About

U-Start 2023 activities are completed, but you can check our new student resources to learn what to expect when you start university.

All session times are in Central Standard Time (Saskatchewan Time).

As a new admitted undergraduate student, our U-Start pre-orientation will help you kickstart your student life at the University of Saskatchewan (USask):

How to prepare for U-Start

Accept your offer

All admitted undergraduate students are welcome to join U-Start activities, but you must have accepted your offer of admission to

  • Access your USask email account
  • Access students-only channels in PAWS discussed at U-Start
  • Be eligible to sign up for Learning Communities or register for classes

Log in to PAWS

Before your U-Start session, be sure to familiarize yourself with PAWS, your personalized access to web services at USask, at paws.usask.ca. If you are having trouble accessing PAWS, contact USask's IT Support at itsupport@usask.ca or by phone at 306-966-2222 (1-800-966-4817 toll-free).

College activities

Capacity for in-person events is limited and we are not able to accommodate additional guests during the U-Start college activities.

Online activities are all are hosted in Central Standard Time (Saskatchewan Time).

Join your college activities, in person or online, to learn important information and connect with your classmates and advisors:

  • Select the drop-down menu for your college
  • In the Activity tab, click the activity link to sign up for a session

How to Prepare for Registration - AgBio

Activity Date Time Location
How to Prepare for Registration May 31 5 pm-6 pm CST Online
How to Prepare for Registration June 6 12 pm-1 pm CST Online
How to Prepare for Registration June 14 4 pm-5 pm CST Online

Join the "How to Prepare for Registration" sessions to learn how to use the course registration website. You will learn how to pick your classes and build your schedule. This workshop will allow you to follow along on your computer with the AgBio Student Services team to navigate the website and prepare for registration.

These online sessions are offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

AgBio Learning Communities sessions

Activity Date Time Location
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 12 5:30-6:30 pm CST Online
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 15 12:00-1:00 pm CST Online

The Learning Communities (LC) sessions are an opportunity for students signed up for LCs to complete their LC course registration in a low-stakes atmosphere with the support of the LC staff. We’ll also be able to answer any questions about the LC program in your college. 

Not signed up for your LC yet? Sign up now through the Learning Communities webpage.

These online sessions are offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

Arts and Science group advising

 Activity Date Time Location
College of Arts and Science Online Group Advising Mondays 12 pm-1 pm CST

Online

College of Arts and Science In-person Group Advising Tuesdays 2 pm-3 pm CST

Arts Building, Room 134

College of Arts and Science Online Group Advising Wednesdays 5 pm-6 pm CST

Online

College of Arts and Science In-person Group Advising Thursdays 5 pm-6 pm CST

Arts Building, Room 133

Missed the group advising session on June 3 as part of our On-campus Day? During the summer you can still register for in-person group advising sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, or sign up for online advising on Mondays and Wednesdays. Attending a group advising session will help you jump start your success as a first-year student. Our academic advisors will share important need-to-know information, including:

  • Planning your first year of study
  • Navigating degree requirements
  • Picking your courses and tracking your progress
  • Understanding important dates and deadlines
  • Finding resources and supports

The Group Advising online sessions are offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

Arts and Science Unibuddy Live Q&A

Activity Date Time Location
College of Arts and Science Unibuddy Live Q&A June 7 4-5 pm CST Online
College of Arts and Science Unibuddy Live Q&A June 13 4-5 pm CST Online

In this session, you will have the chance to ask current students and staff anything and everything about the College of Arts and Science. They'll answer questions about registration, PAWS, Canvas, courses, programs, student supports, and the Arts and Science First Year Handbook. This is your chance to get to know the college, and find out what it's really like to be a university student! 

These sessions are offered through Unibuddy. Learn how to join.

Arts and Science Learning Communities

Date Time Location
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 12 5:30-6:30 pm Online
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 15 12:00-1:00 pm Online

The Learning Communities (LC) sessions are an opportunity for Arts and Science FLEX LC and Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) LC students to complete their LC course registration in a low-stakes atmosphere with the support of the LC staff. We’ll also be able to answer any questions about the Learning Communities programs in your colleges. 

Not signed up for your LC yet? Check the Arts and Science Learning Communities webpage.

These online sessions are offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

Additional Education On-campus Session

 Activity Date Time Location
Education On-campus Session May 27 10 am-11:30 am Education Building, Room 1037

Unable to attend the College of Education Campus Day on June 3? Join us for this session that includes a guided tour of PAWS—including registration, courses, and program requirements. We recommend bringing a laptop computer to follow along. There will be time for a Q&A period at the end of the session. Following the college session, there will be an optional tour of the Education Building. Tours are approximately one half hour in length. 

