Campus Life
The Lakehead Advantage
University can be about getting a world-class education while having the experience of a lifetime.
Lakehead University is no ordinary place. From the moment you step foot onto either our campus in Thunder Bay or Orillia, you will experience a personal education where you matter and can play a bigger role. Over 8,500 students’ study from our comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, alongside highly acclaimed, world-renowned faculty and researchers who will know you by name and truly care about your academic growth and success.
Rise to the Challenge
Our rigourous academic programs will allow you to thrive in a way that challenges and teaches you how to think, not what to think. Lakehead offers you learning opportunities that expand beyond the classroom and into our local communities, labs, the workplace, and to locations all over the world. Experience hands-on learning to develop knowledge and skills for your university years and beyond graduation.
Our Two Hometowns
Whether you are interested in Lakehead Thunder Bay or Lakehead Orillia, you’ll experience a personal education where you matter and can play a bigger role.
Explore Thunder Bay Explore Orillia
| Lakehead Thunder Bay |
Lakehead University's original campus is located in the City of Thunder Bay. Lakehead University is situated in the heart of the city and is located minutes away from all the amenities and services you need. Fields and green space surround our campus and all buildings are conveniently located together in one location creating a true campus feel. Many of the University's buildings are grouped around Lake Tamblyn and our residence complexes hug the banks of the McIntyre River. Underground tunnels connect many of the main, centralized buildings on campus, allowing for easy access between classes and facilities. Paved trails surround the campus making it the perfect place to take advantage of taking in the beauty of the area whether you are walking, jogging, rollerblading, bicycling, or, in the winter, cross-country skiing! |
| Lakehead Orillia |
Lakehead University is situated in two areas of the city with campus locations in the historic downtown and 500 University Avenue. In 2010, our brand-new state-of-the-art campus opened which made it the first campus in North America to be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard. The Academic Building is environmentally friendly in every way possible; from the green roofing system, to geothermal energy source, water collection ponds, and much more. The campus also features a 250-bed residence, cafeteria and bookstore. All students have access to recreational facilities through our partnership with the YMCA. |
In 2006, the Lakehead experience was brought to Central Ontario’s beautiful cottage country in the City of Orillia.Residence, Housing & Dining
Living in residence is a huge part of your life as a Lakehead student. From your very first day, you will meet new people from all around the world and start establishing friendships that will last a lifetime. Welcome to your new home away from home.
Residence living has many benefits for you to consider – one of the most important being students that live in residence perform better academically!
Our Thunder Bay Residence Our Orillia Residence
| Off-Campus Housing |
| If you are looking at off-campus living options, apartments to rent are close by – often only a few minutes from campus. Check out the Off-Campus Housing list to explore different housing accommodations within the City of Thunder Bay and City of Orillia. |
| Dining |
Both our Thunder Bay and Orillia Residence (Orillia has two options) have a mandatory meal plan for first year students living in Residence Halls. Students living in Townhouses or Apartments in Thunder Bay also have access to an optional meal plan. |
Getting Involved
As a Lakehead student, getting involved is just as important as your time inside the classroom.
We recognize the importance of a well-rounded student experience that will contribute towards your academic and personal growth. From getting involved in student clubs and academic student societies to playing a sport and cheering on your teams, there are so many ways to get involved in shaping your educational experience. The time you spend outside of the classroom is an important part of your university experience – make the most of what we offer - get involved, have fun and show your Thunderwolf spirit.
Athletics & Recreation
Athletics and recreation are an integral part of the university experience that is vital to your educational growth and advancement.
Lakehead promotes a healthy and active campus lifestyle while providing you with the opportunity to foster friendships, goodwill and overall fitness at both of our campuses. Whether you choose to join a team, or you just want to get active for the health of it, you'll find what you're looking for. Lakehead offers a variety of competitive men's and women's varsity and club level sports teams, intramurals and ways to get active just for the fun of it.
| Thunder Bay Campus Facilities |
You will enjoy extensive on-campus fitness facilities at the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse and The Hangar. The C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse features the 15,000-square-foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, newly-renovated 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, outdoor sports fields, beach volleyball courts, Kinesiology labs, and change rooms complete with saunas. The Hangar, Lakehead's newest 50,000-square-foot student athletic facility features a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, and additional weight training, aerobic and cardio areas. The Hangar is also home to the Sports Medicine Clinic. Learn more about the facilities available to our students |
| Orillia Campus Facilities |
Lakehead Orillia has a Fitness Room directly on campus. The room is equipped with cardio options and a cable machine. For more information on hours and booking your time slot, visit https://orilliathunderwolves.ca/campusrec/New_Fitness_Room |
| Lakehead Thunderwolves |
If you want to put your skills to the test, check out our varsity teams, along with club teams and intramurals available at: Lakehead Thunder Bay and Lakehead Orillia. |
Join in the howl as you cheer on your Lakehead Thunderwolves to victory during home venue games. With an unyielding student body and dedicated community following, every action-packed game is full of excitement that you won't want to miss!Health & Wellness
Keeping a healthy body and mind is important while you are at university. At the Thunder Bay Campus, we have a team of registered nurses, doctors and counsellors available for you to have your health needs addressed right on campus. The Orillia Campus provides you with access to a Wellness Centre that includes a Naturopathic Doctor, counseling services and resources on health and wellness services in Orillia.
Student Supports
We believe in our students and your success. That is why we have a wealth of services and supports available for you during your transition to Lakehead and all throughout your time studying at Lakehead.
The services and supports we offer you range from academic in nature to personal, social and health-related.