Carleton University

Adjusting to university life coming out of high school, especially as an international student can be really difficult but really all it takes is perseverance and commitment. Easier said than done right? After having gone through a pretty rough first year, I learned alot. All of these study tips helped make my life easier so let’s not waste time and get straight to it. Recap, recap, recap. After every lecture, give yourself 30 minutes to sit with the content and ensure that you understand each and every thing, maybe even do some extra research online! By the time fall break comes along you won’t be catching up on week 1 material but you might even be ahead. Find your spot. Maybe your ideal study spot is your room, maybe its a cafe, maybe its in nature or maybe like me its in the library. Try different places and see what allows you to concentrate on your work the best. Just ask! Following up on the first point, if you’re confused about something just ask. Trust me you’ll thank yourself. Don’t want to speak up in the middle of class? That’s fair I hate it too, go to the office hours! Ask the person sat next to you! Check the class Discord! Make friends! There’s many options so don’t miss out! Even outside of academics, university is very much a “you get what you put in” type of experience, so put yourself out there! You won’t regret it and trust me I know how hard taking that first step can be but you just have to go for it and take that leap. It’s all a little too much at first but you get used to it and soon, all of these “tips” become second nature. You got this and I wish you the best of luck.

As someone who came to Carleton as an introvert, I realized so much of it was about being able to step out of your comfort zone. I knew that if I wanted to make the most out of my experience, I needed to connect with people; whether that meant talking to classmates, professors, or joining group discussions. Getting to know professors especially helped me gain better insights into my courses and understand expectations more clearly. Don’t hesitate to approach them!! Another important piece of advice: avoid procrastination. I know it’s easier said than done, but trust me on this one, things will pile up fast if you leave them until the last minute. Coming from a third-year student, I’ve learned that staying ahead of deadlines is one of the best ways to avoid burnouts. Start assignments early and keep track of upcoming due dates. It might feel challenging at first, but your future self will thank you later for sure. Finally, here’s a tip that really helped me as an introvert when it came to group work. If you ever feel nervous about not knowing anyone in class or worry about forming a group, try this: on the first day of class, especially if you’ve read the course outline and know there will be a group project, arrive early, maybe around 15 minutes before the class starts. There will usually be one or two other students who show up early too. Sit beside them and casually start a conversation like, “Hey, did you notice there’s a group project in this class?” A convo will be built, then you can easily ask, “Do you want to form a group together?” It might sound simple, but this approach has worked for me almost every time haha. Everyone’s new and would be looking for a group member, so it’s the perfect opportunity. These are few tips that helped me a lot to stay on track during my uni life.

If you're trying to get the hang of the academic grind here at Carleton, here’s what worked for me: - Show up to every lecture. Seriously, every one matters. Professors drop a ton of useful info in class that you won’t always find online, and they’ll often hint at what might show up on tests. Trust me, it’s worth it. - Sit next to people and actually talk to them. Don’t be shy—say hi, ask questions, and get to know your classmates. That’s how I met a lot of people, and it's a good way to make sure you're on top of the material too. - Don’t fall behind. Keep up with your assignments and study little by little from the start. Procrastination is tempting, but it’ll only make you more stressed when things pile up. You’ve got tough courses, so pace yourself. That’s how I stayed on track and had a successful Carleton journey. If you stick to these, you'll do great. Trust me!

During university, I was able to visit Montreal and Toronto a few times. The first time I went to Montreal, I went with my friends and we stayed in an Airbnb for a weekend. We were able to walk aroung the city and explore what Montreal had to offer. The second time I went to Montreal was for the music festival Osheaga. It was such an amazing experience and seeing so many artirts perfom at the same time is definitely worth it!

I chose Carleton University because it offered a blend of academic opportunities and a supportive atmosphere that resonated with my goals. With its programs in biology and biotechnology, it gave me the chance to pursue my passion for science in a way that felt challenging. As an international student, I was drawn to Carleton's commitment to creating a welcoming environment, with resources that made it easier to transition and thrive in a new country. The location is another standout, the campus is modern and also beautiful, with the Rideau River running alongside it and vibrant green spaces that offer a refreshing break from studies.

I chose Carleton because there is both Sustainable Renewable Energy Engineering and Environmental Engineering provided in this University. Initially, I was not sure which stream I want to pursue, so choosing Carleton left me a choice in case I wanted to switch major! However, I stayed in Carleton and in this program because of so many other good factors like the professors, the friendly and encouraging environment and so much more! Feel free to send me a message if you are thinking about pursuing environmental engineering at Carleton!

