| Why Orientation Is Important! |
Julianna: Hey, I’m Julianna! I am an Outdoor Recreation Concurrent Education student graduating in 2024. I started my degree in January 2019 as a mature and transfer student. I left partway through my previous degree to work for 5 years and recently decided to go back to school. I’m currently working as the Student Engagement Coordinator in the Student Success Centre at the Thunder Bay campus. I attended the Welcome Events during Frost week in January, which was a smaller version of Orientation for me. As a mature and transfer student, I was nervous to find my place in the University. The Frost week events made me feel very comfortable interacting with my peers. When snowshoeing, I met students who were also excited to try new things and at the Mature Student coffee break I met students who were finding their community on campus just like me. Attending these events made me feel so welcome, no matter my age or degree status, and I quickly felt at home on campus. Chelsey: Hi, I’m Chelsey! I’m a third-year student in the Concurrent Education program and I’m also working on a degree in History. I’m the Student Success Assistant at the Student Success Centre at the Thunder Bay campus. I wasn’t sure if I would attend Fall Orientation before I started my first year. I thought that since I’m from Thunder Bay and had visited campus before that I wouldn’t need to. I’m so glad I decided to go to Orientation because it gave me a chance to meet my classmates and I got to explore campus way more than I had during my high school’s preview day. On the first day of school, I was much more comfortable on campus and with my professors because I had already met some of them. All students should attend Orientation -- it’s a great way to have fun and become familiar with your new school. Mikayla: Hello, I’m Mikayla! I’m headed into my fifth year here at Lakehead Orillia! I started my Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science, Bachelor of Education, Interdisciplinary studies here in 2015. Apart from being a student I also currently work as the Student Affairs Assistant: Orientation and Student Success on the Orillia campus. When I started at Lakehead I was overwhelmed and nervous for my new adventure but during my first few minutes on campus I met another student who felt the same. Together we decided that we would go to Orientation together and see what it was all about! It didn't take long at all for us to begin meeting other students just like ourselves with the same feelings about starting something new. Our group began to grow quickly and we all became so much more comfortable at our new home! If I had chosen not to attend Orientation that day I wouldn't have met the friends I still have today! No matter who you are, Orientation has something for you! Orientation Countdown: Registration is Open! If you haven’t already done so, we invite you to register for our Thunderwolves Howl Orientation! This year’s theme is Ignite your Adventure and in August, we’ll begin to reveal all the fun activities we have in store for you. We even have specific events for Mature & Transfer students, International Students and Grad Students. Orientation is an integral part of any new student’s transition to Lakehead and we don’t want you to miss out. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW! |
| Top 10 Academic Tips For Your First Few Weeks (by students) |
Go to class. This should be obvious but it’s easy to sleep in! Going to class is the most important step in succeeding during your time at University. Not only does it help you learn, but it also helps you get to know your professors and the other students in your classes Read your class syllabus. Your class syllabus is the guide to your class schedule for the year. It will have all your assignment due dates, a course/mark breakdown, and the professor’s contact information and more. Learn how to properly address and write an email to professors. Even though your professors are friendly, they are not your friends. Make sure to identify yourself and write your emails professionally. Every professor is different so don’t just assume you know how to address them. They typically do not like to be referred to as ‘Dude or Buddy’ but some prefer just to be called by their first name while others do not. Doesn’t hurt to ask! Sit at the front of the class. This is something small you can do that can have a huge effect on how well you do in your class. Sitting upfront allows you to hear your prof better and limits distractions. Plus, your prof will remember who you are and this could help you down the road when you need something! Avoid social media in class. Try not to get distracted while your prof is giving a lecture. Twitter and Instagram can wait -- focus on the lesson. Charge your laptop before class. Nothing is worse than not being able to type notes during a lecture when you expect to do so. Always come to class prepared, including a pen and paper, just in case your classroom does not have a place to charge your device. Have a study buddy. You’re going to be spending a lot of time studying, so make it more fun by working with a friend. Working with someone else also improves your study habits and retention of information. You can discuss the course content and quiz each other. Eat well and get a good sleep. You need to fuel and recharge your body. It’s easy to get caught up in school work but make sure to take care of yourself first. Know your professors’ office hours. Your professor will have designated hours where you can book appointments with them. Make sure to check your class syllabus to see when your professors' office hours are. Go to events that are put on by your program’s faculty or student association. This is a great way to network with profs you may not have and meet new people who are in your program. Also, be sure to attend student events put on by the SSC. They are fun and free!
