Participate in O-Week!
A first-year’s university experience starts with Orientation Week. Although it isn’t mandatory, it is an amazing way to kick off the Bishop’s experience. It involves the first-year students joining a team led by 4 upper-year leaders and participating in various games and challenges in order to accumulate the most point for their team. O-Week is where most people find their lifelong friends. Leaders are always welcoming and the atmosphere is amazing at every event!
Everyone around you is looking to make new friends
A student’s first year is always intimidating. As they find themselves in a new setting, around new people, and away from familiarity, some tend to isolate themselves in shyness. Most people who isolate themselves don’t realise that everyone is in the same boat. The truth is, nearly every first-year student is looking to connect and form friendships. Whether it is at orientation week, in class, or at the dining hall, there is no bad place to make friends. A simple smile or a casual conversation can go a long way in forming friendships. Getting out of your comfort zone, even just a little, is all you need.
Upper-years are more welcoming than you think
Thanks mostly to social media and university stereotypes, there is a misconception that upper-years often act superior and un-welcoming to first-years. While I can’t speak for other universities, I can say that this is not the case here at Bishop’s. As a tiny and close-knit community, it is a common understanding that newcomers aren’t seen as aliens, but as new members of the family.
Attend the Homecoming Football game, even if you don’t know Football!
At Bishop’s University, homecoming is considered a holiday. It revolves around a Bishop’s Gaiters football game and is an event where Alumni come back to their roots to support their Alma Matter. Spirits are always high and it is always a load of fun. Don’t forget your purple gear!
The Purple Pod is Your Late-Night-Snack Spot
This one is for the meal plan owners. With the dining hall closing at 9pm, I would often get hungry later at night and find myself having to buy food from outside of campus. That was before I found out that every student with a meal plan benefits from $9.75 worth of food at the Purple Pod from 9-11pm every day. Unfortunately, the money doesn’t accumulate, meaning that you only have $9.75 per day. Fortunately, this is enough for various great food options, such as tacos, cauliflower bites, chicken tenders, a smoothie, a poutine, and much more!
Attend the Fashion Show!
I can’t stress this enough; the Bishop’s University Charity Fashion Show is one of the most fun nights of the year. Unfortunately, most first-years hear about a fashion show and have no idea how exciting and fun it is to watch. It is no regular fashion show. For months, student-models practice multiple choreographies and dance routines for the big night. With each scenes having its own choreography, clothing brand, and soundtrack, spectators are in for a great show! Furthermore, the whole event is animated by a pair of energetic and funny student emcees. Lastly, all of the proceeds go to charity, with last year’s edition raising $37,000!
Get involved in Clubs
Clubs and extracurriculars are an amazing way to meet people with who you share interests. Bishop’s University has over 100 clubs to offer. From Real Estate, to Tennis or Psychology, there is a club for every one out there!
The more purple, the better
Another aspect of our university that is often underrated how prominent and important the colour purple is. The more purple you bring with you, the less you’re going to have to buy during your years at Bishop’s. When students say they bleed purple, they really mean it.
Get to know your professors
The best thing about Bishop’s University is its small student body. This includes small class sizes and therefore the possibility to have a closer relationship with your teachers. They are all invested in the student’s well-being and they are way more accessible than first-year students may believe. Since they aren’t teaching to a class of 200 students, most of them will know every student on a first name basis and answer to emails in a timely manner. Lastly, a bunch of them are really fun people, if you take the time to know them!
Various food spots around Lennoxville
Lennoxville is a small town, yet it is still home to various restaurants and fast-food options. Firstly, the best Sunday morning breakfast is to be had at Pizza Ville. Located on Queen Street, they serve all types of breakfast food as well as pizza’s. If I were to recommend one thing on the menu, it would be the breakfast club sandwich, unreal. My second recommendation is called Rima’s, a restaurant selling middle eastern cuisine located on Queen Street. I would recommend the shawarma plate, as you get a lot of food for your money and it is delicious! This next recommendation is unfortunately in Sherbrooke but too good not to put on here: OMG Burger. Located on King Ouest Street in an old church, the devil-ish ambiance and decorations only add on to the amazing food that is being served there, although it is a little pricier than the other options on this list. Last but not least, there is a McDonalds on Queen Street that stays open 24/7, which speaks for itself!
