HBA History / Concurrent Education
Toronto, ON

Lakehead is the right University for me because size matters. Being a smaller University, Lakehead offers a real sense of community wherein if you really want to get to know your Profs you can; there are often no more than 40-50 students in each class and sometimes less than 20 in your later years. These smaller class sizes offer so much: a superior learning experience (you're not watching a monitor or are without a seat), more debates and plenty of opportunities to get to know your classmates whom you'll bump into frequently throughout the week and who will eventually become your study partners and friends. I was also surprised of the beauty of the campus - who has a lake to skate on in the winter surrounded by beautiful evergreens as the Northern Ontario sun sets? I could've easily transferred to a bigger University down South but after my experience at Lakehead I didn't want to go anywhere else.

For a small University, the History program is fairly diverse and so are the Professors who teach them. I've learned more than I could have ever imagined. I love the passion of the Profs and more importantly the consistent attitude of the Professors in that for the most part they are very down to earth, approachable, passionate, available and sometimes quite funny. I think this really makes the difference, especially for someone like me who asks a million questions a year and when I say that I'm not joking. Usually students have a few Professors they greatly dislike for various reasons but I cannot think of one. The Administrative Assistant of the History Department (Gail Fikis) is perhaps the most welcoming. I don't think she knows how to not smile.

My advice to new students: Don't underestimate the workload, deadlines are closer than you think and try to always get ahead and prepare as much as possible because just when you think you're way ahead - you're not and then you can't imagine where you'd be had you not prepared yourself. Go to all the lectures or as many as you can because although you think it's not sinking in, it is. Ask your Professors questions inside and outside of the classroom - the more you understand what they're looking for, the better mark you will likely get and sometimes you may have had their requests completely mixed up so it's better to be safe than sorry. Get organized: this is the key. Buy one of those monthly calendars and mark all assignments / exams down so you can constantly be aware of how much time you have left.

Those being said, also remember that these will unquestionably be some of the best years of your life: make the most of it! Come out of your shell a bit more than you're used to, try new activities and you may find a new passion in your life, explore Thunder Bay - there's more than meets the eye (to quote The Transformers), hate the Winter? Embrace it! Go on winter bike rides, try skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, dog sledding, skating and so on. Do as the locals do.

Masters in Biology
Thunder Bay, Ontario

I chose Lakehead because for me it is close to home; ten minutes from door to door. The lower tuition combined with the hometown factor make going to Lakehead an affordable experience. The professors are very professional and seem to genuinely care about the students. The Biology program is diverse. There are many disciplines within the biology umbrella and you can tailor your class choices to your interests while you pursue your degree.

I was able to be a part of a program called Superior Science, which is mainly a summer science camp for children grades 1-9. Getting the opportunity to teach children science for two summers was an amazing experience, and I am constantly learning things from having a different perspective and organizing the camp.

If I could tell someone about Lakehead I would say that it is comfortable. The small town mentality in Thunder Bay permeates the walls at Lakehead and it is evident through the people you will meet here. Lakehead is a great place to get post secondary education, and a place to feel good doing it.

Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry
White Lake, ON

I am currently a fourth year student in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management studying forestry, particularly forest products and marketing. When I was applying to universities, prior to graduating from Arnprior District Highschool, Lakehead was my first choice for a number of reasons. First of all, I have a great interest in the environment and Lakehead University is in an optimal location to gain useful knowledge and hands on experience in the field. Also, Thunder Bay provides some outstanding fishing, hunting, and outdoor opportunities. Lakehead University is not the largest university, however I find this allows for more personal relationships to be developed between professors and students in most programs, as a matter of fact I can refer to most of my professors by their first name. Each professor has had some sort of significant impact on me in different ways, whether it is by helping in the search for a job or by simply sitting down and sharing stories.

I have also been lucky enough to be employed by the Lakehead University Wood Science Testing Facility for two summers in a row, where I assisted in research in the field as well as in the lab. I began my undergraduate thesis through this job where I was able to process and analysis my own data to help further my studies. This has allowed me to expand my knowledge in forestry, along with methods and processes that are undergone in order to conduct research. Not only am I employed through my faculty during the summer months, but every winter I also work on a cable skidder operation outside of town. Both of these employment opportunities have given me great exposure to the forest sector and experience working in my field. Overall, I believe that Lakehead University was the best choice for me, not only as an institute to obtain a degree from, but also as an investment in my future. 

HBA/BEd History I/S
Thunder Bay, ON

"I chose Lakehead for several reasons. Firstly, it offered the Concurrent Education program which allowed me to take education courses throughout my undergraduate career. Secondly, the university atmosphere really appealed to me. The faculty and staff were friendly and approachable and went above and beyond in answering all of my tough questions. Thirdly, since I am an outdoors person I wanted to attend a university that possessed a nice contrast between urban and nature.

Lakehead is the right university for me because it allows me the opportunity to pursue my academic studies while also building my interpersonal and leadership skills. In my academic life I am surrounded with talented colleagues and professors who allow me the chance to pursue areas of study that stimulate me, while also pushing me to a higher intellectual level. Also, when I am not studying I have had the pleasure of working with many of the departments in the university and building vital teamwork skills that will help me long after I graduate.

