Taking Flight: Your Guide to Becoming a Golden Hawk

Dear Golden Hawk,

Joining a campus club or association is a great way to start off your Laurier experience! The good news is that the Students’ Union is home to more than 250 clubs, so chances are that you’ll find a club that piques your interest.

To find out more about the clubs offered at Laurier, check out The Nest. Here you’ll find a variety of clubs and associations on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, ranging from discipline- and faculty-specific to advocacy- and interest-based groups.

As a Laurier student, you can create clubs based on your interests. This means that you aren’t limited to the existing clubs on The Nest.  If you feel that we need a cheese club on your campus (shoutout to the Laurier Brantford Cheese Enthusiasts!), I encourage you to apply to the Students’ Union to create a cheese club. Whatever floats your boat, go for it! Just make sure that your club adheres to the Students’ Union guidelines.

(Note that new club registration is closed for fall 2024, but you can always create new clubs during your senior years at Laurier!)

When it comes to choosing a club and/or association to join, it all boils down to you. What are your interests? What are your values? What drains you and what fills you up? During Orientation, you’ll have the chance to attend a Get Involved Fair, where you’ll learn more about the different clubs and associations on campus. You may feel the urge to sign up for all of them, but I encourage you to be selective so that you don’t overwhelm yourself with extracurriculars. You can always check out more clubs and associations throughout your time at Laurier; you don’t have to do everything in your first year, but it’s a good idea to be willing to try anything.

And remember, we want your Laurier experience to be the best it can possibly be, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more burning questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

Firstly, I want you to know that those feelings of nervousness are experienced by many first-year university students. I'm a fourth-year student, and I still feel nervous when it comes to living my best life as a student and social butterfly.

University is a balancing act, and the idea of maintaining a good work/life balance can feel overwhelming for first year (and even fourth-year!) students. Try to imagine your university experience as a seesaw. If you overload one end of the seesaw with course work and leave the extracurricular side empty, you’re going to have an imbalance, and the side you’re on – the overloaded side – will plummet. If you overload the extracurricular side and neglect the course work side, that side will also plummet. University is about getting that balance right so that your seesaw doesn’t tip too far in one direction.

Maintaining a good work/life balance may seem overwhelming at first, but I can assure you that it is doable. Check out my tips below to maintain a good work/life balance so that your time at Laurier stays golden:

1. Book an appointment with a peer mentor or consultant from Student Success to upgrade your time management skills.

One of the best ways to start university off on the right foot is to set monthly, weekly, and daily schedules for yourself after you’ve gotten your course syllabi. Your syllabi will outline which textbooks you need to purchase, which readings correspond with each lecture, assignment deadlines and expectations, and your professors’ contact information. Once you get a sense of your workload for each course, it’s a good idea to connect with Student Success to set up those schedules.

The Student Success team will assist you in scheduling sufficient time for self-care and any extracurriculars you’re interested in signing up for.

2. Check out the clubs and associations offered by the Students’ Union and pick a few that interest you (P.S. Don’t sign up for all of them!).

During the Get Involved Fair at Orientation you’ll have the opportunity to explore all the clubs and associations on your campus. You might be tempted to sign up for as many as you can, but I urge you not to sign up for everything. When I was in my third year, I made the mistake of signing up for way too many extracurriculars. The result wasn’t great – I ended up really burnt out, and I struggled to succeed in my courses.

Getting involved is great, don’t get me wrong, but it can become a burden if you sign up for too much. My advice is to start with one or two clubs or associations and then add more later if you feel that you have the capacity to do so. You have four years to get involved at Laurier, so you don’t have to do it all during your first year as a Golden Hawk. Prioritize the extracurriculars you value the most, and you’ll be golden.

3. Ask yourself: Will I be working during my studies? Will I be volunteering?

Many students work a part-time job and/or volunteer during their time at Laurier. I’ve done both for two years of my degree, and I can confirm that it is doable to be active in your community and stay on top of your schoolwork – it doesn’t have to be one or the other. However, as with joining clubs and associations, it’s important to keep in mind that you also need to make time for yourself. Start with a little bit and then add more if you’re feeling good about your workload.

