Three students. Three perspectives. One message: You’ve got this.

No two first-year experiences are exactly alike. Some students arrive knowing exactly what they want to do, while others spend their first year discovering new interests, building friendships and finding their place on campus. We asked three current UCalgary students to look back on their first year and share what surprised them, what helped them succeed and what advice they have for incoming students. Their experiences are different, but together they highlight one important message: you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. 

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Rachael Turner, Werklund School of Education

Hello! My name is Rachael, and I’m an education student at the University of Calgary. When I started my first year, I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. Everything was new, and I often felt lost trying to navigate university life. My first-year experience took a turn for the better when I began exploring the resources and opportunities available on campus. Services like the Centre for Career & Personal Development (CCPD), the Writing Centre (SSC) and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) gave me the support and confidence I needed to settle into university.

I’ve discovered that there are countless opportunities for first-year students at UCalgary, from programs like Camp LEAD to trips to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, many of which are free or offered at a low cost. I encourage incoming students to take advantage of appointments with academic advisors and explore the university’s leadership and volunteer opportunities. They’re a great way to build your skills, strengthen your resumé and meet other students.

University can feel like a whole new world, with bigger classes, more independence and countless opportunities to explore. My biggest piece of advice is to start looking into the resources and opportunities available before your first semester begins. The more you know going in, the more confident you’ll feel in making the most of everything UCalgary has to offer.

You’ve got this!

Find your community and your balance

Md Samiu Hossain, Schulich School of Engineering (Mechanical)

If I had to describe my first year in a few words, it would be a roller coaster of emotions. From leaving home and starting a new chapter in a different country to finding a community that made Calgary feel like home, it was a year full of highs, lows and everything in between.

What surprised me most about university was the sheer magnitude of everything. I knew it would be a big jump from high school, but I never expected there to always be something happening somewhere on campus. As someone who loves getting involved, I quickly realized there were more opportunities than I could ever take part in, and learning to prioritize became part of the experience.

As an international student, the biggest challenge I had to overcome was missing home and the life I had left behind. Transitioning from high school to university in a completely different country is definitely easier said than done. At times, the unfamiliarity of everything felt jarring and overwhelming. What made the biggest difference was the residence community and Camp LEAD. Camp LEAD was my first experience with a program like that, and it gave me the opportunity to make amazing connections, learn new things and have a great time while doing it.

I’ve loved volunteering ever since high school, so naturally I looked for ways to continue that at UCalgary. Whether it was helping during Orientation, supporting campus events or teaching elementary school students science through hands-on activities, volunteering has been one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience. Seeing the smiles on students’ faces as they learned something new was especially meaningful.

My advice to incoming students is to find a balance. Don’t be overambitious and treat everything like a test with consequences, but also stay on top of your responsibilities. Take a breather once in a while, and remember that university is what you make of it. Everyone’s journey looks different, and with time, you’ll figure out the path that’s right for you.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Enayat Nazari, Haskayne School of Business (Accounting)

Starting university can be both exciting and challenging. As the first person in my family to attend post-secondary education, I wasn’t sure what to expect, and my first year came with many ups and downs. At first, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain, but I quickly realized that asking for help was a strength, not a weakness.

Participating in Camp LEAD helped me develop leadership skills, step outside my comfort zone and build friendships that made the transition to university much easier. I also found the academic advising and Exploratory Advising teams at the Student Success Centre incredibly helpful as I explored my interests and decided which major was the right fit for me.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that many students are experiencing the same fears and uncertainties, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. Making connections with classmates, talking to advisors and getting involved on campus reminded me that I wasn’t alone.

My advice to incoming students is simple: don’t struggle in silence. Reach out for support, ask questions and take advantage of the many resources available on campus. They’re there to help you succeed.

Most importantly, stay curious, be open to new experiences and don’t be afraid to start something. Your first year is not only about academics, but also an opportunity to grow, discover who you are and create memories that will stay with you long after graduation.