What should I do before classes begin?
It's helpful to learn about university expectations, opportunities, services and timelines before you arrive. Beginning in June, be sure to check out our Online Orientation modules. Here, you will learn about academics, extra-curricular opportunities and personal wellness at the university.
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 Mobile App
Available on your iPhone or Android device, this app includes a contact button to help you reach Campus Security quickly, emergency alerts to keep you up-to-date on incidents, 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 your textbooks for the upcoming semester. If you don’t know which books you need yet, your course outline will be uploaded to D2L close to when 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. The event will be held online this year, so be sure to accept your offer and register at the link below.
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 by clicking the courses icon at the top of the page, and selecting "UCalgary Online Orientation 2021 - 2022." Visit the site