1st Year Tips & Tricks

Posted: Monday, July 24, 2017 - 08:48

Tip #1: Visit thecannon.ca

You’ll join the online community of students at U of G. They offer free classifieds to buy and sell everything from housing rentals to textbooks.

Don’t want to buy your textbook new at full price? This is the place to find it used at a cheaper price. Need a place to rent after first year? Browse the listings.

Tip #2: Off-campus restaurants deliver to campus

Feeling famished during a late-night study session? Order from the many locations that deliver right to your residence door!

Tip #3: Familiarize yourself with the bus routes.

The City of Guelph has arguably one of the best transportation systems. You pay for a bus pass within your student fees, so take advantage of it!

Tip #4: Find “your” study spot on campus.

You don’t have to study in the library or your residence room. There are a ton of other buildings and unique places across campus to study.

You also don’t have to be in that program to study in their building (i.e. the Science Complex, Engineering Atrium).

Tip #5: City of Guelph

We recommend stepping off campus and taking in the beauty that is Guelph! There are a ton of events that happen year-round or places to go see; take a break from studying and check them out.

Tip #6: Research the closest grocery stores to campus.

It’s so easy to jump on a bus and go grab some groceries. Fact: Zehr’s offers 10% off for students on Tuesdays! This is necessary.

Tip #7: Take advantage of discounts.

There are a range of other places throughout Guelph that offer discounts for students. Be on the lookout for promos or have your student card visible at the cash and you just might get lucky!

Tip #8: Get to know your student services.

There are a range of academic, wellness, accessibility, counselling, professional and other student services across campus that you should research now, and take advantage of when you get here!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find the resources you need.

Tip #9: Find your people.

“Club Days” happens at the beginning of every semester. You can browse the booths, find people with the same interests and get involved.

Tip #10: Bounce Back

If you’re finding first year difficult, this program will help you get back on track!

Tip #11: Learn the ins and outs of the Library.

The Library is more than a place to study. See Week 8 for a list of their services

But if you are going there to study, make friends with those studying around you. The Library is flooded during the semester, especially during midterm/exam season. Your new friends can “save your spot” if you need to grab some food or a coffee. This is the best!

If you’re a night hawk and like to study into the wee hours of the morning, the Library is also open until 2:00am.

Tip #12: Register for your gym membership online.

To avoid line ups at the beginning of the semester, we encourage you to register for your gym membership online!

Tip #13: Play an intramural.

It’s simple. Intramurals are the best way to meet new people, and a fantastic break from academics. We have over 15 sports!

Tip #14: Go to Trivia Tuesdays at Brass Taps

It’s a good time.

Tip #15: Use a reusable mug.

By using a reusable mug, you can order any size coffee/specialty drink and only pay the price of a small (or tall)!

AND, if you get a stamp card, you can get a free drink after 9 purchases. Necessary.

Tip #16: Know the coffee shop locations across campus.

Need a coffee in between classes? Done.

Congrats, Grads!

Posted: Wednesday, June 28, 2017 - 15:57

Congratulations, #futuregryphons! You’ve graduated  (high school)!

You did it! You cleared the final hurdle to becoming a real U of G Gryphon!

We just want to take a quick second to congratulate you on this wonderful accomplishment. We know that high school can be a challenging time for many students, full of ups and downs, victories and setbacks. 

Now, as you get ready to cross that stage and accept your diploma, we hope you can look back on the last four (or five!) years and feel proud of the person you’ve become. Your perseverance has paid off, and you have SO much to look forward to as you prepare to move to U of G in just two short months. 

So, now that you're done high school, you may be ready to tackle university prep head-on. Great! Visit our Transition to a Gryphon site for a week-by-week guide on what you should be doing to ensure you're all set to officially become a Gryphon in Septemeber!

Congrats again! Enjoy your summer! 

Take the Next Steps Toward Gryphonhood

Posted: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 - 15:00

It’s time to take the next steps toward Gryphonhood, #futuregryphons! 

From registering for your Fall 2017 courses and paying your tuition deposit, to logging in to your new U of G email account, checking out STARTonline.ca and picking up that super-important U of G ID card, we’ve got your to-do list covered!

