Honours Bachelor of Social Work
Barrie, ON

I like that the campus is small, that it's in a small city but near the country, I wouldn't like going to a school that's in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a busy city. The fact that LU has an equestrian team made my choice to pick Lakehead an easy one!

I like the small class sizes, which gives profs more opportunity to give their students more attention than class sizes of hundreds. All the Profs are very helpful and will take time to work with you if needed. Everyone at LU is very friendly; it's like one little community at this school!

Myfirst year was a great experience! I had the opportunity to live in residence, which allowed me to meet many great people! Joining the equestrian team and getting involved definitely made it easier as well so I would definitely recommend students to get involved with some team or club!

Bachelor of Education (1-year)
Atikokan, ON

I first attended LU straight out of high school in 1999 and graduated from HBSc in Anthro in 2003.  Back then I chose Lakehead in order to stay close enough to home to cut costs on travel, groceries and whatever else I could get my parents to pay for when they would drive up to visit!  I recently decided to go back to Lakehead for the one year Bachelor of Education program to add to my degree and change my career.  I graduated this year with honours, even though the odds were stacked against me.  I had been out of school for 10 years, had a toddler at home and another baby was on the way!

 What made me think I could even attempt school at this point in my life, you may ask?  Well, I remembered the first time I went through: the classes were small, the prof's; down to earth, and the student services and support was amazing! I'm not going to lie and say I didn't once think about giving up, but every time I had those thoughts, I felt comfortable enough with my classmates and professors that I could talk with them about it.  Even though my situation was definitely unique, I was never made to feel like an outsider...I found out everyone has his or her own struggle, even the prof's. I loved Lakehead for the community that could be made.  With the right supports in place and the beauty of the area, Lakehead has everything to offer, no matter which program you’re in or what your situation may be.  I was recently offered a position on the supply teacher list with one of the school boards in town.  Thank you, LU!

Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology/Concurrent Education
Ottawa, ON

I chose Lakehead University because I wanted the full university experience of moving away from home, adventure and becoming independent. Another reason I chose Lakehead University is because my program was offered with Concurrent Education. The professors at Lakehead are amazing. By the end of your degree they will be your friends. My academic advisor made a huge impact on my university career. Not only was she there to keep my academics on track, she helped me with papers, sharing ideas as well as just checking in on me to see how things were. It's nice to be able to have a more personal connection with a prof then just academics/lectures.

An opportunity I got involved in was Kinesiology Association at Lakehead University (K.A.L.U), where I got elected as a representative for Kinesiology students. I got to work alongside other students and professors to plan events and socials for the program. This opportunity not only allowed me to see all the work that goes into events and the program but how great it is meeting all the different people while working with K.A.L.U.

Participating and getting involved in the University is key if you want the full experience. It is important to get involved in your school so you know what is going on. I think it is crucial as a university student to have a balance between school and social. It makes it a lot easier to adjust to University when you keep yourself busy and socializing with others. 

Lakehead prepares you for the future by all the doors they open. Yes it might be a small school but it is amazing the community connections that can be made and the lasting footprints you can make at your own university. From jobs fairs to student research positions; Lakehead wants students to succeed and be involved in their own educational success. 

Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Rainy River, ON

My name is Jeremy Cole and I have recently graduated from the computer science program at Lakehead in 2012. Afterwards I pursued a graduate degree in computer science, however I ceased my studies following my first year after having been accepted to the medical program at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. My initial decision to attend Lakehead was largely based on its proximity to my hometown Rainy River; however my time at Lakehead has fortified me with countless reasons to encourage future students to choose this incredible institution.

My favourite part of studying at Lakehead was the small class sizes. While some classes had hundreds of people, many of mine consisted of only a few students. This allowed for the formation of a much more meaningful relationship with my peers as well as the professors. In these small classes, the professors were more invested in their students and would go out of their way to offer assistance. Even after graduating I still remain close to many of my professors and they continue to offer me networking opportunities and guidance. Lakehead also has many opportunities for sports enthusiasts I was able to join campus rec teams for several sports and always had a blast watching the Thunderwolves many varsity teams.

What really sticks out in my mind about studying computer science at Lakehead is how much freedom I had for my studies; especially at the graduate level. Once I had figured out that I wanted to pursue a field in medicine, I was able to direct my assignments and projects towards topics in the medical field. Additionally, I was able to find a co-op position at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute where I spent the summer researching materials for high intensity focused ultrasounds. During my time here I was able to publish a research paper and patent our findings. All of these factors contributed greatly towards fulfilling my dream of going to medical school. I am forever grateful for my time spent at Lakehead.

