Fall In Style: Your Ultimate Back-To-School Checklist

back to school checklist

We’re just over halfway through August, which means the Fall semester is soon approaching. 

Whether you’re making your debut on campus or getting back in the saddle for another year of study, here is a checklist of resources and refreshers to help you prepare and crush this semester.

Make sure you pay your deposits and fees!

While you may still be in the summer mindset, don’t forget that your fee deadlines are approaching swiftly.

  • For returning students, Fall semester fees were due on August 15*
  • New students will have their Fall semester fees due a month later, on September 15

Pounce on these quickly to ensure you aren’t delisted from your upcoming classes, especially since you’ll have a $150 re-registration fee applied to your account, and many options are close to/if not already filled up!

But this isn’t the only crucial fiscal date coming up. For all students, the final add/drop date is also on September 15, meaning you can adjust your course schedule or drop a class to receive a full refund and avoid a withdrawal (W) on your transcript. 

*If you have applied for student loans, your tuition will be deferred and automatically be paid when the loans are received. You can ensure you have a deferred or conditionally deferred tuition through the office of the registrar.

If you have any questions regarding your course schedule, contact the registrar or your academic advisor.

Show up fashionably to the SAMRU Open House, First Day Back Party, and Welcome Carnival

If you’re about to start your first year on campus, there’s no better way to get your bearings than coming to SAMRU’s Open House. Taking place on September 5 and 6, new students to MRU are encouraged to come down and learn about the events, supports, and services SAMRU offers you during your university journey.

The Open House takes place in Wyckham House from 12:00 pm-3:30 pm on both days, with free food and prizes to be awarded – so swing by!

But the party has only just begun. As a reward for finishing your first day of the semester, join us at the annual First Day Back Party on September 7th. Top off your first week back with some live entertainment and friends in Wyckham House as SAMRU welcomes you into a new year.

Finally, if you love free food, come check out the Welcome Carnival and REC BBQ on September 14th. Show up at the East Gate lawn any time between 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm for some grub, soda, and a chat with your SAMRU and your student representatives about their summer and plans for the year. Did we mention there’s free food?

Did you say Free Stuff Day?

Yes, we did! Free Stuff Day returns this September with a myriad of sponsors looking to gift you with, get this, free stuff. All you have to do is show up.

Come down to Wyckham House on September 11th between 11 am – 2 pm to stock up on some new swag.

Get your groove on at the Wycked House Party

After getting in the swing of things, give yourself a night off to check out Wycked House Party. On September 21st, watch Wyckham House evolve into a bumping dance floor with DJs and other live talent for a night to remember. This is one party you won’t want to miss. 

Wycked House Party is a free, 18+ event, so bring one piece of government-issued ID. Please don’t drink and drive.

Stop in at West Gate Social (WGS)

Cheap food and drink, tons of space, and the most chill atmosphere on campus? Say no more.

Open weekdays from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm on the ground floor of Wyckham House, West Gate Social is the ultimate spot for darts with friends or working on your upcoming group assignments while you enjoy a bevvy.

Come by any time to get some (new!) pizza by the slice or watch some local talent on Live Music Thursday.

Join the community of clubs around campus

Throughout your journey on campus, you’ll befriend dozens of fellow students with similar goals and passions. While getting your foot in the door with these groups can be intimidating, perhaps the best way to find your like-minded kind is through the many clubs on campus. 

The annual Clubs Expo takes place October 3 from 10 am to 2 pm on Main Street, so get out there and mingle with some clubs that interest you! 

If you have any questions regarding club information or if you and a cohort want to organize a new club, visit the clubs’ website or email clubs@samru.ca.

Meet your Representation Executive Council (REC)

The four student representatives of the REC team are hired by the SAMRU Student Governing Board to advocate on behalf of all students to the MRU institution and all levels of government. REC is your collective student voice for the issues that mean the most to students, like rising tuition costs and mental health needs on campus.

If you have any student-related matters you’d like to discuss, give them a shout at representation@samru.ca. Don’t worry; they’re very approachable. 

From left to right: Prabhjit Grewal (they/them) – REC VP External, Tala Abu Hayyaneh (she/her) – REC VP Academic, Anisa Tilston (she/they) – REC VP Student Affairs, Joseph Nguyen (he/him), REC President


To learn more about this year’s REC Team, you can check out their News and Updates here.

Explore your support centres in Wyckham House

You can find numerous welcoming support centres across the four stories of Wyckham House. No matter the time of year, your Students’ Association is here to support you and your well-being while at MRU.

On the second floor, you can find multiple centres, including:

On the third floor, you will have access to:

Service and program offerings within the centres are free for all credit students. Centres are open during the Fall and Winter semesters on weekdays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, with tons of workshops and events happening throughout the semester.

These times can be affected by holidays and events, so check in on the SAMRU Events Calendar to ensure your visit won’t be impacted.

The benefits of your health benefits

But there is more in Wyckham available to you than just support centres. Included in your tuition payments is a health insurance plan, helping to cover any check-ups or surprises this year. These benefits are included in your tuition, ranging in coverage from prescription costs to dental care to even a massage.

There are three health service centres conveniently accessible in the basement of Wyckham House, including:

To easily access these benefits, you can sign up for the myBenefits card, allowing you to pay only your co-portion of your visit rather than footing the whole bill and waiting for reimbursement.

If you have health coverage elsewhere, the opt-out deadline for student health benefits is September 29.

Make this year uniquely yours

More than anything, your university experience is one to make your own. These are only suggestions, so don’t be afraid to pave your own unique path!

Complement these with some MRU staple experiences, like losing your voice cheering at a Cougars game or getting way too lost trying to find a new shortcut around campus, and you’ll be kicking back and enjoying the student life in no time.

No matter what adventures, achievements, or tribulations you experience this year, SAMRU is here for you. 

For more resources to help prepare you for each month of the school year, check out our Student Toolkit.