To find employment and volunteer opportunities on or near your campus, check out Navigator.

Remember, a huge part of the Laurier experience is getting involved with the Golden Hawk community. You don’t have to do everything, but I encourage you to try anything, including accessing support from campus resources to help you live your best life at Laurier.

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with any questions about #laurierlife.

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear (Milton) Golden Hawk,

How excited are you to be part of Laurier Milton’s inaugural cohort of students? Not only are you making Laurier history as we speak (what an opportunity to flex!), but you’re also laying the foundation of the Milton student experience for all Golden Hawks who study there in the future (way to go, trailblazers!).

As a commuter campus, all Milton students will automatically be enrolled in the Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) program. The LOCUS program is designed to provide first-year students living off-campus with the same first-year experiences as students living in residence (think of it as residence without the building).

What this means is that you’ll be able to participate in academic and social programming with other first-year students on the Milton campus. This is a great opportunity for you to develop connections and friendships with other students in your cohort and get involved outside of your studies. University is all about getting the balance right between academics and extracurriculars, so make sure you take time to engage in fun activities with other students.

If you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills during your first year, consider joining the Milton Student Leadership Council through LOCUS. The Milton Student Leadership Council hosts monthly events for all first-year students and is run by a team of executives and representatives from the student body.

There is one spot available for each of the following executive positions: Council Chair, Marketing and Communications Executive, and Events Executive.

Please note that just because a position doesn’t align with your degree doesn’t mean you can’t apply for it. If you’re a psychology major and you want to try your hand at being an events executive, go for it. I find that doing extracurriculars that are unrelated to my degree usually makes them more enjoyable for me because it’s a break from routine and it’s an opportunity for me to expand my skillset and upgrade my resumé and CV.

There are two to three representative positions available for both psychology and computer science students. Representatives support the Milton Student Leadership Council by offering insight into the sorts of programming that would best support psychology and computer science students, respectively.

If you’re looking to get involved during your first year at Laurier Milton, I highly recommend applying to join the Milton Student Leadership Council and/or participating in the events organized and facilitated by the Council.

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with any questions about #laurierlife.

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

At Laurier we believe all students can achieve academic success with the proper supports in place. Students with disabilities (or suspected disabilities) who register with Accessible Learning prior to the start of the academic term can recieve accommodations for key academic deliverables (e.g., midterm exams, in-class tests, assignments, etc.). If you have a disability or a suspected disability of any nature (e.g., mental health, medical, learning, attention, physical, hearing- or vision-related, etc.), I encourage you to register with Accessible Learning as soon as possible and before the start of the Fall term so that you can receive the support you need to thrive throughout the academic year. If you are beginning your studies at Laurier in the Winter or Spring terms, register before the start date of your first term to ensure that the Accessible Learning team has adequate time to arrange your accommodation(s).

To register with Accessible Learning, follow the steps outlined on their webpage. It’s best to register sooner rather than later, as Accessible Learning doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have the accommodation(s) you need in place if you register after the term has commenced.

You can register with Accessible Learning at any point during your time at Laurier; however, it’s best to register at the start of an academic term to ensure that the Accessible Learning team has time to arrange your accommodation(s) before a term begins.

Examples of academic accommodations include:

1. Classroom Accommodations
   1. Audio-recorded lectures
   2. Notetaking
   3. Extended time on assignments
   4. Participation
   5. Presentations

2. Exam Accommodations
   1. Extended time for exams
   2. Memory aid
   3. Reader
   4. Scribe

If you do not have a disability or a suspected disability but are interested in getting involved with Accessible Learning, consider becoming a peer support volunteer or notetaker for the students in your classes who require support with notetaking.

Remember, we want you to thrive during your time at Laurier, so if you require support, we’d love for you to reach out with any questions you have. You can email laurier101@wlu.ca or contact the Accessible Learning team directly at accessible_learning@wlu.ca with general questions.

