Get Ready: 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 Windsor

International Student Services
Admitted Student
  • is a 6-week transition program designed to help incoming international students gain life skills and transition smoothly to UWindsor. Throughout the program, students will learn more about how to be a better student and receive information about available resources for increased success. Additionally, the program includes a peer mentorship component, pairing current students with incoming first-year students to offer guidance and support in their early weeks as UWindsor Lancers.
  • A mentoring program for new students runs each semester. 
  • is an arrival transition program designed to help new students get acquainted with UWindsor. It includes an informative presentation led by a current UWindsor student and a guided campus tour to help them adjust to their new environment.

Health and Wellness
Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student; Equity-seeking Individual; Indigenous Individual
  • The Peer Support Centre is a drop-in centre where you can find a supportive peer to talk to. 
  • Safe and inclusive space where trained peer support volunteers offer peer counselling to all University of Windsor students. 
  • Offers drop-in sessions, with vetted peer support volunteers, to UWindsor students. With flexible hours, 5 days a week, you can find a time that fits your schedule and be connected in minutes to receive the support you need. No appointment necessary.

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

Student Health, Counselling and Wellness Services is your one-stop shop to address your wellness needs at UWindsor. Our goal is to help you understand, build and achieve your full potential so you can make the most of your university experience while navigating any challenges along the way. We offer:

Orientation
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student

First-year Human Kinetics students are automatically members of the Kin-One First Year Experience Program.

The KinOne First Year Experience program is designed to help you get comfortable on campus, connect with other students, and start to think of Kinesiology as a home away from home. The KinOne program helps first-year students transition to university by providing an instant network of peer support. 

Learning Services
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student
  • Various Learning Centres are a valuable resource for students taking science courses at the University of Windsor: 
    • Chemistry & Physics Resource Centre 
    • Computer Science Resource Centre 
    • Earth and Environmental Sciences Resource Centre 
    • Economics Help Centre 
    • Math Resource Centre 
    • Science Tutor/MySci Advisor program 

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

The Student Success and Leadership Centre offers free pre-recorded tutorials through the Skills to Enhance Personal Success (STEPS) program that are geared toward helping to develop study skills to achieve academic success in a university setting.

STEPS online tutorials are free of charge and no registration is required to view them.

Learning Services
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student
  • If you are seeking academic accommodation for a diagnosed disability (permanent or temporary), Student Accessibility Services will support you. 
  • Register with Student Accessibility Services. 
  • Meet with an Intake Advisor. 

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

The MSLC offers assistance if you are in first-year math and statistics courses.

Assistance is offered both through , a campus-wide tutoring platform, and through private tutors on the . 

On-campus Services
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student; Equity-seeking Individual
  • The Black Student Support Coordinator is committed to supporting and advocating for the holistic success and overall well-being of Black, Caribbean and African students in academic and non-academic matters by providing confidential referrals to resources and options and assisting students as they navigate difficult or crisis situations in the university environment.  
  • Addressing Black students’ direct needs is the utmost priority of the Black Student Support Coordinator. 

Learning Services
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student; Equity-seeking Individual

The WINONE office in the Faculty of Engineering promotes a positive learning experience and environment for all of our first-year engineering students

Whether your transition is from high school to a local or international college or university, our WINONE first-year office is here to guide you in this new and demanding environment.

Services offered by the WINONE office include the following:

  • General advising and counselling
  • Orientation and advising for new students
  • Non-academic student counselling

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

We offer programs and services that help students transition to and through university life, support students in maintaining their well-being and mental health, encourage leadership development, fund co-curricular activities, enhance student support and engagement, and assist with off-campus living!

Health and Wellness
Admitted Student; Current University Student; Equity-seeking Individual; Parent or Supporter; Other

Student Health, Counselling and Wellness Services is your one-stop shop to address your wellness needs at UWindsor. We assist students in understanding, developing and fulfilling their own potential so that they can get the most out of their university experience while also managing the obstacles and challenges that come with it.

Our office provides student-centered medical services, counselling options, wellness programming and resources to support you in your university journey. 

Career Services
Admitted Student; Current University Student

The Career Centre offers numerous career support services and experiential learning programs designed to help bridge the classroom and the workplace, connecting students with the resources they need to navigate their career paths with confidence. Starting with developing a solid career plan, we emphasize taking a proactive approach to career planning, including exploring various career paths, developing skills and making professional connections, all the while reflecting on your experiences to allow for more informed decision making.

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

With a footprint larger than a major city block, the impressive 119,000 sq. ft. sports and recreation facility offers versatile spaces and a wide range of amenities for UWindsor students, employees, alumni and the Windsor-Essex community. 

With a continued emphasis on health, fitness and wellness, and a dedication to accessibility, the Toldo Lancer Centre promotes and provides opportunities for physical and social activities across all ages, fitness levels, abilities and stages of life.

