Still nervous about first year?
Here are some tips from our Smart Start team.

Making Use of Office Hours

Michael – 3rd year, Labour Studies

I still remember the moment I got the grade back. It was for a 2500-word paper in a first-year Political Science course. I spent weeks on it, researching, drafting, proofreading. I was more than proud of what I’d written. Confident, even.

Then, the grade came back through with the most thrilling email notification: “Your grade for ‘Term Paper’ has been updated. Your grade is”… a whopping 50%…

My heart plunged. I aimlessly read the comments over and over, trying to make sense of them. Being registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS), I convinced myself that my Teaching Assistant (TA) was culpable, far too harsh, and that this outcome was a direct result of my disability. I thought university grading was just unpredictable, subject to markers’ individual whims. But deep down, I knew I was merely rationalizing my thinking, trying to mask the reality of the situation to shift responsibility. I needed to figure out what went wrong.

After settling down, and thoughtfully reading my TA’s comments, I worked up the courage to go to their office hours. Before coming to Brock in 2022, I subscribed to the mentality that many first-year students are indoctrinated into: that office hours are intimidating, that TAs (especially when they’re your professor) are unapproachable, and that asking for help would make me look unprepared. These word-of-mouth tales reminded me of the innumerable encounters I faced with academics in elementary and high school, so I had a hard time believing that things could play out differently.

But that first office hour shattered all those rife, specious myths instilled in me.

The following week, I met with my TA, and we went through the paper together. She pointed out that while my writing was pretty good, my argument wasn’t. I hadn’t developed a clear thesis, my analysis was surface-level, and I was relying on summary instead of critique. I also misunderstood the expectations around APA citations, which is something my high school teachers didn’t expect from me even at the 4U level. Most importantly, I didn’t address the rubric in a meaningful way that went beyond the “what” and into the “so what”. She told me that the “effort was there” but that effort alone is not reminiscent of a good grade… definitely a “right idea, WRONG EXECUTION” kind of moment!

Though you may be thinking otherwise, this was a much-needed boost for my motivation and academic confidence. I walked (rolled) out of that meeting with more than just answers, as I had a tangible roadmap for improvement. I started seeing office hours not as a last resort, but as a built-in support system. Whether it’s feedback on a particular section of an essay, questions about the rubric, or clarification on broader course themes and content, office hours are not a space to “weed out” students who struggle; they are a hub designed to help you grow. What I want you to know is that office hours are for every type of learner. You don’t need to be struggling or on your last academic legs to use them;, you just need to start with a question, be curious, and willing to learn.

That first grade was tough, but it taught me something important: your success in university isn’t holistically defined, especially not by one “bad” mark, it’s shaped by sheer determination and how you act and respond to stress in the face of adversity. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a win-win strategy that shines through when you take initiative. And it starts with walking through that office door.

My Top 5 Brock Study Spaces

Aliyah – 2nd year, Child and Youth Studies

As a student, I never know where I can study and focus. Especially as a first-year living on campus, I thought I would just study in my room. I quickly learned that I would never get anything done and had to then scope out the best spots on campus to study. This list is my compiled conclusion of where I love to study.

5. Jubilee Court

Jubilee Court is a great outdoor study and social space. Students have access to wifi and plenty of seating. Sitting in the sun and enjoying a cool drink is the perfect way to study for April exams and shake off some of the winter blues. It is a fairly central part of campus and is a great way to get some fresh air.

4. Market Hall

Market Hall is located on the lower level of Thistle Complex and is always filled with students. It’s a great spot for lunch or a Starbucks study break. It is also central to many of Brock’s on campus resources. These include learning Services, which can help guide academic success of all Brock students by running events like academic and life skills workshops and drop-in help from upper-year students. The space holds he Wellness Hub, the Black Student Success Center (BSSC). Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nation, Metis, Inuit center, and Career Zone to name a few. With all these resources nearby, students can get a wide variety of support with their studies. There are plenty of tables and chairs and it is a great space for group study or some light studying during the week.

