How I Initially Discovered Bishop’s (Or Didn’t?)
When I first started looking for universities, Bishop’s University wasn’t even on my radar. I had an idea in mind of what the “perfect” school would be—big and well-known, in a major city. I focused on the more obvious choices. Ones that seemed to tick all the boxes and had the most famous and renowned alum. Looking back, it’s possible that those things make universities great, but what makes a great university? I’ve since learned, is personal.
At the Time, Bishop’s Just Didn’t Make the Cut—At Least Not at First
As I started applying to universities, my teacher mentioned Bishop’s to me and suggested that I look into it. At first, I wasn’t too keen on the idea. It was a smaller school, and I had this idea that bigger universities could offer better opportunities. I wasn’t sure if a smaller campus like Bishop’s University would have the resources I needed. But everything changed when I got my acceptance letter and decided to visit Bishop’s during an open house. Walking around campus, having a meal at the good old Dewhurst Dining Hall (Dewies!), and feeling the sense of community really changed my perspective. It wasn’t about the size of the school anymore. It was about the feeling and how much I could see myself thriving there.
My First Taste of Independence in a New Town
When I arrived at Bishop’s, I quickly realized there was a lot more to adjust to than just the new environment. It was my first time living away from home, and even though I was excited, it was a lot to take in. Thankfully, residence life made the transition smoother than I could have imagined. The residence assistants (shoutout to the Munster RAs!) were super welcoming, and the first few days were filled with icebreakers and events to help everyone settle in. Still, there were moments when I felt homesick, missing the comfort of home and my family. But getting involved in residence activities, making friends, and staying busy with campus events helped me push through, and soon enough, Bishop’s started to feel like home.
First Steps at Bishop’s: Finding My Place
What really stood out to me was how quickly I started to feel at home. In those first few days, I connected with people who were also in the same boat—feeling nervous but excited, ready to start something new. A huge part of that was orientation week. I was surprised by how easy it was to meet people. That was when I met most of my friends and got to meet people from all over the world. Bishop’s really is all about community, and I made connections almost immediately—something I probably wouldn’t have experienced as much at a larger school.
Finding My Passion Inside and Outside the Classroom
On top of having to adjust to a completely new environment, I found out I had accidentally applied to the wrong program. Instead of just Drama, I had ended up in Arts Administration—something I hadn’t planned on. At first, I wasn’t sure about it, but the more I settled into the program, the more I realized it was a great fit. The small size of the campus made a huge difference. My teachers took the time to get to know me personally, which made it easy to feel supported and encouraged. Whether it was trying out electives or getting involved in hands-on experiences, I was able to shape my education in a way that fit my interests.
In those early months, not only did I begin to fall in love with my program, but I also started exploring campus life. Surprisingly, I found that getting involved was easier than I had expected. I joined a few student clubs to try something new and ended up meeting even more people. My favourite one was the Figure Skating Club. I started out as a complete beginner just for fun and ended up discovering a new passion while making lifelong friends. All these experiences added so much value to my time at Bishop’s and helped me feel more connected to the community and feel like I belonged.
Closing Thoughts
My university journey has played a huge role in my personal evolution. I never thought a small university like Bishop’s University would be the right fit for me, but keeping an open mind made me realize that a smaller campus can also mean bigger opportunities. The friends I made and the hands-on approach to learning helped me discover parts of myself I never knew existed. And the best part? It didn’t take long to feel like I belonged. I quickly found my place among fellow students who were navigating the same ups and downs of this new chapter. I am constantly learning, growing, and exploring my interests.
Would I choose Bishop’s University again?
Absolutely. The best part of my journey here was not just the academic knowledge I gained. It was also the community that supported my growth every step of the way. So, if you’re looking for a place where you can evolve both academically and personally, where you feel seen and heard like I did. Bishop’s University might just be the right fit for you!
