Starting your program in the winter term means that some of your items on your incoming student checklist need to be done in a different way. Here’s the information you need to help you start your program in January, including your comprehensive incoming student checklist.

If you are a LEAF program student, please email leaf@wlu.ca for your next steps.

Winter Term Update

After carefully considering the options and potential future scenarios, as well as getting advice from public health professionals, Laurier has decided that the majority of the winter 2021 term will continue to be offered in a remote and online format, with select in-person courses.

Helpful Links

• COVID-19 Website for Current Students
• Remote Learning Hub for academic, mental health and social support
• Tech Guide for Remote Learning
• Retail Services Website for textbooks and course supplies

Questions?

Incoming Student Checklist

Quick Checklist:

1. Accept Your Offer and Submit Final Documents
2. Register for Courses
3. Complete Your Student Registration and Pay Your Fees
4. Prepare to Begin Your Studies Remotely
5. Arrange Your Accommodations
6. Get to Know the Current Students' Website

1. Accept Your Offer and Submit Final Documents

• You must accept your offer of admission by the deadline stated on your offer of admission. Detailed instructions are found in your offer letter, which can be found in your LORIS account (Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System).
• If your offer of admission is conditional, make sure you send in your final, official documents before the deadline:
  • If you were not enrolled in academic studies in the fall term, you must submit your final, official documents by Dec. 16, 2020.
  • If you were enrolled in academic studies at the time of your application, you must submit your final official documents by Jan. 10, 2021.
• Learn about your alternate offer of admission, if applicable.

2. Register for Courses

After you confirm your offer of admission, it will take about 48 hours before you are able to register for courses. Course registration happens through LORIS. If you deferred from fall 2020 to winter 2021, you should still have access to LORIS so you can check your course registration and/or update your course selection.

The first day of classes is Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. The majority of the winter 2021 term will continue to be offered in a remote and online format, with select in-person courses. You are not required to attend classes in person if you choose not to and alternative arrangements will be provided.

3. Complete Your Student Registration and Pay Your Fees

• Activate your Laurier email account. You should check your email regularly to make sure you don’t miss important updates from Laurier. Email is the official means of communication between the university and you.
• Register with the Accessible Learning Centre (if applicable).
• Enter your Social Insurance Number (SIN) in LORIS for tax purposes.
• Pay your fees before the deadline, which is typically the first day of classes of each term.
• Explore the ways you can get financial assistance.
• Get your OneCard. Your OneCard is your student identification card and bus pass, and you can put money or a meal plan on it to use at campus vendors.

4. Prepare to Begin Your Studies Remotely

The Laurier 101 program is here to support you from the time you accept your offer until the first week of classes and beyond. Our team is ready to answer your questions and make sure you are prepared for your time at Laurier – both inside and outside of the classroom.

There is special Laurier 101 programming for students who are starting in the winter term, including:

• virtual course registration appointments
• a welcome webinar and
• a January social.

International Study Permits and Remote Studies

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has created new provisions for international students who are applying for a Canadian study permit.

Please read the international study permits and COVID-19 web resource for important updates, including what to do if you are experiencing difficulty obtaining important documents for your study permit application due to COVID-19 closures.

5. Arrange Your Accommodations

The majority of the winter 2021 term will continue to be offered in a remote and online format, with select in-person courses. You are not required to attend classes in person if you choose not to and alternative arrangements will be provided.

Residence Availability in Winter 2021

Students interested in applying for residence for the winter term only should contact the department of Residence directly to inquire about residence availability. They will provide you with information about which buildings have openings and how to apply for residence. Room assignments are completed in December, and you will move in the day before classes start in the winter term. Please note that residence is not guaranteed for the winter term.

Contact the appropriate residence department directly. Please note that the university is closed for the winter holidays beginning Dec. 24 until Jan. 6, 2020.

Waterloo campus residence department:

• E: housing@wlu.ca
• T: 519.884.0710 x3236

Brantford campus residence department:

• E: brantfordresidence@wlu.ca
• T: 519.756.8228 x5805

Living Off Campus

Laurier has partnered with places4students.com, an off-campus housing website that specializes in providing students, schools and landlords with a quality rental property listing service. Visit their website to view available rental property listings, roommate and sublet listings. 

6. Get to Know the Current Students' Website

Laurier has a website for current students, where the university provides resources and facilitates important updates to you. Find information about your program, program requirements, tuition and fees, campus services, parking and much more on this website.

The university is regularly updating this website with new information related to COVID-19 and resources to assist students as they navigate the online and remote learning environment.

University Holiday Closure

Recognizing the stress of this fall and appreciating the importance of physical and mental wellness, Wilfrid Laurier University is extending the holiday break by one week. Classes will now begin on Monday, Jan. 11. The university is closed beginning Dec. 24 and will open on Wednesday, Jan. 6, instead of Monday, Jan. 4.

If you have any questions during the holiday closure, you are encouraged to explore the current students' website or email servicelaurier@wlu.ca. A Service Laurier advisor will respond as soon as possible in the new year. Please note that Service Laurier's hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.