3. Library

The library at Brock has a variety of great study spaces. They offer bookable individual and group study rooms, great options for a solo study session or working on a group project. The library is a great place if you prefer a quiet, focused environment. The higher up you go the quieter it gets, this lets chattier students have space to whisper near the ground and lets the students who need complete silence work on the 10th floor. The library also offers plenty of resources like computers, printers, and plenty of books to help with your studies. You can also borrow white board markers to use on the boards in the study rooms or borrow colouring pages and board games for study breaks.

2. Hungry Badger/Ian Beddis Gym

The space by Ian D. Beddis Gym is super comfortable and full of outlets. It’s probably the best place to work if your computer is never fully charged. It also is close to Hungry Badger which has many great places to grab a bite like Tim Hortons or Pizza Pizza. Furthermore, there is an abundance of seating and if the main level runs out there is more seating that overlooks the Hungry Badger and gets quite a lot of natural light. There are also microwaves nearby if you want to heat up some lunch.

1. Pond Inlet

Finally, my favorite place! I love studying in Pond Inlet! It has tons of outlets and natural light. It tends to be quieter than most spaces but doesn’t require complete silence. I love the view of the water and the peaceful energy it can have when that last exam is absolutely brutal. It is a great place to study, and has different styles of seating, which is great for different sized groups or individual studying.

How To Have a Successful Transition from High School to University

Andrea – 4th year, Concurrent Education

Entering university straight out of high school surely comes with a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiousness, and maybe even a few butterflies. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there; and that being said, you are beginning a very rewarding journey in your life. Coming to Brock will be one of the best experiences, and here are some tips for a smooth transition into becoming a Brock Badger!

First off, track and schedule everything! At a post-secondary level, you are expected to work at a quicker pace than in high school. Assignments, mid-terms, and quizzes will begin to creep up on you quicker than you expect. My best tip to manage this is to write down everything as soon as you know about it. This includes your lecture times, exam periods, assignment due dates, and so much more. Personally, I use Google Calendar to stay organized. Having a visual representation of my week not only reminds me of my tasks, but also shows me where I can work in study sessions and breaks.

Speaking of breaks, my next tip is to balance your time between academics and your personal life. Yes, we’re all here to learn and work towards our degrees and goals, but that doesn’t mean we should let school consume us. While it’s important to study, it’s also beneficial to relax from time to time. Think about it: studying for three hours straight isn’t always productive (unless you’re really disciplined). A good strategy I enjoy is studying for 45 minutes, then taking a break for 15 to decompress. During this time, take a walk, grab something to eat, or go on your phone. Outside of study sessions, do not feel guilty about spending time with friends or watching a movie–breaks keep you refreshed and improve your focus. When you’re able to balance things right, you will thrive.

My last tip is to simply say “yes”. A huge part of transitioning into university is creating your own experiences. At Brock, there are so many opportunities to get involved. You can join a club and meet others in your program and/or with common interests, or work an on-campus job and build professional skills and career connections. It may also be as simple as saying hello to someone in your lecture; –they might just become a life-long friend. Having an open -mind, especially in your first year, will lead you to a lot of fun, exciting, and memorable moments that will shape your time at Brock.

So, as you begin this exciting new chapter at Brock, remember that it’s more than okay to feel nervous. My overall advice is to take things one step at a time, stay organized, say yes to new experiences, and most importantly, be kind and true to yourself through the process. Here at Brock, I promise you’ll find the support, friendships, and opportunities that will help you grow both academically and personally. Congrats on making it this far and welcome to the Badger family!

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Science-Backed Tips to Boost Your Memory and Learning

Bridgette – 6th year, Concurrent Education

We all forget things – it is part of how memory works. In fact, research shows that less than 30% of what we learn is remembered after just two days, a phenomenon known as the Ebbinghaus Curve (Coon et. al., 2016). However, information that has meaning tends to be retained longer and, like muscles, the brain needs consistent exercise to stay strong. This is why regular review is key.