1) Register for your Fall 2017 courses (if you haven’t already done so)

Make sure you register for your Fall 2017 courses by July 5; the next opportunity to register for courses won’t be until August 21.

For step-by-step instructions on how to pick your courses, refer to your Registration Handbook for New Students that you received in the mail. If you haven’t received this book yet, you can access the online version of the handbook. 

If you have questions, please call 519-824-4120 Ext. 58731 or email Enrolment Services at es@uoguelph.ca.

2) Pick up your ID card

Remember, your ID card doubles as your meal card and as the access key to your residence, so it’s very important!

To get an ID card you must submit a photo online before August 11. You can then pick up your ID card from Enrolment Services, 3rd floor University Centre.

We strongly suggest picking up your ID card over the summer. You can also pick it up over Move-In Weekend (Labour Day Weekend) or whenever you arrive on campus, but you should expect long lines during this time. 

MOST IMPORTANTLY: bring your passport or birth certificate, plus a valid piece of government-issued identification to get your ID card. 
If you are an international student or permanent resident, please refer to the specific ID card pick up requirements. 

Visit the ID card website for all of the details you will need.

3) Pay your registration deposit

This one is also super-important! 

You must pay a $200 deposit by August 11 to hold your registration in your courses.

We recommend that you make your payment through internet banking. Visit the Student Financial Services website for more information on how to pay your fees.

4) Log in to your U of G email account

The days of using your Gmail account for university communication have come to a close – it’s time to access U of G’s Gryphmail, and be sure to check it frequently for important messages from U of G!

5) Check out STARTonline.ca

We’ve covered a lot of the nitty gritty of your journey to becoming a full-fledged Gryphon, but be sure to check out STARTonline.ca too! You’ll find your START to-do list, and get access to weekly blogs that will help you prepare for Move-In Weekend, Orientation Week, and making the most of the awesome resources available to our students at U of G!

You Know You're a Senior When...

Posted: Monday, June 5, 2017 - 08:00

1. When you realize you have less than a month left of high school.

2. When your older sibling is graduating university and gives you life advice.

3. When someone asks you what you're doing with your life. 

4. Walking around your high school like...

5. Realizing you're studying for one of the last exams you'll ever have to take in high school.

6. Trying to get your essay's word count up like...

7. Trying to do any homework.

8. Trying to sneak out of class because you just can't anymore.

9. When someone complains that they're going to miss high school.

10. Prom.

11. When all of your assignments are due at the same time.

12. Daydreaming about the University of Guelph next year.

13. Procrastinating...

14. Every night thinking about school tomorrow.

15. Realizing that the end is near, and how much you're going to nail these next few weeks. 

Welcome, #futuregryphons

Posted: Friday, June 2, 2017 - 10:41

We’re so excited that you’ve decided to become a Gryphon. We’re sure you’re wondering what that looks like and what your next steps are. Well, we got you!

Our 15-week Transition to a Gryphon campaign will introduce you to the U of G departments and services that you need to be familiar with. We’ll also remind you of upcoming important dates, give some first-year tips, and prep you for Orientation Week!

Step 1: Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook (if you don’t already). Most of the campaign’s tips and information will be pushed out on our platforms, along with directing you to other departments’ social accounts.

Step 2: Bookmark our Transition to a Gryphon webpage! This is where you can find all of the information you need for that week and what you might have missed.

If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to ask and we’ll show you where you can find the answers. See you soon, Gryphons!

15 Reasons You Might #BeAGryphon

Posted: Friday, May 26, 2017 - 09:39

1. You want to be in a program as unique as your interests.

Flexibility? It’s an art form at U of G. Customize your program with research and volunteer opportunities, Co-op placements, exchanges and study abroad options… the possibilities are endless.

2. You REALLY. LOVE. FOOD.

What better way to reward yourself for all of the hard (but fun) work you’ll put in as a Gryphon than with some of our epic food? 

3. You’re always willing to hold the door.

Or smile at someone holding one for you.

4. You like to take part in tradition.

5. Coffee is your friend. 

With stellar coffee shop options around every corner, you’ll never be lonely again.

6. You like to get involved.

Intramural sports? Check. A world of volunteer opportunities? Yep, we got that too. Student-run clubs and activities? You betcha! 

We are a community of volunteers.

7. You’re an active person.

Have you seen our AMAZING new athletic facilities? Being active on campus never looked so good.

8. You LOVE animals.

From squirrels, to puppies, to horses, we’ve got lots of furry friends waiting for you on campus. 

Oh and birds! We’ve got those, too!

9. You’re one to express your school spirit.

Homecoming ya’ll. Be there!

10. You enjoy open space.

Fresh air is in abundance on J-Green or as you stroll through the Arboretum.

11. You’re riding the sustainability train and NEVER want to get off.

BYO reusable water bottle or coffee mug and enjoy our water refill stations throughout campus. Also, get perks at many campus coffee shops for using your own mug. 

Now, pat yourself on the back for being an environmentally responsible Gryphon!

12. You catch yourself daydreaming about personalizing your res-room.

It’s your crib – jazz it up.

13. You have a GREAT sense of humour. 

We’re hilarious, we know. BUT, the campus squirrels get the last laugh as they surprise you at every turn. 

14. You’re always stoked about meeting new people. 

You’re in for a treat – U of G people are the BEST people!

15. You’re willing to accept that “once a gryphon, #foreveragryphon”.

Gryphon Speak

Posted: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 14:49

The University of Guelph is a special place. So, we thought there should be special words that Gryphons can use to sum up their experiences at U of G. These will definitely help every #futuregryphon fit right in come September.

Round 3 - Top 10 FAQ's

Posted: Thursday, May 18, 2017 - 12:09

1. When will I know if I’m getting an offer of admission or not? How will I find out?

We will continue to make decisions over the next 2-3 business days. All students will see their application status online at www.ouac.on.ca no later than Thursday, May 26. Students who are receiving an offer of admission will also receive an offer package in the mail.

2. Are you sending out offers for all programs yet?

Offers to all of our programs, including Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, have or will be going out in our third round, which is currently being processed.

3. What's the cut-off average for the program I applied to?

Cut-offs vary by program and are dependent on the quality and quantity of applications.  If your admission average meets the final cut-off for any of the programs you applied to at U of G, you will be receiving an offer from us.

4. I didn’t get an offer to the program I applied to, but rather to something else. Can you tell me why?

If you applied to a major but have received an offer to an alternate major, please rest assured that we considered your application carefully before making you this alternate offer.

Certain majors (such as Criminal Justice and Public Policy, Bio-Medical Science, Human Kinetics, and all Co-op programs) have a higher admission average than most majors within their respective program, and while you maybe didn’t quite meet that cut-off, your average met the cut-off for a similar major within the program, and your offer of admission will reflect that.

5. What about the Student Profile Form (SPF) I filled out? How will that be used?

Your SPF will be considered if your average falls within a discretionary range of the final cut-off (up to 5%). 

6. My average is above/within the cut off range. Why don't I have an offer?

Please realize that our published cut-off ranges are an estimate only, based on the admission averages from previous years, and are provided solely as a point of reference. 

7. How do I pay my deposit for residence?

Your $500 residence deposit can be paid in any of the following ways:

• Online or Telephone Banking (through your own bank)
• Money Order, Bank Draft or Certified Cheque (no personal cheques)
• Wire Transfer
• Cash or Interac (Debit Card) in person in our office.

For more information on deposit payment, visit the Student Housing Services website.

8. What about the deposit for tuition?

We require a minimum $200 deposit to be paid by August 11, 2017 to hold your place in your courses. This fee will be applied to your student account, which will be available to view as of July 26, 2017 on WebAdvisor.

Your deposit can be paid by internet or telephone banking, or in person. For a full list of methods of payment, please refer to Student Financial Services website.

9. I have accepted my offer to the U of G now what?

Woohoo – Congrats!! If you haven’t already, you should apply to residence (if you plan on living on campus) and pay the $500 deposit (see #5, above).

