Tips for Thriving at Trent

Five ways to enrich your Trent experience and thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

Thousands of students are arriving at Trent University for the start of a new academic year. As you settle in and jump into course schedules, here is some guidance on how to make the most of the year (and years) ahead:

1. Take advantage of guaranteed career experience

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of a Trent education, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice. Students who take advantage of hands-on experiences at Trent report feeling better prepared to enter the workforce, to acquire new technical skills, and to make valuable industry connections that can lead directly to employment.

Hands-on learning comes in many shapes and sizes: paid co-op, academic research, community-based research, internships, placements, field studies, and more. Trent’s Careerspace, professors, and program staff can help you find the right opportunity for advancing your goals. The university also now offers more than 25 paid co-op programs. If you’re enrolled in co-op, start thinking about where you want to do your work terms and get help from Careerspace to make it happen.

2. Seek out student supports

No matter where you are in your academic journey, there is always help and guidance along the way. Trent provides students with a range of wrap-around supports and resources to navigate the opportunities and challenges of university life. Supports like Academic Advising, Academic Skills, Counselling Services, Student Accessibility Services, the Rebound program and many others empower students to accomplish academic and personal milestones.

The Colleges at Trent, Student Affairs, First Peoples House of Learning, and many other departments across both campuses offer support services to ensure you have access to resources.

3. Get involved and build community connections

Fostering a sense of belonging for students is a priority at Trent. Positive personal relationships and connections have a significant impact on your learning experience, and there are many ways to develop a strong social network. Connect with the Colleges at Trent, join a club and group, volunteer at local organizations, work on campus, or take part in many other extracurricular engagements (check out trentu.ca/events).

4. Take a course outside of your major

Interdisciplinary learning has always been a key element of education at Trent University. One of the best ways to engage in this is by taking a course outside your major; discover new viewpoints, gain fresh perspectives, and look at topics connected to your major through a new lens. Doing so will broaden your understanding and enrich your overall academic experience.

5. Participate in Orientation Week

O-Week is the beginning of the student experience, helping first-year students transition to university life. From day one, students are informed about what help, supports, and opportunities are available and how to access them. Be sure to get involved!

"O-Week is a transformational moment for first-year students. Through these events, students will begin to develop skills, access resources, and make friendships that will support their long-term success, academically and personally," said Lawrence Lam, associate vice president of students at Trent. "Orientation is about generating excitement for the years ahead and creating a sense of belonging at Trent, while also giving students a solid foundation of skills and information to successfully navigate university challenges and opportunities. It’s about establishing a network of support so they can focus on their studies and personal growth.”