What we (second years) wish we would have known before starting university and during our first year at Mount Allison.
“Keep your door open!”
“Make an effort to meet people on your floor.”
“Even if you start university knowing people from your high school, branch out and meet new people.”
“Go to orientation activities.”
“One of the main things for me is that I overpacked. I brought too much stuff, and my room got really cluttered, really quickly!”
“Go to orientation week events and socialize!! Go to events with your residence because you'll meet some awesome people. Even if your priority is to have perfect marks, you deserve a night out once in a while. Go to help sessions, even if you think you understand the subject, that extra help may do the trick. Don't be afraid to ask questions in class because most people are probably confused too. The first couple of months are a tough adjustment, but find what works for you; this is what took me long to figure out.”
On a serious note:
-Packing can be stressful, but if you end up forgetting something, it is not the end of the world! From what I have experienced in Campbell Hall, someone always has your back and is willing to lend you whatever you may have forgotten.
-University is fun. So fun, in fact, that it can be easy to forget that you’re a student! Just remember to always stay on top of the workload so it doesn’t get too overwhelming. There are tons of little study spaces across campus, so find one that works for you!
-Don’t forget about your physical health! The fitness centre, athletic centre, and Sackville Waterfowl Park are great places to go to if you need a break from the books.
-Prepare to finish first year as a slightly different person than when you came. First year, for me, included some of the highest of highs and lowest of lows, but I wouldn’t give up any of it because it made me a better person.
A few random things:
-You never know when you’ll need a fly swatter…
-Try to avoid doing laundry on Saturday morning.
-Jennings Meal Hall is a great place to study
“Don’t bring your whole closet because in reality you’ll end up wearing the same comfy outfits over and over after the first 2 weeks”
“Find friends in all of your classes because it makes you a lot more willing to study, and you are more accountable for your work”
“Moving into Campbell last year was a super exciting time! However, moving from across Canada and not knowing anyone on the East Coast was pretty scary. Don't worry, you will make tons of friends instantly, and there will be a ton of people who are able to support you. One thing I suggest is don't worry about packing everything, bring your necessities, bedding, books, clothes, etc. If you need to borrow a can opener or a hole puncher, you will be able to borrow it from someone down the hall. However, I do suggest packing some things that will make your room more personal, and will help you feel more at home (posters, tapestries, pictures of family and friends).
You should also be prepared to be exhausted after O-Week. It will be so much fun but remember to sleep a lot and eat/drink well.
Lastly, use the resources offered to you!! Campbell has awesome Academic Mentors, House Exec, and House Staff (RAs). There are also tons of people in the Meighen Centre and Student Centre who are happy to help in any way you need!! Don't be afraid to ask questions! Can't wait to meet you all next year!”
“I'd definitely recommend spending time each day studying or going over lecture notes, whether that is at the library, Student Centre, or in your room because, first semester, I did not spend as much time as I should have at the library compared to second semester!”
“One thing that incoming students should try to do is keep their doors open the first few weeks of school so they meet more people.”
“They should know that it's okay to be stressed and freaked out, and they shouldn’t be scared to talk to someone or cry it out because everyone has those moments - it's normal.”
“Yes, classes are important, but you should still go to class and not look at your phone the whole time. However, no grade, party, boy, or girl comes before your health and wellbeing. And university should be fun; it's fine to change and take your time.”
“Be open to new friendships. Don't be shy and don’t stay in your comfort zone because you never know who might become one of your best friends by the end of the year!”
If there was one tip I would have to offer to the incoming first years is that if you’re coming to university with someone that you know or a group of friends you know from high school, I would really recommend branching out and meeting other people. I understand that meeting new people can be super intimidating especially when you’re in a whole new environment, but you have to remember that everyone else is in the exact same position too. And, if you’re finding it difficult to find your "friend group(s)" at university, don't worry. For me, I was meeting some of my closest friends well into second semester.