About
U-Start activities are designed to kick-start your student life at the University of Saskatchewan (USask)! As a newly admitted undergraduate student, you have some important milestones coming up. U-Start can help you:
- Learn how to choose classes
Look for in-person or online activities hosted by your college to help you prepare for registration in June. - Get a head start
Joining a Learning Community or taking a summer class are great ways to start your first year. - Access support
All new students have questions. Your college and USask student services are here to help!
How to prepare for U-Start
Accept your offer
Applicants and admitted undergraduate students are welcome to join U-Start activities, but you must have accepted your offer of admission before you can:
- Access your USask email account
- Access students-only channels in PAWS discussed at U-Start
- Sign up for Learning Communities or register for classes
International tuition deposit
Most international undergraduate students are required to pay a tuition deposit before being able to register for classes.
International tuition depositLog in to PAWS
Before attending U-Start, be sure to familiarize yourself with PAWS, your personalized access to web services at USask, at paws.usask.ca. Use your NSID (e.g. abc123) and password to log in.
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).
Check out resources for new students
Visit the new students webpage for information collected to ease your transition to university.
Visit our classes and registration webpage for instructions and video tutorials on how to register for classes.
U-Start Saskatoon Campus
Join other new students, college staff and student service providers in-person at our beautiful campus in Saskatoon on Saturday, June 1, 2024 to participate in a full day of activity.
Please register separately for each activity you plan to attend. (e.g. one college session in the morning, optional lunch-and-learn, one or more tour in the afternoon)
College activities - Morning
Agriculture and Bioresources On-campus Session
10 am-12 pm (noon)
Agriculture Building - Beamish Conservatory (Atrium)
Register
Arts and Science On-campus Session
9-11:45 am
Arts Building, Room 143
Register
Education On-campus Session
10-11:30 am
Education Building, Room 2014
Register
Edwards School of Business On-campus Session
9:30 am-12 pm (noon)
Edwards School of Business, Room 18
Register
Engineering On-campus Session
9-11:45 am
Engineering Building west entrance (off of Campus Drive)
Register
Kinesiology On-campus Session
10-11:30 am
Physical Activity Complex, Room 246
Register
Lunch - 12 pm (noon)
Lunch-and-Learn
12 pm (noon)-1 pm
Health Science Building - E-Wing, Room 1150 (next to Tim Hortons)
Register
Lunch will be provided only to those pre-registered for the lunch-and-learn session.
For those not participating in the lunch-and-learn, most food service locations on campus are closed on weekends throughout the summer. However, there are several nearby restaurants on College Drive.
U-Start Prince Albert Campus
Visit the University of Saskatchewan Prince Albert Campus at 1061 Central Avenue to meet Prince Albert Campus and Saskatoon Campus staff, representatives from colleges and student services, and other new USask students. Students planning to study at the Prince Albert or Saskatoon campuses, or other locations, are all welcome.
Attend an information session designed to introduce you to the next steps to prepare for university, followed by breakout sessions with your college.
U-Start Prince Albert Campus
Thursday, May 30, 5-7 pm CST
USask Prince Albert Campus, 1061 Central Avenue, Prince Albert SK
Register
Schedule
U-Start Information Session
5-6 pm
College Sessions
6-7 pm
- Agriculture and Bioresources - Virtual presentation
- Arts and Science - In-person presentation
- Education - Virtual presentation
- Edwards School of Business - In-person presentation
Other college activities
All activities are hosted in Central Standard Time (Saskatchewan Time).
Many colleges offer opportunities to connect throughout May and June. Check the tab for your college to find the activities offered in-person and/or online.
How to Prepare for Registration
Join the AgBio Student Services team to learn:
- how to navigate the class registration system and resources,
- how to choose classes depending on the program you're interested in, and
- how to build a schedule.
Thursday, May 30, 6-7 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Tuesday, June 4, 5-6 pm CST
Zoom
Register
How to Register in Your LC Course Block
Have you signed up for an AgBio Learning Community (LC)? Complete your LC course registration in a low-stakes atmosphere with the support of LC staff. We’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have about Learning Communities. To have the best experience at this session, check your registration status in PAWS beforehand to make sure you're eligible to register.
Thursday, June 6, 5-6 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Monday, June 10, 12 (noon)-1 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Student Experience Instagram Live
Join us for an interactive experience where an AgBio student will be sharing all about their time in the College of AgBio, including learning communities, extracurriculars, and what you need to know to prepare for your first year of university! We will also be taking your questions!
Wednesday, May 29, 7-7:30 pm CST
@agbiousask
Registration is not required
Building Your First-Year Schedule
Need more support with choosing your classes and navigating PAWS course registration? Our academic advisors will work with you in a follow-along workshop so that you feel comfortable navigating PAWS and using the Plan Ahead tool to design a first-year schedule that works for you.
Monday, June 3, 12 (noon)-1 pm CST
Unibuddy
Register
Tuesday, June 11, 5-6 pm CST
Unibuddy
Register
Finances in Your First Year!
In this session, you will learn more about the cost of living in your first year and how to make a realistic budget while in studying.
Wednesday, June 5, 6-7 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Friday, June 14, 8-9 am CST
Zoom
Register
How to Register in Your LC Course Block
Have you signed up for a First-year Learning Experience (FLEX) or Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) Learning Community (LC)? Complete your LC course registration in a low-stakes atmosphere with the support of LC staff. We’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have about Learning Communities. To have the best experience at this session, check your registration status in PAWS beforehand to make sure you're eligible to register.
Thursday, June 6, 5-6 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Monday, June 10, 12 (noon)-1 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Arts and Science Livestream Q&A
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 getting involved on campus, student supports, and the Arts and Science first year experience. This is your chance to get to know the college and ask any burning questions!
