This website uses resources that are being blocked by your network. Contact your network administrator for more information.
Skip to main content
University of Calgary
  • University of Calgary
  • FUTURE STUDENTS
  • Undergraduate
    • Undergraduate
    • Undergraduate
    • Explore programs
      • Explore programs
      • Explore programs
      • Selecting and customizing your degree
    • Why UCalgary
      • Why UCalgary
      • Why UCalgary
      • Academic life
      • Student experience
      • Housing and food
      • Life in Calgary
    • Tours and events
      • Tours and events
      • Tours and events
      • Tours
      • Events
    • Fees and finances
      • Fees and finances
      • Fees and finances
      • Cost estimator
    • Admissions
      • Admissions
      • Admissions
      • Admission requirements
      • Dates and deadlines
      • How to apply
      • Transcripts and documents
      • Transfer credit
      • Application status
    • Support and contact
      • Support and contact
      • Support and contact
      • Meet a recruiter
      • Guides and publications
    • Information for:
      • Information for:
      • Information for:
      • Indigenous students
      • International students
      • Family and supporters
      • High school counsellors
  • Graduate
    • Graduate
    • Graduate
    • Explore Programs
    • Contacts
    • Finance
    • Student Life
    • How to Apply
    • Indigenous Graduate Students
    • International Students
    • Understanding Graduate Studies
  • Open Studies
    • Open Studies
    • Open Studies
    • Degree holders and Non-Degree holders
    • Visiting students and Visiting student researcher
    • High school students
    • Open Studies dates
    February 17, 2022
    Montana Harden

    From a Small Town to a Big City University

    What may appear to be a giant undertaking, can be the best decision you’ve ever made!

    As you search for the university or college to spend your next four years, you may be feeling overwhelmed especially if you are used to small classes and communities. The University of Calgary will put these worries at ease through countless support programs, clubs, and a strong sense of community that is evident across the university’s 5 campuses. The University of Calgary’s main campus alone, occupies more than 200 hectares, making the campus larger than Calgary’s downtown. This size should not deter you, but rather, pique your interest as there are endless ways to enhance your degree and find your sense of community within the university.

    A common decision people from small towns make when choosing their post-secondary institution is to have an adjustment period by starting at a smaller institution for two years and finishing their degree at a larger institution such as the University of Calgary. Although this is a viable option, what is important to understand is this is not a necessary step to take once you graduate high school. There are several resources on campus that can help with your transition and provide you with a support network and a sense of community. Some examples include:

    • UCalgary offers multiple programs through the Student Success Centre such as the Writing Centre. Depending on your program, the sizes of your courses will vary, nevertheless, The Writing Centre is available for all students. The Writing Centre offers free half-hour individual writing tutorials for students at all levels who want to improve their writing. Many professors will also offer office hours, so students can ask questions and get additional academic support for that class.
    • Faculty Advisors are available and are very knowledgeable about your faculty and can help you get the most out of your time at the University of Calgary.
    • Another way to feel connected is through clubs. The University of Calgary offers over 300 student clubs, 50 intramural sports and countless performing arts events.UCalgary also offers a range of Student Service supports such as the Wellness Center, The Q Centre, the Women’s Resource Centre, the Writing Symbols Lodge, the Faith and Spirituality Centre, Student Accessibility Services, and International Student Services.

    If you are ever uneasy about if the University of Calgary is the right fit for you, find out more from our Instagram; @choose.ucalgary, on Facebook @ University of Calgary Future Students Facebook, on Pinterest @chooseucalgary, our YouTube @ Choose UCalgary or through our Choose UCalgary podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcast.



    Looking for more content? View our other blogs by clicking here

    Start Something

    Website Terms & Conditions
    Privacy Policy
    Website feedback

    University of Calgary
    2500 University Drive NW
    Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4
    CANADA

    Copyright ©

    The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).

    The University of Calgary is situated on land Northwest of where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. On this land and in this place we strive to learn together, walk together, and grow together “in a good way.”