First Generation Students

This program is to help first year main campus students prepare to start their studies at Western. SAO provides students with an opportunity to speak with university staff about program requirements, course registration and life on campus before they arrive at Western. For information visit the Summer Academic Orientation page.

If you are a first or second year student looking for academic and social transition support, Western offers a variety of mentorship programs to help with your transition to Western such as: Leadership & Academic Mentorship Program (LAMP), Society of Off-Campus Students (SOCS), Out of Province Students Association (OPSA) and Society of Mature Students (SMS). To find out more about these mentorship programs and others, please visit the Academic Support & Engagement page for new students.

This is a free program that gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge that will help them become effective leaders. LEP is delivered through a series of workshops covering different subjects related to leadership. To obtain information about LEP, as well as other leadership programming please visit the Leadership Programming page.

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)

Visit the Peer Assisted Learning Center to get course-specific advice and general learning advice from senior student volunteers.

Learning Development & Success

Learning Development offers a presentation series on a variety of learning-related topics. To review a list of the presentations offered please visit Learning Development & Success.

They also offer confidential individual counselling appointments with a counselor who can help you determine a plan to meet your academic goals.

Writing Support Centre

Do you want to enhance your writing and communication skills? Check out the services offered through the Writing Support Centre. They offer a variety of services such as individual one-to-one appointments, drop-in sessions with a writing advisor, seminars and workshops, writing clinics, writing resources and more.

Financial Assistance from Western

Western offers financial help to students through the bursary and work study programs. These programs are available to assist students with their costs for the academic year (eg. tuition, books and living expenses). Students can submit an application to be considered for bursary and/or work study each academic year. Please visit the Bursaries & Workstudy page to find out more about what funding may be available to help you with your expenses.

Government Loans

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers funding to eligible Ontario students through grants and loans to assist with the costs of their studies.

Students from Canadian provinces outside of Ontario also have access to government loan programs, and should apply for assistance through their home province.

For many students, government student loans are a major resource; you can apply for government loan funding each academic year. We encourage you to access your provincial government loan program.

Student Health and Wellness Services

Western's main campus has its own medical clinic that can be used by all registered part-time and full-time students at Western. The clinic is conveniently located in the University Community Center. For information visit Student Health and Wellness Services.

Mental Wellbeing

If you have a mental health concern please reach out for help. Western offers a variety of counselling services and mental health resources for students. If you, or someone else, is struggling with a mental health concern please visit the Mental Wellbeing page to obtain information about where and how you can get help.