Kinesiology
Pontypool, Ontario

"I chose Lakehead to find myself. Everything about this school was a mystery to me, an unknown adventure, so I figured why not find out what I am capable of on my own? Having never seen the school or Thunder Bay before, I made a huge leap of faith, leaving friends and family behind. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because I love it here and being so far away from home has marked my independence.

Attending a smaller university is really great because as a student I’ve never felt like I was just a number, but rather an actual person with a name. Most of my classes are small enough that you can really get to know your peers and professors. I really love my program. Classes are interesting and the lab components are great because you get a lot of great ‘hands on’ experience.

What has had the largest impact on me since attending Lakehead, has been living in residence. The Residence Life program truly made LU my home away from home. In my first year I met so many new people and I got to try new things like dog sledding, hiking Mt. McKay and moccasin making. Because I loved residence so much I wanted help provide other students with a similar experience. I became a house president in second year and now in third year I am a resident assistant."

HBA Gerontology / Psychology
Port Carling (Muskoka), ON

"Lakehead University had everything I was looking for when I decided to transfer from the previous university I attended. I chose Lakehead for the Gerontology program, small campus, small class sizes (where professors really do know your name!), course selection, and the beautiful outdoor sights that Thunder Bay has to offer. I love that the Gerontology program is interdisciplinary in nature, and I feel that I am learning about the whole picture from different perspectives instead of just using one perspective and being limited in that. This program has been a refreshing challenge. It has also been exciting and very rewarding, especially considering the increasing demand for careers in the field of gerontology as the baby boomers retire.

When it is nice out, one of the best places to study is outside on campus. Another place I like to study is in the ATAC building. There's always a quiet corner nearby! When I am not in class I work at a retirement home as a concierge. I am a Student Ambassador and help out with the new student Orientation program, as well as other events throughout the year. I also like to spin poi (fire), go on road trips, and go hiking on Thunder Bay's great nature trails.

Advice for new students: learn as much as you can! Sign up for a class that takes you out of your comfort zone, you will learn a lot from your self and also experience personal growth that you wouldn't have necessarily gotten from sticking to tried and true."

English/Kinesiology, Education

"I picked LU because I had heard nothing but good things and it is perfect for me because of the ‘homey’ atmosphere and the close-knit community. You really get to know your profs and the variety of courses means there is something for everyone. It is a great University to come into your own and develop independence."

Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science
Orillia, ON

I chose to attend Lakehead University because of the unique and flexible programs it offers. I was unsure about what job field I would like to pursue in the future, and Lakehead University was a good way for me to figure that out. They also offer great scholarships for incoming students, which is definitely great as well, as you are saving money and getting an excellent education.

I love how the class sizes are small, as it truly allows you to connect with your professor, and I am constantly able to learn about their experiences, which is extremely beneficial. At Lakehead, there are plenty of ways to get involved, whether it be leadership opportunities, sports teams, or clubs. All of these opportunities are available whether you live on campus or not, which was very important to me, since I didn't live on campus.

My first year experience was amazing. I met so many new, amazing people at Lakehead. Because the class sizes are relatively small, I truly believe I got a better experience out of my classes than I would have in a large class. I think a big reason for this is I wasn’t intimidated to ask questions, or clarify material with the professor, which is so important! Being on a sports team was another way I met new people with similar interests to me, so I am glad I joined. 

Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science (Interdisciplinary Studies), Bachelor of Education
Port Severn, ON

My journey at LU began four years ago as a transfer student and in that time, I have built many bonding relationships with my peers and my professors. This past year at Lakehead has been especially challenging for me as I gave birth to my first-born child, Adelaide, a year ago. At first, I was uncertain if I would manage to achieve academic success while maintaining a healthy balance between my role as a new mother and that of a student. September was fast approaching and I had not yet managed to find a child care facility that had a vacant spot for my daughter. I emailed my professors with hopes that they would allow my newborn baby attend classes with me until I could find alternative arrangements. This is when my professor, Dr. Seth Agbo, made a significant impact on me as a student. His reply to my email read: “Hi Jill: Congratulations on having your baby. Of course, I’ll welcome the baby in my class as the youngest student I’ve ever had. Will see you in class. –Seth”. Dr. Agbo’s response restored my confidence as a student and as a mother because I knew at that very moment that I would be successful in my future endeavors. All of my professors have been actively involved in my academic success at LU, which has made this past year extremely rewarding for me. I now have a one-year-old and I am on track to commence my BEd in September 2015. With all that Lakehead University has to offer in addition to exceptional faculty and students, I am confident that I will graduate as a successful candidate in becoming what I have always dreamed of being—a teacher.