I came to Mount Allison as a nervous, shy first-year student from a different province, and I didn’t know anyone when I first moved in. Many first-year students are in the same boat and look forward to meeting new people and making long-lasting friendships. Orientation is a great first step to making new connections. I loved Orientation because it allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things!  

 As a Meighen Centre student, I got to attend Pre-Orientation and University Orientation. Pre-Orientation was lovely, I was introduced to tools that made my transition to university a lot easier. I also met many wonderful people that are still good friends of mine to this day. In addition, the Pre-Orientation chair planned some awesome activities! We went to Vogue Cinema to watch a movie; we had a walking tour of downtown Sackville and we went to Joggins Fossil Cliff. My favourite activity was the trip to Joggins. It was my first time in Nova Scotia and I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was! Since then, I’ve wanted to explore more of the Maritimes, and luckily, I’ve had the opportunity to.  

University Orientation was just as fun! I loved the Karaoke BBQ, which is an event where each residence gets to perform a dance prepared ahead of time, followed by a BBQ and social time. Participating in Orientation activities is an easy way to meet and interact with others, which is why I liked going to all the events. I also enjoyed the Wellness Walk through Sackville Waterfowl Park. It’s so pretty, especially in the fall! I would highly recommend going there at any time, day, or season!  

Overall, Orientation was a rewarding experience. I came out of my shell and started to feel at home within days. Although Orientation may look different this year due to the ongoing pandemic, I highly recommend going to events, whether virtual or in-person. My advice is to be open to new things, be kind to everybody, and experience a little bit of everything. Remember that you are not alone, and everyone feels a bit overwhelmed when they come to university. Stay positive, keep smiling, and have fun!   

Written by Rosalie Halls, 2021-2022 Meighen Centre Pre-Orientation Chair. Find more about Pre-Orientation on Instagram @meighen_centre!