@THECURRENTSSC

WESTERNSSC.CA/CURRENT

@WESTERN.SSC

WESTERNSSC.CA

FIRST YEAR GUIDE 2026–2027

FIRST YEAR GUIDE

2026–2027

CHOOSE

YOUR

LEGACY

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Traditional Territory & Stewardship

Western University is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary and ancestral stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

Western University is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary and ancestral stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

Learn More at Indigenous Services →

WELCOME LETTERS

Welcome to Western!

Welcome messages from your SSC President and Science Head Soph.

Kamiylah
Tynes-McKenzie

SSC President 2026–2027

My name is Kamiylah Tynes-McKenzie, and I am so excited to introduce myself as your President of the Science Students' Council for the 2026–2027 year!

First of all, congratulations on this incredible accomplishment! Getting into one of Canada’s top universities is no small feat, and I am so excited to see you begin this new chapter filled with new people, opportunities, and experiences.

I still remember my first day walking into Medway-Sydenham…

Read Full Letter ↓

Hailey Liu

Science Head Soph 2026–2027

To the incoming class of Mustangs, WELCOME TO WESTERN! This is the start of a brand new chapter, and I hope you’re ready for some of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding years of your life.

My name is Hailey, and I’m your Science Head Soph for the 2026–2027 school year! Alongside my incredible team of PAs and 100 Science Sophs, we’re here to make your O-Week unforgettable and to support you throughout your transition into university.

So who are the cool coloured labcoat looking people with the neon hats, blasting music all around campus? THAT’S …

Read Full Letter ↓

FIRST-YEAR ESSENTIALS

The Four Fundamentals

Everything you need to hit the ground running!

Western OneCARD

Lab Coats
and Goggles

Navigating Residence Life

Making Friends and Belonging

Western ONECard

Your universal student pass

Your Western ONECard is more than just a Photo ID. it acts as your LTC bus pass, library card, meal plan card, and door access card all in one. It’s also required to access the Rec Centre.

Remember to bring your ONECard to exams, as it is required proof to write them!

Lost your ONECard?

If you lose your ONECard and it has a meal plan on it, report it immediately to any cashier on campus or to Student Central so it can be deactivated. Note: a $50 fee applies for ALL replacement ONECards!

Find out more about replacing your lost ONECard here.

Western OneCARD

Lab Coats and Goggles

Navigating Residence Life

Making Friends and Belonging

Western ONECard

Your universal student pass

Your Western ONECard is more than just a Photo ID. it acts as your LTC bus pass, library card, meal plan card, and door access card all in one. It’s also required to access the Rec Centre.

Remember to bring your ONECard to exams, as it is required proof to write them!

Lost your ONECard?

If you lose your ONECard and it has a meal plan on it, report it immediately to any cashier on campus or to Student Central so it can be deactivated. Note: a $50 fee applies for ALL replacement ONECards!

Find out more about replacing your lost ONECard here.

HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES

Taking Care of Yourself

On-campus medical clinic, confidential counselling, 24/7 crisis helplines, and student health plans

Physical Health

PurpleCARE

Mental Health

Homesick Resources

Homesickness

GBSV Survivor Support

GBSV Support

Additional Resources

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

Navigating Your Science Degree

Essential academic advising hubs, accommodations, learning support, and student representation.

Academic Consideration

Science Academic Advising

Academic Accomodation

Learning Development & Success

Writing Support Centre

Student Leaders

Academic Consideration

Missed work relief

First, make sure to read your course syllabus! You may not even need to apply for academic consideration, or you might be ineligible to.

If you have serious or short term situations like illness, emergencies, a varsity sport commitment, or a vacation, submit a request through the Western Absence Portal. Make sure to upload proof (i.e. doctor’s note, travel docs)!

Academic Consideration

Science Academic Advising

Academic Accomodation

Learning Development & Success

Writing Support Centre

Student Leaders

Academic Consideration

Missed work relief

First, make sure to read your course syllabus! You may not even need to apply for academic consideration, or you might be ineligible to.

If you have serious or short term situations like illness, emergencies, a varsity sport commitment, or a vacation, submit a request through the Western Absence Portal. Make sure to upload proof (i.e. doctor’s note, travel docs)!

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Staying Wired In

Essential course platforms, note-taking apps, and productivity tools

Course Platforms

Note-Taking & Study

Time Management

Research Libraries

Tech Support (WTS)

UPPER-YEAR WISDOM

Advice from Science Sophs

Advice from
Science Sophs

Scroll for more Smiskis!

What's a study habit or strategy that made the biggest difference in your grades?

If you could go back and give your first-year self one piece of advice, what would it be?

How do you maintain a healthy academic-life balance?

What's one thing you wish someone had told you before starting first year?

What's one mindset shift that made university easier or more enjoyable?

What's one mindset shift that made university easier or more enjoyable?

What's something you worried about that ended up not mattering?

STUDENT LIFE & INVOLVEMENT

Getting Involved

Western is home to hundreds of clubs, from academic and career-focused groups to cultural, recreational, and just-for-fun communities. Joining one is one of the easiest ways to push yourself outside your comfort zone, try something new, and meet people who share your interests!

For an in-depth list of all clubs and associations at Western, visit this link.

Also, keep an eye out for Clubs Week, which will happen sometime in September. It's a great, low-pressure way to learn more about clubs you may be interested in joining!

For an in-depth list of all Science-related clubs at Western, keep your eyes peeled on the SSC website – coming soon :)

Joining the SSC

Joining the SSC

Joining the SSC

What is the SSC?

What does the SSC do?

First-Year Opportunities

What is the SSC?

The Science Students' Council is composed of over 80 elected and appointed students committed to enhancing the academic experience and quality of life for all undergraduate Science and Basic Medical Sciences students at Western University. Every member of the SSC contributes to a shared mission: ensuring that Science students are represented, supported, and heard.

What is the SSC?

What does the SSC do?

First-Year Opportunities

What is the SSC?

The Science Students' Council is composed of over 80 elected and appointed students committed to enhancing the academic experience and quality of life for all undergraduate Science and Basic Medical Sciences students at Western University. Every member of the SSC contributes to a shared mission: ensuring that Science students are represented, supported, and heard.

CLOSING

Ready to make your mark?

Welcome to Western Science! University is a big transition, but you've joined a community of students who genuinely want to see you thrive. The SSC exists for you, and everything we do is with your experience in mind, We encourage you to get involved, attend events, connect with your representatives, and make the most of everything Science at Western has to offer.

On behalf of the entire Science Students' Council, welcome to Western. We can't wait to see everything you accomplish!

Representing and enriching the experience of undergraduate Science and Basic Medical Sciences students at the University of Western Ontario.

© 2026

Representing and enriching the experience of undergraduate Science and Basic Medical Sciences students at the University of Western Ontario.

© 2026 Science Students' Council

Representing and enriching the experience of undergraduate Science and Basic Medical Sciences students at the University of Western Ontario.

© 2026