Have you ever wished that you could fast forward to the end of university so you could know now what you will learn in the future? Here's your chance to learn about the triumphs and obstacles current 4th year Lakehead University students have faced and gain valuable knowledge about how they approached their student experience with a focus on your wellbeing. Think of this as your wellness cheat sheet!

Lesson Learned #1 Time Management

One of the most common difficulties that students encounter that impacts their wellness is the stress associated with time management. After almost four years of university, what you come to discover is that coordinating your ‘me’ time is just as important as your academic time. We understand that it may be unrealistic to believe that there will be an equal amount of time available for both, which is why we have learned that you’re looking for more of an 80/20 split. If you spend 8 hours a week studying, you have earned 2 hours of time to focus on your passions. Passions don’t have to be a big extravagant hobby either, something as simple as going to see a movie qualifies as a brilliant form of self-care.

Lesson Learned #2 Learning to Self Moderate

One of the biggest challenges of transitioning to a university environment is learning to adapt to being your own best moderator. You get what you put into your Lakehead experience so it is important to be accountable for your actions and study habits. However, being your own moderator doesn’t mean that you’re alone in the process, it just means that you have accepted your role as being the leader. Use your role to access the numerous supports available to you at Lakehead University. Finding the support (counsellor, peer support, academic support, etc) that matches your wellness needs will help you complete your university journey with special respect for your health & wellness.

Lesson Learned #3 Explore all of your Options

Finding your true passion and unlocking your full potential is what university is all about. You don’t have to stay within the realm of what you thought you originally wanted; don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities! Switching your course plan does not EVER mean that you failed or gave up, it means that you have moved onto something new and more suited for your own unique potential. Discovering your true calling is essential to maintaining your wellness.

Lesson Learned #4 Relying on Your Peers

When it comes to facing obstacles in university, one of your best resources is your peers. Developing friendships based on trust and respect will help you to discuss challenges you are facing which gives you a safe space to vent & learn valuable advice. The dynamic relationship between peers is founded on the unique shared experience that you’re both working through. 

Do you want the opportunity to connect with your peers? Peer Chat is a program made by students, for students. It takes the pressure off of traditional counselling methods (which are still amazing options for some- everyone is different) by allowing you to discuss obstacles you are facing with other students and offer your own advice to other students looking for guidance. Follow @lupeerwellness on Instagram to learn more about upcoming Peer Chat meetings!

-Samantha Sawyer, 4th year student and Peer Support Lead 

Food can eat up a large part of your monthly budget and at times you might feel like you have to go the ramen route to make ends meet. There are ways to stretch your dollar and still eat food that is satisfying and provides the nutrients your body and mind need!

Plan Ahead

Don’t let your mood dictate your groceries for the week- take the time to plan your meals for the week and write a list based on that. Try to make use of ingredients in several different meals. You can also try meal prepping or batch cooking so that nothing goes to waste, having a meal ready also curbs the desire to order in on busy days.

Take Advantage of Student Discount Days

Some grocery stores or restaurants have dedicated discount days- if you can make it work with your schedule plan your shopping on those days.

Thunder Bay

Bulk Barn: Bulk Barn offers a 10% discount on Wednesdays with a valid student ID (source). 

Metro Grandview mall: Get 10 percent off your groceries every Tuesday with your student card.

Orillia

Bulk Barn: Bulk Barn offers a 10% discount on Wednesdays with a valid student ID (source). 

Grocery Store Loyalty Programs

If you hit up the same grocery store week after week, take advantage of any loyalty or points programs they have. These programs are almost always free and allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for discounts. Some programs also offer personalized coupons and discounts to loyalty members.

Apps

As always, there is an app for everything- including grocery discounts- these are ones we recommend.  

• Flipp- Flipp takes the weekly flyers crammed in your mailbox and puts them on your phone or tablet in a clean, searchable app. While you can search for a specific flyer and browse flyers as you would if they were sent to your house, the best capability of Flipp is being able to search for a product, such as milk, to see all the flyers that have it listed and for what price.