My program is challenging, but in a positive way. I am given the opportunity to focus on my own research interests, while also learning the essential building blocks of my discipline. As well, my program allows me the ability to pursue interdisciplinary work, which is very academically stimulating. I encourage new students to focus on their academic studies, but also balance their time and volunteer around the university. I have had so many wonderful experiences and met fantastic people because I chose to widen out.

Outside of class I enjoy exercising, mountain biking, outdoor activities and especially all sorts of sports. I am a student ambassador, which means I play a vital role in helping new students transition into university life. Our main focus is the Orientation sessions in the Fall, Winter and Summer; however, we also volunteer throughout the school year during university events. I also volunteer to help university departments during my spare time. Finally, I am a Lakehead Buddy, which means I aid international students in their transition to Lakehead. I also volunteer for several charitable organizations in Thunder Bay, and am very active in my religion and volunteer in drives to benefit the community."

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
Mexico City, Mexico

Five years ago, I moved to Canada and pursued an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (co-op) at Niagara College. Seeking further education and more life preparation, I came to Lakehead University as they offer a very good college to university bridging program. Lakehead’s summer transition program is very challenging; however, it prepared me for what was coming in a regular university course load. In my second semester of my third year, I had a professor named Dr. B. Ismail that definitely made an impact in my student career. He is a very challenging professor, expecting nothing but the best. In his classes I didn’t do very well on the midterms, which made me more disciplined with my time in preparation for the finals. At the end, I did well in his classes, and I also learned the most from his two classes.

 Lakehead helps students prepare for a good work ethic. My professors are very strict on the deadlines for every project. In the real world, there is no asking for an extra day or a week on a project. They also evaluate students on exam/project results, resembling a workplace environment where results are what matter. Our professors made sure we could communicate with each other to express our ideas so we could share, compare, and combine each idea to get the best solution. This is very helpful since the workplace often uses teamwork to accomplish tasks. My professors were always very pleased to give us feedback on our work, which only made us improve in class and respond well to positive criticism. Overall, Lakehead is a great school that is giving me all the tools I need to succeed in life. 

Honours Bachelor of Arts in French, Bachelor of Education (Concurrent, Primary/Junior)
Thunder Bay, ON

To start at the very beginning, I could claim that I chose to attend Lakehead University for numerous reasons: the classical conditioning of my high school French teacher, who was also a lab instructor for the Department of Languages and who thus constantly raved about the quality of instruction; the location of the Thunder Bay campus in my hometown; or even the significance of this establishment in my family history, for my parents, who had lived at opposite ends of the country, met because of the engineering program. While these elements influenced my choice, the deciding factor was ultimately the incomparable academic scholarships this university offers. In fact, I have an academic scholarship for free tuition. Nevertheless, upon commencing my studies, I quickly came to the realization that these scholarships constitute only one of the ways in which Lakehead University manifests what I have come to appreciate as its most pervasive attribute; that is, it’s unwavering dedication to the success of each student. Indeed, countless staff members, current students, and alumni have been instrumental in assisting me as I endeavour to maximize my potential at Lakehead University. For instance, I am preparing to participate in an exchange to l’Université Stendhal in Grenoble, France next year. Words fail to capture the blessing that it has been to have the support of every Lakehead University staff member with whom I have come into contact, especially that of the International Office, the Department of Languages, and various professors. While I am elated to have the opportunity to study at one of Lakehead University’s partner institutions, I must say that I will be eager to return to Lakehead University because the students and staff have made my university experience unforgettable and will surely continue to do so in the future.

Program: HB Kinesiology
Hometown: Thunder Bay, ON

I absolutely loved the Kinesiology program and the opportunity it gave me to learn and grow. What I am most thankful for is the encouragement I felt from all of my professors. From day one, I felt valued. By my fourth year, I found myself stopping by to drop off assignments and chatting with the professors in their offices for half an hour. I know with confidence that this kind of professor/student partnership is not common at other schools that offer the same program. I, therefore, feel very lucky that I was able to build strong relationships with my professors. They were invested in my education and wanted to see me succeed. Words cannot describe the feeling that I have knowing that my professors are proud of me and cannot wait to see what I will accomplish. I will never forget my experience at Lakehead, for it has formed who I am today. I am forever thankful for the hours the professors have invested in my education, and I cannot wait to make them all proud.

Honours Bachelor of Social Work (One Year)
Toronto, ON

Let me tell you briefly how this program changed my life!

I was welcomed at Lakehead by awesome teachers, and kind peers, several of whom I now call friends.  We all embarked on this Social Work journey together, and it was a fun and life-changing ride.  We were all taught by great educators; within a University setting, and it felt more like home rather than a school. It made for a better learning experience. To me, the learning experience at Lakehead was about community and about change, positive change.  I graduated in 2011 and I have never looked back, and I now have my Masters in Social Work. I still feel like an honorary resident of Orillia even though I am back in Toronto; Orillia and Lakehead have a special place in my heart because that is where I became who I was meant to be.  

I chose Lakehead because they offered me a realistic opportunity to change my career to something more meaningful. I enjoyed the small class setting where fellow students formed friendships and learned together, taught by very dedicated and passionate teachers.  I had fun in the recreational sport programs at Lakehead and I really felt like part of the Orillia community while I was there.  Now I am a child welfare worker and am motivated to make the biggest change I can involve myself in several volunteer projects. At Lakehead I discovered my passion to reach goals, which would allow me to help others, and I continue to strive to reach those goals.