Short-term memory can only hold about 4-7 items for a brief period (Coon et. al., 2016). So, to study effectively, it is crucial to know the limits of your memory and use strategies that help improve retention and retrieval. That is why understanding how your memory works and using smart strategies can make a big difference!

Several factors can influence how well we remember things. For starters, your mood matters. If you are in the same emotional state during a test as you were when you studied, recall can be easier. Another tip is to study before bed – research shows that sleep helps to lock in information and reduces forgetting. And believe it or not, hunger affects learning too. When you are slightly hungry, a hormone produced by your stomach called ghrelin enhances brain activity, but be cautious, being too hungry can hurt focus and energy (Coon et. al., 2016). So, aim to study before meals, but not when you are starving.

When it comes to study methods, mnemonic devices are your brain’s best friend. These tools help organize information for quick recall. Some mnemonic devices are;

Acrostics: You use the first letter in a list to create a sentence. Bonus! Rhymes are easier to remember.

Example: “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November” to remember what months have 30 days

Mental Images: Visualize concepts to boost memory and combine text and images to support learning.

Example: Picture a bottle of wine driving a car passing the Eiffel tower while talking on a phone and spraying perfume. This mental image represents some exports of France (beverages, vehicles, iron, electronics, and cosmetics)

Pair these devices with the following strategies to assist memorization and learning:

Form Connections: Connect new information to what you already know or have experienced. This helps your brain file information into your long-term memory.

Take Breaks: Rather than cramming, study in shorter, spread-out sessions to combat boredom and fatigue which can negatively affect information intake. For example, three 20-minute sessions with breaks in between are often more effective than one long session.

Overlearn: Continue to review material even after you are able to recite it from memory without errors. This can help prevent freezing up during a test.

If you struggle with test anxiety, relaxation techniques and emotional support can help. Practice managing stress by mentally rehearsing through situations and preparing calm responses. Staying focused on one question at a time can make overwhelming tests feel manageable.

By using these evidence-based study techniques and understanding how memory works, you can not only improve your retention but also reduce stress around learning. With the right strategies, studying becomes more efficient – and a lot more rewarding.

Reference

Coon, D., Mitterer, J. O. & Martini, T. (2016). Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior (15th edition), MindTap.

Getting Involved on Campus

Dunmomi – 4th year, Kinesiology

One of the best ways to make the most of your university experience at Brock is being involved outside of the classroom. Joining clubs, attending events, and participating in the various campus activities will help you make friends and build skills that will benefit you long after graduation. Here are some easy ways to get started:

1. Join a Club

Brock has over 100 clubs, so there is something for everyone—academic clubs, cultural groups, sports and recreation, and special interest organizations. Whether you want to connect with people in your program or explore a new hobby, there is a club for you. You can find the full list of clubs through the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) website or attend the Community Fair, held during Welcome Week, which is a two-day event at the Weather Station Field where students can explore various campus clubs and connect with off-campus vendors. Attendees can enjoy free items, interactive games, and exciting prizes while discovering ways to get involved and make the most of their university experience.

2. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering is an amazing way to give back to the community while gaining valuable experience. Brock offers so many opportunities through the Brock University Volunteer Association (BUVA) and local partnerships. As a Kinesiology student, I’ve had the chance to volunteer in a physiotherapy clinic, where I was able to put what I’ve learned in class into hands-on practice while supporting the team. It has been an incredible experience—not just for building my skills, but also for growing as a leader and adding meaningful experience to my resume.

3. Attend Campus Events

From Welcome Week activities to career fairs, social events, and cultural celebrations, Brock’s calendar is always full! These events are a great way to meet new people and feel connected to campus life. Keep an eye on Brock’s social media pages and event listings so you don’t miss out. A full list of events that happen throughout the school year and the details of each one can be found on ExperienceBU.

