Wilfrid Laurier University
A student experience that inspires.
For more than 100 years, Wilfrid Laurier University has been a premier destination for students who want to excel inside and outside of the classroom. Our commitment to academic excellence, support for all aspects of the student journey and strong community partnerships make Laurier a place of possibility, inspiration and collaboration. With over 100 undergraduate programs across three student-focused campuses, you will learn from award-winning professors—and each other—to achieve your academic, professional and personal goals.
As a Laurier student, you will also be part of a community that encourages you to expand your education outside of the classroom. From co-op and community placements to research projects, volunteering and more, you will find countless ways to build on your classroom learning, make an impact and feel inspired in all you do.
At Laurier, you can look forward to a university experience that allows you to study, grow and embrace your place as a Golden Hawk.
Our Waterloo Campus
Laurier's Waterloo campus is home to more than 19,000 undergraduate and graduate students but spans just one large city block. On this student-friendly campus you're a few steps away from classes, residence and campus amenities. You’re also right in the centre of a city known for its convenient transportation, thriving tech sector and diverse food and entertainment options.
Whether you're preparing for co-op interviews, studying with friends or cheering on our football team at the newly renovated University Stadium, Laurier Waterloo offers the whole university experience and becomes a place to create new traditions of your own.
Transfer Opportunities
Pursuing a university degree is a big decision, especially with factors like family, work and former schooling to consider. But trust us – we're here for you every step of the way. Transfer credits, finances, course selection, campus community, Laurier lingo - we'll make sure you have everything you need to make informed decisions that suit your unique story.
Find details about transfer opportunities at Laurier
Future Student Calendar of Events
The calendar of events gives you the details you need to find out what is happening at Laurier.
View all events through the main Laurier calendar, or specific kinds of events featured on our sub-calendars:
Important Information
Program News and Changes
New Programs Coming to Laurier Waterloo
Browse all our Laurier programs, along with dozens of options and minors you can add to your program to enhance your degree.
- Multidisciplinary Studies (BA) and Law Degree (JD), with Griffith University (Pending approval)
- Arts Degree (BA) + Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Communication Studies (BA) and Journalism (MA), with Cardiff University (Pending approval)
- Archaeology (BA) and Archaeology (MSc), with Cardiff University (Pending approval)
- Science Degree (BA, BSc) + Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Explore our Campus
We can’t wait to welcome you to your home away from home. Whether you want to join us in-person or explore campus virtually, there are lots of ways you can explore our Laurier campuses and engage with our student ambassadors, including:
- In-person campus tours
- Interactive VR campus tours
- 2-minute student-led Brantford residence tours
- Video walkthroughs of our most sought-out spots on campus
- YouTube Waterloo Campus Video Tour
Admissions Top Questions Video Series
University admissions can be a complicated topic. Every school has different policies and requirements. That’s why we’ve created our Admissions Top Questions video series! Hear from Laurier experts and get answers to all the questions you have and some you don’t know you should ask – all in less than 5 minutes.
Scholarships and Awards
Most universities offer scholarships. Unlike having to pay back a loan, you do not need to pay back a scholarship. Universities award scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, extracurricular activities and other distinctions.
You can apply for some scholarships and may be automatically considered for others.
University Events
Universities host events like open houses, campus tours, Student for a Day programs, and virtual tours to help you explore what student life is really like. These events are a great way to experience the campus, connect with current students and faculty, and get a feel for whether a university is the right fit for you.
Offers of Admission
To be admissible to Laurier, you must meet both the basic requirements for admission and your program’s specific admission requirements. Program admission requirements are listed on each program page.
Explore our Admissions website to find critical information about:
- Admissions decision timing
- Alternate offers
- Applicant background summaries
- Failed and repeated courses
- Special and extenuating circumstances
- Transcripts and supporting documents
- Transfer credits
Wait Lists
Laurier may use wait lists for competitive programs. If you are placed on a wait list, you’ll also receive an offer of admission to an alternate program.
Extenuating Circumstances
If recent or present circumstances have impacted your ability to achieve a strong academic standing, you may submit a personal statement to the Recruitment and Admissions office. The form is submitted after you apply to Laurier and is found in your applicant portal.
Get Ready: Resources to help you prepare for University
Accessible Learning
At Laurier, we’re dedicated to making sure every student is fully supported. We’re committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment where all students can actively participate and thrive.
