Fall Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation

During Exchange Orientation, you'll have the opportunity to: 

  • Connect with other exchange and study abroad students

  • Learn about Canadian culture 

  • Get to know the services, resources and opportunities À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ offers you 

  • Settle into your new home at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ 

Exchange Orientation is on August 28-29 and September 2.

The introduction days were a very welcome start to the exchange experience and made it possible to meet new people straight away. 

Exchange Student (Fall 2022)

Orientation schedule

  1. 2025
    1. Aug
      1. Thursday, August 28

        • International Orientation Check-in
        • Canada House
        • Activities with Athletics
        • Speed-Friending
        • Bonfire Night

      2. Friday, August 29

        • Check-in for Exchange Orientation
        • À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Exchange  Session
        • Lunch with Advisors
        • Get Involved 
        • Exchange Social 

    2. Sep
      1. Tuesday, September 2

        • Exchange Social

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

DO I NEED TO REGISTER/ SIGN UP FOR EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION?

Yes, you will need to register for Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation. Keep an eye on your UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ email for more information on how to register. 

DO I HAVE TO GO TO EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION?

We strongly encourage you to attend Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation as it will get you set up for life in Canada with activities and sessions planned specifically for your needs.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION?

No, there is no additional fee associated with Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation.  

IF I REGISTER FOR EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION, DO I HAVE TO ATTEND EVERY EVENT?

You don't have to attend every event, but we strongly encourage that you attend as many as you can! These events are carefully planned with the needs of Exchange + Study Abroad students in mind to make sure that you have a seamless transition and set yourself up for success at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ! 

I WON'T BE ABLE TO ATTEND EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION DUE TO VISA/STUDY PERMIT DELAYS. IS THERE A WAY THAT I CAN STILL GET THIS INFORMATION?

We host a Late Arrival Welcome a few days after the start of term for students who are unable to attend Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation. Keep an eye on your UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ email for details once you arrive or reach out to studyabroad@uwaterloo.ca for details.  

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE IN CANADA FOR EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION?

We recommend arriving before or on the morning of Orientation. Before you plan your flight, make sure that you can move into your accommodation when you arrive. Most leases begin on the first day of the month, so you may need to book a short-term accommodation if you arrive before this. If you are living on-campus, connect with Campus Housing to secure your move-in time slot. 

Have questions? Contact us

Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation is a partnership between the Student Success Office (SSO), and the University's six faculties.

"University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ"