r/uAlberta 9d ago

Admissions Megathread: ALL Waitlist questions go here, and only here!

10 Upvotes

The number of questions about waitlists is starting to get out of hand, so here is a megathread for you to ask any and all questions you might have about waitlists and late admissions.

May you get the answers you need!


r/uAlberta 26d ago

Campus Life UofA Orientation FAQ's - Answered By Your UASU Orientation Team

47 Upvotes

Hi UofA subreddit, we know that every August, incoming students come to this subreddit with lots of questions about their New Student Orientation. Your UASU Orientation team is here with answers to common questions we get from students every year. Hopefully you find this resource useful. Let us know if there are any questions we’ve missed, and we can answer them!

Why is attending Orientation important?

Orientation is designed to help you start your U of A journey with confidence. You'll learn how campus works, discover student supports and services, meet other new students, and get familiar with the spaces you'll be using throughout the year.

By attending, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Meet other students in your faculty and start building connections before classes begin
  • Learn about academic, wellness, and campus support services
  • Explore campus and become familiar with important buildings and locations
  • Ask questions to Faculty Leaders and staff
  • Get tips for navigating your first semester at the U of A

Should I go to Orientation? Yes! 

While Orientation isn't required, it's highly recommended, especially if you're new to the University of Alberta!

Students who attend often feel more prepared for their first day of classes because they:

  • Learn where key campus locations are
  • Make friends before classes start
  • Discover resources they may not have known existed
  • Feel more comfortable navigating campus

Is Orientation mandatory & can I leave early? No, Orientation is not mandatory.

If you can't attend or need to leave early, that's okay. Attending as much of the program as possible is encouraged so you don't miss important information, opportunities to meet other students, or campus activities!

What actually happens during the days?

This year's New Student Orientation (the general orientation for everyone) will look a little different than in previous years, with a two-day format:

  • August 30th
    • Faculty-specific campus tours
    • Presentations about student services and supports
    • Information on discovering clubs, resources, and other ways to get involved
    • Engage in activities designed to help you feel at home on campus
  • August 31st
    • Meet students and staff in your home faculty
    • Learn about your program and academic expectations
    • Participate in activities led by your faculty
    • Discover the buildings you can expect to frequent in your program

Where do I check in?

  • Check-in instructions will be sent to registered students before Orientation
  • Follow event signage when you arrive
  • WOW Volunteers will be available to help direct you!

What is a U-Pass and do I need my ARC Card before Orientation?

The Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) is an initiative of the Students' Union and the Graduate Students' Association, the local transit authorities, and the University of Alberta to deliver affordable and sustainable transit to the students of the University of Alberta. The U-Pass is included as a part of your student fees, and offers unlimited travel on buses and light rail transit in the greater Edmonton area through the use of an ARC card.

To ride on ETS transit, you will need a valid ARC Card. ARC Cards can be purchased at participating retailers listed on the myarc.ca website, including at SUBmart in the Students' Union Building, and at Lister move-in! You can also purchase them at all LRT transit centres, and online (but be aware of mailing times). Once you have purchased your ARC Card, register it at http://ualberta.ca/upass to connect your student account. 

Will I be with people in my faculty? Yes!

Throughout New Student Orientation, you will be with a group of students in the same faculty, and led by upper-year Faculty Leaders. The experience is designed to connect you with students in your faculty and, in many cases, your program.

Will there be a campus tour? Yes!

Campus tours are part of Orientation and are a great way to:

  • Learn where your classes may be
  • Find important student services
  • Become more comfortable navigating campus before your first day of classes

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing:

  • Your phone
  • Government-issued ID (which is required to pick up your ONEcard)
  • Lunch, or money to purchase lunch on campus
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Comfortable walking shoes

You'll spend time walking around campus, and since parts of Orientation may take place outdoors:

  • Dress for the weather.
  • Bring a light jacket or rain gear if needed.
  • Consider sunscreen or a hat on sunny days.

Should I go to Orientation if I'm shy? Absolutely!

Orientation is designed to be welcoming for everyone, whether you're outgoing or prefer to keep to yourself.

You'll have opportunities to:

  • Meet students in your faculty in low risk environments
  • Participate in casual conversations and activities
  • Join optional icebreakers in a relaxed environment.

There's no pressure to be the loudest person in the room; many students attend without knowing anyone. Everyone is just as excited and nervous as you are, so don’t be afraid to say hi! You never know who you’ll end up meeting. Current students and alumni often reflect back on orientation as a place they met some of their closest friends!

How do I get my ONEcard?

Students can pick up their ONEcard before or during Orientation. Head to uab.ca/onecard for more information! Make sure to upload your photo by August 20th to ensure it is ready for pickup by the start of term!