• Checkout51- Checkout 51 gives you money back on certain products after you purchase them. Some items will give you 0.25$, while others could give you a few dollars back. The app shows you what products you can get money back on that week so you know what deals you can get ahead of time. After you purchase items on the list you photograph and upload your receipt via the app. The receipt gets checked and once approved (usually within 48 hours) the money you earned gets added to your account. Once you hit $20 a cheque is mailed out to you.

• Caddle- The Caddle app is similar to Checkout 51, but unlike Checkout 51, Caddle is currently only available in Canada. Caddle publishes cashback offers every Thursday and this runs for a week. To claim an offer, purchase the item (usually at any store), scan, and upload the receipt for processing. You can claim multiple offers on one receipt. When your cashback balance reaches $20 or more, it is easy to cash out and receive a check in the mail.

Student Discount Cards

The requirements for student discounts vary- some only need to see your Lakehead ID but others require a specific membership program. Some cost money to sign up so read through their partnerships to see if it is worthwhile.

• ISIC Card- LUSU

• SPC Card

• Unidays

Food isn't the only thing that can get expensive and a lot of companies offer student discount, check out a complete list of Student Deals at https://dealhack.ca/blog/canadian-student-discounts

Flu season is upon us and we are answering some of the commonly asked questions about the flu shot.

Who should get a flu shot?

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Flu vaccination has important benefits: It can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

Where can I get the flu shot?

In Thunder Bay, students, staff, and faculty can get a flu shot at Student Health and Wellness starting October 25. Call 807-343-8361 or email flu.shots@lakeheadu.ca to book an appointment. 

In Orillia, anyone can get the flu shot at a local pharmacy, eligibility for the general public begins early November. Appointments are necessary at most locations. Call or visit the websites below to book an appointment at any of the pharmacies close to campus.

Costco: 625 University Ave. 705-418-1706 or book online. 

Food Basics: 975 W Ridge Blvd. 705-326-5200 or book online.

Walmart: 175 Murphy Rd. 705-325-7403 or book online.

Shoppers Drug Mart*: Walk-ins available. 149 Westmount Dr. N. 705-326-7373. Check availability here.

In Ontario, people with provincial health cards are able to get the vaccines from pharmacies, family doctors and public health clinics. 

International students or people without health cards 

• In Thunder Bay

• Flu shots will be available from Shopper's Drug Mart Pharmacies, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit or Superior EMS. 

• In Orillia

• The Bell Farm Road clinic will provide vaccinations by appointment only. CALL TELE-CLINIC 705-722-1199 or book online.

The last time I got a flu shot, I got sick. 

Flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Flu shots are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses, or with only a single protein from the flu virus. There are several reasons why someone might get flu symptoms, even after they have been vaccinated against the flu.

• Some people can become ill from other respiratory viruses besides flu such as rhinoviruses, which are associated with the common cold, cause symptoms similar to flu, and also spread and cause illness during the flu season. The flu vaccine only protects against the flu, not other illnesses.

• While you do start to develop antibodies right away, it takes the body two weeks after the flu shot to develop full immune protection. It is possible that a person might have been exposed to a flu virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during that two-week period and that this exposure might have resulted in developing the flu before protection takes effect. That’s why it is important to get your flu shot early on. 

• Some people may experience flu symptoms despite getting vaccinated is that they may have been exposed to a flu virus that is very different from the viruses the vaccine is designed to protect against. The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends largely on the similarity or “match” between the viruses selected to make the vaccine and those spreading and causing illness. There are many different flu viruses that spread and cause illness among people

• The final explanation for experiencing flu symptoms after vaccination is that flu vaccines vary in how well they work and some people who get vaccinated still get sick. When that happens though, vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce the severity of illness in those people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

How else can I prevent the spread of the flu?