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| Campus Connections: Grab some grub or pop open a textbook (Thunder Bay) |
Study spots:The Study is the LUSU owned coffee shop on campus that has a great selection of hot drinks, pastries and comfortable seating. Go in for a fresh cup of coffee and listen to some live music while you read, or study with friends. Find it above the bookstore. Alumni Commons: Located in the hallway overlooking Lake Tamblyn, this is a cozy space filled with couches for conversation and collaboration. The Main Cafeteria has a wide selection of food options for all students to enjoy. Grab a slice of pizza or a salad and take a seat in the large cafeteria seating area with a fantastic view of Lake Tamblyn! Located up the stairs from Alumni Commons Academic Support Zone: Take a visit up to the second floor of the library and see Shannon if you need tutoring or writing support -- free! Be sure to use it if you find yourself struggling. It is an open space that anyone can come to study in! Aboriginal Resource Centre and Lounge is an open space for any student to relax and meet new people. There is seating and a small computer lab for students to utilize. Find the Aboriginal Resource Centre and Lounge across from Security. Study on one of the many floors in the ATAC - you have five to choose from! For the best view of the city, grab a spot on the fifth floor on a comfortable couch or chair. The second floor in the School of Nursing (SN) is a quiet place to study alone. There are single study cubicles along the hall. LUSU Centres: Drop in to learn about what services are offered to you and utilize the tables, chairs, or couches to chill and study. The Chancellor Paterson Library is definitely the most notorious study spot on campus. Whether you need a very quiet space (second and third floor), or you need to tackle a group project (first and fourth floors), there is a space for everyone. The Centennial Building (CB), past Student Central, is a maze of great nooks! Tuck into an area to study alone or with a group.
Where to Eat on Campus: Main/Res Cafeteria: Both cafeterias are open to all students. The residence caf is a buffet-style cuisine, and you can check their menu online before going in. The main caf has a variety of options to choose from including pizza, sushi, salads and Subway! The Study (Masala Grille): The Study has fantastic pastries, and hot and cold beverages to quench your thirst. Also, it features delicious Indian cuisines from our local Indian food restaurant, Masala Grille. Starbucks: Make sure to check out the brand new Starbucks located in the Agora. You might need a venti coffee on your way to an 8:30 AM class! The Outpost: This place has a great menu: appetizers, salads, wraps, and burgers! They have the best beer battered fries! Library cafe: They have hot/cold beverages, and light snacks to feed your cravings. LUSU Foodbank (The People’s Potato): Every week, the LUSU food bank runs People’s Potato where they serve FREE lunches to students outside the Outpost! Dan’s Diner: This diner opens after the closing of cafeterias and is attached to Bartley Residence. They have the most amazing sub sandwiches. Booster Juice: Located in the Outport...they have fresh juice, smoothies, and snacks for a quick and healthy treat.
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| Campus Connections: Grab some grub or pop open a textbook (Orillia) |
The Best Study Spaces On-Campus The Study Rooms - Located in the back of the Learning Commons. Note: these rooms are to be booked in advance via the Lakehead Library Website. The Alumni Commons - Located on the Second Floor of Simcoe Hall. The Alumni Commons is a designated quiet workspace for all students. Bonus: they have very comfy couches! The Back Bench - Located behind Simcoe Hall, the outdoor stone bench provides a quiet environment while overlooking our Tipi, gardens, and fields that lay beyond campus. The Tipi and Community Gardens - Behind Simcoe Hall is where you can find our Tipi and Community Gardens. These spaces are welcome to all and provide a quiet area to do readings and assignments while getting some fresh air. Looker’s Ledge - The Ledge is located on the second floor of Simcoe Hall. It overlooks the Learning Commons and has power outlets located on the wall underneath.
Off-Campus The Orillia Public Library - The Public Library is located in Downtown Orillia, right beside the main bus terminal. It is available to use by anyone and has quiet study rooms available on the second floor. It is also a great place to get books for assignments or for enjoyment. Visit the Campus Library to obtain your proof of registration at Lakehead and take it to the Public Library to get yourself a library card. Mark IV Brothers - Located just off the West Ridge bus route, this little coffee shop offers a quiet space to work in. It also has amazing drinks and free wifi! Tudhope Park/Couchiching Beach Pavilion - If you’re looking for a great outdoor spot to get some reading done, head to Couchiching Beach in Downtown Orillia or Tudhope Park, just off the South Bus route.
