Your First Day at Western: A Campus Guide
Written by: Harmanjot Matharu, 3rd year Political Science student
Photo by: Western Communications
Starting university is no doubt an exciting experience, but arriving on Western's campus can feel overwhelming at first. With the dozens of academic buildings, eateries, residences, and student spaces around campus, it can be challenging figuring out where everything is. This blog will highlight strategies to navigate campus easier, share tips I found useful in my first year, and introduce resources that will make your transition to Western smoother.
Your Secret Weapon: The WesternU App
Before you arrive on campus, I would suggest downloading the official WesternU mobile app. This app is your digital toolkit for navigating campus, and is something I personally found helpful during my first year as well.
One of its most useful features is the interactive campus map, which can help you locate academic buildings, student residences, parking, eateries, libraries, and other key destinations across campus. The app also allows you to view your academic schedule, making it easy to know when and where your classes are taking place. Beyond finding your way around, you can also stay updated with Western news, events, dining options, and valuable resources such as mental health resources and wellness services on campus. The WesternU app allows you to have all these tools in one place, making your first day on campus much more manageable.
Find Your Classes Before the First Day
One of the best pieces of advice for a stress-free first day is to find your way around campus a day before classes start. Grab your roommate or a friend, and use the WesternU app or a physical map to locate where your classes are going to be. During my first year, my roommate and I spent an afternoon before classes started walking to each of our class buildings and finding the room as well. It made a huge difference on our first day as we already knew where each of our classes were located, instead of rushing around and worrying about getting lost.
Remember, Western is a large campus, and depending on where your classes are located, it can take 10 to 20 minutes to walk between buildings. Keep this in mind when planning your schedule so you know how much time you have to get from one class to the next. While most classes end a few minutes early to give students time to get across campus, it's still a good idea to familiarize yourself with your route ahead of time. Planning the day before can help make your first day on campus much less stressful and allow everything to go as smoothly as possible.
Get to Know Campus Hotspots
As you explore campus, you'll quickly realize there are a few places you'll visit regularly. The University Community Centre (UCC) is one of the busiest hubs at Western and is your go-to spot for almost everything. It has a variety of eateries, a campus grocery store, a pharmacy, and many other services available to students. You'll also find popular food spots such as The Spoke, The Wave, and The Cove, making it a great place to grab a meal or coffee between classes. Beyond the UCC, you'll find cafés, eateries, and study spaces in locations such as the Natural Science Building, the Spencer Engineering Building, and the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building. If you're looking for a place to study, be sure to check out Weldon Library, Taylor Library, and the UCC, all of which offer a variety of study spaces
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Directions
If you find yourself lost during your first few days on campus, you're not alone. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the transition to university, unsure where to find your classes, or simply don't know where to start, there are plenty of people at Western who are happy to help. OWeek Sophs, Residence Dons, and Peer Mentors are there to answer questions, point you in the right direction, and help you settle into campus life. Don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need assistance. Even after OWeek ends, you'll continue to find people across campus who are happy to help throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed during your first couple of days at Western as you adjust to a new environment. To make the transition easier, take advantage of the services and supports available at Western, map your classes ahead of time, and spend some time exploring campus. Figuring out your routine takes time, so don't be afraid to ask your peers, Residence Dons, and Sophs for directions or advice along the way. If you have the chance, explore campus during OWeek and familiarize yourself with your class locations and other key spots around campus. The more familiar you become with your surroundings, the more confident you'll feel. If you're looking for additional support, be sure to check outThrive Online andWestern's Wellness & Well-being. Welcome to Western, and enjoy every moment of this new chapter!
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