Students are encouraged to have their NSID and password to log into PAWS for this session. If you cannot access PAWS, please contact IT Support at itsupport@usask.ca or 306-966-2222.

Education Online Sessions

Date Time Location
Education Online Session May 31 4 pm-5:30 pm CST Online
Education Online Session June 6 4 pm-5:30 pm CST Online
Education Online Session June 10 10 am-11:30 am CST Online

Unable to attend our on-campus activities? Join an online session for a guided tour of PAWS—including registration, courses, and program requirements. There will be a Q&A session to follow.

These online sessions are offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

Students are encouraged to have their NSID and password to log into PAWS for this session. If you cannot access PAWS, please contact IT Support at itsupport@usask.ca or 306-966-2222. 

Education Drop-in Advising 

Date Time Location
June 12-June 15 3-5 pm CST

Education Building,
Room 3350

By phone (306-966-7654)
*Zoom advising available upon request.

From June 12 to June 15, come and meet us on campus for drop-in advising (3-5 pm) or call us at 306-966-7654. Bring all your questions about your new journey as an Education student!

Edwards Online Sessions

 Activity Date Time Location
Edwards Online Session May 29 5 pm-6:30 pm CST Online
Edwards Online Session June 1 4:30 pm-6 pm CST Online
Edwards Online Session June 7 7 pm-8:30 pm CST Online
Edwards Online Session June 8 8:30 am-10 am CST Online
Edwards Online Session June 13 8:30 am-10 am CST Online
Edwards Online Session June 14 7 pm-8:30 om CST Online

Unable to attend our on-campus activities? Join us online! U-Start is an opportunity for incoming Business students to learn how to register for courses at the University of Saskatchewan. There will be both academic advisors and current students present to answer questions and help you create a schedule. These online sessions are open to students in all Edwards programs—Certificates and/or Bachelor of Commerce.

These online sessions are offered through Unibuddy. Read how to join.

Edwards Learning Communities Sessions

Date Time Location
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 12 5:30-6:30 pm Online
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 15 12:00-1:00 pm Online

The Learning Communities (LC) sessions are an opportunity for students signed up for LCs to complete their LC course registration in a low-stakes atmosphere with the support of the LC staff. We’ll also be able to answer any questions about the LC program in your college. 

Not signed up for your LC yet? Check the Edwards Learning Communities webpage.

These online sessions are offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

College of Engineering On-campus Tour

 Activity Date Time Location
Engineering On-campus Tour May 26 1:30 pm-3 pm Engineering building, main entrance

We're excited to help get you ready to start engineering this fall! Come visit our beautiful University of Saskatchewan Campus and learn about some of the buildings you use as a university student! During our tour we'll visit: Engineering Building, Agriculture Building, Physics Building, Biology Building, Thorvaldson Building (Chemistry), The Bowl, Place Riel, The PAC.

College of Engineering: Academics in RE-ENGINEERED Online

Activity Date Time Location
College of Engineering: Academics in RE-ENGINEERED Online June 7 7 pm-9 pm CST Online

Learn about academics, our new grading system, course registration, your classes, tech requirements, and how to be successful in first-year engineering!

This online session is offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

College Life and Co-op Internships with USask Engineering Online

Activity Date Time Location
College Life and Co-op Internships with USask Engineering Online June 13 7 pm-9 pm CST Online

Learn about our co-op internship program, the different majors we offer, student groups, and what it's like to study at USask Engineering!

This online session is offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

Kinesiology Online Session

 Activity Date Time Location
Kinesiology Online Session June 6 4 pm-5 pm CST Online

Missed our on-campus session on June 3? During our Kinesiology U-START online session you will find out what you need to know as you prepare to register for classes in June. Our presentation will show you how to look up classes and provide you with some very helpful hints before you register in June. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions and interact with the presenters. The session will provide a great opportunity to gain insight into what you can expect in your first year. Please ensure to bring your laptop or tablet so that you can participate in the session.

You only need to register for one College of Kinesiology session.

This online session is offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

Kinesiology Learning Communities

Activity Date Time Location
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 12 5:30 pm-6:30 pm Online
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 15 12 pm-1 pm Online

The Learning Communities (LC) sessions are an opportunity for students signed up for LCs to complete their LC course registration in a low-stakes atmosphere with the support of the LC staff. We’ll also be able to answer any questions about the Learning Communities programs in your college. 

Not signed up for your LC yet? Check the Learning Communities webpage.