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more burning questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

Believe me when I say that I truly understand the fear of not making friends. Transitioning to university from high school is a big deal, and sometimes it can be difficult to navigate a new home while also navigating relationships with new people. I’m here to tell you that it’s going to be okay – yes, it might be a little nerve-wracking at first, but if you follow my step-by-step guide to making friends with your fellow Golden Hawks, you’ll be golden.

1. Attend as many Laurier101 events as you can before the start of fall term.
2. Attend Orientation on your campus.
3. Talk to your seatmates on the first day of classes (don’t not do this... trust me, it’s a game changer.)
4. Get involved!

There are many ways for you to get involved in the Golden Hawk community. You can join a Students’ Union club or association (check out The Nest for more details), get involved as a student volunteer (e.g., with Hawk Walk, the Food Bank, etc.), engage with programming in your residence community, and/or participate in events offered by the Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) team if you are not living in a Laurier residence building.

Remember, it’s not about how much you’re involved; it’s about choosing to get involved in the first place. Once you start participating in campus activities and programming, you’ll start making friends.

Make sure you DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

The first day jitters can be a lot to deal with, especially when you’re trying to navigate a new city, new friendships, and a new stage of life. The good news is that most other first-year students are in the same boat as you. So, take a deep breath, tell yourself “I can do this!”, and check out my list of six tips for managing the first day jitters.

1. Plan to attend all your classes.

On the first day of school, your professors will review your course syllabi in detail, outline expectations for the term, and give you tips for success in their courses.

2. Locate the lecture halls in which you have classes.

Even if you haven’t had the opportunity to tour campus before the first day of classes, come to campus early so that you can get a sense of where you need to be throughout the day.

3. Read each course syllabus in detail.

Your syllabi will tell you everything you need to know about each of your courses: what textbooks you need to purchase, what topics you’ll be covering in lecture each week, which course readings you should have completed prior to each lecture, assignment deadlines and instructions, and your professors’ contact information.  

4. Determine your preferred note-taking method.

It’s a good idea to identify a note-taking method that works best for you prior to the first day of classes. Although your first year of university is a time for exploring new learning strategies, including new note-taking methods, you’ll still need to decide ahead of time if you’re going to bring a notebook or laptop with you on the first day.

5. Prioritize self-care.

As you navigate your first day of university life, remember to take care of yourself. You’ve made it so far this summer, and you should be proud of yourself for successfully preparing for university!

6. Remember to have fun.

University is an opportunity for both academic and personal growth. It’s hard to grow as both an individual and student if you don’t enjoy the experience. So, be kind to yourself, be adventurous, and, as always, stay golden!

Make sure you DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

There’s no better way to start your time at Laurier than to stock up on some purple and gold merch. Your best bet is to check out the Hawk Shop website.

The Hawk Shop is your one-stop shop for everything you’ll need to thrive as a Golden Hawk. You can purchase Laurier-branded clothing to show off your Golden Hawk spirit, swag from your program, giftware, technology, course materials, school supplies, and so much more!

Your personalized booklist is available on the Hawk Shop website. Order your textbooks for fall term by following the steps below:

1. Go to the Hawk Shop website.
2. Select Login, next to Register.
3. Select Login with Laurier Single Sign-On.
4. Use the handle of your @mylaurier.ca email address (e.g., smit1234) and your Laurier password to login.
5. Select Welcome *Your Name*, then find your Fall 2024 booklist and start shopping!

Laurier offers new, used, and rental textbooks, as well as access codes to digital content. Your booklist will automatically make price comparisons with other online venues selling your textbooks so that you can get your course materials at the best price available.

You can choose to have your textbooks delivered to your home, or you can pick them up on campus once you receive an email from the Hawk Shop stating that your order is ready. It’s best practice to check your @mylaurier.ca email daily for updates on when your booklist is going live.

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions about Laurier!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

There is no ‘typical’ day in the life as a Laurier student; we all go about our days differently, depending on what works best for us. Since university learning is much more independent than high school, it’s best practice to set a schedule that meets your needs at the start of each academic term and stick to it so that you don’t find yourself feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s what a ‘typical’ daily schedule looks like for me:

6:30 a.m. – Wake up & get ready

7:30 a.m. – Eat breakfast and schedule my day

8:30 a.m. – Attend lectures

11:20 a.m. – Eat lunch and go for a walk

Noon – Go over course readings or study for upcoming assessments

3 p.m. – Grab tea and a snack from a campus coffee shop with a friend

• Pro-Tip: Schedule time for socialization and self-care. While your academics are important, your social and emotional well-being are also priorities.

4 p.m. – Work on writing assignments

• Pro-Tip: Find the time of day when you’re most productive and dedicate that time to working on course assignments.

6 p.m. – Prepare and eat supper

• Pro-Tip: This is a great time to watch your favourite T.V. show or scroll through social media. Do something that doesn’t require a lot of brain power and gives your mind a chance to slow down and recover.

7 p.m. – Finish any tasks I planned on finishing earlier in the day but didn’t complete

• Pro-Tip: Remember to set realistic goals for yourself. I’ve fallen into the trap of expecting too much of myself far too many times, and the result is always burnout and exhaustion. Even if some days aren’t your best days, accomplishing something is a success.

8:30 p.m. – Call a friend (or talk to a friend if they live with you)

9 p.m. – Read for pleasure or watch a movie

10:30 p.m. – Go to bed

Remember, we all have different daily schedules. Take some time to explore what works best for you at the beginning of fall term and adjust your daily schedule accordingly. You’ve got this!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Younger Me,

Forget about memorizing every fact and perfecting every paper. Focus less on making the grade and more on enjoying the learning process. Get comfortable with feeling like an imposter. (You will never know all the answers, but asking questions is a good place to start). Prioritize clarity and concision in writing over verbosity and academic speak. Draw on your knowledge when writing papers and contributing to class discussions. (Enrich your schoolwork with your cultural perspective). Break down large tasks into small, doable goals (e.g., write 100 words each day for a 1,500-word paper). Ask for help. Repeatedly. Almost every day. Connect with your professors and ask them about their research. (Doing so may just earn you a research assistantship). Verbalize your thoughts during class discussions. (You’re shy, yes, but you’ve got a bold intellectual inside you. Give yourself free reign). Take electives unrelated to your major and don’t be afraid to change your major after exploring other options. Volunteer in your community. Attend workshops on professionalization and network-building at the Career Centre. Find your writing space. (I bet you can guess what it involves: a latte, a blanket, and a cozy chair). Become a writing tutor. (No, really, become a writing tutor. You’ll love it). Demonstrate self-compassion. Persevere. Find that balance between academics and your personal life. Make a schedule and stick to it. Remember that you’ve got this.

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

If you opt to live off-campus during your first year, you will automatically be registered in the LOCUS (Laurier Off-Campus University Students) program. Whether you will be commuting or relocating to the city in which your home campus is located, you will be able to take part in a variety of academic and social events intended to help you make friends with other students from the class of 2028.

If you are a mature and/or transfer student entering your first year at Laurier, you will also be registered with LOCUS. Regardless of how many course credits you’ve earned at a previous institution, so long as you are not living in a Laurier residence, you’ll be eligible for LOCUS.

All LOCUS events are free of charge and are facilitated by off-campus advisors (OCAs). The goal of LOCUS is to give you the same first-year experiences as students living in residence, so you will have many opportunities to make friends with other first-years!

In fact, you might be surprised by how many students live off-campus during their first year at Laurier! I encourage you to strike up a conversation with your classmates during the first week of fall term. Chances are someone will either be a or know a LOCUS student.  

You are also welcome to participate in all campus events. Regardless of where you choose to live during your time at Laurier, you’re an invaluable part of the Golden Hawk family, and we want to ensure that you feel included.

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

The process of packing for residence can elicit a range of emotions: excitement at moving away from home, fear of not bringing the ‘right’ items, anticipation of meeting roommates, disbelief that ‘this’ is finally real.

Thankfully, to help ease any stress you’re feeling about what to pack, the Residence Office has put together a list of what you can and can’t bring with you on move-in day.

You are also welcome to bring decor to personalize your space. If you’re looking for Golden Hawk swag, check out the Hawk Shop website. Navigate to Classics, then Home & Dorm to find Laurier-branded items for your dorm room.

Email housing@wlu.ca (Waterloo) or brantfordresidence@wlu.ca (Brantford) with any other questions about residence. It’s also a good idea to read the Operations and Procedures for the Department of Residence before you move in so that there are no surprises on move-in day.

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

This is a question I’ve asked myself many times during my academic journey at Laurier, and the answer is always the same: 10 minutes seems like a short amount of time, but it’s never been too short that I haven’t made it to class on time.

If you’re worried about not making it to class on time, follow my step-by-step guide below to reduce your anxiety and feel confident when you step foot on campus in September.

1. Locate your lecture halls before the first day of classes.

To avoid a last-minute search for your classes, schedule time during Orientation to familiarize yourself with campus and walk the route(s) between your back-to-back classes.

2. Pack a beverage and snacks.

To save time between classes, pack a beverage and snack ahead of time so that you can be sure to avoid any unexpected lineups at campus cafés.

3. Use the restroom prior to your first class starting.

This may seem intuitive, but trust me, it’s a must-do. I’ve had three back-to-back classes before, each in different locations on the Brantford campus, and unless I used the restroom right before my first class started, it was a long haul.

4. Keep calm and carry on.

It’s cheesy, I know, but panicking is the last thing you want to do. Your professors understand that you might have a class right before theirs, so if you are slightly delayed in getting to their class, it’s not a big deal.

Again, there’s no need to stress about being late for a back-to-back class. However, ten minutes is ample time to travel from one place on campus to the next. Follow my four tips, and you’ll be golden.

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace - Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

It’s normal to experience feelings of nervousness when it comes to walking back to a place of residence or vehicle following an evening class. Fortunately, the Students’ Union offers a safe-walk program for students and staff so that you feel safe taking your evening courses.

Hawk Walk (formerly referred to as Foot Patrol) is run by student volunteers who operate in pairs to walk with Laurier students and staff. If you feel uncomfortable walking by yourself, connect with the Hawk Walk team. Two volunteers will meet you where you’re at, on- or off-campus, and will either walk with you or drive you in the Hawk Walk van to your desired location. You can also volunteer with the Hawk Walk team if you’re interested in doing so. Check out The Nest for more details.

If you are at any point concerned about your safety, contact the Special Constable Service (SCS) on your campus. Special Constables are civilians who have the legal authority to lay charges and make arrests on campus. They also conduct foot, bike, and vehicle patrols of campus to ensure your safety and are the first responders for any emergency situations on campus.

If you have not done so already, I encourage you to download the SAFEHawk Safety App. It’s free to download, and it’s a quick point of contact with SCS if you require assistance. It also sends your location to SCS when you request assistance and has both a flashlight and loud alarm to help ensure your safety.

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

Here’s how I’ve learned to overcome my fear of not finding my lecture halls on the first day of classes:

1. Find your lecture halls before the first day of classes.

If you have trouble finding your lecture halls and classrooms, you can always ask someone on campus! Senior students (like me!) or staff members don’t mind answering your questions, so feel free to stop us when we walk by. You can also ask an Orientation volunteer to show you around if you’re feeling any first-day jitters. 

2. Get used to asking questions.

If you’re like me, you might worry about asking too many questions. As an incoming Golden Hawk, you’re entitled to ask as many questions as you have! Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

3. Take time to explore campus during your first few weeks of classes.

If you don’t have time to explore all of campus before the first day of classes, don’t worry. Prioritize finding your classes for the term first, then explore the rest of campus when you have some down time during the first few weeks of classes. Check out the study spaces on your campus, the places you can eat between classes, the best spots to spend time with friends, and the resources your campus has to offer and how to connect with them (Writing Services, Math and Statistics Support, Study Skills and Course Support, Dean of Students’ Office, Accessible Learning, Academic Advising, Career Centre, Wellness Education, etc.).

Familiarizing yourself with campus resources from the get-go is a great strategy for success at Laurier. No matter where you’re at in your academic and social success, campus resources are there to help you upgrade your skills.

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk, 

Self-awareness is a powerful tool for success in university and beyond. Not only will it aid you in determining which study habits and learning styles best suit your needs, but it will also enhance your understanding of you - what makes you tick, what doesn’t, and how to negotiate the two. 

Self-awareness is having insight into yourself – your thoughts, emotions, values, beliefs, strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and goals. Intuitive, right?

Here are some examples of self-awareness in practice: If you’re self-aware, you’ll realize that the anger you direct at your roommate for not keeping your dorm tidy stems from the stress you’re feeling because of midterms and not actually because your dorm is untidy.

Self-aware students typically have a growth mindset, which means that they adapt after experiencing setbacks. In other words, they don’t allow their setbacks to keep them down. They get back up, dust themselves off, and try to determine what went wrong so that they can make improvements.

Having a growth mindset is crucial to success in academia. There may be times when you receive a mark lower than you anticipated on an assignment, or when you feel let down by your performance on a midterm. By having a growth mindset and recognizing that trials are opportunities for growth, you’ll ensure that you thrive at Laurier.

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

When you registered for courses, you may have noticed that you have a lot of ‘free time’ on your schedule. This is because most of your learning occurs independently in university, so what looks like free time is actually space for you to complete weekly course tasks.

Even though a lot of your learning will occur outside of the classroom, it’s still important to attend each of your lectures so that you don’t miss out on the information your professors share. During lectures your professors will go over your course readings for the week and provide you with key knowledge on the course subject. (In other words, don’t skip or you’ll miss out on learning what you need to know.)

Lectures typically have one of two formats: two 80-minute or one 170-minute session(s) per course per week. If your lecture has a required lab or tutorial component, the amount of time you spend in lecture may be shorter than it is for your courses without a lab or tutorial (you may have a 120-minute lecture paired with a 50-minute tutorial, for example).

Sometimes your lectures will be interactive, and you’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts on the topic being discussed; other times, your lectures will be more traditional, with your professor covering ground in the syllabus and ensuring that you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to succeed in all your course assessments.

We generally encourage students to devote as much time to school as you would for a full-time job (40 hours/week, 8 hours/course), then take time to get involved on campus, spend time with family and friends, and practice self-care. Remember that balance is key.

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear Golden Hawk,

To help you avoid the initial uncertainty of how to communicate with professors, follow my guide below:

1. Refer to your professors as Dr., Instructor, or Professor unless they state otherwise.
2. Maintain a professional and respectful tone both over email and in-person.
3. Use clear and concise subject lines when emailing your professors (Make sure you include your course code in your subject line!).

Check out this resource for more information on developing effective subject lines.

4. Open your email with an appropriate salutation (e.g., “Hello,” rather than “Hey!”).
5. Include a courteous statement at the start of your email (e.g., “I hope you’re well”).
6. Dive right into the purpose of your email (i.e., be concise and to the point).

Always indicate what you have already attempted to do to resolve the problem.

7. Conclude by thanking your professors for their time and assistance.

Recognize that you may need to wait a few days before you receive an answer via email. Although some professors respond immediately, others are bogged down by emails from their colleagues and students from their other courses, so be patient and take steps to consider identifying a solution to your concern in the meantime.

Even if you’re not sending an email and you just want to connect with a professor before or after class, always keep in mind that a professional and respectful tone can go a long way in getting you the support you need. Attending office hours is a fantastic way to get one-on-one support, and it’s also an opportunity to build connections with faculty who would perhaps be willing to act as a reference for you in future years.

Although it may seem scary at first, communicating with professors is definitely worth it in the long run. For more tips and tricks on communicating with professors via email, or in-person, get in contact with Writing Services.

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear (Brantford) Golden Hawk,

Eating is, undoubtedly, one of the most important aspects of university life. I mean, without food, we wouldn’t have the energy to be our best selves – academically or socially!

Check out my recommendations list of on- and off-campus restaurants in Brantford to help get you started on finding your go-to places to eat:

(within walking distance)

1. Friday Café (75 Dalhousie St.)
2. Hudson Public (93 Dalhousie St.)
3. The Chinese Sisters (120 Colborne St.)
4. Lonnie’s on Market (42 Market St.)
5. From Scratch (42 George St.)
6. The Healthy Rabbit (105 Brant Ave.)

(within driving distance – note that your OneCard acts as a bus pass)

7. Dairee Delite (10 King George Rd.)
8. Sociable Kitchen (45 King George Rd.)
9. Mercasa (195 Henry St.)
10. Steve’s Tea Company & Tearoom (8-505 Park Rd. N.)

You can use your OneCard convenience dollars at the following restaurants, all of which are in downtown Brantford:

11. The Works Burger Bistro (80 Dalhousie St.)
12. Nine North Viet-Thai Cuisine (85 Dalhousie St.)
13. Boston Pizza (50 Market St.)
14. Sunset Grill (50 Market St.)
15. Gino’s Pizza (63 Brant Ave.)

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear (Milton) Golden Hawk,

Let’s dive right in and talk about food. Yep, it seems random and maybe a little out of order considering this blog is supposed to be about university life, but to be fair, eating is a huge part of the university experience.

Knowing where to go for some quality grub will not only make your university experience more fun, but it will also enhance your confidence as you take time to explore the Milton area with your Golden Hawk friends.

Check out my list of restaurants below to get you started:

1. Bistro on Main (164 Main Street East)
2. Pizzaiolo (182 Main Street East)
3. The Works (185 Main Street East)
4. Coffee Culture Café and Eatery (265 Main Street East)
5. Troy’s Diner (295 Main Street East)
6. Shawarma Alley (295 Main Street East)
7. East Side Mario’s (860 Main Street East)

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host

Dear (Waterloo) Golden Hawk,

Finding a go-to restaurant or café in a new city can be tricky, especially when you’re a food guru and have high expectations. (Believe me, I get it.)

To make your transition to Laurier and the Kitchener/Waterloo region easier, I’ve compiled a list of restaurant recommendations from other Laurier 101 Summer Hosts.

If you’re looking for a restaurant within walking distance of campus (approximately 10-20 minutes one way), check out the following places:

1. Mel’s Diner (140 University Ave. West, Waterloo University Plaza)
2. Shinwa Asian Cuisine (160 University Ave. West, Waterloo University Plaza)
3. D-Spot Dessert Café (14-160 University Ave. West, Waterloo University Plaza)
4. Lazeez Shawarma (170 University Ave. West, Laurier University Plaza)
5. Pür & Simple (2 King St. North)
6. Champa Kitchen (21 King St. North)
7. Philthy Philly’s (247 King St. North)
8. Ennio’s Pasta House (384 King St. North)
9. Famoso Pizzeria (15 King St. South)
10. Beertown (75 King St. South)
11. Four All Ice Cream (75 King St. South)
12. Korner Kitchen (183 Weber St. North)

If you don’t like any of the above options, you can always hop on a bus and try some other restaurants/cafés, such as the following:  

1. East Side Mario’s (450 King St. North)
2. Graffiti Market (137 Glasgow St., Kitchener)
3. Smile Tiger Coffee (100 Ahrens St. West, Kitchener)

And of course, there are many places to eat on campus, some of which accept meal plan flex dollars. If you can’t pay with your meal plan flex dollars at a spot you’d like to eat at on campus, you may be able to use your OneCard convenience dollars instead.

For a full list of food places available on campus, see the OneCard website. Veritas and Wilf’s, especially, are favourites among many Golden Hawks – you’ve gotta try the spin-dip at Wilf’s! 

DM our Instagram account, @laurierstudentsuccess, with more questions!

Stay Golden,

Grace – Laurier 101 Summer Host