4. Join Your Faculty Association

Every faculty at Brock has its own student association. For example, if you’re in Kinesiology, you can join the Kinesiology Students’ Association (KSA). These associations host networking events, academic workshops, and fun socials throughout the school year.

5. Apply for On-Campus Jobs and Leadership Roles

Working on campus or becoming a student ambassador is a great way to get involved while gaining professional experience. Programs like Smart Start, Residence Life, and Peer Mentorship provide opportunities to make a difference in the Brock community while developing transferable skills. CareerZone, which is Brock’s career hub, offers an online job board featuring on-campus, off-campus, and even out-of-region jobs, along with drop-in support for building interview skills and writing resumes and cover letters.

6. Attend varsity games

Another fun and often overlooked way to get involved is by attending varsity games. Brock has a strong sports culture, and cheering on the Badgers at basketball, hockey, or volleyball games is an easy way to feel part of something bigger. The energy is amazing, and it’s a great way to hang out with friends, meet new people, and show your school spirit.

Getting involved is more than just filling your schedule—it’s about creating meaningful connections, gaining confidence, and making memories that last. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Your university experience is what you make of it, so take advantage of every opportunity Brock has to offer!

Tips for Navigating the Transition from High School to University

Izzy – 3rd year, Concurrent Education

Transitioning from high school to university is a big step in life academically, socially, and mentally. The shift can feel very fast and overwhelming, especially for someone who is starting a new chapter in their life!

#1: Learn how to properly time manage and embrace your independence

Once you get to university, you will realise that you have far more freedom than you did in high school. Whether you are moving far from home and staying in a dorm or just commuting 5 minutes down the street, you will experience much more independence. For example, there is no attendance taken in lectures, no one constantly reminding you of deadlines, and no one letting you know if you have late outstanding assignments. What helped me the most was using calendars (yes, plural, I had multiple) to track class times and due dates. I liked using a physical planner the most but also had important due dates on my phone calendar with set reminders just in case. Developing a routine to help track things like these early will really help keep you on track when your schedule gets busier.

#2: Ask for help!

This is one tip that I particularly struggled with when I was in my first year. Coming out of high school, I thought I was well equipped to handle things on my own academically, because in high school, I usually was. However, I quickly learnt that university was different. Whether it’s academically, socially, or personally, Brock offers so many resources which are designed for students to use. Some examples are academic advisors, tutors, mental health counselling, and even peer mentors. Never be afraid to reach out and ask for help, you are not expected to do everything alone!

#3: Get involved as much as you can!

It can be tempting to only focus on classes and studying, especially during high stress times. Getting involved on campus outside of classes is a great way to stay connected and give yourself a little break! Brock offers so many clubs, fun events, and intramural sports. The first week of classes, also known as Welcome Week and Badger Fest, offers plenty of fun organized events for Brock students! You can check these out on ExperienceBU and find some that interest you and give them a try! It’s also a great way to make friends while having a great time!

Maximizing Your Brock Experience

Jami – 4th year, Applied Linguistics

Brock has endless opportunities for students, encompassing interests and academics alike. Seize the chance and join as many clubs, intramurals, volunteering opportunities, and anything else that Brock has to offer. Joining three clubs and being a part of the varsity swim team right at the start of my first year was how I met many of my friends that are still close to me to this day, three years and counting later. I am still in those same clubs I originally joined, and over the years, I’ve joined a few more, played in several intramurals, and even gotten a job working for Brock.

Joining clubs based on personal or academic interest is a great way to meet new friends, because you already have that shared commonality and it can lead to more than just seeing each other at club events. In my first year, I joined the Filipino club during the Clubs fair at Welcome Week. Within two months, I had a group of friends where we would do things such as study in the library and volunteer in the Filipino community in Niagara. Another instance was joining the Vietnamese club. Although I am not a part of that ethnicity, I enjoyed learning about their culture and holiday traditions, and meeting so many new amazing people along the way.