These online sessions are offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

Activity Date Time Location
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 12 5:30 pm-6:30 pm Online
How to Register in Your LC Course Block Online Session June 15 12 pm-1 pm Online

The Learning Communities (LC) sessions are an opportunity for AgBio LC, Arts and Science FLEX LC, Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP LC), Edwards LC and Kinesiology LC students to complete their LC course registration in a low-stakes atmosphere with the support of the LC staff. We’ll also be able to answer any questions about the Learning Communities programs in your college. 

Not signed up for your LC yet? Check the Learning Communities webpage.

These online sessions are offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

Summer campus tours

Do you want to visit the USask Saskatoon campus, but can't make it on June 3? We offer tours throughout the summer.

Parent Info Session (May 25)

Time Location
12:30 pm-1:15 pm CST Online

Join the University of Saskatchewan for a virtual parent's information session to learn more the next steps to prepare your child for university as a new undergraduate student. A question and answer period will follow a brief presentation. Bring your curiosity and your questions. We look forward to introducing you to our inspired community.

Please note that we will not be able to address inquiries about the status of applications for admission that have already been submitted. If you have already applied and have questions about your application, please contact the Admissions Office by email at admissions@usask.ca or by phone at 306-966-5788.

U-Start Campus Day (June 3)

Capacity for in-person college activities is limited and we are not able to accommodate additional guests during these sessions.

Registration for U-Start Campus Day activities closes May 31, 2023. Registration for Campus Day Lunch and Learn closes May 27, 2023.

We can't wait to welcome you for a day of activities at our beautiful campus in Saskatoon on June 3, 2023. To participate:

  • Browse the list below - college activities, lunch and tours
  • Click the activity link to sign up
  • In the registration form, the activity description outlines what expect from the day and instructions to participate
College activity Time Location
College of AgBio On-Campus Day 10 am-12 pm Agriculture Building, Atrium
College of Arts and Science On-Campus Day * 9 am-12 pm Arts Building, Room 143
Edwards School of Business Campus Day 10 am-12 pm Edwards School of Business, Room 244
College of Education Campus Day 10 am-11:30 am Education Building, Room 2014
Experience Engineering On-Campus Day 9 am-12 pm Engineering Building, main entrance
College of Kinesiology On-Campus Day** 10 am-11:30 am Physical Activity Complex (PAC), Room 232
College of Kinesiology On-Campus Day** 10 am-11:30 am Physical Activity Complex (PAC), Room 246

* If you are unable to attend the Arts and Science On-campus Day, you can access the recording of our sessions via the College of Arts and Science U-Start Canvas space. Read the instructions about Canvas on this page. If you have not received an invitation to join Canvas via PAWS by May 13th, please send your NSID to artsci.recruitment@usask.ca

** Register for only one College of Kinesiology Campus Day session.

Customize your U-Start On-Campus Day experience with lunch and tours!

Activity Time Location
Campus Day Lunch and Learn*** 12 pm-1 pm Health Sciences Building, Room 1150 (E Wing)
Campus tour*** 1 pm-2 pm Health Sciences Building (E Wing)
Residence tour - College Quarter*** 1 pm-2 pm Health Sciences Building (E Wing)
Residence tour- Voyageur Place*** 1 pm-2 pm Health Sciences Building (E Wing)
Residence tour - College Quarter*** 2 pm-3 pm Health Sciences Building (E Wing)
Residence tour- Voyageur Place*** 2 pm-3 pm Health Sciences Building (E Wing)

*** You may bring additional guests for Campus Day Lunch and Learn, campus tours and residence tours. For each activity, click the link to check the number of guests we are able to accommodate. The information is included with other event details at the top of the page.

Student services sessions

Connect with USask student services to learn about the supports available to you as a student.

Click the session link to sign up.

These online sessions are offered through Zoom. Read how to join.

Usask Residence Information Session

Date Time Unit Location
Usask Residence Online Information Session June 14  12 pm-1 pm CST Residence Services Online

In this session, we will walk you through the advantages of living in residence, the application process and answer any questions you have. USask residence is not just a place to live. It's a community where students develop life-long relationships and enjoy the academic and peer support only offered through the residence experience. USask residences provide safe, welcoming, and convenient undergraduate and graduate living accommodations within walking distance of many campus amenities. We hope to meet you very soon!

Student Services Session

Date Time Unit Location
Student Services Session May 30 12 pm-1 pm CST Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre, Access and Equity Services, Retail Services, Student Central, Library Services, Career Services, Student Wellness Centre Online

Join us as we guide you through the various student services available on campus! There will be a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session! Find out information from student services like Career Services, Gordon Oaks Red Bear Student Centre, Student Wellness Centre, University Library, and more!

