10 things to do in your first week!
Your first week of university is, perhaps, one of the busiest in your life. But organizing everything can help you make the most of it.
Here are 10 things to do in your first week on campus:
Double check your registration and fees – It’s always good to double check that you are registered for your courses. Be sure to pay your fees by the first day of classes if you don’t want to pay a late fee. (PS. VISA is not accepted as a method of payment for tuition)
Go to Orientation – Attending Orientation is top priority for any new student at Memorial. It will help you get familiarized with rest of the university campus and services. You’ll also have the opportunity to make some friends.
Get to know the bus - If you plan to use public transportation (Metrobus) to get around the city, it's a good idea to take the bus before you try to get it for class. You can purchase a bus pass at the Attic in the University Centre.
Class before books… - Your instructor will let you know what books you will need during the first week of class, so it's best to goto class before buying your books.
…But supplies before labs - If you have any lab scheduled as a part of any of your courses, make sure you have the appropriate equipment (e.g. lab coats, goggles, work-boots) before attending. Without proper equipment, you might not be able to participate in the lab session due to your personal safety concerns.
Get familiar with your classrooms – Learn the most efficient ways to get from class to class. As a part of orientation, they can help out with that by showing you to your specific classes. Orientation is great for this type of stuff! (hint hint)
Know the resources! Memorial has a lot to offer - whether its services, counselling, or advising. But it is up to you to seek out these services. We have help centres, student wellness services, the works, and the library, to name a few.
Make friends – Making friends can seem trivial, but it’s an important part of university. Make an effort to reach out to at least three people during your first week. Add them to facebook. Grab a coffee. If you stay in residence, be sure to take part in the Residence Orientation and you’ll get to know your housemates really quick!
Figure out the Finances - For Canadian and international students, it's important to know your banking information and to locate the nearest branch of your bank.
Make sure you have healthcare coverage! If you are travelling to NL from another province, make sure your provincial health care card is up to date. If you're coming from outside Canada, be sure to sort out the MCP process as soon as possible. Also, if you are not currently covered under a family health and dental plan (medications, eye care, dental care, etc.) MUNSU offers this insurance. But if you DO have coverage, you can opt out with proof of insurance.
It might be a lot to do, but the first week on campus is one of the best of the year. Good luck with your first year!
-Katie and Anik
