Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know you register for ALL Waterloo Ready events at once in Portal? We've created one convenient registration space.

1. Log into the Portal using your Watiam credentials. Make sure to add "@uwaterloo.ca" at the end of your Watiam username.

2. Select all the sessions that interest you. This could include your Faculty Ready Day, Waterloo Ready webinars, Virtual Speed Friending and more.

3. After choosing the workshops that suit you best, click "Next."

4. Complete the registration questions and click "Submit Registration."

After finishing registration on Portal, there are two ways to access a virtual event:  

• To find the event link in your email inbox, check the confirmation email from Portal (prtladmn@uwaterloo.ca) for the  session link. The confirmation email will be sent to your Waterloo student email address. Click on the session link to join the event. Note that if you have registered for multiple events, the event link will be different every time. 
• To find the event link on  Portal, follow these steps:  

1. Navigate to the Calendar function  

2. Select  My Calendar  

3. Choose the date of the event (e.g. July 25)  

4. Click on the event (e.g. Virtual Speed Friending Session)  

5. The event link will be displayed in a pop-up window  

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your University accounts by requiring you to verify your identity using a second factor (like your phone or other mobile device). You are encouraged to enroll in this service using the Duo Mobile App for the most secure and convenient 2FA experience. 

As a new undergraduate student, your Microsoft 365 account will be auto-created once you matriculate in late June. To access your account, you must: 

1. Enroll in Duo  two-factor authentication (2FA); 
2. Log into WatIAM  to enter a password recovery email address.  
3. Log into your Microsoft 365 account  by entering your email as username@uwaterloo.ca and your WatIAM password. 

Log into LEARN  with your WatIAM username and password to start exploring  faculty specific Waterloo Ready modules. 

Only students who have accepted their offer and been matriculated in the University’s records will be able to log in. LEARN access is updated weekly based on these records. 

If you’re unable to log in right away, try again the following week. If you’re still unable to access LEARN, email sso.newstudent@uwaterloo.ca  for help. 

Fees arranged  means you have shown the University how you intend to cover your fees for the term and have made a commitment to pay all fees charged to your student account, even if financial aid is denied or reduced. To become fees arranged, you must: 

1. Pay the entirety of your term balance  by the tuition deadline; or, 
2. Pay all or part of your term balance at a later point by using the  Promissory Note process. 

Your  WatCard  is your official student identification card. It offers you access to services both on and off-campus. If you are enrolled in in-person classes, you should  request a hard copy  for pick-up at your Faculty Ready Day or during Orientation. Please bring a piece of physical government-issued photo ID (not a photo copy or photo) during pick up. A Digital WatCard option is available if your classes are exclusively remote.  

PLEASE NOTE: before applying for your WatCard, you must activate your @uwaterloo email account. Email set-up instructions are sent out in late June.

Full-time and part-time undergraduate students are automatically covered by the WUSA Health & Dental Plan. This includes international students, co-op students on officially recognized work terms, and students attending Waterloo on exchange. 

The WUSA Dental & Health Plan allows you to access a variety of health professionals and receive coverage for prescription drugs, vaccinations, diagnostic services, and medical equipment. Your plan also extends to  vision coverage,  travel coverage,  dental care and a new mental health and wellness support service,  Empower Me. 

Please note: During the  change-of-coverage period  at the beginning of the term, you'll have an opportunity to  opt-out  of the plan (if you’re already covered by an equivalent health plan) or  enroll your spouse/dependent children.  

This is a conversation to have with your supervisor; they are in the best position to provide guidance on which courses will set you up for success. You can also review the graduate studies academic calendar to find more information about required and elective courses for your program.

Accommodation Consultants at  AccessAbility Services  will work with you, your instructors, and others to ensure your accommodation plan is successfully implemented. 

Register early for your accommodations by following these steps: 

1. Complete your  online application  and select that you are an undergraduate student. 

2. Once your  supporting medical documentation  has been reviewed, you will be invited to attend your registration appointment. 

3. Meet with your Accommodation Consultant to discuss your eligibility for accommodations during your undergraduate career. 

As a Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) or Intensive Bridge to Academic Success in English (iBASE) student, you will be able to access to all parts of First Year Orientation and Waterloo Ready events.

For iBASE students, you may not be able to attend some Waterloo Ready events as they happen during your class time in the summer. Your Student Experience and Housing team at Renison will help you to know more about which events you will be able to still attend.

BASE and iBASE students are encouraged to attend both International Orientation and First Year Orientation.

Once you officially select/enroll in courses for the upcoming term, you can produce your Proof of Enrolment letter from Quest. This letter will confirm your name, student ID number, program information and enrolment status. You can then submit this Proof of Enrolment directly to your RESP company,avoiding the need for the Registrar’s Office to complete the verification request.