In addition to getting the flu shot, people can adopt some simple practices (that might sound very familiar) to keep themselves and others healthy:

• Covering coughs and sneezes

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Wash your hands often

• Stay home if you are feeling unwell

• Practice other healthy habits

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Eat well, with lots of vegetables and fruits.

• Drink lots of fluids.

• Exercise regularly.

• Manage your stress.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

Naturopathic Services available on Thunder Bay Campus

With cold and flu season upon us, it is likely that you will come down with an illness that shares symptoms 

1.    Q- I have symptoms listed in the Daily COVID-19 Screening questions that are related to a known chronic condition (i.e. allergies) I have. Should I check them off?

A - Assessing symptoms of COVID-19 should focus on evaluating what is new, worsening, or different from your baseline health status or usual state. Symptoms associated with known chronic health conditions, or related to other known causes/conditions, should not be considered unless new, different or worsening.

2.    Q - I received a red QR code following my Daily COVID-19 Screening questions on Lakehead’s Mobile Safety app. May I still go to class?

A - No. If you receive a red QR code after answering your daily COVID-19 screening questions, you are not permitted to access any Lakehead University premises. Follow the directions provided through the Mobile Safety app and contact your instructor to explore options if you must self-isolate for a period of time.

3.    Q - If I have COVID-19 symptoms, can I just get a rapid test?

A - No. Rapid testing is not appropriate for symptomatic individuals. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, complete the provincial self-assessment and follow the directions provided.

4.    Q - I have a negative COVID-19 test but still have symptoms. Can I return to class?

A - It’s important to follow the advice of Public Health when you are unsure about whether it’s safe to leave your home. Contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at (807) 625-5900; or the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at (705) 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

5.    Q - I’m sick and unable to attend my exam. What should I do?

A - Lakehead University is temporarily suspending the need for a student who is ill to provide a Certificate of Illness or Incapacitation completed by a medical professional as per University Regulation IV (Examinations – Missed Examinations Due to Illness or Other Extenuating Circumstances).  If you are ill and need to defer an exam, please follow the steps outlined here.

6.    Q - I’m an instructor and I’ve had a student contact me about not passing the Daily COVID-19 Screening questions on the Lakehead Mobile Safety app.  How do I address situations where students are not able to attend campus?

A - As an instructor, it’s important to support students who cannot access campus as a result of feeling sick and/or may be at risk of potentially spreading COVID-19. Please accommodate their learning requirements as much as possible while they adhere to the instructions they will receive through the app and from Public Health in order to help keep yourself, your students, and the campus community safe. 

Click here for more COVID-19 FAQs specific to Lakehead University employees.

7. Q: Is there anything I can do to avoid getting sick?

A- You can take actions to prevent illness this cold and flu season: 

• Practice frequent hand hygiene
• Avoid touching your face
• Get your flu shot
• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat well-balanced meals 
• Stay physically active and spend time outdoors
• Find ways to de-stress and relax

Reading week is a great opportunity to reflect on how the semester is going and right the ship if needed. Take time to think about how you are doing, not just academically but with respect to all aspects of wellness (emotional, physical, social, etc.) and think about what can be improved upon for the rest of the semester. A self-care plan can help manage your stress and make yourself a priority. Learning to identify activities and practices that support your wellbeing can help you to sustain positive self-care in the long term.

For each category below, write at least one strategy or activity that you can undertake. You might notice areas of overlap between these categories. It is important to develop a self-care plan that is holistic and individual to you.

Physical self-care

Things that you can do that help you to stay fit and healthy, and with enough energy to get through your work and personal commitments. (i.e. regularly scheduling exercise, walking outside, setting a sleep schedule, meal planning).

Academic self-care

Activities that help you to work consistently at the level you expect of yourself (i.e. keeping up with readings, working with a study group, setting time boundaries).

