Moving to a new city, especially to a new school, can be tough. You don’t know anybody, you don’t know the area, and it can be incredibly daunting. Lucky for you, Carleton’s very own upper-classmen have created a list just for you of things that absolutely need to be done by the end of first year – or your university career, at least!
1. Be willing to meet everybody for coffee or any activity
–Clovis Nsengiyumva, 3rd year
The most important thing you can do for yourself is make new friends! Friends will enrich your entire first-year experience, but don’t get too caught up in trying to make only two or three friends.
It’ll take time to find your tribe, so if you vibe with someone in your first interaction, ask them to meet up for coffee in Roosters (located in the University Center), a study session in MacOdrum Library, or even a workout at the Athletics Center!
2. Go kayaking on the canal –Emma Morin, 3rd year
The Rideau Canal, as a fundamental part of Ottawa and a large part of the Carleton landscape, offers an incredible amount of opportunities for fun things to do and see in the city – and it’s a perfect way to explore as you walk, kayak, or skate along the flowing water.
While skating or going on a walk alongside the canal might already be on your list, many forget that activities
such as kayaking can be easily achieved before the warm months wither away into the winter chill.
3. Join a club, sports team, or extracurricular –Thomas
Wharton, 3rd year
Whether you choose an intramural team, varsity, or one of the 300+ clubs that Carleton has to offer, getting involved on campus will be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences you can make during your university career. Take on leadership roles and build your co- curricular record, or fall in love with a new sport (and maybe even win!).
Either way, you’ll make new friends, find yourself doing things you’ve never considered before and take a break from the stress of classes.
4. Visit Parliament Hill –Jen Arsenault, 4th year
Living in the capital city of the country has its perks! You get to view firsthand how the government runs and see the historical buildings that make them up. One thing you can do is go to Parliament Hill and witness the Centennial Flame, which will never burn out.
While the parliament buildings are currently under construction and unfortunately tours are not permitted, how can you say you lived in Ottawa for a whole year and not have gone to Parliament Hill?
5. Go to high tea at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier –Daniella
Sinkeldam, 3rd year
It’s a guarantee that a campus tour guide hasn’t recommended this one to you yet – which is exactly why Sinkeldam insists that while it’s a pricey addition to the bucket list, it is certainly a unique experience to add on.
Find large hats and outfits at one of Ottawa’s amazing thrift stores or flea markets and attend high tea with the friends you’ve made. Be sure to take some amazing pictures for your Instagram and show your families that while enjoying your newfound independence, you didn’t forget about the manners they’ve been instilling into you for the past 18 years.
6. Get on Carleton’s Dean’s List –Josh Hills, 3rd year
In the large jump from the academic expectations of high school to university, it’s important that while you enjoy all the school and city have to offer outside of academics, you also spend some time focusing on the reason you came here. Utilize MacOdrum library, study groups, and PASS workshops to help you get the grades you deserve! Work hard and you may find yourself on the Dean’s List, an amazing academic achievement you can strive for.
7. Go to Dow’s Lake –Nadine Bendou, 3rd year
This lake is not only conveniently right near Carleton, but through its connection to the canal, it has outstanding opportunities for fun activities! Go skating in the winter months and enjoy a Beavertail and hot chocolate as you warm up afterwards, or even rent boats in the marina. Finally, order a bagged lunch from the Caf with your meal plan and enjoy a picnic with your friends checking out the beautiful view.
8. Tour the Supreme Court of Canada –Daniella Sinkeldam,
3rd year
The home of Canada’s highest court of the judicial system is only a bus ride away – and is home to beautiful grounds and architecture in its historic walls. Though currently COVID-19 has made only virtual tours possible, this makes touring this building an activity you can do straight from your dorm! Gather some history, architecture, or law-loving friends and view the tour together.
9. Visit museums –Jen Arsenault, 4th year
Not only do many Ottawa museums offer free admission after 4 p.m., but Carleton is also home to its very own art gallery in the St. Patrick building. Arsenault specifically recommends the Canadian War Museum, but no matter what gallery in Ottawa you choose, it shapes up to be a fun (and free) activity to do with your friends.
10. Hike or ski in Gatineau Park –Emma Morin, 3rd year
Not only is this one of the most ultimate social-distancing items of this list, but your U-Pass can get you all the way to the park and back, no problem! The park itself is free and has gorgeous landscapes and sightseeing. For those with a furry friend accompanying them at school, bring them on Tuesdays!
Starting over in a new place and making new friends when you don’t know the area can be intimidating. This list can be you reference as you foster new friendships and need an activity to do as you get to know each other. Enjoy your time here at Carleton!