Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose to attend Lakehead because it has one of the best programs for someone interested in environmental management and wildlife. It is practical and academic learning. I was drawn to Lakehead because of the entrance scholarships of which I received free tuition. 

In my Forest Soils and Water Class, we are required to dig soil pits, which are 1x1x1m cubes dug into the ground and what really struck me is when our professor climbed down into the pit and began to teach a “mini-lecture” from the pit. It struck me how different, committed and relatable our professors are and how lucky we are to have them teach us.

 One special opportunity, which I have been involved in, is the international field schools offered within my faculty. Last September I traveled to Finland and this coming September I will be travelling to Croatia and the Czech Republic with 15 of my classmates and two of our faculty members. During these trips we are able to learn about forestry and environmental management in other countries and can use that information to contrast with what we learn in Ontario.

Every (or almost every) program has its own club and events happening during the year. I chose to join LUFA (Lakehead University Forestry Association which is soon to be renamed), which runs various events throughout the year for the students of the Faculty of Natural Resources Management. LUFA allows students to have events to help to relieve stress that builds up throughout the year with events such as Euchre Tournaments or Symposium.

 Being a student at Lakehead has prepared me for the future by allowing me to gain relevant skills and information to my field of study (and hopefully my career path), which are put in place each summer through summer jobs. Last summer I worked at the Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research and this summer I am working with Dr. Han Chen on an NSERC grant helping with research in the field of ecology.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Thunder Bay, ON

After high school I attended the University of Ottawa and quickly realized that there was something about my experience that was missing. I missed home and the familiarity of a smaller city. This is why I decided to come back to Thunder Bay to attend Lakehead University. 

I graduated from Lakehead University’s Compressed Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2011. In this program I was able to get to know my professors on a personal level and they got to know my strengths and weaknesses. These professors were individuals I had to be accountable to as I was no longer 1 of 400 but rather I was 1 of 30. My professors and clinical instructors were able to attest to my work ethic and dedication to my learning; which was extremely helpful in bringing me to the point I am now at in my life. 

I am a currently a third year medical student at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and I can honestly attest that the School of Nursing’s faculty and staff is a major reason for my educational successes.

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
Melbourne, Australia

I decided to come to Lakehead University because its Civil Engineering program is known worldwide. Past Civil Engineering students from Lakehead University have won many international competitions, and have made some major contributions in many interesting projects. I also chose Lakehead because of its smaller class sizes and its quiet study environment.

My professors are really passionate about their jobs. I remember struggling with a subject, and after consulting with my professor, he gave me time outside of regular classes to get through it. Being passionate about large scale projects like skyscrapers, big bridges, dams, etc. really motivates me to work harder and stay focused. 

I am currently  working as a tour guide in the university. It gives me the opportunity to meet potential Lakehead students, not only from Canada but also all across the world. Getting involved in student life, sports, clubs, etc. is very important because it gives me the opportunity to have some of the experiences that I simply cannot get from academic studies alone. It helps me to become more prepared for the "real world" and gives a break from long hours of studies as well. 

Lakehead is preparing me for the future not only through its well-rounded academic program but also through its fun and interactive co-curricular activities. I am really proud to be a part of Lakehead University!

Bachelor of Education
Corunna, ON

I chose Lakehead because of its small-town feel and abundance of recreation opportunities. Thunder Bay has so much to offer for outdoors enthusiasts and Lakehead provides clubs and communities to support them. The student-run Ride Bus offers weekly transportation to and from Loch Lomond (local ski hill) during winter months, and is a great way to get outside and meet new people.

I knew I would appreciate the small class sizes and relationships with professors that cared about my success. The Faculty of Education offers a unique PPOD program that gives you a solid understanding of education foundations, and in-classroom experience before your placement. I made great friends in my PPOD that double as a lasting professional network.

My experience at Lakehead has given me the necessary skills to compete in today’s tight teaching job market. One month after graduation I landed an assistant teaching position at a Waldorf School in British Columbia and I couldn’t be happier.

Honours Bachelor of Science in Geoarchaeology
Dryden, ON

I am so thankful that I chose Lakehead University because of the amazing opportunities that I have been presented with through the school.  This summer I had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy and also had the chance to study and work on archaeological excavations of an ancient Roman villa in Southern Italy.

The school I attended in Cortona was actually a Paleontology course (although the town I studied in is Etruscan), and the archaeological excavation that I am working on right now is in Southern Italy, and we are excavating an ancient Roman villa from the Imperial Age, with a Lucanian age farmhouse below it.

