New Faces, New Spaces: Finding Your Place at LU
Welcome to Lakehead! Whether it’s your first time on campus or you’re returning after a break, a new academic year brings the chance to meet new people and make new connections. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, embrace your Thunderwolf spirit, or strengthen your existing friendships, here are some tips for a great year:
Get Involved
Join Clubs and Teams: Check out the clubs on your campus, or create your own. Sign up as an individual, or with a group for intramural sports at Campus Rec. These are great ways to meet people with similar interests.
Participate in School Events: There are always plenty of Events to attend throughout orientation, all the way up to Orientation and beyond. Check out events like Trivia nights with LUSU, Crafternoons with Student Health and Wellness, and Workshops with the Pride and Gender Equity Centre. If you live on Residence, visit your residence events or drop in to meet new people!
Connect Online: Join the University Discord, online groups for your program, and add people from your program on social media. This is a great way to stay updated on events, ask questions about classwork, and connect with peers.
Keep an Open-Mind
Explore New Groups: Attend various events to meet different people and learn about groups you might not have interacted with before.
Embrace Diversity: Approach new experiences and perspectives with an open mind, it can lead to meaningful connections and a broader understanding of other experiences.
Be Respectful: You may meet people from different ethnicities, cultures, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and more. Everyone here is a Thunderwolf, so respect everyone’s unique experiences.
Be Yourself
Discover Who You Are: University is a time of self-discovery. It’s the time to try new experiences, and learn more about yourself and others!
Authenticity Matters: Be genuine when you’re talking to others. True connections are built on authenticity, and shared experiences.
Be Approachable: Smile, make eye contact, get to know people. Being welcoming can go a long way in making others feel comfortable around you, and open the door to new friendships.
Use Your Support Systems
Adjusting to a new environment can be overwhelming with new people, places, sounds and routines. If you’re feeling lonely or homesick, reach out to your support systems. Student Health and Wellness offers counselling services, staying connected with friends and family can provide comfort, and making new friends can help too. Remember, you’re not alone – you are now part of our pack, and you will be okay!
–Aaliyah Stewart, SHW Summer Research Assistant
