Honours Bachelor of Commerce
Brandon, MB

I have truly enjoyed my time at Lakehead University. I decided to come to Lakehead because of the intimate class sizes and excellent care from the enrolment services I received prior to accepting my offer. At Lakehead you have a better opportunity to connect with professors and get to know a variety of people. I submersed myself in the culture of Lakehead starting in my second year. Mostly through being a director on the LUSU board, executive of multiple clubs on campus and volunteering whenever I had a chance. This allowed me to network with faculty, staff and students at Lakehead on professional and social basis. Building bonds that will last for a lifetime. Your university years will provide you with moments to cherish for the rest of your life and will be like none other you have experienced. There is no better way to spend them than at Lakehead University.

Natural Resources Management
Waterloo, ON

I chose Lakehead University specifically for the Natural Resources Management program. I researched many universities, but found that NRM program covered a wide variety of topics from forestry, animal biology, and wetland ecology and forest management whereas many other programs out there focused on a chosen ‘specialty’. The hands-on experience gained through lab portions in this program are crucial when pursuing a career in the area of natural resources, and Lakehead is perfectly situated in Ontario’s Boreal forest to allow for that hands on, real world practical learning.

Another aspect that appealed to me about NRM was the opportunity to participate in international field school. In third or fourth year, students have to chance to travel to different countries and learn about the differences in resource monument strategies around the world. In my third year, we went to Ecuador to learn about topics such as agro-forestry and water management in rural communities. In my fourth year we went to Finland to learn about their sustainable forestry practices and the impacts that social awareness has on the forestry industry. These were both amazing opportunities that I will never forget, as it opened my eyes to the different ways that countries manage their resources. Also, there is nothing better than travelling the world with your university friends!

There is a strong camaraderie amongst the students in NRM as it is a relatively small program; there is always something fun to join in on! I joined the Lakehead Timber sports team despite never having held an axe before, and became the woman’s captain the next year. This was one of the highlights of university for me, as it forced me to try something new, meet new people and have a really great time.

Because it is such a small program, the faculty and staff will know you by name after the first few weeks. All of the professors are extremely approachable and make it known that if you need advice or have a question; they are more than willing to help. There are also many opportunities to learn about jobs in the field, and working in the summer is a great way to gain important experience. I spent two summers as a forest fire fighter, and one as a student aquatic wildlife biologist. I learned of these jobs through talking to upper year students, who are always willing to offer advice to first or second year students.

I feel that Lakehead prepared me well for a career in my field. I am working as an environmental technician at a mine in Canada’s high arctic. I love what I do and strongly encourage anyone who is interested in working in the environmental industry to seriously consider this program!

HBASc (Biology & Psychology Specializations) Graduate - Orillia Campus
Orillia, ON

"My favourite thing about Lakehead is that the teachers are always available to talk to and to help you out. I also really like the small classes and how it's so much easier to learn in them

I chose to transfer to Lakehead from another university after 1st year to have smaller classes, improve my grades by being at a smaller campus, and to save money by living at home. I think the benefits of an education at Lakehead Orillia is being able to communicate regularly with teachers in person, being familiar with all the faces on campus, and having the opportunity to initiate new clubs, teams, and traditions because it's such a new school.

A memorable experience for me this year at Lakehead would have to be on our ecology field trip to Scouts' Valley. We were doing an aquatic analysis and spent a good portion of the day in and around a small creek, doing tests and trudging around in big hip waders. Although it was work, we all had a great day!"

Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science, Bachelor of Education,
Orangeville, ON

Lakehead University, reminded me of where I grew up with its small campus and close knit student community! The interdisciplinary program was also the most appealing program choice because it allowed me to explore what really interested me and create a degree that fit my interests perfectly!

The small class sizes are a total plus for academic like at Lakehead because it helps eliminate the fear of answering a question wrong because the "crowd" is smaller. The teachers also have more time to help you one on one because they are not marking 300+ papers. Student life at Lakehead U is not the same as the huge universities because we are smaller so when we all get together its more personal and I love it! You know everyone or almost everyone and so you feel comfortable in so many different social settings.

Lakehead University, Orillia is a unique post-secondary experience because of its size and available programs. If you are a student looking for a school where you can get involved in the community Lakehead is it! We offer so many different opportunities and because of our smaller size you have a greater chance of being involved. The academics are incredible because we have access to Thunder Bay's resources and we have numerous online resources available as well. The small class sizes make it easier to get to know your Profs and become an individual instead of a number.

