What should I do before classes begin?
It's helpful to learn about university expectations, opportunities, services and timelines before you arrive. Connect to Online Orientation, a week-by-week digest of campus opportunities that are available to you as a student.
Speak with a faculty advisor
Program Advising
Map out which courses you need to take, and when you need to take them. Program advisors from your faculty can provide you with insight into the best way to approach your degree.
Build your academic skill set
Student Support
The Student Success Centre (SSC) offers seminars, workshops and programs to support all your academic needs. No matter which faculty you're in, the SSC can help you become a more effective, efficient and confident student.
Explore UCalgary's academic majors
Exploring Majors
Not sure if the degree you're enrolled in is right for you? A Student Success Centre advisor can help you choose a program best suited to your interests, abilities and career aspirations.
UCalgary Essentials
IT Username
Your IT username (also known as your eID) is what you'll use to log in to your UCalgary email and D2L. You'll also need it to register for courses, pay your fees, and more.
Unicard
Your Unicard is your campus identification card. You’ll need it for writing exams, borrowing books, accessing the gym, using your meal plan and more.
UPass
If you're a full-time student, your tuition includes a UPass, which is an unlimited transit pass. To get your UPass, you’ll need to get your Unicard first.
*The UPass program will be suspended until 2021*
UC Emergency App
Available on your iPhone or Android device, this app's features include campus emergency notifications, a help line, a sexual violence disclosure function and more.
New student checklist
Desire2Learn (D2L)
Desire2Learn is UCalgary’s online learning management system for students. D2L is where you’ll find course content, submit assignments and take quizzes for all of your classes.
Sign-up for Orientation
Set yourself up for success in university by registering for Fall Orientation. Meet other new students, and learn about academics and the campus community through events, workshops and more.
Online Orientation
Online Orientation is a way for you to connect with important information, ask questions, and learn about topics like academic advising, writing support, and co-curricular activities before, and throughout your first year.
Buy your textbooks
Visit the UCalgary Bookstore website for information on how to get the textbooks you need for the upcoming semester. If you don’t know which books you need yet, your course outline will be uploaded to D2L before classes begin.
Ways to get involved now
You at UCalgary
Typically, this this event is packed with lectures, Q&A sessions, and information booths to teach you about academic and campus life at UCalgary. Keep an eye out for your invite this spring for details about in-person or online delivery.
Campus Mental Health Support
There are many mental health supports available to new students. Whether it's concerns about COVID-19, self isolation or anything else, take a moment to learn more about the Campus Mental Health Strategy and how to get support at UCalgary.
Online Learning
Why not brush up on your online learning skills? Participate in workshops where new students can learn about academic integrity, group work and how to thrive when working online. Workshops begin in July.
Campus Tours
Never visited campus? Now's the time! Follow the link to take one of our our virtual video tours, or join a our current students to check out our popular study spaces, fitness facilities, labs, residences. Connect and take a tour of campus today!
Do you have questions about university life? Check out Online Orientation, an information resource for first-year students. Log in to Online Orientation