During the last weekend of September (September 27–28), the Ontario Universities’ Fair (OUF) took place at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre. For the first time since 2019, the event not only featured university booths, but also live presentations, giving visitors a chance to engage more deeply with Ontario’s postsecondary options.
Thousands of high-school students — and their parents and supporters, like me — attended the fair to explore what lies ahead. It was an exciting atmosphere filled with conversations about programs, scholarships, residences, co-ops and admissions. For many, this was a first real glimpse into the world our children will soon enter.
Now that the fair is over, we parents ask ourselves: What comes next? How can we best support our future students as they make these big decisions? What should we be paying attention to? Here are three reflections that stood out to me.
1. Look for what sparks curiosity
Beyond glossy brochures, impressive rankings and polished presentations, the most telling sign is your child’s reaction. As we moved from booth to booth, I watched to see which displays made my daughter’s eyes light up.
If your teen leaves a conversation already imagining themselves taking part in a robotics challenge or signing up for a future vet club — that spark of curiosity may be pointing toward the right fit. As parents, our role is to notice those moments and encourage exploration in that direction.
2. Fit for your future student
I truly believe that every student is different — and so is every university. Finding the right fit means thinking about where your child will feel comfortable and supported.
My daughter, who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), would thrive in smaller class settings where it’s easier to connect with professors and make friends. My niece, on the other hand, who’s quick, determined and independent, would likely prefer the scale and variety of a large university.
There’s no single “best” school; there’s only the one that’s best for your student. Sign up for a campus tour to get a feel for the university.
3. Support services matter
From a parent’s perspective, university supports are just as important as the programs themselves. Of course, financial aid, like scholarships, bursaries, grants and loans, can make a big difference, but other services are equally vital: mental health supports, career guidance, academic advising and housing assistance.
University life can be exciting but also overwhelming. Knowing that your future student will have access to people and resources that help them navigate challenges can bring enormous peace of mind for parents.
In summary, the OUF is just the beginning of an exciting journey. As parents and supporters, we can help by listening, observing and asking gentle questions — not to steer our children’s choices, but to help them discover where they’ll grow, learn and belong.