International Students Live Chat

Date Time Unit Location
International Students Live Chat June 2  7:30-8:30am CST International Student and Study Abroad Centre Online
International Students Live Chat June 2 12:30-1:30pm CST International Student and Study Abroad Centre Online

Join this Live Chat to learn more about the next steps to prepare for university as a new undergraduate international student. In this live Q&A, you will be able to ask our staff from the International Students and Study Abroad Centre, any questions about arrival, transition and cultural supports available to them as they prepare to start their program at the University of Saskatchewan. This will be a live chat with our representatives and you can come and go during the hour. There will be no formal presentation.

How to join online sessions

Before your U-Start session, be sure to familiarize yourself with PAWS, your personalized access to web services at USask, at paws.usask.ca. If you are having trouble accessing PAWS, contact USask's IT Support at itsupport@usask.ca or by phone at 306-966-2222 (1-800-966-4817 toll-free).

Online sessions are hosted via Zoom and Unibuddy. The Arts and Science On-Campus Day session (June 3) will be recorded in Canvas for those unable to attend.

Read more information about how to join below.

If this is your first time joining a Zoom meeting, you will be prompted to download the Zoom app when you click on a link to join sessions that are hosted on Zoom. You can download the app if you want, but you do not need the app or a Zoom account to join a webinar or meeting. You can join any Zoom meeting during this event from your web browser.

Both the College of Arts and Science and Edwards School of Business are offering sessions through Unibuddy, a platform designed to connect you with current students.  

To connect to Unibuddy sessions, be sure to first set up your Unibuddy account by visiting the Chat with an Arts and Science Student webpage or the Chat with Edwards Students and Staff webpage in advance of your scheduled college session. Each Unibuddy session can be accessed via the event links provided in when you register for these sessions.

You can also download the Unibuddy app to connect comfortably from your mobile device. Unibuddy is available on Google Play and Apple Store

The College of Arts and Science will offer a recording of its U-Start On-Campus Day session (June 3) through Canvas.

Canvas is the USask platform that you will use when you are enrolled in a course to be in touch with your instructors and other students to share content, engage in discussions, collaborate, submit assigments and receive marks.

To access the Arts and Science Canvas space:

  • Login to PAWS using your NSID and password
  • Search for Canvas in the search bar, and click on the Canvas link under Academics
  • Click the button called My Courses where you will find the course called Arts and Science U-Start 2023 starting May 13th

NOTE: If you have not received an invitation to join Canvas via PAWS by May 13th, please send your NSID to artsci.recruitment@usask.ca.

For support with PAWS and Canvas please visit our tech tips page. 

College resources

Check out your college's online resources for new students.

Welcome to the College of Agriculture and Bioresources! Whether you're entering your first year or have transferred from another post-secondary institution, our academic advisors offer personalized and confidential guidance to help you succeed. In the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, academic advising is carried out by AgBio Student Services and AgBio faculty advisors. 

Congratulations on starting your academic journey in the College of Arts and Science! We have an incredibly diverse range of academic options for you to explore, and our caring community of faculty and staff are here to ensure you get the absolute most out of your time in our college.

New to Arts and Science page

Welcome to the College of Education! We're excited to help you get ready, explore teaching area options and choose your classes. 

Watch helpful videos on our New to Education page and also check out next steps, student responsibilities and more.

Welcome to the Edwards undergraduate business program! As a new Edwards student, you probably have a lot of questions about how to create your schedule, register for classes and pay your tuition and fees. We encourage you to check in to ensure that you are prepared to begin your studies. 

Welcome to the College of Engineering! As a new student and as you work through your degree, make sure to check out the resources on our first-year students page below.

Academic advisors in the College of Kinesiology are here to help prospective and current Bachelor of Kinesiology students with questions about admission, registration, course selection, program planning, learning communities, degree completion, scholarships and bursaries and more!

We're here to help you determine the best path to degree completion and support you on your journey through the program.

Welcome to St. Thomas More College and the University of Saskatchewan! We hope that your first year will be exciting, challenging and rewarding. There are a few key things that you need to do in order to be successful at university. Check in with us to ensure you have a smooth start to your studies.

If you are planning to take classes outside of Saskatoon-including at our Prince Albert campus, at a regional college, at another off-campus site or through distance education-you will be supported not only by your college, but by local advisors and through distance education supports.

New student resources

Visit our new students webpage for everything you need to know about starting university.

Visit our classes and registration webpage for instructions and video tutorials on how to register for classes.

Questions

If you have any questions about U-Start, please contact us at ustart@usask.ca.

U-Start is made possible, in part, through the generous support of: