New students experience a lot of competing demands on their time. There are forms to fill out, classes to attend, friendships to strike up, O-Week events and activities to enjoy.
The list goes on.
Juggling everything no doubt feels challenging at times, but take it from those who have been there before (as we've done for this article): you've got this.听
Below, a few of this year's Orientation leaders open up about what they wish they'd known when they first started at Dal, their favourite places to study and hangout, and more.听
Wateen Sadek
A third-year student from Halifax majoring in Neuroscience in Dal's Faculty of Science
Get informed, Wateen advises new students.
"I wish I was aware of the number of resources I actually had," she says, recalling her early days at Dal.
From academic supports and community groups to opportunities for leadership development and volunteering, Dal has a lot to offer.听
Read those emails, talk to your peers and leaders, and keep you ear to ground for a fulfilling start to your Dal journey.
Favourite place on study and hang out on campus: I love the Student Union Building (SUB)! I get my work done there as well as meet up and hang out with friends in between lectures.
Can't miss events and activities:听听is a great way to get involved and engaged with activities or hobbies you're passionate or interested in as well as finding your people! Another really fun event is the homecoming 鲍鱼tv football game in the fall. Full of spirit and fun!听
Off-campus recommendations:听Pane E Circo for the best matcha and pastries!听Another really good off-campus recommendation is Citadel Hill. It's such a good place to go have a picnic and watch a sunrise/sunset with friends, as well as do things like sledding in the winter.
I also go to the waterfront as there are fun festivals from time to time and really good places to eat such as Amano or Bicycle Thief. And have a sweet treat at the one and only Cows ice cream! Another great one would be Point Pleasant Park. Such a great place to go on a run or walk. Love being by the ocean as well!听
Favourite class: I loved adult psychopathology (PSYO2220). I learned a lot about different mental health disorders and their criteria!听
Emily Greenstein
A second-year student from Toronto majoring in Kinesiology in the School of Health and Human Performance
Nerves almost got the best of Emily when she first arrived at Dal. She admits to fretting about everything from meeting friends to staying organized amidst the bustle of the school year.听
But as the days passed after arriving on campus, her mood began to lighten as she came to realize she wasn't alone in her feelings.
"Something I learned very early on is everyone wants to make new friends and to just be yourself," she says. "You will definitely find your people and make life-long friends that build you up through your years at Dal."
Professors and instructors can also be a source of support, she says.听
"Your professors and TAs are on your side to help you! Never hesitate to reach out when needed or have a quick chat at the end or beginning of class as they always want to ensure their students are succeeding as best as they can," she says.
Favourite place to study on campus: The Collaborative Health Education Building (CHEB) located on the Carleton Campus. There are tons of small quite spaces, individual desks, and resources to have a successful study session. Even during busy exam season, you can always find a place to sit down and get your work done.听
Best place to hang out with friends on campus:听Dalplex is a great way to be social with my friends while also getting a workout in! Not only does it benefit my physical health but mental as well.听
Can't miss events and activities:听Make sure you attend as many as possible as this is a great way to make tons of friends while also familiarizing yourself with the campus. If I could pull a couple events, I would say try and make it to the Halifax city tour, volleyball in the quad, and the Dalympics. Also, make sure to check out the club fair that happens right in the quad during the first weeks of September. It's a great way to learn what Dal offers and how to get involved!
Best spots for off-campus adventures:听Downtown Halifax is a great spot to venture off the campus! With tons of coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants and more, it's always a great time. One of my favourite things to do is stop by The Daily Grind, my favourite coffee shop, with friends and then sit by the waterfront. It's a great way to calm down from the busier times in the semester and get a little mental health break. Halifax also has some great hiking trails that should definitely be explored. Point Pleasant Park is a bit of a walk but worth it. It's a great way to get outdoors and explore some nature right beside campus.听
Favourite class:听听Foundations of Kinesiology (KINE 1104), taught by instructor Jefferey Zahavich. This was one of the first classes I took during the fall semester of my first year, making a difference throughout my whole education.The class explored the numerous career opportunities that can come about after finishing with an undergrad degree in kinesiology and how to get there. Jeff did a great job making the class an interactive experience, always inspiring me to attend each class. With tons of guest speaks and class discussions, I never missed a class and it opened my eyes to what I can achieve with this degree!
Mayank Ramchandani
A recent graduate from Dubai who majored in Computer Science and Neuroscience
"Community is everything," says Mayank, who graduated this past spring but is back as an Orientation leader this fall.
He suggests attending society events and meetings, 鲍鱼tv Student Union events, and getting involved in your Faculty.听
"Try your best to be as involved as possible and get into various different leadership positions. It鈥檚 through these connections that you truly experience the richness of university life."
Favourite place on campus study: The Wallace McCain Learning Commons is my go-to study spot.
Favourite place on campus to hang out with friends:听Dalplex is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy your time with friends.
Can't miss events and activities: Orientation Week, AGMs of societies and the 鲍鱼tv Student Union, Loaded Ladle鈥檚 events.
Off-campus recommendations: For amazing food, if you like Indian cuisine check out Tawa Grill, Brothers Punjabi Flavors, and Mirchi Tandoor for Indian cuisine. For Middle Eastern flavors, Fattoush, 902, Chef in the Kitchen, and Chiko鈥檚 are must-tries.
For off-campus adventures, Point Pleasant Park, the Halifax waterfront, and downtown Halifax and Citadel Hill are my favorite spots for a day out.
Favourite class:听Social Anthropology was a standout elective for me. It opened my eyes to the deep connections between people, culture, and society, and provided insights into pre-colonial and colonial eras as well as the shared traditions across world religions and cultures.