Thriving Foundations: Community Connections

This summer we want your student to have an opportunity to connect with their fellow incoming classmates. With that in mind, we're offering Thriving Foundations: Community Connections. The event will bring together students for an intensive day of learning and fun in August. While the program will have in person opportunities, we're also planning on offering virtual connection for students unable to join on campus. Visit the link above for details and registration. Registration closes July 28 at midnight; register now!

Western Libraries

Does your student have a question about Western Libraries or how to do research? No problem! We have an online chat service called 'Ask A Librarian.' We're on-hand to answer all kinds of questions, from simple ones like when we’re open, to more complicated questions like how to find a specific article or how to start a research project. Don't forget our website is a great source of info on how to get started.

Is Accessible Education for Your Student?

• If they were accommodated in high school, then YES.
• If they had an IEP in high school, then YES.
• If they have a disability and have concerns about accessibility at Western, then YES.

Remind them to connect with us early. We are here all summer to help. The best time to meet (virtually) with an Accessible Education Counsellor is after they have registered in courses. Email aew@uwo.ca to book an appointment, or register online.

Using a Residence Meal Plan

Students in residence will be able to use their Residence Meal Plan to enjoy food from any one of the seven dining halls. Funds (food credit) are uploaded on the student’s Western ONECard at the beginning of the academic year. The meal plan follows a declining balance system - when a student swipes their ONECard to make a purchase, the amount is deducted from their overall balance. Students are encouraged to budget their meal plan dollars and can easily check their balance or top up online throughout the year.

Off-Campus Housing Support

If your student is living off campus for their first year, Western’s Off-Campus Housing Service is dedicated to helping your student during their time living off campus. Students can browse a range of rental listings in the online directory or book an appointment with our Off-Campus Housing Advisors for assistance with landlord relationships, roommate conflicts, bylaw questions and other concerns.

Meal Plans for Off-Campus Students

Choose the perfect Campus Meal Plan for your student! For students not living in residence, these meal plans are accepted at more than 20 campus eateries, 70 vending machines, and our many off-campus dining partners. A Campus Meal Plan provides flexibility and savings up to 13% for on-campus meals -- with unused credit rolling into the next year.

Health & Dental Plan

The University Students' Council (USC) is pleased to provide eligible, full-time undergraduate students at Western health and dental coverage through our PurpleCare plan. Students are automatically assessed the premiums and enrolled in the plan, as well as the myWellness program, which offers many mental health support resources. Coverage begins September 1 through August 31 of the following year. If a student already has an equivalent extended health plan, they can opt-out of the PurpleCare plan by visiting the link below, following the instructions listed under the "Enrollment Options" section and uploading proof of alternative health coverage.  Opt-outs open July 1, 2021 until September 23, 2021 at 11:30 p.m. ET. Extensions and late opt-outs are not available.

Vaccinations Accommodation for Residence Students

Incoming students are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible and those living in residence will be required to have received at least their first COVID-19 vaccine dose within 14 days following their moving into residence. If your student cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons or for sincerely held creed/religious beliefs, they may request an accommodation form by emailing housingrequests@uwo.ca, indicating the accommodation ground pertaining to your situation. Western intends to operate a vaccination and testing centre on campus this fall, which will offer first and second doses to campus community members who are eligible to receive one, subject to available supply.

Audition for an Ensemble

You don't have to be a music student to join an ensemble in the Don Wright Faculty of Music. If you were part of your high school band, orchestra, or choir, you are welcome to audition online this summer! Full details including audition excerpts are available online.

What's in the UCC?

The University Community Centre (UCC) is home to a wide range of services that support and complement life at Western including apparel from the Purple Store; dining out at The Wave; health services at the On-Campus Pharmacy, chiropractor and dental office; healthy food options at Grocery Checkout; and so much more! Click the link below to see a full list of services and retailers.