Through intramurals, you are able to meet lots of people who also share the love of a sport, for both competition and for fun. There’s even an intramural where the sport changes every week, and you won’t know until 30 minutes before the game for the thrill of it. Personally, I enjoyed ultimate frisbee and soccer, which I will be running back with the same teams I’ve had for the past few years. These teams, although we joined with many people we didn’t know, happened to work so well together during the games, and are also great people outside the gym– you never know who you’re going to meet, just jump right into it! Even if there isn’t a premade team, you can join solo and be put with a new group of students.

Joining clubs, intramurals, and volunteering isn’t the only way to get involved. You can be a part of the Brock community, even outside of the country by studying abroad! Start planning now to maximize your experience; I knew I wanted to fulfill my dreams of doing an exchange since high school, so I worked around my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year schedules to fit a study abroad into my required courseload at Brock, and I ended up going to Toyo University in Tokyo, Japan. There are over 80 partner schools in 32 different countries, and going to classes in a completely new environment, surrounded by a different culture is an experience unlike any other. When my study abroad and Japanese friends and I weren’t studying or in class, we were out and about, exploring Japan.

Maximize your university experience as much as you can by taking part in the many organizations that Brock has to offer! This can lead to new friendships and connections, jobs or volunteering offers, and can positively affect your future. You never know where these opportunities will take you!

Staying Active on Campus with Brock Sports and Recreation

Kassie – 6th year, Concurrent Education

Intramurals

Brock intramurals are a great way to get involved at school outside the classroom! There is a wide range of sports to participate in, from inner tube water polo, dodgeball and hockey. There are also three different levels based on ability and competitiveness, which are REC (new to the sport), Comp B (House league), and Comp A (Played the sport competitively). You can sign up for intramurals as an independent or with a group of friends. Intramurals are an amazing way to keep active and have fun while studying at Brock! If you’re interested in seeing which sports are running or would like to sign up for one, visit the Brock Recreation website: https://brocku.ca/recreation/intramurals/

Aquatics

Looking to spend some time in the pool? As Brock students, we have access to the Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre, which offers various programming, events, and amenities, including lane swimming, the Sauna, Hot Tub, and Fun Swim, which gives you access to the diving boards and the Tarzan Rope! Visit the Walker Complex Desk to see when the different programs take place. Make sure to check in at the Central Equipment Room, also known as the Cage, to get your wristband before using these aquatic spaces! For more information about Aquatic facilities visit https://brocku.ca/recreation/aquatics/.

Brock Recreation Fitness & Programs

Brock Recreation offers free weekly drop-in and express fitness classes and wellness workshops, including Spin Classes, that are free for Brock students to participate in. There are paid programs such as Yoga and Pilates that students can sign up for. Registration for this style of class opens up September 1st at 9 am. The Zone, which is our on-campus fitness gym, is free for students to use! There is personal training offered through the Zone, as well as specialty women-only hours that happen throughout the week! Make sure to check in at the Central Equipment Room, also known as the Cage, to get your wristband before using these spaces or attending these programs! For more information about fitness programs, visit https://brocku.ca/recreation/fitness-programs/.

Attending Varsity Games

Show your Badger Pride by attending Varsity games throughout the school year! Our Games, depending on the sport, will take place in the Bob Davis Gymnasium, on the Alumni Field, or in the Canada Games Park, which are all located on the main campus. Some exciting events to kick off the different semesters are the Steel Blade Classic on September 19th and Paint the Meridian Red in Early 2026, both in Downtown St. Catharine’s at the Meridian Centre! Are you looking to be a Varsity athlete and try out for our teams? Visit gobadgers.ca to contact the coach of the team and see tryout schedules.

