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

I chose Lakehead University because I wanted a school that would provide me with a unique post-secondary experience. I love that Lakehead University is a small school with big opportunities for its students. It is a place where you are viewed and valued as an individual.

Since we are a smaller-sized school, there is a sense of community that a larger institution is not capable of obtaining. I have not only made connections with my fellow classmates, but I have also connected with my professors. Due to our smaller classroom sizes, the professors at Lakehead University have the opportunity to build relationships with their students and to have valuable class discussions. The student life at Lakehead is like one big family. There is always something going on around campus! For example, there are intramural games throughout the weeknights, LUSU events on weekends, leadership workshops between classes, and different clubs meeting at various times!

The small classroom sizes and community-feel of Lakehead University helped to make my transition from high school to university smooth and comfortable! If you are the type of person who likes to be involved, there are plenty of opportunities to do so at Lakehead! The students I met during my orientation (4 years ago) are still my friends to this day! Every time I am on campus I am always seeing people I know. I love the atmosphere on campus. The food from Madison County is delicious and you get to see them make your food right before your eyes!

Biology, Psychology
Toronto 

"I'm at Lakehead taking an HBSc in Psychology and Biology with a degree in Education. I'm currently going into my third year at Lakehead, and after moving to Thunder Bay from Toronto, I haven't left! I chose Lakehead to get a different type of education, one that's not directly focused on textbooks but allows students to make real world applications with their education.

Aside from courses, campus life at Lakehead is amazing. There's a large variety of clubs, sports, and activities for everyone's own unique interests. Personally, I organize events with Pride Central, the student run LGBT centre on campus. Working there has exposed me to a whole different side of a movement that I believed I was familiar with, and has also given me the opportunity to reflect on what I want from my education. There are also lots of events organized by Residence, The Lakehead Student Union (LUSU) and other clubs, which are made for the same goal: to help students identify and relate with their school community."

Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology
Ottawa, ON

Prior to speaking with an alumnus of the Kinesiology program in 2009, I had never heard of Lakehead University. He spoke very highly of his experiences as well as what the Kinesiology program had to offer. This involved small class sizes, a supportive faculty, a variety of placement opportunities, as well as a program that integrates theoretical and practical components. It was because of this that I decided to come to Lakehead. 

Since completing the program, I can say that I really enjoyed my time at Lakehead! The classes within the Kinesiology program were very interesting and the labs provided me with hands on experience. I was also awarded the opportunity to complete practicums within the physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and athletic therapy settings. Furthermore, I found the professors to be very approachable, supportive, and always willing to go the extra mile.

Lakehead is truly an amazing school with an abundance of opportunities. Throughout my undergrad, I was able to play intramural soccer and hockey, as well as be a student trainer for the varsity teams. There really seems to be something for everyone!

Lakehead provided me with the necessary skills to pursue my future studies. I am currently completing my MSc in Kinesiology at Lakehead, where I am investigating “The Effects of Therapeutic Patellar Taping Techniques on Lower Extremity Kinematics During running in Individuals with and without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome”. In the future I plan on pursuing my dream of becoming a physiotherapist, and know that my entire journey at Lakehead has provided me with a very rich foundation with which to build on.

Economics, Political Science
Thunder Bay, Ontario

"I find Lakehead University has high quality of teaching and a small number of students with accessibility to professors, availability of different sources for students, and willingness of faculty members to spend time with students outside of the classroom. Self-learning teaching methods are very effective, which make you as student to do lots of researches about a particular topic. Lakehead University prepares me for the future by how to solve problems, think critically and creatively in a work place.  I also like the campus, which is beautiful in all seasons."

Political Science
Sierre Leone 

"I was born and raised in Sierra Leone. I fled my country because of the 10 years of brutal war that left many orphans, homeless, and killed. I was fortunate to receive sponsorship from Sleeping Giant Refugee Sponsoring Group at the First Presbyterian Church, and have successfully settled in Canada. Education was a key aspect in my life because it was difficult for a poor person to achieve a higher standard of education in my country. It was a dream comes true when I was resettled to Canada, a land of great opportunities.

