Tips for First-Year Students
Welcome to one of the most exciting (and stressful) transitions you may ever experience…otherwise known as First Year University!
Some of you may feel somewhat overwhelmed with the changes and experiences that your future holds.
Others may feel overjoyed to be starting this new and exciting chapter of your life and are looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
Either way, it can be stressful. We hope you find some of the suggestions below to be helpful during your first year and beyond!
1. Stay Active
Check out Bill Wedlake Fitness Centre the benefits that a fitness membership can offer. Go for a walk or ride your bike around the campus. Don't forget to check out the Bike Lab. Also, keep your eyes open for free fitness activities that are offered throughout the year!
2. Get Lost on Campus
Don’t panic if you get lost. Use this opportunity to explore your new environment in a safe and secure manner. You will eventually figure out where you were headed and learn along the way.
3. Create a Realistic Budget
Financial matters can be very stressful, especially if this is your first time living away from home. Create a realistic budget and commit to it. If you need some assistance in this area connect with Awards and Financial Aid.
4. Try New Things
Winnipeg is a very diverse city full of amazing restaurants and cultural events. Take a break and check out something new the city has to offer. Check out the website for Tourism Winnipeg.
5. Get Involved
Join a student group or run for student office with The University of Winnipeg Student Association. Volunteer at the Food Bank or join the Health & Wellness Peer Educators. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people and to try new things while beefing up your resume with community involvement.
6. Attend Orientation
Orientation at UWinnipeg is a fun-filled and useful event that will help you get the feel of your new campus. You will "learn the ropes" of student life from Student Services staff and current students, as well as meet many other new students.
Also: Take the time to find your classrooms before the first day of lectures (see Campus Maps) and become familiar with all the services available to you should you need them (see Student Services).
7. Be Kind to Yourself
Take the time to reflect and be mindful of your need for self-care. You will make mistakes and things will not always be ‘wonderful’. Most people do not expect you to be perfect so remind yourself (often) that you are not perfect and that’s OK. Keeping a balance is important so make time for yourself.
8. Seek Support
If you are feeling overwhelmed, confused and do not know where to turn, you can make an appointment to see a counsellor at UWinnipeg. If you are experiencing a crisis, please call a 24-hour help line. For contact information, please see Contact Us.
9. Stay in Touch
Go ‘old school’ and write a letter home to your family and mail it at the Info Booth. Send that email or phone your loved ones back home. Maintaining old connections is just as important as making new ones.
10. Enjoy the Journey!
Within ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ you will learn and grow. One day, you will look back at your first year and know that you did your best and had a unique learning experience that helped shape who you are today!