Unitea Hosts
Unitea Hosts are genuinely interested in meeting and talking with their peers through in-person and virtual one-to-one and group conversations. With a Unitea Peer host, you can express your passions, discuss worries or concerns, or simply talk about a great movie you watched recently during your one-to-one tea time. If you’re looking to have meaningful conversations and feel more connected to peers within the U of A community, join our Peer Hosts for a collective tea time to discuss subjects like making friends, maintaining motivation and plenty more.
Unitea has also partnered with Alumni Student Support and Engagement Team (ASSET) to offer in-person and virtual one-to-one tea times with ASSET volunteers. Book a one-to-one conversation with a Unitea Alumni host and connect with someone who understands the stresses and challenges of being a student and what it means to transition to life after university.
Unitea hosts are certified in the Community Helpers Program and suicide prevention training.
Book a tea time with a Unitea Host
Year of study for your program
4
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Arts, Criminology
What do you like about your program?
The diversity of courses that I am able to take and the experiences I’m able to have which have permitted me to form a well-rounded view to the world of criminal justice.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Makes sure to take time to do the things that you enjoy! It can be really easy to get caught up in work and school which leads to burn out. Actually set time aside in your day to just relax!
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I’m a big nerd for history and movies (especially history movies!). I also love theatre and I look forward to the multiple festivals that come to Edmonton each year! I am also a bit of a coin nerd, which I think ties into the whole history bit.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I love to play instruments! Currently I am working on the guitar, bagpipes, and piano, though I must admit I need to spend more time practicing!
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Energetic, Patient, Engaged.
Year of study for your program
4
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Biological Sciences
What do you like about your program?
The variety! There are many different science options one can take in Biological Sciences, allowing me to explore diverse interests and discover new passions! Biology is often unfairly reduced to one concept or sub-field (think mitochondria or photosynthesis), but there’s far more to uncover with this degree!
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
If you are a perfectionist, adopt a more realistic set of expectations! Often what holds me back from getting started is the fear that my work won’t be “perfect”, or that there are too many items on my to-do list! Embracing ambitious but reasonable goals will reduce procrastination and anxiety!
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I have two main loves in my life: fitness and food! I am a huge advocate of using exercise as a way to mentally reset throughout one’s day; I particularly enjoy running and doing pilates. I am also a big foodie, and love to try new restaurants and dishes.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
Something unique about me is that I have three citizenships! I was born in the United States (Austin TX), gained my Canadian citizenship when I was 8 years old, and received Hungarian citizenship from my parents (who both emigrated from Hungary in the 1990s).
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
I can speak and write in English. I can speak and read Hungarian, however, I am unable to write.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Compassionate, Attentive, Lighthearted.
Year of study for your program
4
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences and Psychology
What do you like about your program?
My favourite part of the General Sciences program is the flexibility. Going into university not knowing exactly what I liked or wanted to study, I was able to take a wide variety of classes and structure my schedule in a more manageable way.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
I would say that being open to new opportunities and really taking the time to explore your passions is essential for academic and personal success. By defining my own version of success, I was able to find a lot more fulfillment in my studies!
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
Painting and creating art in general have been lifelong hobbies of mine. I also enjoy reading and am always open to a new book recommendation!
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I've recently picked up oil painting! It's been an amazing experience and I'm learning that it takes a lot of patience.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Considerate, Determined, Open-minded.
Year of study for your program
4
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Nursing
What do you like about your program?
Overall, it is very fulfilling. I always end the day feeling satisfied that I was able to help someone in any way I could. In addition, it has numerous fields one can specialize in so l love that there is potential for me to grow and explore.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Remember to be yourself! You know what works best for yourself. If study groups are your thing reach out and get the support you need. In addition, being organized enables you to balance other interests you have out of school.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I enjoy cooking, fitness, and spending quality time with loved ones.I enjoy trying new diets and challenges.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I enjoy trying new diets and challenges. I recently completed one called “Whole 30” it was challenging but was overall an amazing experience. I learned so much about different kinds of foods and tried numerous dishes.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English, Intermediate Twi and French
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Honest, Determined and Open-minded.
