By Rachel Ivay
During your time at BU, it’s important to do well in your studies and put your best effort into your classes. However, university is also about making lots of memories with friends, and exploring what’s around you! Here is a list of the top six must-do things in your time at Bishop’s University.
1. Be a O-Week Leader
O-Week is a week-long welcoming party for all of our first-year incoming students. It’s a great way to get involved, meet people, and challenge yourself. The week is full of fun ice-breakers, learning many of the university’s traditions, meeting long-term best friends, and more.
2. Hike Mont Orford
Only a 20 minute- drive away from campus is beautiful Mont Orford. While it’s known for its incredible skiing in the winter, don’t forget that it’s open for hiking through the summer and fall. During the fall semester the leaves are beautiful shades of oranges, reds and yellows and the views of the townships from the top of the peaks are unmatched. Hiking Orford is a great way to get some fresh air and hangout with friends.
3. Go for a swim at the North Hatley Pier
Also only about 20 minutes from campus, is North Hatley. North Hatley is a small town full of hidden favourites. If you love being on the water, coffee shops, ice creams, and cozy restaurants, you will love North Hatley. During the first few weeks back at school while the weather is still warm, grab a speaker, a towel, your bathing suit and your friends to go soak up the sunshine for the final few weeks of the year.
4. Ski at Jay Peak
Once the weather gets colder and the snow shows up in the middle of November, students are typically caught up in midterms and it’s easy to miss the sunshine through this month. It’s a fun way to get outside with friends and take a visit to the US. Lots of people at BU love to ski, but if you need help finding your crew look no further than the Bishop’s Ski and Snowboard Club, where you can meet lots of people who also love to ski and snowboard.
5. Go to a concert in Montreal
While BU might not be located directly in a large city, student’s do still get to enjoy some of the perks of having a large city nearby. If you have a favourite artist going on tour, they are typically going to stop through Montreal. Under a two-hour drive away you can experience your favourite artists live. The drive is short enough that you can come back the same night, or there are tons of hotels in the area if you want to make it more of an overnight experience.
6. Participate in the community fashion show
If you are looking for a way to give back to the community and have some fun, the Fashion Show is for you. Organized and put on completely by a community of students, the Fashion Show is not only a huge deal for entertaining students, but makes a difference in a local charity in our community each year. Students can volunteer to model (don’t worry, no experience necessary) and get on stage to show off what you’ve got. The committee also expects models to volunteer throughout the semester for the charity of choice for the year. This is a great way to meet people and give back to the Lennoxville community.
No matter how you choose to spend your time at Bishop’s University, make sure you have fun and make the most of it. Time flies here and it’s important to soak up every moment whether its hiking or going to a concert, take it all in.