Emotional self-care

Activities that allow you to safely experience your full range of emotions (i.e. accessing personal support systems, keep a journal, make time for things you enjoy, accessing counselling as needed).

Social self-care

This is about maintaining healthy, supportive relationships, and ensuring you have diversity in your relationships (i.e. spending time with friends and family, joining groups/communities of people with similar interests).

Cognitive self-care

The things you do to take care of and challenge your mind (i.e. reading for pleasure, writing, trying to learn a new skill or practicing one that is unrelated to school or work).

Once you have finished, keep your self-care plan somewhere you can see it every day. Keeping it visible will help you to think about and commit to the strategies in your plan. You can also share it with friends, roommates and family so they can support you in your actions.

Just like an athlete who trains for a competitive event, self-care plans require that you practice the activities regularly. Be realistic with yourself by remembering that it takes time for a new practice to become a routine. There will be moments when you falter and that’s okay. We’re all human.

Your campus fitness guide

Whether you’re looking to be active, meet new people or explore new hobbies, Lakehead has plenty of options. Here are some ways to get involved if you want to get moving this year.

On-Campus Options

Fitness Room

All current Lakehead Orillia students can access the fitness room, regardless of whether they are learning on or off-campus. Only those who have signed and submitted the risk and liability waiver will have physical access to the room.

Turf Field

This year, Lakehead Orillia students have access to the turf fields at the West Orillia Sports Complex for open field use. WOSC offers a full-sized, lit artificial turf field. Perfect for all kinds of outdoor sports and activities, students are encouraged to get active and make use of this space this fall! The WOSC (at Rotary Place) is located at 100 University Avenue, right next door to our campus.

Starting September 23rd, until November 4th, 2021, the fields will be booked for Lakehead students every Thursday evening from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm.

Virtual Offerings

If you’re looking for a fun way to connect with fellow Thunderwolves check out our virtual fitness programming:

It's Your Move 5x5 Challenge

• If getting back into school mode has messed up your fitness routine- or it was never much of a routine to begin with- get moving with the 5x5 challenge. Challenge yourself to log 5 days of activity (of at least 30 minutes) for 5 weeks starting on September 27.

• This program is open to current students, staff, faculty, and alumni from either Campus. Students who complete the challenge will get a sticker recognizing their success and all participants who log activity during the challenge will be entered into a prize draw with the winner announced in November.

• For more information on the 5x5 Challenge, visit the Student Health & Wellness Events page.

Teachers on the Move

• Teachers on the Move is a Professional Year BEd student-specific program. Download the Strava app and complete monthly individual and cohort challenges for a chance to get active in creative ways, gain valuable skills and resources...and of course, there are prizes available too! 

• Teachers on the Move has connections to the Ontario Health and Physical Education curriculum and will help to foster a sense of community among the Lakehead BEd students virtually, as you all continue to study online this year. This Strava club was made so that you can encourage one another and hold one another accountable while studying at home, so comment, give kudos and upload your activities!

• To sign up, fill out the Teachers on the Move Registration Form.

 Get outside

Living in Orillia means you have access to some of the most scenic natural areas in Ontario, right in your own backyard! If you’re interested in getting outside this semester, check out some of the resources below:

• Campus Trails: You don’t even need to leave campus to enjoy the beautiful scenery- check out our campus trail map.

• Hiking in the area: There is no shortage of parks, conservation areas and trails in the area, with some only a bus ride away, use the alltrails app to plan your route in advance.

• Equipment Borrowing: All Lakehead Orillia Students are entitled to borrow equipment for use on campus or at assigned facilities. In order to borrow equipment, please bring your student ID card to Student Central and ask Security. 

• Outdoor Courts and Fields: Want to throw together a scrimmage with friends? Make use of one of our many on-campus fields or head over to the Turf field at Rotary Place on Thursdays from 5-7 pm. On-campus lined field coming soon!

