Becoming acquainted with studies in Canada: experiences of U of R students

From University of Regina

So you've just been admitted to the U of R and now you're thinking…"what were those things mom told me I had to do before I start?"

Well, believe it or not you're probably going to forget a few of them. But you know what, its ok! Everyone's in the same boat and as long as you keep your eyes and minds open you'll do just fine. But in case you're a little distracted at first here are a couple of young U of R students wanting to drop a few pearls of wisdom into your bucket. They're from different sides of the globe, but now find themselves part of the U of R community, working part time for the Student Recruitment department, where I had time to catch up with them about their uni experiences thus far.

Leah D is from Pilot Butte, a small city just outside Regina, SK. She's 18 and enrolled in the faculty of Social Work. Anna C is from the Ukraine and a second year Business Administration student.

"So Leah, you're from Saskatchewan and now going to university in Saskatchewan. Why did you choose to stay at home?"

"Well, it's a positive environment, it's close to my family, affordable and I have a lot of childhood friends here."

"Anna, the U of R is obviously a long way from your home. What brought you all the way from the Ukraine to Regina, aside from our delicious perogies!"

"Well I had visited Regina three years before, like the people and the campus so when I was looking online at schools I picked a place that I knew of and felt comfortable with.

The campus has a small, community feel; you can run into your friends everyday and get to know people from different countries and faculties easily. It's especially good that way for international students."

"What kinds of things did you have to do to prepare for going to university overseas?"

"I had to write my TOEFL exam in Kiev in October. After I found out the results, I applied and was admitted that spring. I was super excited but had to book a ticket, figure out where to live and of course, pack. My family helped a lot. My brother-in-law is Canadian and he helped me to answer many of my questions.

When I first arrived it was a major culture shock. Everything was new, exciting and fresh but it was also my first time away from home and I had to quickly become an adult. It was all different, the culture, language, food. The first year was a struggle but now I'm like a fish in water. Haha. I know so many people."

"Now Leah, you didn't have to book a plane ticket or find a place to live but did you finally have to start making your own lunches?"

"(Laughing) Yes and pick all my classes, buy books. It was much easier though, especially after going to UR Connected! as a high school student. I already had a feel for the university and wasn't as scared about finding my way."

"What are some ways in which you've involved yourself on campus?"

"Well, I'm on the track team so that's been a major part of my university life. It gave me an immediate social circle and I've been able to travel to many western Canadian cities. It does take up a lot of my time but I wouldn't be nearly as involved and out there, enjoying school, if I wasn't in track."

"Any advice for incoming international students, Anna?"

"I was bored of doing nothing and wanted to work. I emailed about some jobs and found a position at the ISSO (International Student Success Office) and with Student Recruitment. With my ISSO job there are so many events and conferences that I can take part in. Next year I hope to get more involved with the Business Students Society and the JDC Western Canadian Business competition. Getting involved with different clubs and having university jobs has helped me meet so many more people and kept me busy.

When you're busy it helps because sometimes you'll be homesick and thinking of your old memories and family and everything that happened before. You have to try to live in the moment though, get everything out of it. In university I have so many opportunities to develop, become a leader, gain self-confidence and make friendships for the rest of my life. I was expecting everything to be much harder, but it's been more fun that I thought. Every student should get involved and meet people!"

"Thanks so much Anna and Leah for letting us in on your personal experiences. Good luck to you both."

To check out more personal testimonials from students and staff please see read what our bloggers have to say about life at the U of R at http://www.uregina.ca/newstudent/knowur/connect.shtml.

If you have a general question about the U of R, please e-mail student.recruitment@uregina.ca or call 1-800-644-4765 or visit www.uregina.ca.