You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know campus over the first few weeks of university — but don’t forget to also explore your surroundings. This will help you feel at home faster and reveal more opportunities that will be open to you while you’re attending university. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Take a Walk in the Park
A great way to gain a feel for your new town is to walk around. Most university towns feature several parks and some even have trails on the outskirts where you could go hiking or cycling on the weekends. Go for a wander or bike ride to explore.
2. Head to Main Street
The other top place to visit in any town is its main street. It’s good to know where you can find stores, movie theaters, ice cream shops, and other places you’ll likely frequent.
3. Try Local Restaurants
Although you may want to prepare most of your own meals to save money, there will be plenty of occasions when you want to eat out. Instead of sticking with the options on campus, explore what’s around. You may find cuisine you’ve never tried before or discover a favourite café you can visit when you want a change of scenery while you study.
4. Ask Other Students
Use campus events and extracurriculars as an opportunity to meet students from the grades above you. Since they’ll already be familiar with the town, ask them for advice about where to go and what to do. If you’re lucky, someone may even offer to give you a tour.
5. Find Out About Off-Campus Events
Clubs often hold meetings off campus, which can be a great way of finding out about other activities available to you in the area. Stay alert for notices of outings and other events through clubs you may be interested in joining.
6. Attend Community Events
In addition to the events that campus clubs organize, many things will be happening throughout the year in the wider community. Follow relevant pages on social media to find out about festivals, concerts, parades, and sports games taking place in your town.
7. Apply for Jobs
One way to spend time in your university town on a regular basis is to search for a job. If you’re unsure where to look, head to the careers center on campus to ask about job openings. Alternatively, wander around downtown and ask local businesses if they’re hiring.
8. Volunteer at a Local Project
An alternative option to a part-time job is a volunteer position. This will require less of your time and may provide you with more relevant experience for your career after you graduate. It also allows you to be involved in a project that matters to you.
You’ll also have the chance to explore your university town when you’re searching for off-campus housing. Ottawa students don’t need to look far for a new home: you’ll find fully-furnished suites at 1Eleven. You’ll be living just steps from campus near restaurants and grocery stores. Plus, it’s easy to reach downtown and Parliament. Contact us to book your tour.