Once that’s out of the way, you should register for your Fall 2017 classes (exciting, right?!). The ‘add period’ for first year students is May 15 – July 5, and complete instructions can be found in the Registration Handbook for New Students.

10. I have accepted my offer, how long until I receive my registration package?

The registration handbooks are being sent out on an ongoing basis as students accept their admission offers, so if you’ve accepted your offer but haven’t received the registration handbook yet, keep an eye out for it too!

Five Reasons to Accept Your Offer to the U of G

Posted: Monday, May 15, 2017 - 11:39

1. Our Experiential Learning opportunities are off the hook

2. Our First-Year Seminars will expand your mind

First-Year Seminars, available to – you guessed it – only first-year students, are a unique and engaging highlight to your first year of post-secondary studies. We’ve got 22 weird and wonderful seminar subjects available for the Fall 2017 semester, and we’re sure you could see yourself in at least one of them. Check out some of these highlights:

• Exploring Expression through Graffiti,
• Feeding 9 Billions,
• Making Things Perfectly Queer,
• and Singing Sociologist.

3. Our food is, well, the BEST

We know we’re always raving about the food here, but it really is pretty incredible. Butter Chicken Poutine, anyone? Or maybe a hand-made burger with locally sourced goats cheese and caramelized onions? Those options barely scratch the surface of all of the yummy cuisine we offer, and highlight why we’ve been #1 for campus food for over 10 years! Check out some of our mouth-watering food videos to see what all the fuss is about!

4. Speaking of Rankings…

Food isn’t the only thing at U of G that consistently gets high marks. Did you know that we’re ranked #1 in Canada for overall learning, living and student support (Academic Ranking of World Universities – ARWU). The impressive rankings don’t stop there, though! Check out our complete list of world rankings!

5. Life at U of G is second to none

We could write a novel about all of the amazing things that make living in Guelph – and at U of G – so awesome (maybe we have…?). Seriously though, let’s break it down.

• Over 150 student-run clubs
• Inclusive on-campus residence facilities
• INCREDIBLE food (yeah, we already covered that, but it’s worth saying again)
• Caring and supportive staff, resources and programming to cover your learning, health, and personal needs from every angle
• A close-knit campus culture that will blow your mind
• Brand new, innovative athletic facilities designed to cater to top athletes and recreational participants alike
• All of this set in a vibrant and picturesque small city of 133,000

We could go on and on, but we'll let our students convince you: 

See you soon, #futuregryphon!

11 Ways U of G Can Make You Smile in a Day

Posted: Friday, May 12, 2017 - 10:15

1. When the Cannon (Old Jeremiah) spreads hope & love.

He feels what the world feels! From campus events to activist messages to Gryphon proposals, Old Jeremiah is a message board for expression and awareness. (picture)

2. When you ‘Take a Paws’ and smell the puppies!

Guide and therapy dogs just make life on campus better!

3. When a professor make a ridiculous, but absolutely necessary, course-related pun.

“A rule of grammar: double negatives are a no-no.”

HOW CAN YOU NOT LAUGH?

4. When the Library motivates you to study.

5. When the squirrels are simply part of the UofG family.

They’re everywhere; and they want to be friends…and eat your food.

6. When Hospitality Services just KNOWS.

The fellow students & staff will know your name, somehow schedule menu items that coordinate with your cravings, and well, they bake cookies. Cookies are 120% necessary.  

7. When the University Centre is the hot-spot.

8. When the ‘Gryphon’ spirit is thriving.

9. When you look around and witness, embrace and appreciate UofG’s diverse community.

UofG is thrilled to welcome students from around the globe with a range of backgrounds. Every day, you will be engaged in culture – you’re new best friend could be from Turkey.

TELL ME THAT’S NOT COOL.

10. When you stroll through the arboretum.

Fresh air. Trees. Silence. Animals. Water. Silence. Trails. Disc Golf. Did we say silence? Nature’s beauty is enough to brighten everyone’s day.

11.  When someone is always returning that smile.

Take a walk through campus and you'll find so many reasons to smile, including all of the Gryphons smiling back at you!