How to Get the Most Out of OUF

Sept. 1, 2026

Now that you’re a senior in high school, you’re probably feeling excited (and a little stressed) as you consider what’s next: choosing a university or college. Things are getting real.

If university is in your future, attending the Ontario Universities' Fair (OUF) on September 26-27, 2026 is a great first step for exploring your options. OUF is a huge event with an estimated 80,000 visitors and all 21 Ontario universities attending last year.

OUF is hosted at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and is the place to discover how your passions and professional goals can connect to programs while getting answers about what Ontario universities have to offer you.

We've compiled our best tips and advice to help you get the most out of OUF.

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 September.)

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. If you plan on attending university presentations in addition to visiting their booths, review the presentation schedule and include that in your plan. Then review all of the OUF emails to know where to get the information you're looking for. 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.

Plan your trip to downtown Toronto 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.

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're ready to answer your questions, help you find the rigth person for more information and share first-hand, practical advice only a current university student would know. 

Speak up.

Here’s an important one. Your family or support system 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, so come with a list of questions and don’t be afraid to ask them! Even if you don't have anything specific in mind, think about what aspects of university life matter most to you. Even knowing what kind of information you're looking for can help guide the conversation and ensure you leave feeling fully informed.

After OUF

Give yourself time to recharge.

After an exciting day talking to university reps and meeting other students, your brain will probably be running on overdrive as you start weighing your options. Remember, there’s no rush to decide immediately. Read through the university emails that are sure to come after OUF and explore additional resources at your own pace. You still have time to figure things out, and your OUF experience will only help.

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 one of our virtual sessions.