Resources to Help You Prepare for University

The universities offer different programs and supports for many types of students. The resources on this page can help you adapt to life and studies at university.

Note: Eligibility criteria may vary by program.

This list is not definitive. Contact the appropriate university directly for more information.

University of Waterloo

Campus Wellness

Health and Wellness
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student; Equity-seeking Individual; Indigenous Individual; Parent or Supporter

Campus Wellness is here to help all students at the University of Waterloo. Our professionals provide primary medical care and mental health services using an inclusive, connected, and collaborative approach.

Parent and Supporter Guide

Other
Parent or Supporter

Are you a parent or supporter of an incoming undergrad student?

Welcome to the Waterloo family! Your student is beginning their studies at Waterloo, and your support has helped them get here. That’s a big accomplishment – for both of you.

  • Parents and supporters are invited to a live chat as part of Waterloo Ready.
  • Our parent and supporter guide offers tips for parents about what to expect when their child starts university.
  • A monthly email newsletter is available for parents and supporters of first-year students.

Student Success Office

Student Affairs
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student; Equity-seeking Individual; Indigenous Individual

Student success resources to help reach your goals

  • The road to success isn’t a straight line. The Student Success Office provides resources to help you reach your goals.
  • Boost your academic skills with peer success coaching, Warrior study halls and online learning resources.
  • Lead with confidence and build more than just your resumé with the Student Leadership Program.
  • Feel at home in Canada with the international peer community and free immigration consulting.
  • Connect to the world through an international exchange.

Waterloo Ready

Student Affairs
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Parent or Supporter

What is Waterloo Ready?

We are thrilled to welcome you into our Warrior community! Waterloo Ready is your pre-arrival guide. It is an in-person and virtual program to help you get ready for all things campus life. 

  • Waterloo Ready is a transition program for new Waterloo students.
  • It gives you the opportunity to connect with other students, learn insider tips and access resources to successfully navigate your first year – and all before the school year begins!

Writing and Communication Centre

Learning Services
Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student

The University of Waterloo Writing and Communication Centre is a hub of communication and writing practice, support, and research on campus. Writing a paper? Designing a portfolio? Giving a presentation? From brainstorming to revision, understanding your assignment to presenting your work, we are here to support you in any discipline, at any stage of the communication process.

Orientation

Student Affairs
Admitted Student
  • A fun opportunity to connect with your classmates, experience the unique traditions of Waterloo and your faculty, get familiar with your new community and learn more about what Waterloo has to offer.
  • We offer programming and events for international students.

Student Resources

Student Affairs
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student; Equity-seeking Individual; Indigenous Individual; Parent or Supporter

Explore your UWaterloo life

Looking for supports and resources? You've come to the right place! Explore the pages within to find opportunities to get involved, build your community, find help and access your support system.

AccessAbility Services

Health and Wellness
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student; Equity-seeking Individual; Indigenous Individual; Parent or Supporter

We're here to help! Whether you have a known or unknown disability/condition/illness, or if you're experiencing impacts from trauma, we can help you develop your individualized academic accommodation plan for all components of your academic career.

  • Facilitate academic accommodation plans if you have a permanent, temporary or suspected disability.
  • Removes barriers and builds your capacity for personal success by working with you, your instructor and others to ensure your accommodation plan is successfully implemented.

The Missing Manual

Other
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Equity-seeking Individual; Indigenous Individual

The Missing Manual is everything you want to know about applying to university - and about thriving at Waterloo - that you won't find in the brochures. Read articles for students by students to get info, tips and the insider scoop on everything from nailing your last years in high school, what it takes to get into the university of your choice, how to pay for higher education, career options, and more.