Travelling abroad has opened my horizons to endless possibilities. I have experienced so many new and interesting cultures while travelling.  I have also met amazing people from all over the world with all different backgrounds and with whom I share similar interests.  I absolutely love learning about something in the classroom and then going out in the field and witnessing it firsthand, being able to hold the tangible evidence of the history of a place is an indescribable feeling.  It is amazing to be able to uncover pieces of the past and then use them to help get a better understanding of our history.

I have two years left of my undergrad at Lakehead, after which I plan on continuing my education to receive my Masters, as well as my PhD. I hope to work on more archaeological digs in the future and continue research in this field, eventually I plan in teaching at the university level.

At Lakehead you are provided with the ability to have interactions with your professors and form relationships with them, this therefore allows students more opportunities to get involved in research at the school and learn about the many programs offered at the University, such as the Anthropology Association.  It was also through Lakehead's close relationships with other institutions, such as the Italian Society of Thunder Bay and the University of Alberta, that these opportunities were made possible.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Thunder Bay, ON

I was born and raised in Thunder Bay; which was one of the reasons I decided to complete my degree at Lakehead. The opportunity to continue my education while surrounded and supported by my family and friends was very appealing to me.  

The faculty encouraged my interest in pursuing travel; and with their support I was able to study while exploring the world. Two of my fourth year clinical placements were completed in Auckland, New Zealand. I was able to gain surgical experience on a Cardiothoracic Unit, as well as public health experience in a Refugee Clinic. This opportunity expanded my perspective on the nursing profession while also providing me with an amazing life experience. 

I had the benefit of being taught by approachable professors who fostered my ability to think critically and promoted my academic growth. The Nursing program at Lakehead University provided me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to build a successful career as a Registered Nurse. 

 Since graduating I have had the opportunity to work in both the acute and public health care settings. I was able to continue traveling while pursuing my career as a Registered Nurse and spent the past year working in Australia. I have recently returned home to Thunder Bay and am currently working in Public Health. I look forward to continuing my education in the Masters of Public Health program at Lakehead University in the fall.

Business
Sicamous, BC

"I chose Lakehead because of its small size, and student to teacher ratio. The class sizes allow you to be known by professors and to interact with them outside of class. Profs will recognize you in the hallway! Lakehead may be a small university but it has a big heart. I also love the great sports here. When I am not in class I like to be in Fieldhouse playing squash or outside on the tennis courts! When I am not at the gym I like hanging out with friends playing video games. Some of my other favourite places are the Library, ATAC, and the Outpost.

My advice to future students would be to enjoy your time at university and Lakehead while you can because before you know it time will fly by and you will be graduating. So sit back and enjoy the great adventures Lakehead had to offer."

English, Concurrent Education
Thunder Bay, Ontario

"I chose Lakehead for a few reasons. It is located in my hometown of Thunder Bay, which meant I could still see my close friends and family while attending university. I also loved the small class sizes. Smaller class size makes it easier to meet your peers and the professors at Lakehead will know you by name. Everyone at Lakehead is so friendly because the school is more like a community. Going to Lakehead is a choice I will never regret. 

Getting involved at Lakehead is an essential part of the university experience! I am a part of Lakehead LEADers and I am a member of the Lakehead University Dance Team. Lakehead LEADers help run orientation, among other events, and help to make the transition to Lakehead as easy as possible for new students. By being a LEADer, I get to meet so many new people, make new friends and get to learn even more about the university I attend. On the Lakehead Dance Team, I get to dance at the half time shows during our Varsity Men's and Women's basketball games as well as compete in a dance competition at the end of the year. No matter how you get involved at Lakehead, it helps to make the university experience as enjoyable as possible!"

Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose Lakehead because they have a nationally accredited Psychology program close to home. By attending a small university like Lakehead, I have been able to get to know my professors and get a learning experience that is second to none.The professors here take the time to teach in an engaging way, and are more than willing to help if you have any questions.

When I was in my first year and was having some trouble adjusting to university life, all of my professors were incredibly understanding and provided me with support, encouragement, and tips to make the adjustment easier. This is part of why I have made it a point to get involved in student life by volunteering at orientation and other new student activities like preview day. I received a warm welcome from staff and students alike when I started school at Lakehead, and it is important for me to pass it on to others.

This past year, I was inducted into Psi Chi, which is the International Honour Society for Psychology. There are only three chapters in Canada, one of which is at Lakehead. Through Psi Chi, I have met other Psychology students with similar interests and goals, but more importantly, I've met friends that I don't know if I'd have met otherwise.

Lakehead has also given me the opportunity to work on campus while I study. I get to work hours that fit within my academic schedule, and have an employer that understands that school comes first. 

Choosing Lakehead has helped to prepare me for my future by opening doors to new and exciting opportunities, being able to talk to my professors closely, learning more about work experience and being a psychologist, and what is expected of me to reach my goals.