Where can I eat on Campus? Madison County Cafeteria Simcoe Hall Coffee Kiosk
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| Lakehead Tools: Getting To Know Google at Lakehead |
Lakehead University’s email system is managed through Google. With “anywhere in the world” access, and a lifetime account, myemail.lakeheadu.ca is a vital tool for the Lakehead University community. In addition, you will have access to Google Calendar, Google Drive and many other powerful Google products and tools. These tools are essential to your academic success! Google Calendar Google Calendar is a fantastic online tool that helps you manage and schedule your time. With Google Calendar, you can create and colour-code multiple calendars - perhaps calendars for: Classes Assignment due dates Social Events
You can also set reminders and send invites to friends for calendar events. Google Calendar is highly compatible with most smartphones - check it out! Google Drive Google Drive is a Cloud-based storage system for all mainstream file types: documents, photos, music, video files. With Google Drive, you can share folders with classmates so they can see and work on documents simultaneously. Google Docs, Slides & Sheets These are Google’s equivalent to Microsoft Office Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. All 3 programs are Google Drive-based, and your work saves every few seconds. With these programs, you can: Share documents with group members and every one can edit from anywhere Easily download files into Microsoft Office versions, and into .pdfs, etc. You can even link your documents and presentations to become widely available to anyone, and share it with our classmates via MyCourselink
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| Hometown Pride: Popular Student Hangouts & Activities On Campus & Around Town! (Thunder Bay) |
On-campus The Study: If you are looking for a relaxing environment, The Study is the place to be! With its amazing coffee and chill atmosphere, The Study is one of the number one hotspots on campus. The Outpost: Everyone is welcome into the Outpost during the day to play pool, air hockey, or watch a sports game on the massive screen with some delicious pub grub. With tons of students and music playing, it is one of the most popular hangouts on campus! International Student Lounge: On the ground floor of the library, there’s usually a movie or an important sports game playing on the large screen TV. They also have an X-box, a pinball machine, and a foosball table for you to enjoy! You may get lucky and get to enjoy an International delicacy, too! Lake Tamblyn: Before the snow falls, you can sit by the benches and enjoy the beautiful view with your friends. Once the lake freezes, you can gather your friends to go skating or play a game of hockey! Sports events: Lakehead University Athletics consists of many teams, both competitive and recreational. Join a team or come to watch volleyball, basketball or hockey game, and cheer on your fellow Thunderwolves. Our varsity teams play in Thunder Bay most weekends, so go to a game and show your Lakehead Pride!
Off-campus Loch Lomond is Thunder Bay’s biggest ski area with over 15 runs for both experts and beginners, offering ski rentals for those who do not have their own ski equipment. You can also rent an inflatable tube and head down the hill at top speeds! Kakabeka Falls is located just a 20-minute drive from campus and is one of the “must-sees” of Thunder Bay! Whether you want to sit and enjoy the falls or go for a hike around the area, this attraction is for everyone! Prime Gelato is Thunder Bay’s only locally-made gelato shop. Located in the heart of Downtown Port Arthur, it is a great place to grab an after-dinner treat and take a walk down to the Marina Park Waterfront. Prince Arthur's Landing is Thunder Bay’s beautiful waterfront, located directly on Lake Superior. There are often tons of events happening down at the Marina (think outdoor movies, concerts, holiday events, and ice-skating) and it is a lovely spot to walk around and see an amazing view of The Sleeping Giant. The Sleeping Giant is undoubtedly the greatest wonder of Thunder Bay. You can view this natural rock formation from many spots around the city! If you are feeling adventurous, the Sleeping Giant is also comprised of hundreds of kilometres of hiking/biking trails with the most spectacular Northwestern Ontario scenery.
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| Hometown Pride: Popular Student Hangouts & Activities On Campus & Around Town! (Orillia) |
Hanging out and studying in the Learning Commons Working out and participating in activities at the YMCA Eating and socializing in the Cafeteria Lounging in the Blue and Yellow Muskoka Chairs Visiting Couchiching Beach and Tudhope Park Hiking at Scout’s Valley (just a 10-minute walk from campus!) Grabbing a coffee at a local coffee shop
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| Prize Alert! |
Wolfie is a fountain of information! I know he’s shared lots with you over the past few issues of Wolfie’s Weekly Adventures, but there must be something you’re just *waiting* to hear more about! Like our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page (links below) and comment on Issue 4’s post with one question you’re just dying to know the answer to! We’ll answer all of your questions and select a random winner. *Contest closes at 11:59pm on July 31, 2019. Limited to 1 entry per student* |