Wednesday, June 12, 8-9 am CST
Unibuddy
Register
Wednesday, June 12, 6-7 pm CST
Unibuddy
Register
Indigenous-Focused Group Advising
Meet our Indigenous student advisors and ISAP staff to learn about Indigenous-specific supports on campus, as well as ask any questions you have about band funding. This session convers all content from mainstream group advising, with additional supports in choosing classes and information about course registration.
Thursday, May 23, 3-4:30 pm CST
Zoom
Register
International-Focused Group Advising
With an international focus, this group advising session covers all content from mainstream group advising, with an additional question-and-answer period to have immigration questions answered by a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor.
Friday, May 24, 8-9:30 am CST
Zoom
Register
Pre-Nursing Group Advising
Join the College of Nursing to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Find out what classes you need in your Arts and Science pre-professional year before applying to Nursing. Meet Nursing advisors who are ready to answer your questions and help you start your journey to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN)!
Wednesday, June 5, 3-4:30 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Other advising opportunities
First-Year Group Advising
Monday-Thursday, various times
Learn more
In-Person and Online Advising
Varies
Learn more and Book an appointment
U-Start College of Education
Join our virtual session for a guided tour of PAWS, including registration, courses, and program requirements. There will be a question-and-answer session to follow.
Saturday, May 25, 10-11:30 am CST
Zoom
Register
Early/Middle Years Program – Teaching Areas and Program
Students admitted to the Early/Middle Years program route are invited to join this “mini” U-Start Session to learn more about teaching areas and program requirements.
Monday, May 27, 12:15-12:45 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Let’s Talk Registration – Helpful hints, tips and tricks!
New Education students are invited to join this “mini” U-Start Session to learn more about finding your registration date, searching for classes, and using PAWS to register!
Tuesday, May 28, 5-5:30 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Secondary Program – Teaching Areas and Program Plans
Students admitted to the Secondary program route are invited to join this “mini” U-Start Session to learn more about teaching areas and program requirements.
Wednesday, May 29, 12:15-12:45 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Kinesiology/Education Combined Program Session
Wondering what classes you need to take in your first year? Find out everything you need to know about teaching areas, registration, and program requirements for the Kinesiology/Education Combined program!
Thursday, May 30, 6:30-7:30 pm CST
USask Saskatoon Campus, Physical Activity Complex, Room 232
Register
Drop-in Advising
Drop in to speak with an advisor and ask any questions you have about being a new Education student! No registration required.
Tuesday, June 4-Friday, June 7, 1-5 pm CST
In-person - Saskatoon campus, Education Building, 3rd Floor, Room 3350
By phone - 1-306-966-7654
Monday, June 10-Friday, June 14, 1-5 pm CST
In-person - Saskatoon campus, Education Building, 3rd Floor, Room 3350
By phone - 1-306-966-7654
Edwards Virtual U-Start Sessions
U-Start is an opportunity for incoming Business students to learn how to register for courses at the University of Saskatchewan.
Tuesday, May 28, 4:30-6 pm CST
Unibuddy
Register
Wednesday, June 5, 7:30-9 pm CST
Unibuddy
Register
Edwards International-focused U-Start Session
This event is focused on things to know for incoming international students.
Tuesday, June 11, 8:30-10 am CST
Unibuddy
Register
How to Register in Your LC Course Block
Have you signed up for an Edwards Learning Community (LC)? Complete your LC course registration in a low-stakes atmosphere with the support of LC staff. We’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have about Learning Communities. To have the best experience at this session, check your registration status in PAWS beforehand to make sure you're eligible to register.
Thursday, June 6, 5-6 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Monday, June 10, 12 (noon)-1 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Academics in RE-ENGINEERED: College of Engineering
Learn about academics, course registration, your classes, tech requirements, and how to be successful in first-year engineering!
Monday, May 27, 7-8:30 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Student Experience and Co-op Internships: College of Engineering
Learn about engineering careers, the co-op internship program, student groups, and meet upper year students to learn about their experience and what it’s like to study at USask Engineering!
Wednesday, May 29, 7-8:30 pm CST
Zoom
Register
How to Register in Your LC Course Block
Have you signed up for a Kinesiology Learning Community (LC)? Complete your LC course registration in a low-stakes atmosphere with the support of LC staff. We’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have about Learning Communities. To have the best experience at this session, check your registration status in PAWS beforehand to make sure you're eligible to register.
Thursday, June 6, 5-6 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Monday, June 10, 12 (noon)-1 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Student services sessions
USask Student Services and Supports
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 question-and-answer session! Learn about student services like Access and Equity Services, the University Library, the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre, and more!
Tuesday, May 28, 12 pm (noon)-1 pm CST
Zoom
Register
International Student Sessions
Meet International Students Centre and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) staff as they help prepare you for university as a new, undergraduate international student. There will be a small presentation on pre-arrival and expectations followed by a question-and-answer period.
Friday, May 31, 7:30-8:30 am CST
Zoom
Register
Friday, May 31, 12:30-1:30 pm CST
Zoom
Register
USask Residence Session
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.
Friday, June 14, 12 pm (noon)-1 pm CST
Zoom
Register
Parents and other supporters
Join the University of Saskatchewan for a virtual information session for student supporters (parents, guardians, guidance counsellors, etc.) and learn more about the next steps to prepare your student for university as a new USask undergraduate student.
Parents and other supporters info session
Wednesday, May 22, 12:30-1:30 pm
Zoom
Register
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 session at U-Start Saskatoon Campus (June 1) will be recorded in Canvas for those unable to attend.
Read more information about how to join below.
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 Saskatoon Campus session (June 1) 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 2024 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.
Questions
