Preparing for September

With September quickly approaching, now is a great time to help your student prepare for the transition to university. In this edition, you'll find resources, reminders, and supports that can help set them up for a successful start—both in and outside the classroom.

Get Ready for University Learning

SmartStart

If your student is feeling nervous about university learning, our SmartStart programs are here to help!  

• SmartStart: Academics is a virtual self-study program designed to build the foundational math, science, research, and writing knowledge needed for first-year courses. Participants will be supported by upper-year students and connect with faculty, staff, and a community of other first-year students.  

• SmartStart: Learning is a self-guided series that helps students develop and enhance skills and strategies to ensure they’re ready for university learning. 

Launch Online

All incoming students have access to Launch Online: modules designed to help them get oriented to Western. This essential navigational tool does a deep dive on starting at Western and keeps students on track with key dates, checklists, and insider info from current students.

Registering with Accessible Education

If your student had academic accommodations in high school, now is the time to arrange for similar support at Western. Remind your student to register with Accessible Education before the Fall term begins to ensure supports are in place for midterms and exams (as well as any other academic accommodations that may be needed including notetaking support, assistive technology, and more). 

Connect with Health & Wellness Services

Students can register with Western's Health & Wellness Services before arriving on campus, making it easier to book appointments once the school year begins. Health & Wellness Services offers a range of supports, including physical health care, mental health counselling, and more.

To register, have your student call 519-661-3030 to create their clinic profile. They'll need their name, date of birth, and health card number. Once registered, they can book appointments online throughout the year using the TELUS Health app or website.

Stay Active at Western

Whether your student is looking to stay active, meet new people, or try something new, Western Campus Recreation has something for everyone. A valid Western ONECard gives students access to the Western Student Recreation Centre (WSRC), fitness facilities, and a variety of recreation programs.

Visit our Orientation web page to find out about all the various programs, services, hours, and specifics that will help your student understand all that Western Campus Recreation has to offer. Registration for Intramurals, Recreational Sport Clubs, and Fitness Classes will start in September.

Did You Know

Your student’s Western ONECard is one of the most important things they’ll use on campus. It serves as their bus pass, exam ID, library card, meal plan card, and access card for Campus Recreation and other student services.

Encourage your student to order their ONECard online as soon as possible. Orders submitted by August 1 will be ready for arrival on campus. Without a Western ONECard, students will have limited access to services such as public transit, meal plans, and campus library and recreation facilities. Learn more at registrar.uwo.ca.

Important Dates

August 1: Deadline for students to order a Western ONECard to guarantee pick-up at residence move-ins.

August 4: First instalment of residence and tuition fees due for first-year students. Please note that failure to meet this deadline may result in the cancellation of your student's residence space. Payment instructions are available on the Fee Payment Methods page.

August 26: Deadline for students living in residence to complete Undressing Consent, the mandatory Gender-Based and Sexual Violence (GBSV) Prevention training required as part of their residence contract. The final session is on August 26—encourage your student to sign up as soon as possible to ensure they don't miss it.

Explore Key Resources

Discover important services across campus that support your student.