Hi everyone,
My name is Salma, and I’m from the south of France. I’m currently in the Pre-Clinical Psychology program, and I expect to graduate in 2028. I lived in Abbott for my first year. Even though I already had some experience with residence life, my first year on campus still ended up being a genuinely meaningful and positive chapter for me.
A Smooth and Supportive Arrival
One of the first things that stood out was how reassuring the arrival process felt. A lot of the details were already planned out, from landing at the airport to getting transported to campus. That kind of organization made a real difference, because it took away a big part of the stress that usually comes with moving somewhere new. Instead of feeling thrown into the unknown, I felt guided through the transition, which helped me settle in faster and feel at ease.
Everything Within Reach
Once I arrived and started getting used to my surroundings, I was honestly impressed by how convenient everything was. I noticed right away that most of what I needed was nearby, and that gave me a huge sense of relief. My classes, the dining hall, my church, the grocery store, Tim’s, and the sports complex were all within easy reach. It made campus life feel so simple and realistic, not like a daily struggle to plan transportation or waste time commuting like it used to be when I first arrived in Canada. Before coming, I had wondered how sustainable it would be to live on campus long term if things were spread out. Being in a place where everything was close made me realize that campus living could actually be both practical and enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
Building a Routine in Residence
Living in residence throughout the year reinforced that feeling. In fact, having essentials so close helped me stay focused on school and build a routine that worked really well. I could go to class, grab meals, see people, stay active, and still have time and energy left for studying. Residence made campus feel like a complete living space, a day-to-day pleasure to be a student.
Looking back, my first year in residence gave me stability and a stronger sense of confidence in university life.
Looking back, my first year in residence gave me stability and a stronger sense of confidence in university life.
