How to Get the Most Out of OUF

Sept. 4, 2024

Welcome back to high school (cue a mix of cheers and exhausted groans!) Now that you’re in grade 11 or 12, you’re probably feeling excited (and a little stressed) as you consider what’s next: choosing a university or college. Things are getting real.

So, if university is in your future, how do you take the next step? Easy. Mark October 5-6, 2024 in your calendar, grab some friends or family, and spend a day at the Ontario Universities' Fair (OUF) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It’s the place to discover your passions, connect them to programs, and get answers about what Ontario universities have to offer you.

OUF is a huge event with an estimated 86,318 visitors and 21 universities attending last year. So how do you make the most of your experience? We asked the pros – our students (who we call Golden Hawks) – for their advice.

Before You Go

Sign up.

The first step is easy! Visit the OUF website and sign up for your OUEvents Pass. You’ll receive emails about events offered online and in-person. (And, of course, don’t forget to check your email often leading up to October.)

Have a plan.

Whether you’re a grade 11 student exploring options, or in grade 12 and already have a list of top schools, decide in advance what your questions are. Then review all of the OUF emails to know where to get the information. Even if your plan flies out the window in the first hour, at least you’ll feel calmer because you were prepared.

Map it out.

Downtown Toronto can be complicated to get to, especially when major highways are under construction. Plan your trip in advance - whether that means mapping out a public transportation route, or fueling up your ride and checking your favourite map app for what traffic to expect – you won’t regret considering transportation well ahead of your OUF experience. The Ontario Universities' Fair is an enormous event, so regardless of your travel choices, plan to wear comfortable shoes!

Safety prep.

Let’s face it, the return to in-person events has left some of us feeling anxious about huge gatherings. Take a moment and ask yourself how you can get ready for OUF. Maybe you’ll feel more comfortable wearing a mask. Or signing up for an Open House in the fall. Booking a university campus tour is a great small-group option, too. 

The Big Day

Look for student ambassadors.

If walking up to professors or staff members makes you a little nervous, seek out a student at a booth – they are ready to answer your questions. Not only are students super approachable (I mean, all university reps are!), they’ll give you first-hand, practical advice only a university student would know.

Speak up.

Here’s a biggie. Your crew might want to step in and ask all the questions for you, but make sure you engage in the conversation too. This is your education after all, so have a list of questions and don’t be afraid to ask them!

After OUF

Give yourself time to recharge.

After an exciting day talking to university reps and meeting other students, your brain is probably running on overdrive as you start weighing your options! (Note: boba tea and a Netflix binge afterwards are recommended.) Remember, there’s no rush to decide immediately. Read through the university emails that are sure to come after OUF in the coming weeks – and stay calm.

We can’t wait to see you at OUF and be a part of your postsecondary journey. Come by with your top questions or just to say hi to the Laurier team in-person or during the virtual sessions!