I chose Carleton because as an aspiring International business student I considered the language learning experience and the Year Abroad Requirement a really exciting experience that would develop my skills needed for my future role in companies. Furthermore, the Campus tour and the support I received from the different departments of Carleton let me choose the right place to study and start my experience in Canada.

I chose Carleton for a plethora of reasons, but here are my top 3: 1. My passion for storytelling and writing led me to choose to major in journalism. What better way to do that than in Canada’s best journalism program? Fun fact: Carleton started the first undergraduate journalism program in Canada! 2. The tunnels! When I toured Carleton, the tunnels really sold it to me. Thinking about Ottawa’s harsh winters, the tunnels are a lifesaver for getting to and from buildings without ever taking a step outside. This comes pretty handy whether you live on or off campus and keeps you warm in the winter! 3. Luckily for me, I have the pleasure of having family in Ottawa, so it was a no-brainer for me to choose a university close to them. During busy exam seasons and holidays, it's great to have family in the area who are there to support you whenever you need them!

I chose Carleton because of its campus community. I was drawn to the diverse environment and the support services offered in Carleton. All these made my transition smoother and better.

I chose Carleton firstly because I really liked how my program was structured! I liked having the opportunity to do Co Op and many other experiential learning opportunities, but also, I believed Carleton gave me a lot of freedom to learn from different disciplines and intertwining such knowledge into my major; something that I believe has made me a well-rounded person. In terms of the location, I absolutely adored the campus and how it is surrounded my nature! Unlike many other universities, I really liked the fact that it was a little more isolated from downtown or the hectic part of the city, while still everything being so approachable! Carleton was definitely the right choice for me!

I chose Carleton University because they offered me the ideal university experience I was looking for. In addition to offering the comprehensive health science degree program that I was interested in, Carleton also has many opportunities for its students, both current and alumni. The community here is very welcoming and creates a second home for students. Feel free to reach out to find out more about being a Carleton raven and all it entails 🙃

Studying in Ottawa has been an incredible experience, offering a perfect mix of academic opportunities, cultural diversity, and exciting activities. What I enjoy the most about studying here is the diversity, which is reflected in the wide range of restaurants serving food from all over the world, as well as parades and fairs celebrating different cultures throughout the year. The multicultural atmosphere extends to campus, where the diversity of students has allowed me to connect with people from my own community while also forming friendships that have introduced me to new cultures. Another highlight of studying in Ottawa is the balance between city life and nature. The Rideau Canal, which transforms into the world’s longest skating rink in winter, is a unique and beautiful experience. Personally, experiencing winter for the first time in Ottawa has been unforgettable, seeing snow, ice skating, and skiing have created some of my most memorable moments at university. Beyond the fun activities, Ottawa also provides a strong academic and professional environment. Being the capital of Canada, it offers great networking opportunities with professionals, government institutions, and international organizations, making it an ideal place for someone pursuing a career in international business. Overall, Ottawa has given me an enriching university experience, full of cultural discovery, personal growth, and amazing memories that I will keep for the rest of my life and remind as the city that offered me a second home.

I loved studying in Ottawa because it’s a city full of history, fun events, and seasonal experiences. As Canada’s capital, Ottawa has a rich past, and you can see it everywhere. The Parliament building, nearly 200 years old, is a must-visit. I even got to watch a live parliamentary meeting, which was fascinating. Downtown, surrounding Parliament, is super walkable, with museums, unique shops, restaurants, and even a shopping mall, making it an exciting place to explore. Summers in Ottawa are packed with events. The Asian Night Market was a highlight, with an entire street of stalls selling delicious Asian snacks and drinks. Then there’s the Rib Festival and Poutine Festival, where food trucks line the streets—I even tried lobster poutine, which was amazing! One of my best experiences was a free K-pop dance competition that felt like a real concert, and the actress from Kim’s Convenience gave a speech! I also loved the Glebe Garage Sale, where people sell secondhand treasures, promoting reuse and sustainability. Winter in Ottawa is magical. From October to the New Year, the city is covered in Halloween and Christmas decorations, making evening walks feel festive and cozy. If the weather is right, the Rideau Canal Skateway—the world’s longest outdoor skating rink—opens between January and March. This year, I got to skate on it with my friends, creating core university memories I’ll never forget. Looking back, Ottawa’s mix of history, culture, and seasonal events made my time here truly special.