It’s the final countdown! Now that you’re all set with living arrangements, it’s time to start wrapping your head around what your first year will look like. There will be courses, but there will also be many, MANY new and exciting opportunities. To help with your daydreaming, universities put on events for newly admitted students that you should attend.
While some of these events include advising, course registration, and academic planning information, most also focus on strategies for success, opportunities for engagement, and an overview of resources at your disposal. Here’s a sample of the most popular ones:
Destination UBC: http://you.ubc.ca/admissions/blog/events-visits-tours/destination-ubc-2016/
Queen’s SOAR: http://www.queensu.ca/studentexperience/summer-orientation-soar
Western SAO: http://www.success.uwo.ca/new_students/summer_academic_orientation/index.html
SFU 101 Online & Welcome Day: https://www.sfu.ca/students/newundergrads/sfu-101.html
Start U of T: http://start.utoronto.ca/
What can you expect to find at these events? It really depends, but look out for:
- Academic Services
Universities want you to succeed. As such, many have entire offices dedicated to student academic success. Services include tutoring, writing assistance, study skills workshops, and student mentorship. You may also want to pop by the library to see if they offer tours and resources to help become acquainted with university research.
- Student Clubs
Not only are these a great way to meet new people with similar interests, but they can be a great launch pad for further community engagement. These types of activities can lead to great networking or experiential learning opportunities.
- Career Services
Need help writing your resume? Looking for a part time job? No idea how to prepare for an interview? You can typically find plenty of resources within a university’s “career” centre. While you’re at it, make sure to also inquire about co-operative education and available internships.
- Sports
Whether it’s through fitness facilities or organized sports, universities acknowledge that a healthy student is a happy student. Check out recreational clubs, intramural leagues, and gym memberships, in addition to the more traditional varsity teams. We’ve even seen Quidditch offered! Staying active is key to a balanced university lifestyle.
- International
Think you might want to go on an international exchange? There are likely eligibility requirements, and parameters to respect. The earlier you know about these, the better you can plan… and dream!
- Financial aid
In addition to scholarship and student load information, financial aid offices often run workshops on managing personal finances, which can be super useful. They might also have tips on budget friendly spots around campus, and information on emergency financial assistance should you find yourself in a bind.
Note that even if you miss out on an orientation event, you are still able to pop by any of these offices to inquire about their services. Set a goal to visit them before the end of your first semester – and arm yourself with information!
Next up: course registration essentials. Need assistance with creating an itinerary for your school visit or orientation? Book an appointment with an educational consultant to discuss your options. Contact our office at (604) 922-8456 or e-mail info@options-wp.chhdev.com for more information.
