YouAlberta
While nearing the end of your degree, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything, like doing grad prep, applying for graduation, worrying about graduation pictures and convocation…the list is endless! Then there’s still finishing classes, keeping up with the workload and before you know it, your last year is over, and your undergraduate degree is complete, and you’re on your way outta here. If you were a student during the pandemic, it’s hard to look back and wonder if you missed out on any experiences.
Here are a few tips I have so that you don’t leave with the same regrets.
Enjoy the places and people.
The first COVID lockdown happened halfway through my first year, so you can imagine what I mean when I say it had taken over most of my degree. It started as I was still adjusting to campus, and it’s hard to get accustomed to anything when you aren’t really there. Like everyone else, I was thrown into online classes and missed all the fun and glory of university while you’re on campus, including all of the events and meeting people, which you can’t do as easily online.
Starting with all the places you can only enjoy while being on North Campus, be sure to stop by on a Friday night to check out RATT (Room at the Top) on the seventh floor of SUB. This is a place I had always heard of but never got to go to until my last semester on campus. It’s probably one of the prettiest places to go to on campus to study or just to hang out because of the view, especially after the sun sets. On this note, Dewey’s feels a little more familiar; most people walk past it all the time – but be sure to actually stop by for coffee, drinks or a quick bite!
Make meaningful connections with others, including professors.
Clubs were very hard to get into during COVID. With all activities taking place online, it was hard to make friends. Take advantage of the fact that these are all back in person now, and get involved in some clubs before it’s too late.
Making meaningful connections went past just friends. It wasn’t until I was in my last year, during my one-on-one research project, that I learned the importance of making connections with your professors and developed techniques to do so. This helps in the long run with references and preparations for grad school. It also helps to know people later on. It can aid with getting research or post-grad opportunities. Talking to your professors, in some cases, will also help you get internships and other summer research opportunities. I wish I had known about many of these opportunities sooner so I could have gained more experience.
Check out the U of A Library system.
There are also our many libraries, where people spend a lot of time studying. But when was the last time you picked up a library book? Walked through the endless bookshelves and admired the large collections. There are a ton on nearly every topic you can imagine; you name it. I didn’t actually use the library until my last year on campus, and after realizing I hardly knew how to use the library codes to find books, I really wished I had done this sooner. If you’re a history nerd like me, many of the books still have their library cards in them and have date stamps. It can be fun to take a look around at all the history that surrounds you! And who knows, you might accidentally end up with an exhaustive reading list.
Discover hidden gems on your campus.
One of the few things I was able to discover before the pandemic was the Department of Physics’ astronomical observatory, which is on the fifth floor of Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (CCIS). You can come here to check out the giant telescopes and admire the beautiful night sky with all its constellations. Though this became a hidden gem because they were closed for so long during the pandemic, it looks like they’re up and running again every Thursday evening (times vary based on the month; you can find out more here.) It’s free of charge, so go check it out on a day you feel like unwinding!
In general, our campuses are full of little charms and quirks that you just need to keep your eye out for. There are beautiful hidden spots to sit – check out the little patio that exists in the Agriculture/Forestry Centre on North Campus! It’s perfect for studying on warm days. The CJSR radio station that lives in SUB is open to volunteers. Don’t forget all of the little nooks and crannies of the beautiful Old Arts building. Spend some time checking out all the buildings you’ve never been inside! Your campus is full of treasures; you just need to look.
Hopefully, this list inspires you to try at least one new thing while you’re here. There is more to your time on campus than just working for that degree! Take some time to enjoy the wonderful things around you!