Uni can be both an exciting and intimidating experience. Whether you are a frosh or a senior, these are many of the things every student should know at the University of Guelph. Keep reading to learn 20 things every Guelph student should know!
1. There are 28,000 students.
The University of Guelph is home to 28,000 students including International students representing over 100 countries! With such a diverse and wonderful group of people, there is no better place to be.
2. Our World Ranking.
The University of Guelph is recognized annually as one of Canada’s top comprehensive universities by various organizations. The University of Guelph is ranked #1 in Canada and #12 in the world – right behind Harvard – for agricultural sciences!
3. Make sure to Paint the Canon.
The Cannon is one of the most admired sites at the University of Guelph, The Canon sits in the centre of campus, outside of the University Centre, in Branion Plaza. From cold winter nights to camping all night in a tent, mighty Gryphons keep the Cannon ever-changing throughout the year. Painting the cannon at some point during your university career is a vital part of the Gryphon experience.
4. We are one of 5 veterinary schools in Canada.
The University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) places fourth worldwide in Veterinary Science and tops as the highest ranking of the veterinary discipline in Canada.
5. You should really take a walk through the Arboretum.
When times get stressful and you just want to relieve homework and exam stress, go for a quick run through the Arboretum; its sure to take your mind off of things!
6. There are enough clubs for everyone.
With over 100 clubs to choose from, you can find the perfect club(s) to join; all of which are constantly encouraging new members to join. The clubs’ mandates range from cultural, religious, political, and just plain fun; there is something for everyone!
7. We have an intense research hub.
Ranked on things such as research income, faculty, and research intensity, the University of Guelph is proud to have ranked #13 in 2014 in Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities.
8. There are 80 + Undergraduate Majors.
Guelph’s academic programs are carefully constructed to offer you the most rewarding hands-on learning experience possible. You will be given broad-based liberal learning with concentrated study in specialized and applied fields, ranging from the arts through to veterinary medicine.
9. Try to find a balance between fun and work.
Grades are important, but having a balanced life style is just as crucial. Join/start a club, sports teams, volunteering etc… The more you can balance your student life, the more rewarding the experience will become. P.S. get enough sleep!
10. Check in with your Academic Advisor every semester.
Make sure you are on the right track and in the classes that will help you finish your major. You can visit the Academic Advisor anytime with questions and concerns; they will be happy to help!
11. Everyone is currently into Pokémon Go…
The University of Guelph is also a great place to catch Pokémon!
12. Get a planner, NOW.
The University provides FREE planners during the beginning of each year! Make sure to set up important dates at the beginning of the semester; from course link quizzes to wet-lab due dates, you will never miss a deadline if you keep an active planner.
13. We have helpful Career Services.
The career services can help you plan your career, future steps, explore different opportunities, how to succeed on the job etc. Co-op & Career Services also has mock interviews, which are particularly helpful for co-op and fourth year students.
14. Take advantage of bus services.
If you need to get around the city, you should know that all students of the University of Guelph have access to the City of Guelph Buses via your student ID card!
15. Make friends in your major.
Try to make as many friends as you can that are in your major! From lab partners to lecture buddies, your friends will always have your back.
16. Look into the Study Abroad programs.
Ever wanted to do a winter semester in Paris or Shanghai for the summer, well, look no further, Guelph has an amazing Semester Abroad program. The best thing is, it’s open to all fields of study.
17. Take advantage of free University resources.
As a student at Guelph, you have countless resources at your fingertips, all you have to do is take the initiative to use them. These include Supported Learning Groups (SLGs), Academic Counselling, Writing Services, Office Hours, just to mention a few.
18. Go to a job fair.
It’s never too early to start thinkin’ about the future, and Guelph has got you covered with its annual job fairs. There are many employers who come to job fairs each semester, so it’s definitely worth stopping by.
19. Learn the benefits of handwriting versus typing.
Research has shown that taking notes with laptops may not be as effective as paper and pen note-taking. Notes taken by hand will force you to be more selective in what you write down, therefore causing a thinking and learning process to occur at the same time.
20. And finally, use your student discount!
You may never know what kinds of perks and discounts are accessible to you through your Guelph Student ID card. You should always ask in stores if they have a student discount. You’ll be delighted to know that answer is usually, “Yes.”