Year of study for your program
1
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Design
What do you like about your program?
I love being creative and solving problems. I love experimenting, trying new mediums, and honing my skills! It is challenging but I enjoy it.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Stay organized. I keep detailed to-do lists myself, and I know I'd never manage without them.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I enjoy reading, writing, drawing, designing, and playing piano. I also love watching sitcoms and exploring Edmonton!
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I can hyperextend my knees- they bend backwards!
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English, and I know a bit of Latin.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Creative, Kind, Ambitious.
Year of study for your program
3
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Civil Engineering
What do you like about your program?
I like the range of industries I am able to work in, from the oil patch to sustainable energy, and commercial home construction to spaceships. The variety of Civil Engineering is vast, and I have the agency to pick what suits me best.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Focus on self care to avoid burn out. We can be the most motivated and driven for success, but keeping that momentum consistent is the challenge. Make sure you pace yourself for steady success. Take breaks, exercise, and spend time with friends and family.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I am passionate about using my time to volunteer with organizations I believe in, whether it's strengthening the Arab community by coordinating bonding events, to educating high school students about international affairs, all the way to peer support and building a stronger campus community. I’m also a big believer in staying active through the gym, dance, and martial arts.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I am racially mixed. My father is from Palestine and met my mom in the Phillippines where she is from. I was also born in Dubai and immigrated to Canada when I was 4. I'm Canadian at heart but still visit back home when I am able to.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English is my native language, but I can read and write in Arabic.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Caring, Resilient, and Motivated.
Year of study for your program
2
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Nursing
What do you like about your program?
I enjoy how hands-on and interactive the program itself is and how diverse the field is. After clinicals, I leave feeling fulfilled knowing that I was able to help someone get back to their highest level of independence. Lastly, having a smaller cohort allows everyone to get to know and support each other!
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Do not be afraid to ask for help from your professors. They want to see you succeed as much as you want to succeed!
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I absolutely love to travel (let's share stories!), anything outdoors such as camping or hiking, and anything fitness related (ex. gym, rock climbing)
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
While I was abroad for school in Australia, one of my favourite experiences was swimming in the ocean in the middle of the night under the biggest and brightest moon I have ever seen!
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Outgoing, kindhearted, and energetic.
Year of study for your program
4
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Education, Elementary Education.
What do you like about your program?
I love the breadth that my program gives me to explore subjects that fascinate me. I also love how meta it is to "learn about learning"; my studies feel so relevant and exciting to me, and I would love to carry them into my own classroom one day.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Infuse as much joy as you can into your work! Study with friends, play interactive games, make doodles/mind maps/colourful notes, or simply take a mindful moment. I know it seems counter to student culture sometimes, but school does NOT have to be a chore!
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I'm very passionate about mindfulness and how it can inspire a more peaceful day - in ways that look different for everyone. I also love reading and writing (although because I love mindfulness, don't expect me to read very quickly!). You might also catch me going on walks, baking, drawing, or watching anti-diet videos!
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I derive tremendous joy from writing things slowly and neatly. Especially on Indigo stationery.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Compassionate, optimistic, genuine.
Year of study for your program
4
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Honors in Psychology [Science]
What do you like about your program?
I picked psychology because I was genuinely curious about why psychology is considered a science and not just some speculation on human minds. So I enjoy learning about the scientific method of studying human behavior and mental processes, and I also like that we get to pick up a few scientific study tips that are helpful with exams.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
I like having a goal-oriented schedule that helps me achieve a well-balanced life. It keeps me disciplined and allows me the time to do what I enjoy without having to worry about any other tasks. *I believe that good sleep is essential for student success, so I hope everyone is generous with their sleep schedule.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I like to stay active, so I go boxing or swimming throughout the year, take my longboard everywhere during the summer, and like to go skiing when the long winter begins. When I'm not active, I spend a lot of time on CNBC and Bloomberg, and I occasionally read manga and play video games.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
My talent is that I can sleep anywhere at any time throughout the day. And one unique experience that I had was volunteering at the 2018 winter Olympics/Paralympics in South Korea.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English and Korean.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Ambitious, Disciplined and Straightforward.