Accessible Learning supports students with disabilities by facilitating their equitable access to the learning environment at Laurier. We do this by assessing a student’s access needs to create individualized accommodation and support plans.
International Student Support
Our dedicated team is here to assist international students in maximizing their academic and cultural experiences. We provide personalized support, including immigration advising, orientation programs, academic assistance and opportunities for cultural exchange, ensuring a smooth transition and successful journey from arrival to graduation.
Is University Right for You?
Figuring out what you want to do after high school graduation is no small decision (but you already knew that).
There are more options now than ever with colleges, universities, apprenticeships and entry-level jobs intersecting and overlapping in new ways. In addition, job requirements are becoming more open-ended and the job market itself itself has become more competitive.
To help you figure out your next step, here are 5 questions to ask yourself when considering university.
Laurier 101: New Student
Transitioning to university-style learning can be a big change. Whether you are coming directly from high school, transferring from another college or university, or getting back to academics after some time off, studying in university may be different from your previous experiences.
Laurier 101 is a program that provides you and your supporters with programming and activities to you and your supporters to prepare you for the time you will spend at Laurier both inside and outside of the classroom.
Math and Course Support
Struggling with solving equations, using formulas or applying key concepts covered in your course? Our Math and Course Support team of successful senior students and professional staff will work with you to provide guidance, study techniques and strategies to enhance your understanding. Let us help you succeed in your math, statistics and problem-solving courses.
Student Wellness Centre
The Student Wellness Centre is a centralized resource for all student wellness services and support, including physical health services, mental wellness support and counselling. Laurier’s student health care plan covers services provided through appointment and drop-in hours.
Located centrally on the Waterloo campus within steps of student residences and academic buildings, the Student Wellness Centre:
- Offers a safe, welcoming, non-judgemental environment for all students.
- Provides confidential, comprehensive and collaborative physical, emotional and mental health services that support your needs.
- Facilitates referrals to ensure optimal care.
- Prepares and empowers you to be successful in your health and wellness journeys during your time at Laurier.
Study Skills Support
Take your learning to the next level with our Study Skills team! We offer workshops, one-on-one coaching and resources to help you succeed in university and beyond. Learn how to manage your time, take effective notes, stay organized and prepare for exams with confidence. Whether you are aiming for better grades, sharpening your focus or wanting to boost productivity, our tools and techniques are tailored for you and your learning.
Transfer Student Transition Resources
When you choose to transfer to Laurier from a different postsecondary institution, we are here to help you every step of the way. We offer:
- Automatic assessment of your transfer credits when you apply.
- A variety of pathways for college students to move from a diploma program to a degree program.
- Support specific to transfer students.
TriAGE
Review and deepen your understanding of core concepts, build a strong foundation and increase your chances of success in calculus with TriAGe!
TriAGe is a non-credit course designed to help prepare students who plan to enroll in an entry-level university calculus course by reinforcing fundamental skills in trigonometry, algebra and geometry.
Topics include:
- algebraic manipulations used to simplify expressions and solve equations and inequalities;
- analytic geometry; and
- polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.
Writing Support
Need help crafting your essays, refining your writing skills or organizing your thoughts? Our Writing Support team can support you through every step of the writing process. From understanding the assignment to polishing final drafts, we will help you hone your writing skills and build a sustainable writing practice for university and beyond.
Residences and Meal Plans
Residence Price(s)
The 2025-2026 residence fees listed below are charged per term. The fees are subject to increase for 2026-2027.
Dormitory-style Residences:
Single or Double Room: $4,064.36 - $5,084.88
Activity Fee: $12
Total: $8,152.72 - $10,193.75 for 8 months
Apartment-style Residences:
Single or Double Room: $4,379.80 - $5,708.58
Activity Fee: $12
Total: $8,783.60 - $11,441.16 for 8 months
Take a virtual tour of Waterloo Laurier residences by visiting our YouTube video series, hosted by Laurier Golden Hawks.
Room Types
Laurier has 2 types of residence: Dormitory- and apartment-style. All residences are smoke-free. Single and double rooms are available in each style of residence. Laurier has approximately half of each dormitory-style and apartment-style residences on the Waterloo campus.