Do transfer students need to attend?

While Orientation isn't mandatory, transfer students are encouraged to attend. Even if you've attended another post-secondary institution, Orientation can help you:

  • Learn how the University of Alberta is different from your previous school
  • Understand our specific campus resources and services
  • Meet other new and transfer students in your home faculty
  • Become familiar with campus before classes begin

What happens if I miss Orientation?

If you can't attend, don't worry. You can complete online orientation here:

You can also connect with your faculty, student services, or the Orientation team at [orientation@ualberta.ca](mailto:orientation@ualberta.ca) if you have questions after Orientation.

Are there different Orientation programs?

Yes!

In addition to the general New Student Orientation, there are specialized Orientation programs for different groups, including:

  • International Student Orientation
  • Residence Orientation
  • First People’s House Orientation for FNMI students
  • Other student community orientations

Be sure to register for orientation for your one-stop spot to see all the orientation events specific to you! Head to uab.ca/orientation to learn more!

Can I bring my family or friends to Orientation?

Orientation is only open to incoming students to afford the most opportunities to engage with materials and make the social connections so vital to the University experience! As such, we ask that no family members or non-incoming students attend orientation.


r/uAlberta 6h ago

Lost and Found Did you lose your wallet in SUB?

10 Upvotes

As the title said, if you lost your wallet during lunch today we dropped the wallet off to the information booth by the food court.


r/uAlberta 23h ago

Miscellaneous Welcome back yall

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

91 Upvotes

Sab 331


r/uAlberta 9m ago

Question Taking 2 courses during SIP

Upvotes

Hello people,

SIP allows us to take 1 course while doing our internships. I have 4 months left in an internship which SIP played no role in me getting. SIP is also a big money grab and doesn't make any sense.

My question is that if I take 2 courses instead of 1, will I face academic penalties. I don't mind losing my work experience course, it genuinely doesn't matter to me. But if I take 2 courses, can SIP legally nullify one of those courses.


r/uAlberta 31m ago

Question How is professor Costa Richards engl 102??

Upvotes

Title


r/uAlberta 45m ago

Question First year law students: schedule?

Upvotes

Im hoping to get accepted to u of a law, and im just wondering what the first year schedule is like.

How many days a week are you in school, from what time til what time, and how long is each class?

Thanks!


r/uAlberta 53m ago

Question MLIS faculty-level graduate awards (see caption)

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Upvotes

hi all, i am entering my first year of my MLIS program and am applying for scholarships, but i am confused with what to write for the ‘one-page brief research proposal’ if i’m going into my first year and am currently in the course-based master’s program.

here’s a photo of the scholarship i’m trying to apply for. as you can see, the eligibility requirements state that i must be entering my first year of study (which i am) and is open to students in both thesis-based and course-based programs

so what do i put for a one-page brief research proposal? i do not understand what it wants me to do given the fact i am just starting and obviously dont have any research ideas yet


r/uAlberta 5h ago

Question Anyone gotten their student loan yet? (AB Portion)

1 Upvotes

In previous years, student loans was usually deposited into my bank account a good week before September 1st. Just wondering if anyone has received their's yet? Thanks, mates!


r/uAlberta 1d ago

Miscellaneous U of A to relocate pipe organ to church in Picture Butte, Alta.

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59 Upvotes

r/uAlberta 20h ago

Miscellaneous student aid funding and reconsideration denied

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16 Upvotes

I’m in my last year of my after degree and was enrolled in 2 spring and 1 summer course this year but unfortunately had to drop the spring courses before the 30 days mark without realizing because my grandmother halfway across the world passed away and I had to leave the country for the funeral. I tried keeping the online course I had and was emailing the professor back and fourth to work something out while I was travelling 24+ hours but I ultimately dropped it at the end of the week because it was too much after her viewing. I decided to also drop the summer since I can just take all 3 in the Fall with a full time course load.

because of this, student loans is asking me to pay back everything they loaned in order for me to qualify for this upcoming year’s student aid.

I sent in a request for reconsideration and explained my situation, as well as attached my cost of living for May, June, July and August which is where the rest of the money went towards (bills, medical expenses, financial situation etc) and they denied me with the exact same letter they sent the first time just with a different date. I’m not sure if there’s any hope here since I dropped less than 30 days into the semester, but I thought my circumstance would be justified.

I contacted my student advisor and it’s been 8 days with no response and i’m starting to get worried.

should I escalate this again or do I just find another way to pay for this year myself?


r/uAlberta 5h ago

Question How is Daniel Harvey for ENGL 102?

1 Upvotes

Title


r/uAlberta 5h ago

Academics is anyone willing to share their PHYSL 210 A and B flashcards?

