Choosing the right university can feel overwhelming. In this Bishop’s University student story, I share how I found my perfect fit: combining academics, cheerleading, and a community that felt like home.
Mapping what matters most: A Bishop’s University student story
When searching for my ideal university, I knew one thing for sure: I wanted to go out of my province. Growing up in Toronto, I loved stepping outside my comfort zone, meeting new people, and experiencing a different environment. While many of my classmates were choosing schools close to home, I wanted something different—a place where I could grow academically and personally while embracing a new adventure.
My University Must-Haves: The Ultimate Wish List
The first step in my university search was defining what I needed in a school. My non-negotiables included:
- An out-of-province experience – I wanted to explore a new part of Canada and gain independence.
- A strong sense of school spirit and community – I’ve always been drawn to tight-knit environments where students genuinely support one another.
- A university with a cheerleading team – Cheer has been a huge part of my life. After competing for over ten years, I wasn’t ready to give it up in university.
- I wanted an academic program that aligned with my interests. I wanted a school with a strong health and exercise science program, as my dream was to become a chiropractor or athletic trainer.
These key factors helped me narrow my options significantly.
Discovering Bishop’s University through cheerleading
I first heard about Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, through my cheerleading connections. One of my role models in the sport had transferred to Bishop’s and couldn’t stop raving about it. They talked about the incredible school spirit, the welcoming community, and how much they loved their experience there. That was the first spark that made me curious about the school.
When I looked deeper into Bishop’s, I quickly realized it checked every box on my list. It was a small, out-of-province university with a tight-knit community and an amazing cheerleading program. The more I looked into it, the more I fell in love with the school.
Seeing is believing: the power of visiting campus
One of the best pieces of advice I can give anyone searching for the right university is to visit the campus. Photos and online research can only tell you so much—nothing compares to stepping onto campus and getting a feel for the atmosphere.
Purple Pride: where I knew I belonged
When I visited Bishop’s, I immediately felt at home. The campus was beautiful, and the people were incredibly friendly. But what stood out the most was the undeniable sense of school spirit—everywhere I turned, I saw students decked out in purple, proudly repping their school. Whether it was banners hanging around campus, enthusiastic conversations about upcoming games, or just the overall energy of the students, it was clear that Bishop’s wasn’t just a university—it was a community that truly cared.
Seeing the cheer team in action sealed the deal for me. Their passion, dedication, and hardworking nature reminded me why I loved the sport so much. It was exactly the kind of team I wanted to be part of—one that pushed each other to be their best while embracing the true spirit of Bishop’s.
Go with your gut: trusting my instincts
One of the biggest lessons I learned in my university search was to trust my gut. I considered other great schools, but something about Bishop’s felt right. It wasn’t the biggest school, the most well-known, or the closest to home, but it was the perfect fit for me.
Everyone’s university journey is different; what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to focus on what truly matters to you—not just rankings or reputation, but what will make you happy, motivated, and successful in the next chapter of your life.
Unlocking your perfect fit: final tips for finding the right university!
If you’re currently searching for the right university, here are a few things that helped me:
- Make a list of your non-negotiables. What are the most important things you’re looking for in a school? Academics, athletics, location, social life—figure out what matters most to you.
- Do your research. Research different universities, talk to current students, and contact admissions counsellors to get all the information you need.
- Visit the campus if possible. Nothing beats going there and experiencing the vibe of the school.
- Talk to people who have been in your shoes. Hearing from my cheerleading role model made a huge difference in my decision. If you know people who have attended your chosen schools, ask about their experiences.
- Go with your gut. At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that feels right for you, not the one that looks best on paper.
Looking back, choosing Bishop’s University was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It allowed me to move out of the province, continue my passion for cheerleading, and become part of a fantastic community. The search for the right university can feel overwhelming, but if you stay true to yourself and what you want, you’ll find the perfect place for you—just like I did!