The best advice that I can render to every student, especially to those who are indecisive is to consult a counsellor. Counsellors are available for every student and are always ready to help. I used that service and now I have graduated with an HBA in Political Science. One counsellor helped me to find my way after a series of challenges regarding what I really want to pursue in life. Sometimes it’s not just for “job sake” but what you think you will love and enjoy doing for life.

One important secret I would like to reveal to every student is the amazing professors you will find at your disposal at Lakehead. Many professors will try to challenge you and it is your responsibility as a student to stand the challenge. One of the professors that challenged me so much in my third and fourth year courses was Dr. Paquette. I have grown so much better because I was determined and listened to her advice. As a professor, she is not only there to lecture but also always there to answer to questions or concerns."

Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts
Thunder Bay, ON

My family encouraged me to apply to Lakehead. It was an easy decision to stay amongst the rich natural beauty of the region that continues to bring me contentment.

Being an art student at Lakehead allowed me to connect and network with some of the top artists in Thunder Bay. Through these connections I became very involved with Definitely Superior Art Gallery and the Thunder Bay arts community. These connections have continued to provide me with opportunities during and Post University.

The late Alison Kendall was a professor that stood out to me then and now. It was clear she was passionate about helping her students improve and grow. She celebrated our achievements outwardly and was never shy to challenge our thinking and encourage improvement. She saw value in you that you hadn’t yet in yourself. Most importantly she taught me to never apologize for my work. Alison continues to be a bright light, motivating force and inspiration for me.

In my graduating year, I had my most memorable and significant University experience. A small group of students and I traveled across the globe to China for a ceramics residency and to participate in an international art exhibition. We were able to absorb a totally new cultural perspective to improve our practice.

My plan for the future is to continue to be a full time artist, and create work unapologetically. 

Honours Bachelor of Social Work
Fort Frances, ON

Why I chose to attend Lakehead: - Small class sizes.
- General close proximity to southern Ontario.
- Small campus allowing an intimate learning environment.
- Strong Social Work Program
- Being able to talk to your Profs essentially at any time.

The academic environment at Lakehead Orillia is very unique. Unlike other institutions Lakehead offers students small class sizes and an amazing campus environment unlike any other.

I myself through LUSU have been able to create The Student 'Xtrakariqular' Club. Through LUSU I was given funds to run new events and add to existing ones to create an amazing university experience for myself, and others. Ultimately S.X.C. was awarded the Rookie Club of the Year award for its active participation in student life around campus for its large contributions.

Lakehead’s small community also allows students to make good connections not only with new friends but with their professors as well. Many of the Professors at Lakehead are on a first name basis with their students. Lakehead University is an exciting place with many new opportunities that come along with a growing school. Since Lakehead offers some many opportunities it is very easy to pick which ones most interest you.

Larry Fiddick has been one of the best professors I've had at Lakehead. Larry as always willing to sit down and explain to you anything about his classes you did not understand. On several occasions I remember receiving lengthy detail messages from him that very clearly outlined an explanation of material from class. Sometimes this happened at 2 pm other times 2 am. Larry Really showed his dedication to students when he did this and that's why he is one of my favorite professors at this institution. Larry was always willing to help any student when they asked for help and it reflected positively in their test marks when they did.

Honours Bachelor of Social Work
Fort Frances, ON

The academic environment at Lakehead Orillia is very unique. Unlike other institutions Lakehead offers students small class sizes and an amazing campus environment unlike any other. Lakehead’s small community allows students to make good connections not only with new friends but with their professors as well. Many of the professors at Lakehead are on a first-name basis with their students.

One of my favourite professors, for example, is always willing to sit down and explain anything about his classes I did not understand. On several occasions I remember receiving detailed email messages from him that very clearly explained material from class. Sometimes this happened at 2 pm other times 2 am. This really shows his dedication to students.

Through LUSU (Lakehead University Student Union), I have been able to create the 'Xtrakariqular' Club. Through LUSU I was given funds to run new events and add to existing ones to create an amazing university experience. Ultimately S.X.C. was awarded the Rookie Club of the Year award for its active participation in student life around campus for its large contributions. Social action is very important to me and the profession (Social Work) I wish to enter. Through the creation of a club I was able to gain new and exciting experience at Lakehead. It allowed me to make new friends and also too gain valuable work experience which in the long run landed me an amazing summer job at the University.