Choosing the right university felt like the most challenging decision of my life. Where do I want to go? What do I want to study? What if I don’t fit in? If you’re asking yourself these same questions, I get it—I was there too. But I can confidently say that finding my place at Bishop’s University was the best decision I have ever made.
Finding My Place at Bishop’s
My name is Laura Pugsley, and I’m a fourth-year Psychology student at Bishop’s. I’m from Montreal, and when it came time to apply to universities, I felt completely lost. I knew I wanted to move away from home, but I wasn’t sure how far or where exactly I should go. I applied to three different universities, each in a different location. However, due to the pandemic, I couldn’t visit any of them in person, so my decision was based on research and intuition. In the end, I went with my gut, and something about Bishop’s just felt right—and wow, was I right!
Making Friends
When I first arrived, I didn’t know a single person, despite being from pretty close by. But that changed quickly. If you’re nervous about making friends at university, I promise you—Bishop’s makes it easy. Everyone here is incredibly welcoming and positive, which helped me feel at home immediately.
My First Week
I’ll never forget standing in line during Orientation Week, striking up a conversation with the girl in front of me. That conversation turned into a lifelong friendship, and to this day, we are inseparable. The friends I made during my first week are still my best friends and my university experience wouldn’t have been the same without them.
The Small University Town Feel
One of the biggest reasons I fell in love with Bishop’s is the small university town vibe that Lennoxville offers. There’s something special about being in a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone. The small class sizes mean you’re not just a number—you get to know your professors, and they know you by name. If you ever need help or guidance, support is always available. Bishop’s offers accommodation services like extra time or taking exams in a separate room to help students succeed.
Student Life
Bishop’s has something for everyone. The student life is vibrant and diverse, with countless clubs, events, and activities to join. Whether you’re into sports, arts, academics, or social clubs, there’s always something happening. There’s an Instagram page that the Bishop’s Student Representative Council has created where they post everything that is going on and how to get involved. Getting involved is a great way to meet people and make the most of your university experience.
My Club Experience
I’ve tried different clubs and activities every year. Whether it was being an orientation week leader, a model in the fashion show, participating in volleyball intramurals, or being on the executive committee for motion ball, there is always something to do.
A Place You’ll Never Want to Leave
Now that I’m nearing graduation, I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to say goodbye to this place. Bishops has given me not only an education but also lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a true sense of belonging.
Going With Your Gut
If you’re in the process of choosing a university and are feeling unsure, trust me—go with your gut. If you’re looking for a school where people are genuinely happy, friendships are easy to make, and the community feels like family, then Bishop’s University might just be the perfect place for you.