Play sports

Sports can be a fun way to stay active and meet new friends. Here are a couple of ways you can get involved in sports at Lakehead:

• Intramural Sport leagues: Campus Rec offers multiple sessions of Intramural Sports leagues throughout the year. You can sign up as a team or join a team as a free agent to play a variety of sports. No experience is required to play, and all ability levels are welcome. Not sure you can commit- watch out for mini-leagues being offered. 

• Orillia Community Sports Clubs: To learn more about the Community Sports Clubs in the Orillia area visit the Community Recreation page. 

Follow us on social

Learn more about upcoming opportunities and events through Athletics and Wellness by following us on social (@thunderwolvesOR)!

Disagreements happen -between partners, roommates, labmates, teammates- and they can easily be blown out of proportion. In Megan Phelps-Roper’s TED Talk, she urges all of us to talk and to listen to the people we disagree with. Here are her tips for how to have effective conversations:

1. Don’t assume bad intent.

Assuming ill motives almost instantly eliminated the possibility of understanding why someone does and believes as they do. We forget they are human-being with a lifetime of experience that shaped their mind, we get stuck on that first wave of anger, and the conversation has a very hard time ever moving beyond it. But when you assume good or neutral intent, you open yourself up to having an open, non-judgmental dialogue. 

2. Ask questions.

Asking questions helps figure out the disconnect between differing points of view. That’s important because we can’t present effective arguments if we don’t understand where the other side is actually coming from and it gives them an opportunity to point out flaws in our positions.

But asking questions serves another purpose; it signals to someone they’re being heard. Questions give the other person room to speak, but they also give others permission to ask you questions and truly hear your responses. It can change the dynamic of a conversation.

3. Stay calm.

This is way easier said than done! It does take practice and patience, but it’s powerful. If you are finding a conversation becoming heated, resist the urge to lash out and find a way to press pause. The disagreement isn't over but by giving everyone time to breathe or walk away, you have the opportunity to come back to it when everyone is ready and less frustrated. 

4. Make the argument.

One side effect of having strong beliefs is we can assume that the value of our position is, obvious and self-evident; that we shouldn’t have to defend our positions because they’re so clearly right; that if someone doesn’t get it, it’s their problem — that it’s not your job to educate them. But if it were that simple, we would all see things the same way, so make your case.

Your campus fitness guide

Whether you’re looking to be active, meet new people or explore new hobbies, Lakehead has plenty of options. Here are some ways to get involved if you want to get moving this year.

Visit the Lakehead Athletics Centre

Membership to the Athletics Centre is included in your student fees and you have access to all the facilities- pool, courts, multiple training areas, indoor turf and track in the Hangar.  Gym sessions must be booked online prior to visiting the facilities.  This can be done through the online portal at luathletics.lakeheadu.ca or through the Lakehead Move app.  Visit their website for more information on COVID-19 policies. 

*Wolfie Pro tip: Be sure to download the LakeheadMOVE app to sign up for classes or programs, book sessions, get facility access and get updates on Varsity teams.

 Download: Apple App Store      Download: Google Play Store

Move with the pack

If you’re looking for a fun way to work out with others, check out these options:

• Group fitness classes: Campus Rec offers a variety of classes that are led by a qualified instructor. Classes range from cardio, strength, dance-oriented, yoga, and water-based classes. Stay tuned for the class schedule in October on their group fitness page.

• Challenge yourself: Student Health and Wellness and Campus Rec have partnered up to offer a physical activity challenges throughout the year. Check out the It’s Your Move 5x5 to get started.

• Go with the Flow: The Athletics Centre is home to Modo Yoga, classes aren’t included in your facility membership but they do offer a student rate, karma classes and an energy exchange program. Student Health and Wellness also offers free yoga classes during the academic year- check out the events calendar to find out when and to register.

Get outside

Living in Thunder Bay means you have access to some of the most scenic natural areas in Ontario, right in your own backyard! If you’re interested in getting outside this semester, check out some of the resources below

• Campus Trails: You don’t even need to leave campus to enjoy the beautiful scenery- check out our campus trail map.