Dormitory Style
- Single or double (shared bedrooms)
- 1 to 2 students per room
- Furnished bedroom
- Common floor washrooms or shared washroom with roommate
Apartment Style
- Single or double (shared bedrooms)
- 4 or 5 students per apartment
- Furnished bedroom, living room and kitchen
- Shared washroom(s) in the apartment
Amenities
Residence Features
- Common community spaces and lounges
- Mixed-gender housing options
- Laundry facilities
- Secure, controlled access
- Upper-year students who provide mentorship and academic and social supports
- Live-in staff as part of Residence Life programming
- Internet service included
- Residence council available to all first-year students living in residence
- Roommate requests accepted
- Residence Learning Communities and Learning Clusters
- Themed Environments
Accessibility in Residence
Students who require special consideration in the room assignment process based on a documented medical need or disability must submit a completed Residence Disability/Medical Accommodation Request Application in addition to their residence application. Within this application is a Disability/Medical Accommodation Supporting Documentation Form that must be completed by the student’s health care professional. Forms will be reviewed to determine if any housing accommodations need to be considered when finalizing room placements.
Residence Guarantee
We guarantee residence to all undergraduate students attending a postsecondary institution for the first time. Residence applications must be received by June 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
While Laurier endeavours to honour its residence guarantee, the University is not liable for any failure or delay in providing residential accommodation when such failure arises out of any cause or causes beyond its reasonable control. Learn more about our Residence Guarantee.
Deposit Required
A $600 non-refundable residence deposit is required when you submit your online residence application.
Meal Plans
Any student at Laurier can purchase a meal plan; however, all students living in a residence are required to participate in a mandatory meal or convenience plan.
Dormitory-style residence students can choose from a five- or seven-day All Access Meal Plan. These plans provide unlimited access to the Fresh Food Company (FFCo.), OneCard flex dollars to enjoy other on campus locations and guest passes for visitors.
Apartment-style residence students are assigned a flex dollar declining balance meal plan. OneCard flex dollars can be used to dine at any food service location on campus.
We can accommodate special dietary needs and requests.
Waterloo Campus Meal Plans
5-Day All Access Meal Plan – $6,995.00
- $900 OneCard Flex dollars ($450 per term)
- Monday to Friday unlimited access to the Fresh Food Company (FFCo)
- 5 FFCo guest passes per year
7-Day All Access Meal Plan – $7,565.00
- $700 OneCard Flex dollars ($350 per term)
- Unlimited access to the FFCo, 7 days per week
- 7 FFCo guest passes per year
Apartment Meal Plan – $2,832.47
- $1,406.23 OneCard Flex dollars per term
- Tax savings
These prices are confirmed for 2025–2026. Prices include a $50 levy for All Access Plans and a $20 levy for the Apartment Meal Plan.
Note: Any student in an apartment-style residence can upgrade to an All-Access Meal Plan by contacting the OneCard Office after their residence assignment.
The Fresh Food Company
The Fresh Food Company (FFCo) provides flexibility to have a quick snack or a full meal to suit any schedule. It is led by a team of chefs and features an all-you-care-to-enjoy rotating menu with a focus on quality, convenience and ultimate flexibility. The Fresh Food Company provides a variety of options such as stone-fired pizza, stir-fry, salad bar, deli, grill, sushi and more. The Fresh Food Company is the ideal location on campus to accommodate special dietary needs, such as allergies or food intolerances, as a variety of alternative options are available.
OneCard (student card) flex dollars may be used for any food purchases outside of the FFCo and are accepted at the following on-campus locations:
- Terrace Food Court (Union Market, Bento Sushi, 1911 Coffee Company, El Torito, Mr. Sub, Golden Dough Pie Co. and Harvey's)
- Library Cafe
- Starbucks
- Subway
- Tim Hortons
- Byte 75 Coffee & Social
- Frank's Coffee Haus
- Wilf’s Restaurant
Featured Programs
-
Law Degree (LLB at University of Sussex, UK) and Arts Degree (BA at Laurier)
Waterloo- BA/LLB
ULA
EN
75%
4637
-
Environmental Science (BSc) and Studies (BA)
Waterloo- BSc
UZH
EN
75%
7863
-
Film Studies (BA) + Vancouver Film School Diploma
Waterloo- BA
- Dipl.
UZO
EN
< 75%
-
Financial Mathematics and Analytics (BA and BSc)
Waterloo- BA
UZI
EN
75%
4515