Certifications

Are you looking to get certified in First Aid, CPR, Life Training, Personal Training, High Five Training, and so much more? Brock Recreation also runs these certifications throughout the year. Check out the website to see when they are running: https://brocku.ca/recreation/certifications/

How to build a routine that works for you

Lauren – 2nd year, Medical Sciences

One of the biggest differences between high school and University was how much time I had to manage on my own. Instead of having a set time for school, lunch, sports, and homework, a lot of my day was free time that I could spend how I wanted. At first, this freedom was very overwhelming for me, but I learned to build a routine that worked for me.

When building my schedule, I like to follow the 8-8-8 rule. 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of school, and 8 hours all for me. I always put my school hours in a normal workday (9-5), so that way my evenings were free, but you can adjust this depending on when you are most productive. It is likely you won’t have 8 hours of class every single day, so use the extra time to review your lectures, catch up on readings, or visit a professor during office hours.

The 8 hours of sleep is really important. It is tempting to sacrifice sleep when you have a big due date, your friends are going for midnight McDonalds, or you are feeling overwhelmed. I encourage you to make sleep a priority, this will allow you to stay sharp, avoid burnout, and show up as your best self.

The last 8 hours are all up to you! Whether that is working a part-time job, joining a club, volunteering, hanging out with friends, or just catching up on laundry. Use your remaining time doing something that will make you feel good. The key is to do what fills your cup and keeps you balanced.

The 8-8-8 rule is one of the reasons I had such a successful first year and I encourage you to give it a try! Most importantly, find whatever routine or strategy works best for you. Congratulations on becoming a Badger and have the best first year!

The Best Ice Cream Spots in Niagara

Lily – 4th year, Child and Youth Studies

As someone who is very passionate about using my bus pass, exploring the Niagara Region, and ice cream, I have become fluent with the local options for a nice cold ice cream treat whenever I’m craving something sweet to keep me going through my studies. There’s something for everybody taste-wise at all my favourite places, and I’m excited to share with you my top 3 favourite places to get ice cream in the Niagara Region!

1. Avondale Dairy Bar – Niagara on the Lake

One of the classics. A Niagara ice cream list wouldn’t be complete without it. For 70 years now, they’ve been making their own ice cream fresh daily (no really, the parlour is on a dairy farm!) and serving it with a smile. The place has not been renovated since it opened in 1955 meaning it still has its ‘50s charm and interior. If you’re looking for delicious, creamy, homemade ice cream in the Niagara Region, this is your place!

Lily recommends: Their seasonal key-lime pie flavour. Literally unbeatable.

2. Chocolates Etc. – Always the Best- Welland Avenue, St. Catharines

The cutest little place you could ever imagine. While this is gelato, technically not ice cream, it gets a spot on this list because of how much I love it. It is a bright, vintage, yellow shop filled with all the treats you could ever dream of. The owners are very lovely people too! They have delicious gelato, cakes, and chocolates. This is another staple of the region, having been in operation for many years now. And as a bonus, it is easily accessible by the buses in St. Catharines.

Lily recommends: Banana gelato. It tastes like real bananas, not the artificial stuff!

3. Canalside Cones Ice Cream – Welland Canal, St. Catharines

One of my new go-to spots this summer. If you are a Kawartha Dairy brand ice cream lover, this is where you should be. They sell great ice cream at a great price out of an ice cream truck and on top of that, it is right on the Welland Canal! It is a beautiful spot and a great place to watch the ships go by. I like to come here with my friends after we re both done our daytime shifts and talk about life while watching the boats and walking up and down the canal.

Lily recommends: The Canalside “Nachos”. Their super cool invention of “nachos” using waffle cone chips, soft serve, and caramel sauce for dipping.

Of course this is not an exhaustive list, but it is a good starter guide into the sweet treat scene of the Niagara region. Now go out there and get yourselves something yummy to eat!