• Hiking in the area: There is no shortage of parks, conservation areas and trails in the area, with some only a bus ride away, use the wayfinder app to plan your route in advance. 

• Equipment checkout: Residence has a variety of sports equipment available to res students, stop by Bartley Front to see what is available!  Res students can also book the outdoor tennis courts and residence rink. 

• Outdoor Courts and Fields: Want to throw together a scrimmage with friends? Check out the outdoor sand volleyball courts by the Fieldhouse or one of the soccer fields on campus (by the Fieldhouse, behind the Avila or behind the Bora Laskin Education building) 

• Lake Tamblyn: Skating on our campus lake is a time-honoured tradition, watch for an announcement from Security for when the ice is safe. 

Play sports

Sports can be a fun way to stay active and meet new friends. Here are a couple of ways you can get involved in sports at Lakehead:

• Intramural Sport leagues: Campus Rec offers multiple sessions of Intramural Sports leagues throughout the year. You can sign up as a team or join a team as a free agent to play a variety of sports. No experience is required to play, and all ability levels are welcome. Not sure you can commit- watch out for mini-leagues being offered.

• Sport Clubs: Participate in competitive sports and compete against teams outside the university. Some teams may also require tryouts. Learn more about Sport Clubs

Follow us on social

Learn more about upcoming opportunities and events through Campus and Student Health and Wellness by following us on social (@Lakeheadcampusrec and @lakeheadlife)!

One School, Two Cities

Places to study off-campus

If you want to escape the distractions of friends or the pressure of being on campus, there are many places to study off-campus in Thunder Bay. If you like to study at coffee shops, you have many options to explore along Algoma Street and in downtown Port Arthur. Some of the most popular places to go are The Habit, Calico, and Bean Fiend. If you want to take advantage of the warmer weather in September, you can study at one of the many picnic tables throughout the city. You can find some by the Marina, Boulevard Lake, and the Law School. If you like a quieter place to study, there are several public libraries in Thunder Bay that you can also utilize. 

The Orillia campus is located in cottage country and this makes for a long list of comfortable and relaxing places to study off-campus. Just take a short trip to downtown Orillia and you’ll find Mariposa Market, Apple Annie’s Cafe, Eclectic Cafe, Verona Coffee, and Bakes By the Lake all on the main street - Mississauga Street East. The Orillia Public Library is also located downtown and offers a vast space for students to study, friendly staff to help out, and a large catalogue of resources. Another coffee shop that is a student study spot favourite is Mark IV Brothers -- located just east of downtown, Mark IV Brothers is a quiet and cozy coffee shop that is perfect for studying. Looking for a place to study by the water? The Couchiching Beach pavilion looks over Lake Couchiching and offers a beautiful study view. If you’re looking for a place closer to campus, don’t fret, we have a Starbucks just a 5-10 minute walk from campus that makes for the perfect spot. 

The Sights

Bordered by the Boreal Forest and Lake Superior, there are tons of picturesque places to explore in Thunder Bay. If you want to catch a stunning view of the Sleeping Giant, check out Hillcrest Park, the Bluffs, or the Marina. For a walk through a forested area, check out Centennial Park, George Burke Park, and the river trails on Campus. Besides being a nice place to walk, Boulevard Lake also provides a beach, mini putt, and frisbee golf. For those without a car, Hillcrest, the Marina, and George Burke park are not too far. You can easily access these sites by biking or taking the bus from campus. Hillcrest is also a short walk away from those living around the student neighbourhood of High Street South.