This project became a reality thanks to a historic $55 million contribution from UWindsor students—the largest ever by Canadian university students—along with support from private and community partnerships.

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Learning Services
Admitted Student; Current University Student

Dedicated, highly skilled faculty, clinical instructors, staff and an enthusiastic student body enhance the education experience of UWindsor nursing students by offering a variety of support services, which include, but are not limited to: 

  • Peer mentors (Nursing Lab) 
  • First-year support and tutoring 
  • Academic and career advising 
  • Student counselling services 

International Student Services
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Parent or Supporter

The Centre for English Language Development is your hub for academic, professional and recreational language training.

The English Language Improvement Program (ELIP) is offered online, so you can choose to acheive your English language proficiency requirements from anywhere in the world. An in-person option is also available.

Course Equivalents to High School Courses
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student

At UWindsor, we are committed to recognizing what you have already learned. We prioritize your most recent academic achievement when determining admissibility, and provide a full review of your previous courses for potential transfer credit after you are accepted at the University of Windsor.

is for reference only and reflects courses previously assessed for transfer credit to the University of Windsor. The database is updated regularly as courses are being reviewed on an ongoing basis.

You can also look through the to see how courses completed at other Ontario postsecondary institutions may be transferred to programs at UWIndsor.

Orientation
Admitted Student

Summer orientation for incoming undergraduate students starting their studies in September. 

  • Learn about the differences between high school and university and the skills needed to be successful in a university environment. 
  • Become acquainted with the physical campus and the location of your first-year classes. 
  • Connect with other incoming and upper-year students in your program. 
  • Please be sure to interact with faculty and program advisors within your faculty. 
  • Purchase your first piece of campus swag! 
  • Sign the class banner. 
  • Enter the daily draw to win a $500 tuition award. 
  • Separate orientation for parents, guests and other supporters. 

Learning Services
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student
  • You're dedicated, you're disciplined, and your GPA shows it. Outstanding Scholars enrolls high achieving students starting their second year and gives them paid research opportunities. Achieve the most outstanding version of yourself! 
  • The Outstanding Scholars Program provides Outstanding Scholars candidates with a mentoring and leadership curriculum during their first year. Outstanding Scholars candidates are invited to apply for the Outstanding Scholarship program at the end of their first year. 
  • Outstanding Scholars are paid to do research outside class, working for faculty members. This unique opportunity lasts for 3 years, during your second, third and fourth years of undergraduate study.

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

The Odette Student Success Centre, located in-house on the first floor of the Odette School of Business, provides personalized student support by a team of highly skilled and experienced advisors. Our services are dedicated to business students through a centralized hub of information and assistance to help you along your university career. Some of the Academic Advising services we offer include:

  • Understanding academic regulations, procedures and your degree requirements
  • Creating or following a course sequence, registration and course selection
  • Choosing a specialization and adding/choosing a minor
  • Developing a plan to navigate university life deal with academic challenges
  • Getting involved and access to student clubs

Throughout your studies at Odette, we’re here to provide you with a competitive advantage in the job marketplace. Among the many services available, our Odette Career Advisors assist in choosing the right career path and help strengthen their employability. As a business student, you’ll have access to career programming and one-on-one career advising appointments year-round. Some of the Career Advising services we offer include:

  • Cover letter preparation, resume development, mock interview sessions
  • Career advising, job search and employment strategies, LinkedIn profile critiques
  • Professional designations and post-graduate education options

Additionally, you can attend academic and career development workshops and group activities that provide guidance, information and advice in the following areas:

  • Specialization fairs and recruitment events
  • Information sessions including professional designations, graduate studies, study skills
  • Corporate and alumni networking events

For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Learning Services
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student; Current University Student; Parent or Supporter

As a student mentor, you will receive training to act as a peer-learning facilitator in certain first-year classes. 

Transform the First Year: Transform provides you with the academic skills that you will need to start your first year through a series of modules relating to Academic Success.

Learning Services
Pre-Grade 12 Student; Grade 12 Student; Admitted Student

Bridge to University for Individuals with Learning Disabilities (LD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivitiy Disorder (ADHD)

The BUILD Program is a transition program for high school students entering their first year at university who have documented learning disabilities and/or ADHD.

During this program, students will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about the variety of services and supports available through Student Accessibility Services
  • Discover valuable techniques, strategies and technology to help maximize their learning potential
  • Meet and socialize with fellow students, colleagues and university staff and faculty
  • Orientation to campus life while exploring the unique opportunities and challenges faced by students with disabilities.
  • Participate in additional learning skills workshops at strategic points throughout the semester BUILD's objective is to provide critical information allowing students with disabilities to be successful in their university careers.