Student Affairs - Orillia Campus

GO-VAXX Bus Rolling into Campus

Looking to get your bi-valent COVID-19 vaccine before heading home after exams? The GO-VAXX bus will be rolling into campus once again before the end of the semester. This clinic is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. No appointments required.

Date: Saturday, Dec. 10
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Location: Orillia Campus parking lot

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the GO-VAXX bus to receive their bi-valent vaccine is reminded to:

Bring your health card. If you do not have a health card or your health card is expired, bring another form of government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport, status card or birth certificate.
Eat and drink something before you arrive to prevent feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated.
Dress for the weather in case there is a lineup.
Wear clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm such as a loose-fitting top or a t-shirt.
Wear a mask that covers your nose, mouth and chin.
Do not visit the GO-VAXX bus if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Keeping Active as the Cold Weather Approaches

It can be hard to stay motivated when it comes to getting physical activity, but it can be especially difficult when the weather gets cold. In the winter, there aren’t as many sports to play and a lot of us don’t want to go out for long walks. The below-zero temperatures are not only unpleasant, but they also mean putting on lots of extra clothing, including heavy coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots. If someone is already feeling exhausted and unmotivated, all these extra layers can feel like a big chore to put on.

However, it’s incredibly important to keep getting exercise. Physical activity has been proven to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, boost energy levels, strengthen muscles, and enhance cognitive performance. There are many great ways to keep fit while staying indoors and lots of online resources that can help you do this. For instance, you could try following YouTube tutorials for:

Yoga
Tai chi
Workout routines
Dance

Remember to go easy on yourself. The goal of getting exercise is not to compete with others and put yourself down. The goal is to keep your mind and body happy and healthy. It is also important to note that you do not have to do the exercises exactly like the people in the videos to reap the benefits. If you have trouble finding time to do these activities, or if they ever feel too daunting, there are many simple tasks you can do to get physical activity. Take short breaks (even a few minutes) from your schoolwork and try things like:

Stretching out your body
Walking down a flight of stairs and back up
Playing with a pet
Performing domestic tasks (e.g. cooking, sweeping, vacuuming, or laundry)

No matter how cold it is outside and no matter how busy life gets, it is important to find time to move your body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Exercise is essential for your health and wellbeing.

Last Chance to Get Your Textbooks, Course Materials

The Orillia Campus Bookstore is returning unsold Fall textbooks to the publishers starting November 14. So, if there is a book you need, get it now because they can't guarantee stock after the 14th. Full year textbooks are NOT part of the return at this time.

Mindfulness Activities On Campus

Develop mindfulness skills and practices through the Mindful Ambassador Program. Attendees will learn how to let go of negativity, be present, slow down racing thoughts, and calm both the mind and body. All participants will receive a $5 Tim Hortons gift card!

Sign up in advance on the Student Health and Wellness event page, or drop in. Thursday, Nov. 17 and 24, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm in the Student Academic Support Zone. Contact Sara Corcoran, Student Wellness Coordinator at wellness.coord.shw@lakeheadu.ca for more information.

November is Financial Literacy Month

Today is the start of November and the beginning of Financial Literacy Month in Canada.

Here at Lakehead University, we strive to provide students with opportunities to expand their knowledge inside and outside of the classroom. The Financial Literacy Team within Student Awards and Financial Aid has worked hard to organize informative events throughout the month of November. With great guest speakers as well as a variety of prizes to be won, there are many reasons to participate. Visit lakeheadu.ca/flm for the full schedule of events. Some highlights include our Financial Literacy Fair, a budgeting workshop with international personal finance speaker and author Gordon Stein, and a presentation by Rob Brown, author of Wealthing Like Rabbits.

View the full schedule at www.lakeheadu.ca/flm.

Recruitment Event Volunteers Needed: Fall Open House

Date: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Orillia Campus

Undergraduate Recruitment is seeking dynamic and outgoing student volunteers to assist with providing event support at our upcoming Fall Open House. Our Open House event is for prospective students who are looking to learn more about Lakehead University and student life.

Students may also apply to have their volunteer experience added to their co-curricular record.

Campus Tour Guides: Part of the student experience is an opportunity to explore campus. We will be offering campus tours during Open House to groups of prospective students and their families. Training sessions will be provided for campus tours as we will be following a specific tour route and script.

Welcome/Registration Table: As attendees arrive, they will need to be greeted by individuals on the welcome table. This table will also cover any individuals who did not register prior to attending. The table must have someone present at all times during the event and will serve as an information hub for questions related to the event. Volunteers are asked to commit to a 2-hour shift at the registration table.

