What Happens After You Accept Your Offer?

Learn about next steps after accepting your offer of admission.

You’ve accepted your offer to study at university in Canada—congratulations! This is an exciting milestone and the start of an amazing new chapter.

While this is a huge achievement, it can also bring up a lot of questions as you get ready to move to a new country. Even after your documents are in order, there are still other steps to think about—from planning your arrival to getting ready for your life at university. It can be overwhelming, but don’t stress. You don’t have to navigate this process alone!

After accepting your offer, here are a few steps you can take to help you get ready.

Take advantage of transition supports

Many Canadian universities offer programs and resources to help international students prepare before they even arrive on campus. These resources are designed to help make the transition to university easier by giving students an idea of what to expect in their first year.

At Wilfrid Laurier University, students and their supporters can access Laurier 101, which offers guidance on life both inside and outside the classroom—from registering for first-year classes to learning what it means to be a student at Laurier.

Students can also take advantage of orientation programs, academic advising and a wide range of student success supports. These services are all designed to help students thrive in first year and beyond.

Set yourself up for success financially

Finances can be a major source of stress, so it’s important to have a plan in place for how you’re going to manage your money. Feeling prepared financially will reduce a lot of stress and let you focus on settling in and getting used to your new home.

Applying for awards is one way to help offset your expenses. At Laurier there are many scholarships and bursaries available to support new students, and some can be applied for even after you accept your offer. Checking regularly for new opportunities can help ensure you don’t miss out!

Plan where you are going to live

Another important step to take is deciding where you’re going to live. If you plan to live on campus, you will have to apply for residence. All first-year students at Laurier’s Brantford and Waterloo campuses are guaranteed residence, as long as they apply before June 1.

If residence isn’t for you and you’d prefer to find your own space off campus, Laurier offers helpful off-campus resources to help you find a place that fits your needs. Students living off campus can also join Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS), which helps students stay connected to the campus community.

Start connecting with other students

Finally, one of the most exciting things you can do after you accept your offer is to start connecting with other students! Most universities have social media accounts or online communities that you can follow to connect with future classmates, ask questions and start building your network before you arrive.

As you start to think about next steps after you’ve officially accepted an offer, remember that you’re not alone. There are people, programs and resources ready to support you on every step of your journey. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of them and ask questions whenever you need some golden guidance or reassurance.