So you finally made it through high school and now it’s time to jump into a university career- but where do you go? It’s hard to anticipate what a university holds in store for you. At The University of Guelph, there are so many things I wish I knew going in my freshman year. Keep reading for 20 things no one tells you about freshman year at the University of Guelph!
1. Get involved!
It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of being at University that you forget to sign up for the fun things U of G has to offer! Tons of clubs, teams, and intramural’s are available to you, all you need to do is try! I mean, how many other schools have a Quiddich team?
2. U of G has the top rated university food in Canada.
Creelman Hall is the heart of freshman 15. Whether you’re craving pizza, pasta, burgers, or a home cooked meal, this is where you need to be.
3. Leave your res door open if you’re in the room!
The easiest way to meet people on your floor is to leave your door propped open, especially during Frosh week. Turn on some music, keep the door open, and anyone who walks by will probably stop by to introduce themselves!
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4. Frosh week isn’t all parties and hookups.
Don’t come to university with the expectation that you’ll be partying 24/7 and having 15 different numbers on speed dial. Frosh week is mainly about going to events, meeting new people, and finding others in your program. Of course there’s parties, but make sure you attend the fun events planned during the day too!
5. Be who you want to be.
Let’s be honest, we all have those embarrassing high school stories, or horrible rumours that went around about us, but university is the time to leave that in the past. It’s the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself and never look back at that. People will only know what you choose to tell them, so don’t bother reliving those moments, but instead, make new memories with those new friends.
6. You’ll see who really cares about you.
Okay, so high school graduation was tons of fun and you promised to stay in touch with everyone from your graduating class- but how realistic is that? Within the first month or two of university, you’ll see which friends really care about you and make the effort to see you again- make sure you try to connect with them too, but don’t focus way too much on maintaining those friendships because it really is a two-way street.
7. Puppies.
On the average walk to class, you’ll walk by at least 5 guide dogs in training. Prepare yourself, because they’re the cutest things you’ll ever see. That being said, remember not to touch them, or distract them- they’re preparing to help people who really need it.
8. Don’t forget to relax every now and then.
School can be stressful, and hard. It’s important to balance school and a social life, but also remember to have time for yourself to relax and take a breather. Take a nap, read a book, or watch some Netflix- you deserve it.
9. If you fail a midterm, it’s going to be okay.
Some courses are truly difficult. It’s perfectly fine to fail a midterm, quiz, or assignment- it isn’t the end of the world. You’ll quickly realize this your freshman year at The University of Guelph. Just use it as motivation to try harder and learn from your mistakes! Freshman year is all about learning what study techniques work (or don’t work) for you!
10. Stop. Ask.
Guelph puts major importance on consent, and being informed on consent. Remember to always stop and ask before you “make a move” on anyone- and remember it’s okay to say no if someone asks you. This rule applies to everything- sex, parties, late night studying. You have the right to say no if you do not want to!
11. Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors.
Prof’s may come off as intimidating while teaching- that’s because they have to be. Lecturing to a class of 600 isn’t easy, but don’t let that discourage you from talking to them! If you have a question, or anything, go to them after class, introduce yourself, and talk. It’ll show the prof that you really care about your mark!
12. You’ll value going home a lot more.
Let’s be honest, in August, you’re probably really excited to leave for school, and all you can do is talk about it, pack, see your friends before you go, etc. But don’t forget about your family! Once you’re here, you’ll realize how much you truly miss them. Those weekends you go home will make you realize how important they are to you
13. Morning classes are unrealistic.
You think you’re used to waking up early for high school, and you probably think early classes will be easy, but once you’re here, you’re only going to want to start your day at 1 Anything earlier, and you’ll probably be sleeping through (or in) your classes.
14. You aren’t stuck in your major.
Suppose you get here and realize science just isn’t for you- don’t worry!! Just talk to your program councillor and discuss switching majors! It’s much easier than you’d think. It’s perfectly normal to change your mind.
15. Do not buy your text books before classes start.
It’s super exciting to be starting university, but trust me, don’t buy any books before your first day of classes. This will be a valuable lesson to start using during your freshman year at The University of Guelph. Your prof will go over what is needed and what is “suggested” (which basically means you don’t need it). If anything, go to the library and see if they have one you can use for a couple of hours before quizzes and midterms!
16. Go to the pep rally
I remember thinking, “pep rally? Really?”, but trust me, it was amazing. It features all first years from all residence’s performing and entertaining. It’s also an amazing opportunity to meet even more people from your res, and tons of others from different residences too! Don’t forget to wind your toy!
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17. Plan to paint the cannon.
Everyone says “We need to paint the cannon!!”, so do it your freshman year at The University of Guelph! Get your friends together, buy some paint, and sneak out there at 2am. The cannon really is a Guelph tradition, and everyone needs to do it at least once before they graduate.
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18. You’re going to forget something at home.
Search pinterest for hours, ask your mom a million times, no matter what you do, you’re going to forget something. Sometimes you just need to meet your neighbours by asking to borrow something.
19. Pub night at Aggie Pub.
Wednesday night pub night will be the one thing to look forward to when there’s nothing to do during the week. $5, different themes, and country music- sounds good to me.
20. You’re going to have tons of fun!
Picking U of G is a great choice, you’re going to meet tons of people, and make amazing memories. These 4/5 years here will be the best, don’t stress too much, take a breath, and enjoy your freshman year at The University of Guelph!
What are other things no one told you about freshman year at The University of Guelph? Feel free to comment below and share the article!
Featured photo source: friendsforyou.co.uk and wikipedia.org