Student Panel: We are seeking up to 4 volunteers to take part in our student experience panel. Moderated by undergraduate eecruitment, the student panelists will be asked questions about their journey to and experiences at Lakehead, as well as what they would recommend to future Thunderwolves. Panelists will be provided with talking points and the commitment is for 30 minutes (1 to 1:30 p.m.).

Interested students can reach out directly to tourguide@lakeheadu.ca. Please respond by Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022 with availability.

Flu Shot Clinics On-Campus

Cold and flu season is upon us! One of the best ways to prevent getting sick is getting your annual flu shot. Student Health and Wellness (SHW) is hosting two flu shot clinics open to all students, faculty, and staff.

Wellness Centre (OR 1012)
Monday, Oct. 31, 2 to 5:30 pm

Heritage Place
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Drop-ins are welcome, or you can book an appointment in advance to save your spot (spaces limited). Visit SHW events calendar for more information and to book an appointment.

Contact Sara Corcoran, Student Wellness Coordinator, at wellness.coord.shw@lakeheadu.ca or 705-330-4010 ext. 2116.

Mid-semester Mindfulness

Hey Thunderwolves it’s midterm season which we all know is a hectic time. During these times practicing mindfulness can not only help with reducing stress but it can also help with motivation. We’ve collected some helpful tips and resources for you to use this month to help you get into mindfulness.

Body scan meditation is a technique used to look inwards and to assess any sensations your body may be feeling. Body scan meditation is used for many things like stress, improving sleep, greater self awareness, and reducing pain and stiffness. Check out this guided body scan meditation as a way to see if it is a good fit for you.

Take some time to do what you enjoy. Is there a food you love? Take some time to enjoy it and ask yourself why you like it so much. Focusing on small details you enjoy can help you reduce feelings of anxiety. Check out this link for some easy comfort foods you can make to help you refuel for your studies.

You have supports available to you. As a Lakehead University student you have access to our counseling services offered through Student Health and Wellness. We even offer same day counseling. Wanting to check in with yourself? Use our new Wellukey tool to complete a self assessment and see any online resources available to you.

nterested in some mindfulness that gets your heart pumping? Yoga is an excellent way to get your muscles moving while easing your mind and body with a wide range of stretches, poses and breathing techniques. Below are some local yoga studios offering classes right now!

Thunder Bay

Orillia

Want to become a Lakehead Financial Advocate?

In order to earn the Lakehead & CFEE Financial Advocate badge, you must participate in at least four out of five Help! Managing Your Money on Campus financial literacy workshops offered in the 2022 Fall semester.

The cumulative knowledge gained by attending these sessions and further adherence to the topics covered represent the foundation of financial health and stability. The badge will be sent to you via email and you are able to download it and show that it is a verified certification. You could add this to your resume and your Lakehead co-curricular record! Those who successfully complete the Lakehead Financial Advocate badge will be entered in a draw for a chance to win $250.

Contact Melanie Oakes, Student Central, at studentcentral@lakeheadu.ca.

Learn more

Check In with Your Sleep This Reading Week

Hey, it’s Fall Reading Week! What a great time to Check-In with the Lakehead WellU Key!

Are you eating enough leafy greens? Have you been active today? How's your sleep?

Sleep is critical for learning and memory. The process of learning is actively taken up by your brain during sleep, especially during the REM stage. Sleep is essential for long-term memory formation, and it is during sleep that memory consolidation and enhancement occur.

A lack of good quality sleep can make it harder to focus and think clearly and can cause increased fatigue, irritability, and anxiety during the day. All of which can cause your academic performance to suffer.

It is not only the number of hours of sleep that matters but other factors such as quality of sleep are important. A common belief is that lost sleep from a late night of studying can be recovered by “sleeping in” another day or taking naps. However, both methods disrupt the body’s circadian rhythms and may deprive the body of deeper sleep stages. It is important to respond, whenever possible, to the body’s natural signals of sleepiness.

If you have fallen into a sleep schedule that is not working for you because you are having trouble getting up in the morning or staying up later than you want, there is no time like the present to get into a new sleep routine.

Try some of the following to get into a sleep pattern that works for you:

- Go to bed early enough to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night

- Be consistent with your sleep schedule, even on the weekends.

- If you need to nap, make it brief; keep it under 15 minutes and before 3pm

- Avoid studying, watching tv, or talking on the phone while in bed.

- Stay away from caffeine and other stimulants later in the day.

- Try to be physically active in some way each day.

- Help your body wind down naturally by turning off digital screens and dimming lights before bed.

- Try an app, like BetterSleep, Sleep Cycle, Pzizz, or Sleepiest.

If your sleep schedule is interfering with your academic work, job, and other responsibilities, if the above strategies don’t work, or if you’re struggling with sleep in any way, talk to your doctor or health care practitioner.

For more information and resources related to sleep check out the Sleep Section of our site!

Student Affairs - Orillia Campus

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