YouAlberta
What was your biggest takeaway from attending BaseCamp (Residence) Orientation?
As a student coming from a small village in Saskatchewan, I was nervous to move into a community with more people in one tower than in my whole village. Residence BaseCamp taught me to be comfortable in my own skin, and confirmed in me that I could build a community of my own wherever I ended up. More people is not more isolating, you just have to find your community within it!
List one thing you’ll never forget about orientation, and explain why.
I'll never forget how eager people were to talk to me. Whether it was waiting in line for pancake breakfast or in a community meeting, whoever I sat beside seemed to have a story to tell me and wanted to hear some of mine.
How did orientation help you in your first year at the U of A?
Orientation really helped my get my feet beneath me, allowing me the opportunity to explore campus before I needed to be able to navigate it on the first day of classes. Simply heading to a building, getting lost and trying to find my way home again helped me get to know campus! Orientation also connected me with groups all over campus that could help me in my academic and social lives.
Why would you recommend a friend to attend orientation?
Of course! I would have been completely lost if I had not gotten to know campus over the week of Orientation. Being introduced to services like the Students Union, Campus and Community Recreation, and all of the Academic resources available to me. Knowing they are there to help you from day one is much more comforting to finding them throughout the semester.
Who or what was your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was Residence Kickoff, when all of the residents on Campus filled the Butterdome, all wearing our Orientation shirts. With the cheer team, the mascots, and energy of 3000 excited students it was easy to embrace the school pride! I will never forget those words of encouragement and hearing about all the amazing events happening over the next week.
About Mackenzie
My name is Mackenzie Hammer and I am from a small town in rural Saskatchewan. I've lived and worked in UofA residence since 2019 and am going into my 4th year of a Bachelors of Secondary Education.
Register for Orientation
Orientation starts August 22 — have you registered? Register now to get your personalized orientation schedule featuring the orientation programs we recommend you attend.