Orillia is surrounded by Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching, located along the historic 386-kilometre Trent-Severn Waterway which provides a scenic view throughout downtown. The waterfronts in Orillia offer a number of trails, sandy beaches and picnic areas. Visit Couchiching Beach Park to look out from the docks over Lake Couchiching and keep an eye out for a variety of fun events hosted here throughout the year. Head over to J.B. Tudhope Park, also located along Lake Couchiching, which is an active park with baseball diamonds, beach volleyball courts and home to Moose Beach. Tudhope Park is also famously home to Mariposa Folk Festival every year! Closer to Lakehead’s Orillia campus (just a short walk down the road!) is Scout Valley. There are three loop trails at Scout Valley, which is dominated by mature deciduous forest. At the top of the hill is a lookout with views across Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching.

Local Dining

Whether you are tired of food from the Res Cafe or need a break from cooking, Thunder Bay has many local restaurants to check out. Located by Algoma Street and Bay Street, Rebel Salad, Growing Season, and the Nook offer great food. Both Rebel Salad and the Growing Season offer healthy but delicious salads with options to create your own salad. If you prefer Italian food, the Nook offers great meals. More restaurants can also be found in downtown Port Arthur. For Thai food lovers, Thai Kitchen offers delicious Thai food. In Common and Apple Chipotle’s are good restaurants in the area. If you are too busy to get out of the house, no worries! Several places within Thunder Bay will deliver the food right to you. Through Skip the Dishes you can order from Eat Local Pizza, Sushi Station, Daytona’s and much more.

Orillia has a wide range of restaurants you can visit to satiate your cravings! Take a break from the cafeteria and treat yourself by going out for a bite to eat at any of the fabulous restaurants in the city or order in and enjoy the delicious food in residence or at home. Downtown is home to some local favourites: Brewery Bay’s slogan is Good Grub, Great Pub: a statement that is 100% true. Kenzington Burger Bar has the best burgers in town - whether you enjoy a classic cheeseburger or want something more extravagant, Kenzington is the place to go. Rustica offers delicious wood-fired pizzas and other delicious Italian dishes. Studabakers Beachside is a student favourite due to its sun-soaked patio and great pub food. Also located downtown, Shine is an awesome juice bar and cafe. Its menu is completely plant-based and gluten-free, and 90% of the menu items are locally sourced and organic! Closer to campus you’ll find places like Thai Plate, Tops In Pizza, St Louis Bar and Grill, Osmow’s, and Wimpy’s Diner! 

Other Places to Visit

While in Thunder Bay, you might as well take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the local talent and community. The Thunder Bay Country Market is the perfect place to visit on a Saturday morning or a late Wednesday afternoon. It has vendors that sell anything from locally grown veggies to handmade pottery. While you treat yourself to some good food, you can gain the satisfaction of supporting the local community. Right in the heart of where many students call home (On Beverly and Winnipeg), there is the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. Throughout the year, there are many performances that you can watch. Since Covid-19 caused many restrictions to be put into place, the number of tickets and performances may be limited. If you are interested in the history of the Great Lakes, you can visit the Alexander Henry, which was a ship that served on the Great Lakes from 1959-1984. 

Orillia has many places you can visit and explore to learn about the city’s history and take advantage of the cultural offerings Orillia has up for grabs. The Orillia Opera House, located on Mississauga Street E and West Street in the downtown area, produces professional theatre during the summer and presents concerts and educational programming throughout the year. The Orillia Farmers' Market is one of the longest-running farmers' markets in the province, with its roots going back to 1842 when it first operated at the waterfront. Our growers look forward to Saturdays on the Market, where they offer fresh-picked produce in season, naturally raised meats, handmade crafts from around the county, as well as a variety of yummy baked goods and ready-to-eat treats. The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) acts as a hub of culture and heritage in the heart of Orillia’s Peter Street Arts District. OMAH offers exciting and innovative exhibits, events, programming and activities that reach out and engage everyone. 

Check out the WelLU maps provided on the Student Health and Wellness Website to find many more places to explore - in both Thunder Bay and Orillia!

-Sarah Simpson, Orillia Work-Study Student and Rebekkah Pyle, Thunder Bay Work-Study Student