The Overwhelming Choice: Where Do You Even Start?
Choosing where you’re going to go to university is a big decision, and if you’re anything like I was, you’re probably feeling an equal mix of excitement and stress. I spent so much time debating where to go to school and wondering what I was looking for.
With so many options, how do you possibly narrow it down to one? Well, there’s no need to stress, because this blog is here to guide you through the difficult process of choosing a university and finding the right fit for you, and who knows, maybe after you read this, I will have convinced you to apply to Bishop’s University!
Beyond the Numbers: Get the Inside Scoop
You might look at the numbers, like acceptance rates or rankings, but these things don’t tell you the whole story. What really counts is the student experience. Bishop’s University has a great website, full of lots of info, but don’t stop there. Look at student blogs and social media posts to get a feel of what life on campus is actually like. Luckily for you, I can give the inside scoop.
One of the first things I did was check out the student clubs section on the website and it turns out Bishop’s has a ton of extracurriculars! During my orientation week, the Bishop’s University Commerce Society (BUCS) recruited me to check out their club. Fast forward to my final year, I’m now the Vice President of Events – not bad, right? Being a part of this club has taught me invaluable skills for the future, but more importantly it has led to incredible friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.
On top of BUCS, for the past two years, I’ve been the Director of Marketing for the Bishop’s University Charity Fashion Show. It’s amazing to be part of an event that brings so many people together and for such a good cause. From creating social media content, making new connections, and working behind the scenes at the show, it’s been such an incredible experience.
Most of all, my favourite part about Bishop’s is the close-knit community. There’s something so special about living in a small town where everyone knows each other, and friendships form organically. Whether it’s walking to campus together, bumping into someone at the grocery store, or grabbing a bite to eat at the Purple Pod, it always feels like home. The connections you make here are what truly make for an unforgettable university experience.
From Screens to Scenery: How Seeing Bishop’s in Person Sealed the Deal
Now there’s only so much you can learn from looking online, but what really helped me was when I came to the Bishop’s open house. After spending the day on campus, I knew there was nowhere else I’d want to spend the next three years of my life. The campus was so lively, the scenery was stunning, and the buildings had so much character. I went during the winter, and seeing the image of McGreer Hall, Bishop’s very own Hogwarts-esque building, against the snow was breathtaking.
As I explored the other buildings on campus, I discovered that they each had their own unique charm that I couldn’t get enough of. Being on campus you immediately feel a warm and welcoming vibe. I loved watching groups of friends walking around, everyone was so friendly. However, what really stood out to me was how natural I felt being here. Everywhere I went, I could picture myself studying with friends at the library, hanging out in a dorm room in Kuehner, or grabbing a bite to eat at Dewie’s. Everything just made sense being at Bishop’s, and the best way to describe it is I felt like I was right at home.
The Final Decision: Trust Your Gut.
There’s no “perfect university” (though I will say Bishop’s is pretty close), it’s all about finding what the best fit is for you. To me, Bishop’s felt right because of the small-town charm, the tight-knit community, and the endless list of opportunities here. The students and faculty here are passionate and engaged, it’s motivating to be around such dedicated people. I knew it felt right for me, and I know it would feel right for you too. At the end of the day, you have to trust your gut, but coming to Bishop’s was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I know plenty of people who feel the exact same way.
