What I wish I knew in first year

Current ��Ƶ students and alumni reflect on what they would tell their first-year selves if they could travel back in time. Check out their words of advice.

Samar Mohamed Ahmed, fourth-year international management student

Student voices

“Get involved and start early. Be intentional about what you’re doing — your four years at university go by too quickly. This is your time to learn more about yourself.”

Samar Mohamed Ahmed

— Fourth-year, international management student

“You still have your classes and need to get good grades, and you still need a social life to take a break from school. Don’t neglect any of these aspects by trying to do everything at once. Take the time to reflect on what you’re doing, what you’re learning and what’s already on your plate. Be realistic and go after those opportunities. There are tons available — you just need to take one step at a time.”

Kanto Andrianirina Raveloson, fourth-year marketing student at Telfer

Student voices

“Success isn’t always about being the most talented; it’s also about being informed and knowing where to be at the right moment.”

Kanto Andrianirina Raveloson

— Fourth-year marketing student at Telfer

“Don’t wait for a crisis to start looking for help. Learn now what the University has to offer so, when challenges come, you’ll know exactly where to turn. That way, you won’t find yourself saying later, ‘I wish I had known this back in first year.’”

Chris Uriel Gnakale, fourth-year communication and political science student

Student voices

“Get involved and join a student-led initiative. Often, the most formative experiences happen outside the classroom.”

Chris Uriel Gnakale

— Fourth-year communication and political science student

“You’ll discover your strengths, expand your network and meet incredible people who’ll shape the course of your life.”

Vanessa Prinsen, gameplay programmer, (B.Eng, Software Engineering, 2005)

Alumni

“Lean into what scares you! Join a student club in a field you know nothing about. Give yourself a project or a role even if you don’t think you have the necessary skills.”

Vanessa Prinsen

— (B.Eng, Software Engineering, 2005)

“We don’t expect people in school or starting their careers to be experts. Use that to set yourself challenges and discover new things!”

“Ask someone — a prof or someone else — to explain a subject to you. That’s how you’ll learn.“

Imane El Karafi, operations manager. (B.Eng, Mechanical Engineering and Information Technology, 2010)

Alumni

“If you have the opportunity, enrol in co-op or internships during your studies. It allows you to explore different industries, build a professional network, and facilitates entry into the workplace.”

Imane El Karafi

— B.Eng, Mechanical Engineering and Information Technology, 2010

Anne-Moïse Gusnie Hyppolite, fourth-year public administration student

Student voices

“Your student union has so much to offer. Get to know the services available, like the Food Bank, the Student Rights Centre, the safe walk program, free photo services, immigration assistance and more.”

Anne-Moise Gusnie Hyppolite

— Fourth-year public administration student

Benjamin Dennie, fourth-year political science and Juris Doctor student

Student voices

“Get involved in your student union. Talk to your fellow students at 101 Week activities! Everyone’s in the same boat: a little lost, maybe far from home and mostly looking to make friends.”

Benjamin Dennie

— Fourth-year political science and Juris Doctor student

“Just saying hello to the person sitting next to you in class could lead to a lifelong friendship! After your first week of classes, explore Ottawa! Ottawa is not boring, but you need to seek out your fun. There’s something for everyone: arts, music, food — and the list goes on.”

Christine Van Houtte, student ambassador, first-year master’s student in education with a concentration in counseling psychology

“I wish I had known not to be afraid of going to my professors’ or TAs’ office hours. I used to think it would be awkward or intimidating, but it’s honestly one of the most valuable resources available to students. Your instructors are there to support you—they want you to succeed and are often much more approachable than you’d expect.

Office hours aren’t just for asking questions about lectures or reviewing exam material (though that’s definitely helpful!) They’re also a great opportunity to build connections, get advice on academic and career paths, explore research opportunities and gain real-world insights into life after graduation!”

Najiba Fouad, student ambassador, fourth-year undergraduate student in health sciences

“It’s not about how smart you are or what program you’re in; it’s how you manage your time when no one’s watching that makes the biggest difference.”

Mathieu Samson-Savage (PhD in sociology, 2024)

“Start your studies being curious, with an open mind. Try to see what you’re interested in, what fits best with your vision of the world. In my case, I started in psychology because I thought it was the field that would allow me to help people the most. Then I discovered sociology — my way of thinking was better reflected by sociology. As I see it, the impact of sociology can be greater. We can find solutions to bigger problems.”