March 20th, 2024 Top 5 things I've learned as a UCalgary student University is an interesting time in your life, and you will learn many lessons along the way. When it comes to friends, family, extra-curriculars, it all tends to shift. Here are 5 things to remember when you are preparing to start your first year at the University of Calgary, from a 4th year UCalgary student. (1).png)
University is full of events, new people, opportunities and so much more. Make sure to put yourself out there! Say hi to your neighbour in class, introduce yourself to your professor, join a club or ask someone to grab coffee with you. Try not to shy away from a new opportunity in front of you, go out there and take advantage of the amazing network of people at UCalgary! There are so many ways to put yourself out there and meet new people, professionally and personally, in university. You never know if your next best friend is sitting next to you in class or that professor will become a research supervisor. Don’t be afraid to try. Although it can be daunting at first to approach a new person in a new place, but remember, everyone here is in a similar spot as you. 2. Join Clubs/Extracurriculars Along the same vein, make sure to take advantage of all the student events that UCalgary offers! There are over 350 student run clubs to choose from, you’re bound to find one that interests you! Clubs are a terrific opportunity to meet friends outside of classes, you’re all meeting under similar interests and automatically have something to do, it’s a win-win situation. Connect on academic interests in clubs such as the Solar Car club or hang out in a more relaxed setting in a club such as the Ski and Board club. Extracurriculars are similar, if you’re interested in playing a sport with your fellow UCalgary Dinos, join one of the 50+ intramural options. You don’t have to have any experience and it gives you a chance to hang out on campus, meet new people, and learn a new skill as well. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet people outside of class and connect over a common interest. 3. Don’t try to go too fast University is the time for discovering yourself and learning new things, try not to rush through it. There are so many fun things to experience at UCalgary, if you go too fast you may miss it. Enjoy your classes, hang out with friends, experience Calgary, if you try to cram too much in a small amount of time you might miss out. Use this time to get to know yourself, you’re becoming a whole new version of yourself and that deserves time to foster and grow. Explore every avenue, if a new opportunity arises, check it out and see if it’s something that interests you. In my first few years I aimed to experience as many different courses as possible and tried to get a taste of everything. This allowed me the chance to add a minor into my program and to explore a different department that I wouldn’t originally be able to in my program. I had experience with the Faculty of Arts Co-operative Education Program, it has allowed me to gain vital work experience that would be harder to obtain once I graduate and it has prepared me well for my future career path. Don’t be afraid to gain work experience or take a study abroad, all these opportunities are here for you to experience and take advantage of! 4. Prioritize your studies Although university is a time for socializing, meeting new people and making new friends, don’t forget why you started. Prioritize your classes and make sure you complete your work on time. Make the most of your time while also continuing to be a good student. Make sure to take advantage of your professor’s office hours to ask any questions you have about the course material or assignments and take advantage of labs and tutorials to get a more one on one experience. The classes at UCalgary have been some of the biggest highlights of my degree because I’m able to take option classes and explore different departments and programs. I still remember the History class I took in my first year and rave about it to this day. Take advantage of the resources that are available such as PASS study sessions and writing support to help you be as successful as possible in your classes. 5. Embrace Change You’ve heard it a million times, but university is the time for change in your life, you are leaving high school and entering a world of individuality. Your relationships, goals and future may all experience rapid change and it’s important to embrace this change head on, take advantage of all the new opportunities coming your way and accept the changes that are going to come into your life. Branch out and meet new people, explore different career paths and discover new opportunities. This may sound like a broken record, but change is vital to discovering yourself, if you try to resist it your progress will slow, and it may take you longer to decide on a career path or a graduate program that is incredibly interesting to you. This may be your first year moved out of your parents' house, or your first year outside of high school, but this will be the year where you learn critical life skills and learn how to exist in the world solo. If you are starting your UCalgary journey in the fall, make sure to attend You at UCalgary to learn more about your future campus and qualify for early course registration! Check your UCalgary email for an invitation to attend!
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