5 Tips for Professional Emailing

Luke – 3rd year, Accounting

Learning how to write a proper and formal email might seem like a small thing, but it can go a long way in helping you get quicker, more helpful responses. A university is a professional setting, and receiving a properly written email is genuinely appreciated by professors, staff, and anyone you end up communicating with. No matter the reason, whether you are reaching out for help, clarification, setting up a meeting, or anything else, keeping your emails clear and respectful shows professionalism and helps build better connections.

Here is how you can do it right:

1. Use a Clear Subject Line

The first thing that is going to be seen is the subject line for your email, that is why you want to make sure it has the necessary information. To make it easy to know what your email is about, include your course code and section number, as well as a short description of what the email will be about.

Example: BIOL 1P91 – Section 3: Question about Lab Schedule

2. Start with a Friendly and Appropriate Greeting

It is always best to start with a formal and friendly greeting; using “Hi,” “Hello,” or “Dear” followed by their title (e.g., Professor Smith or Dr. Taylor) is a standard but effective way to get things going. If you are not sure what title to use, “Professor [Last Name]” is a safe choice.

Bad Example: “help me” or using just their first name
Good Example: “Hello Professor Chen,”

3. Get to the Point — Politely

When writing an email, you want to make sure that you are being precise and avoiding any filler. Briefly explain why you’re emailing. Be specific but concise and avoid large blocks of text. Stick to what they need to know.

4. Use Proper Grammar

Emails are meant to be proper and should NOT be written like you are sending a text message to a friend. Write in full sentences, avoid slang or unneeded abbreviations, and proofread your message before hitting send to make sure everything is in order. This keeps things professional, easy to read, and helps to avoid any possible misunderstandings.

5. Sign Off Clearly and Provide Your Information

After writing your email, you are going to want to close it out in a way that fits the rest of what you have written. This means using a polite closing like “Kind regards,” “Thank you,” or “All the best”. A good habit to get into is writing your name and student number at the end of your email so the recipient can easily identify you and know who is reaching out to them.

Example:
Kind regards,
John Doe, 1234567

No matter who you are emailing, a professor, TA, or advisor, using proper email etiquette always makes a good impression. It helps ensure your message is taken seriously and responded to promptly. People will notice and appreciate the effort.

Being professional in your emails might seem like a small thing, but it really does go a long way.

Tips for Meeting People and Getting Connected

Serzna – 5th year, Concurrent Education

Say hey to your residence neighbours!

You can go door to door with a housemate (if you’re in a townhouse residence), a floormate (if you’re in DeCew), your bathroom buddy (if you’re in a semi-suite residence), or go by yourself and just ask if they are heading to a specific on campus event! There are so many great events happening throughout the first week that you can try out. It can be scary at first, but chances are they were already planning to go, and you can now go together, meet up there, or even introduce them to something new they hadn’t heard about!

Find your classes together!

Looking for something simple to do with your new roommates or campus friends? Find where your classes are! It’s a great chance to learn how to navigate through the confusing Mackenzie Chown hallways. You may even find that you have some classes together!

Hang out in the dining hall!

Say hey to other frequent dining-hallers! A simple wave every day can spark a new friendship! If you’re comfortable, you can also invite others to join you or your friends in the dining hall. This is especially helpful in those first few weeks when everyone is mostly a stranger to everyone else.

Bring your laptop and get your work done in the dining halls! It’s a great way to get snacks and fuel as you work. It can make for a great conversation starter as it’s a more open concept than other more isolated study spaces, where people may not approach you.

Go to events and join clubs!

Check out ExperienceBU for all campus events including Badgerfest and Welcome Week events, workshops and academic events, religious and cultural gatherings, and lots more! You can browse through over 100 clubs on the site and choose fun events to attend. Many clubs don’t require you to be a member of their club either, you can simply go to their events and scan your Event Pass to get CWC credit for attending!

Go early to your classes!

It’s tricky to connect during class as you want to be paying attention to the lesson. However, going a few minutes early to class ensures you get the best seat and gives you time to chat with your peers!