My orientation leader has been my rock and guide through my first year at Lakehead and it has been incredible. Because our Orientation group had maybe 20 people in it, the individuals I got to know became closer than just acquaintances. I became close with my leader and a few of the other freshman. That experience made me more comfortable within Lakehead's community! Orientation was the defining moment for myself, and the incredible individuals I met set me up for an exceptional first year!

Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science Interdisciplinary Studies / Bachelor of Education
Orangeville, Ontario

Lakehead University reminds me of where I grew up with its small campus and close-knit student community. The interdisciplinary program was also the most appealing program choice because it allowed me to explore what really interested me and create a degree that fit my interests perfectly! The smaller class sizes are a total plus for academic life at Lakehead. It helps eliminate the fear of answering a question incorrectly because the "crowd" is smaller. The professors also have more time to help you one-on-one. 

If you are a student looking for a school where you can get involved in the community, Lakehead is it! Student life here is not the same as the huge universities because we are smaller, so when we all get together it's more personal and I love it! We offer so many different opportunites and because of our smaller size you have a greater chance of being involved. My orientation leader has been my rock and guide through my first year at Lakehead and it has been incredible. Because our orientation group had about 20 people in it, the individuals I got to know became closer than just acquaintances. I became close with my leader and a few of the other freshman. That experience made me more comfortable within Lakehead's community. Orientation was the defining moment for me and the incredible individuals I met set me up for an exceptional first year!

Honours Bachelor of Arts in French/Concurrent Education
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose Lakehead for many reasons. Firstly, being from Thunder Bay I knew what an amazing community we have here in Northwestern Ontario. Secondly, Lakehead offers a wide array of classes in undergraduate studies that allow students to choose a program suited to their needs and interests. Lastly, I chose Lakehead to play for the Women’s Basketball team. Academically, one of the things that I like most about Lakehead is the support I’ve gotten from my professors over the years. Class sizes are small enough to allow professors to get to know each of their students and to provide their support and guidance as needed throughout the term. Being a student athlete presents a number of challenges when it comes to managing your time between athletics and academics. Luckily, my professors were very understanding and helpful in making my schedule work. For example, at times during the basketball season my professors would go out of their way to accommodate certain tests and assignments based on my travel and practice schedule.

 As a member and senior captain of the Lakehead University Women’s Basketball team, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness how supportive this school and community is of Lakehead Varsity Athletics. The atmosphere at the C.J Sanders Fieldhouse is unbelievable. Students, families and friends gather to cheer on our Women and Men’s basketball teams at all of our home games. Having travelled across the province to play at other universities I can honestly say that Lakehead has the largest and most enthusiastic crowd of all the venues we have attended.

 Once I graduate from the Education program in the spring of 2015, my plan is to become a French teacher and to hopefully impact students’ lives like many of the professors here at Lakehead have done for me. 

HBSc Biology
Thunder Bay, ON

"Lakehead University was definitely the right choice for me! Over the past 3 years, Lakehead has become my definition of a University: one that is small, friendly, and provides students with the opportunities to grow academically, socially, and personally. Not only does it have a great Biology program, but it also offers the chance to obtain a medical degree with NOSM, right in my hometown!

Lakehead University offers tons of variety in terms of their courses, there are a lot of great professors, and fantastic occasions for personal development with volunteering, athletics, and the any university events around campus. The small class sizes allow for ample opportunity both in and outside the classroom. The campus is beautiful in all seasons - I especially love the winter months when our campus lake is frozen over and we can skate on the ice.

Outside of class there is plenty to do! I love heading out all painted up with friends to cheer on our Thunderwolves, helping out around campus with the Student ambassador Program, and enjoy some of my favourite study spots on campus, such as the Outpost, 'Rocks,' or Bio lounge."

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (4-year Collaborative)
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose Lakehead because it's close to home, they offer smaller class sizes, and the instructors and staff truly care about every student’s success. As a first year student, it was intimidating to approach a professor to ask for help but I could not be happier that I did. Not only did the professor ensure understanding during class, but he also sat down with me one on one to explain difficulties I had on midterms and exams!

 At Lakehead there are so many great clubs, associations, and teams to be a part of along with staff and faculty that are always willing to offer support. One of the best experiences at Lakehead is the Summer Work Program. I applied through the mysuccess online job bank for various summer positions and received a position with the Student Success Centre on campus. It was simple to apply and has now helped me gain great work experience with Lakehead University.

I also am a part of Lakehead University Nursing Association (LUNA). LUNA has provided nursing students with great extra-curricular events, important information on nursing exams, and volunteer opportunities. During Halloween I had the opportunity to volunteer with LUNA at the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre to visit children in the Paediatrics Unit. Not only have my experiences at Lakehead furthered my education but they have also gave me wonderful memories I will never forget.