Get introduced to university life at Mac101
Welcome to McMaster! This summer, join students, staff and faculty for Mac101, a series of sessions, discussions and activities to ease your transition to university life. Learn about strategies, skills, programs, tools and campus resources to support your success at McMaster.
All sessions will take place online.
More information on 2026 programming coming soon
Your First Year at McMaster
Monday, July 13 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Myth Busting: High School vs. University
Monday, July 13 | 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Did your high school teachers warn you that university professors are scary? Not sure if you should buy textbooks? Join this session to get insider insights from professors, students, and academic advisors at McMaster to have some common academic myths dispelled!
How to: Be a University Learner
Monday, July 13 | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.What does it mean to be a university learner and set yourself up for success? Attend this session to explore differences between high school and university, manage independence and learn what it takes to succeed inside and outside the lecture hall.
Transfer Student FYI
Monday, July 13 | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Have you transferred to McMaster from another university? Will September be the first time you’ve been to McMaster’s campus? Do you have questions about transfer credits? Join this webinar to learn about orientation programs that are available for transfer students, how transfer credits work, tips to help you discover what McMaster has to offer, and resources that can support you throughout your first year here.
How to: Manage Your Time
Tuesday, July 14 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.The one thing you’ll hear the most from upper-year students is that they wish they knew how to manage their time, stop procrastinating and find a balance earlier. In this session, our experts will share proven ways to get it all done and have time left for fun!
Myth Busting: Finding Balance
Tuesday, July 14 | 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Feeling overwhelmed about balancing school and your well-being? Join this session to learn more about all the campus resources to support your wellness on campus!
How to: Take Notes in Lecture
Tuesday, July 14 | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Notetaking might be a new skill for you — and that’s okay. Come to this session to learn different note-taking strategies for university and how to use your notes while studying and reviewing content. This is always one of the most popular sessions. We will be joined by a McMaster professor who will be doing a mock lecture, so students can practice note-taking methods.
Is SAS Right for You? Exploring Accommodations and Support
Tuesday, July 14 | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Not sure if you qualify for academic accommodations? You’re not alone. This workshop unpacks what Student Accessibility Services provides, what qualifies as a “disability”, what types of accommodations are available, and how to register. Whether you had an IEP in high school, or are still figuring things out, this session is for you! We’re here to help answer your questions and provide a path forward to support your success.
Finding the Right Academic Supports at McMaster
Wednesday, July 15 | 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.As a student preparing to come to university, you probably have a lot of questions. What is an academic advisor, and how can they help? How is my GPA calculated? Who can help me study better? Join a panel of academic support staff from across campus to learn where and who to turn to for help during the year.
How to: Write in University
Wednesday, July 15 | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Come learn about how to meet university expectations for university writing. Experts from the Library and Writing and Academic Skills will guide you through finding and evaluating scholarly work, incorporating and properly citing sources, and making the best use of research and writing resources at McMaster.
You Belong at Mac: Yes You!
Wednesday, July 15 | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.What if I’m not smart enough? What if I don’t make new friends? What if my cover is blown? Together, we will explore strategies to navigate common doubts and fears you may have about surviving and thriving at McMaster. This workshop will be a space where folks are encouraged to be vulnerable and discover tangible ways to build community, overcome imposter syndrome and embrace uncertainty.
Building Your Resume
Thursday, July 16 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Join this webinar to learn how the Student Success Centre’s employment and experiential opportunities can enhance your academic journey through work-integrated learning opportunities (paid and volunteer), career exploration activities and more. These experiences will help you learn and develop in-demand skills that employers value.
Varsity Athlete Session
July 16 | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Starting university as a varsity student-athlete? This session is for you! Get tips on balancing school and sport, meet the team that’s here to support you, and connect with fellow Marauders who know what it’s like to compete and succeed at Mac.
Financial Literacy 101
Friday, July 17 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Creating a functional student budget can empower you to navigate the financial challenges of student life successfully. Join us to learn more about how to begin building toward financial independence in your undergraduate journey.
Myth Busting: Getting Ready for September
Friday, July 17 | 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Not sure what Welcome Week is and if you should go? Don’t know what to bring to your first day of classes? Join this session led by upper-year students at McMaster to find out what helped them in their first month of being on campus!
Your Students First Year at McMaster
Saturday, July 18 | 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.The Student Success Centre supports incoming students before they arrive at McMaster and through their entire first year of university. Learn more about what students can expect during their first year at McMaster, opportunities and resources available to help them succeed, and how parents and supporters can help their students navigate the transition to university.
Student Affairs: How We Can Help Your Student Succeed
Saturday, July 18 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Join administrators for a panel discussion and live Q&A session where they’ll discuss how McMaster is prepared to help your student thrive in university.
Residence FAQs
Saturday, July 18 | 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.Come meet staff from Housing and Conference Services who will be sharing information for students living in residence this year and answering your questions.
OSCARplus is your appointment, registration and job posting system
OSCARplus is an online platform you can use to engage with Student Success Centre services. These services include events, appointments and workshops to support your academic, personal and professional development and success. You will need to register for each Mac101 session, through OSCARplus.
McMaster Zoom account activation
Follow the instructions below in order to activate your McMaster Zoom account. You will need to use this account to access any McMaster events hosted on Zoom, including Mac101 sessions.
Step 1: Go to the Zoom sign-in page. Click “SSO” (Single Sign-On).

Step 2: Type “McMaster” into the company domain.

Step 3: Enter your McMaster email.

Step 4: Enter your password.

Step 5: You have now activated your McMaster Zoom account. Please ensure that you are signed into your McMaster Zoom account when attending all Mac101 sessions.

Discover more options to help you prepare for university
Transitioning from high school to university is exciting, but there can also be a lot of adjustments. We offer orientation and transition programming to help you adapt to university life in the classroom and beyond. Discover how you can get started in the summer before classes start. Then, you’ll know how to get involved and seek support throughout your university journey.