What faculty, program/area of study, were you part of at the UofA as a student?
Science/Psychology
What is/was your career? Or professional field that you work in?
Human Resources
What do/did you like about your career or professional field?
It allowed me to meet many people in a variety of fields and learn about numerous industry sectors (aviation services to software development).
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Find balance in your studies and campus life. It is not always about studying. You can elevate your learning by meeting people from different backgrounds and with different histories. As well, getting involved in extra-curricular activities (e.g. student clubs, students union, etc.) teach you valuable skills that you may not grow through your academic studies.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I have a passion for dogs and cats.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I have been able to attend 28 of the 30 major league baseball stadiums in the US.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English (speak and write) and Toi Shan (Chinese - speak).
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Seeker of Knowledge
Year of study for your program
5
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Arts, Honours Psychology.
What do you like about your program?
I love psychology because of the flexibility it offers! I get to take cool classes on everything from neuroscience to childhood development. Every semester I get to meet new people who have totally different interests and passions, even though we share the same discipline!
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Prioritize your well-being! When we do our best to take care of our minds and bodies we set ourselves up for success. Little efforts make a difference in the long run! Your health matters, and it’s okay to put yourself first. Do what you can to take care of you!
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I’m an all-around kind of person! I love to bake, and I’m always on the hunt for new recipes. I also enjoy the outdoors, going for a hike, swimming, or camping. When I’m relaxing, I’m probably reading. I especially enjoy the fantasy genre, and I love to play D&D!
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I once volunteered as camp staff at an international Guiding camp in Ireland, teaching girls from all over the world the basics of circuitry. I’m sure I learned just as much as they did!
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English and a little Swedish.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Empathetic, genuine, and determined.
Year of study for your program
3
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Computing Science, PhD.
What do you like about your program?
I find computer science to be an academically stimulating field. I've found my Ph.D. program to be a great way to think critically of existing methods and grow as a person.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Read books that teach you skills to allow you to learn more efficiently, such as ways to read more effectively, problem solutions, and all those good learning skills beyond the immediate content of a subject.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I'm passionate about physical exercise, usually lifting weights or occasionally climbing. I study languages on and off and do some creative writing. Other than that, I typically browse my phone or watch television.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I once attended a comedy show by myself. Three days later, someone recognized me in the street from that same show, and we had a beer together. A week later, I went to see Niagra Falls with their roommate. The story's morale: sometimes, going out alone can lead to good times.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Driven, Motivated, Kind.
Year of study for your program
2
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Master of Business Administration.
What do you like about your program?
It provides a general overview of various business departments and how they can work together cooperatively to bring forth the best results. Further, it provides a managerial perspective of different positions in various industries.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Time Management - It is very helpful to keep a calendar or a project tracking system which can help students to prioritise and accomplish tasks in a timely manner.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
Going on a walk and having a conversation with a friend is one of my favourite hobbies. It helps me think clearly about whatever topic or situation I am dealing with.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I have lived a significant part of my life as a refugee and during that time I had to learn different languages. I speak 5 languages fluently and currently I am trying to learn more.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English, Persian, Urdu, Kazakh, and Turkish.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Responsible, Hard working, Patient.
Year of study for your program
1
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Master in Public Health.
What do you like about your program?
My program is a professional degree and not an academic degree, meaning that it is very applicable to real life scenarios. It is heavily based on problem-based learning and teamwork - which prepares you greatly for the "real world".
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Learning goes beyond the course and curriculum - it is all about self-guided development so learn and explore topics that you truly enjoy and are passionate about! It will feel less stressful since it is based on interest.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I love enjoying the outdoors- hiking, boating, swimming in lakes, sight seeing, sports, etc! It is my happy place and super therapeutic :) I also love to try new cuisines and am a big foodie!! I also love to play badminton and embroider in my free time.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I love to travel and just this last summer, I did a road trip in Spain for two and a half weeks with my three best friends! We drove through half the country and explored two islands - their food, festivals, history, architecture, landmarks, beaches, culture, and people!