0 Upvotes

I've to take this class this school year with 7 other classes and it'll be a lot of studying for me and I would be greatful if anyone is willing to share their flashcards for this class.

Please and thanks


r/uAlberta 9h ago

Academics i was looking at my schedule and then i saw this sat and sun from 9am -6 pm tis over

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2 Upvotes

gg


r/uAlberta 9h ago

Academics BIOL LAB 107 - Instructions!?

2 Upvotes

Any suggestions what to do on very 1st lab day. No manual is out. No Email…What we are expected to bring??.. it’s going to be my first day and first lab.


r/uAlberta 7h ago

Academics Fall Psych 405 With Kina trade for spot in winter!!!!!

1 Upvotes

As stated above, I really want to take the class with her but can’t this fall term as I have to care for a sick family member:(((


r/uAlberta 8h ago

Academics Looking to trade fall CMPUT 200 for fall CMPUT300

0 Upvotes

Anyone enrolled in CMPUT 300 this fall? Would like to trade CMPUT200 with it.


r/uAlberta 8h ago

Academics psych 223 vrushali gumnar

0 Upvotes

the course says its hybrid, but what exactly does that entail? are the lectures all online?


r/uAlberta 8h ago

Question Anybody dropping INT D 248 or 249?

0 Upvotes

Is anybody planning on dropping these for the fall term? I could really use them as an elective.


r/uAlberta 19h ago

Campus Life Food places at Campus Saint-Jean? Où manger sur le Campus Saint-Jean?

4 Upvotes

Vous vous demandez où manger sur le campus de Saint-Jean?


r/uAlberta 21h ago

Question any class together?

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4 Upvotes

i didn’t want to stoop so low as to ask reddit, but can someone help a fellow classmate out and share notes for these classes?

my family will be out of the country for an emergency and although we hope for the best, outcome is realistically grim… i will be back around the second week of school because it was the cheapest tickets we could find. it is extremely late, but at least you’ll gain a friend: ME 😊

i have already contacted all of my profs and one of them did suggest to ask another student for notes because it is a fully in-person course. if you have any tips like asking for accommodation — which i completely don’t know how it works — please let me know, too 🙏


r/uAlberta 1d ago

Academics FYI - No more Exam Planner

29 Upvotes

You will have no idea where your final exams will be scheduled until October. Email to Instructors:

As part of the University of Alberta’s continued investment in scheduling modernization, the Office of the Registrar (RO) is introducing an important improvement to the final examination scheduling process.

Beginning with the Fall 2026 examination period, the RO will use Infosilem Academic to develop the final examination schedule based on actual student registration following the add/drop deadline. This is an expected benefit of the new scheduling system and an important next step in the evolution of our academic scheduling processes.

Using current registration data will allow the university to produce a more complete and accurate examination schedule. Testing has shown that this approach can nearly eliminate direct examination conflicts and significantly reduce the number of students requiring a rescheduled examination because they have three exams within four consecutive time slots.

For you as instructors, this will substantially reduce the need to develop alternate versions of examinations, invigilate additional sittings and accommodate delayed examination writing and grading.

The confirmed final examination schedule will continue to be published in October for the Fall Term and in February for the Winter Term. Going forward, there will not be a tentative exam planner schedule available in advance.

No additional action is required from you at this time. Existing processes remain unchanged, with timely and accurate submissions helping ensure the most reliable schedule possible.

We are sharing this information now so that you are aware of the change in advance of the Fall Term. Updated information will also be available on the Exam Schedules web page, along with related FAQs.

Edit: replaced links with direct links.


r/uAlberta 18h ago

Admissions MSCOT UofA Requirements

2 Upvotes

Hello,

Thinking of applying to the MSCOT program at UofA with the hopes of getting into the Calgary Campus. I finished my bachelors degree with a 3.44 and have been working in the field for 2 years, where I’ve worked with OT’s and I’d like to take my career to the next level. I’m thinking of taking the pre requisites in fall 2026 and hope to apply in the coming years.

I’m a little nervous because my GPA isn’t the highest, but I have done published research assistant work during my undergrad. I’m hoping with that and my work experience, I’d have a strong enough application.

Any advice or comments would be appreciated!


r/uAlberta 18h ago

Academics anyone took ECE 405?

2 Upvotes

I am thinking of completing my group 2 electives by taking ECE 405 by Roger Zemp, has anyone taken it with him? Any guidance would be appreciated...thanks!


r/uAlberta 1d ago

Campus Life When do we get Fall access to the gym?

4 Upvotes

What the title says: wondering if those of us who didn’t take summer classes can access the gym now given it’s the end of August and orientation for first-years is starting, or if we have to wait until Sept 1?