together in this all-campus event.
WAT It Gives
Explore campus and meet the people, programs and community partners that make Waterloo an incredible place to learn, grow and make a difference.
To Be Honest: The Musical
Written and performed by students for students, TBH provides the ins and outs of student life at Waterloo.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Have fun with a variety of activities, including an outdoor movie night, mini-putt, or a game of the Waterloo classic, "Humans vs. Zombies." And don't forget to check out the food trucks stationed on the Student Life Centre (SLC) Green.
Tuesday, September 8
Faculty events
Connect with your future classmates at events curated for your faculty.
To Be Honest: The Musical
Written and performed by students for students, TBH provides the ins and outs of student life at Waterloo.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Have fun with a variety of activities, including an outdoor movie night, mini-putt, or a game of the Waterloo classic, "Humans vs. Zombies." And don't forget to check out the food trucks stationed on the Student Life Centre (SLC) Green.
Wednesday, September 9
First day of class
You've got this, Warrior! And if you get lost, you can still ask volunteers and staff around campus to point you in the right direction.
Drop-in events
Classes may have started, but the fun of Orientation doesn't end! Drop into activities across campus between, during or after class.
Waterloo After Dark
Celebrate the start of the school year with a live DJ and high-tech drone show.
Thursday, September 10
WUSA First-Year Fair
Get to know your Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) and explore their student services.
Drop-in events
Drop into activities across campus between, during or after class.
Friday, September 11
Drop-in events
Drop into activities across campus between, during or after class.
Warriors Point Rush
Show your colour team pride! Make the most of your last chance to earn points for your colour team before the prize is awarded on Black and Gold Day.
Saturday, September 12
Black and Gold Day
Show your spirit at the Black and Gold Day carnival!
Plus, cheer on the men's and women's Waterloo Warriors varsity soccer teams in their games against the Algoma Thunderbirds.
To register, select International Orientation events in the Undergraduate Orientation registration form on Portal.
International Orientation is open to students who:
- are Canadian citizens but spent most of their life outside of Canada
- completed high school in Canada but hold citizenship from another country
- completed high school outside of Canada
- are completing a BASE or iBASE program
Thursday, September 3
Canada House
Decompress at the Global Lounge. Play boardgames, make friends, learn about Canada, win prizes and try some Canadian treats.
Shopping shuttles and local transit systems
Take a pre-arranged shuttle to the Boardwalk to purchase necessities like food, clothing, school supplies and more. We'll also take the ION Light Rail, our local transit system, to popular spots around Waterloo including Conestoga Mall and Uptown Waterloo. We'll stop at popular places to set up your cell phone plan or bank account and explore the many off-campus locations to get lunch.
WaterWHO Services Fair
Connect with the many supports and resources our campus has to offer. From academic success and peer support to engaging with health and well-being professionals, Waterloo is here to support you.
Speed friending
Meet other international students and start building lifelong friendships.
Activities and athletics
Checkout the Esports gaming lounge, try indoor rock climbing and explore all the campus recreational facilities.
Bonfire
Finish the day with friends around a bonfire roasting marshmallows and enjoying tunes.
Friday, September 4
Welcome to Waterloo
Meet the International Experience team.
Canadian classroom workshop and panel
Hear from Peer Success Coaches about what to expect in the Canadian classroom and what it takes to be successful. Ask questions and get answers from the advisor panel.
Understand your support system
Have lunch with advisors, hear from immigration consultants, and learn about health insurance and well-being resources. Plus, get tips for gaining work experience and building your resumé in Canada.
Jeopardy
Test your knowledge of what it's like to be a Waterloo student.
Campus tour
Join a walking tour of campus to familiarize yourself with the faculty buildings and specialized services.
Welcome reception
Bring your parents and supporters to gather for an evening with faculty and senior leaders. Hear from the University president and network with the campus community. Dinner will be provided.
Waterloo Orientation is a partnership between the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA), the Student Success Office (SSO), and the University's six faculties.