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English, Gujarati, Hindi.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Adventurous, friendly, compassionate.
Year of study for your program
4
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Faculty of Science, Psychology and Chemistry major.
What do you like about your program?
The programs I am in give me the opportunity to support others through different means.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Work hard, but dont forget to enjoy the little things and to relax when you need it.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I love music whether that is listening to it or playing instruments. I want to go abroad as much as I can, but meanwhile I like trying out new local cafes or places to eat.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
When I travel, I like getting lost on purpose since that's when I find the best views and have the best experiences.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
I can speak and write English and Spanish fluently. I'm always eager to learn new languages, so Im currently learning French.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Easy-going, open-minded, adventurous.
Year of study for your program
2
Faculty, Program/Area of study
School of Public Health, Health Promotion
What do you like about your program?
I love how applied all the work in this field is! Everything I’m learning is rooted in the real world, and I can see its direct impact.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Try everything! The best part about university is the huge range of opportunities that are available to you, so take advantage of it!
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I’m a big fan of lemon loaf, farmers markets, and watching tiktoks a week late when they finally hit instagram. I am passionate about harm reduction, mental health advocacy, and addressing the structural inequalities impacting marginalized populations.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I have a never-ending list of restaurants to try in Edmonton, and one day I sampled all the ice cream flavours at made by Marcus.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Compassionate, curious, dedicated.
Year of study for your program
3
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Science, Major in Psych/Minor in bio.
What do you like about your program?
What I like about my program is the freedom that it gives me in course selection, outside of my major and minor requirements. The general science program allows me to explore many different areas of study, which I may not be able to do in a specialization or honours program.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
My advice for student success would be to avoid taking on too much, i.e. work, volunteering, extracurriculars. It is okay to not have a full agenda, and you should only focus on what you have passion for. Rest is not a bad thing! Take it slow, and don't compare yourself.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
Being a part of the Vietnamese Students' Association at UofA is something that I am very passionate about. While I did not grow up with the strongest cultural background, I am extremely grateful to be a part of a community that allows me to learn more about my heritage!
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I recently attended the Union of North American Vietnamese Students' Association 17th Annual Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon! While I did not know anyone going into the weekend, I came out of it learning so much more about the organization and making so many meaningful connections!
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English, and Vietnamese (to some extent).
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Resilient, dedicated, and focused! :)
Year of study for your program
4
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Nursing
What do you like about your program?
I like the diverse clinical opportunities and the hands-on learning! My favourite clinical placement was labour & delivery and postpartum!
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
Do not procrastinate! Use google calendar to lay out everything due, and take baby steps to go from there!
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I like playing piano, skating, and dancing! I also like to binge netflix :)
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I backpacked all over Taiwan after my first year! I also self-taught myself the bassoon and was a former cadet.
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English, Korean, French, Mandarin, Japanese.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Spontaneous, Creative, Cheerful.
Year of study for your program
3
Faculty, Program/Area of study
Faculty of Science, Honours in Psychology.
What do you like about your program?
I love that I get to explore so many aspects of psychology, from social psychology to neuroscience. It is such a diverse area of study and being able to explore it within my course load means the world to me.
What is 1 helpful tip for student success?
I think my number one tip for student success is to find community on campus. Join study groups, student groups or just find a good bunch of friends but succeeding as a student starts with succeeding as a person and that is a lot easier with people in your corner.
What are your interests/passions/hobbies?
I’m passionate about science education and making sure kids know how fun STEM can be! As well I am passionate about mental health advocacy and talking about barriers to access. In my free time I love to read, I am a big fan of historical fiction and high fantasy.
What's unique about you? Share a talent or amazing experience!
I like to think a talent of mine is baking but I have burnt enough things that I won’t give myself too much credit. I can make a mean crème brûlée though, I love experimenting and infusing it with different types of tea!
What language(s) do you speak and/or write?
English.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Dedicated, Cheerful, Quick-witted.