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Back-to-school guide for busy times

8 ways to make the most of your Concordia experience
By Marilla Steuter-Martin


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The beginning of the fall term is a busy and exciting time for both new and returning students. Managing your class schedule, getting back into the swing of studying, navigating the two campuses — it’s a new routine best adapted to fast.

A little advance preparation can significantly streamline the transition back to school. Here are eight ways to make your life easier this fall.


1. Get acquainted

If you’re new to Concordia, start exploring the campuses before your studies ramp up.  There are multiple orientation events held at both the Sir George Williams and Loyola campuses each year, and taking part is a great way to meet new people and get your bearings.

Discover Concordia runs from September 2 to September 4 and is your chance to meet key people in your faculty and learn about resources for getting the most out of your university experience. We’re throwing a barbecue too, a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with your future classmates.

Book a tour with a mentor to get the inside scoop from peers.

In addition, the Concordia Student Union (CSU) offers a variety of orientation activities and holds fairs where you can sign up for student associations and clubs.


2. Get involved

Concordia has dozens of on-campus organizations. Why not put in a few volunteer hours at the CJLO radio station, spend time in the greenhouse or sit as a representative on your faculty council? You can find a complete list of student groups online.

Not sure where to start? Attend the Get Involved in University Life seminar to learn more about the many ways to connect to your community at the Student Success Centre.

If you’re a first year student and still don’t have a mentor — find out more.


3. Get connected

Want to stay in the loop about what’s going on at Concordia? Follow @concordia on Twitter for regular updates, or join the Concordia Facebook page. There’s even a Facebook group for new students.  Watch for your NOW student e-newsletter bi-weekly on Thursdays and check your online Student hub — it’s your one-stop online spot to stay on top of latest news, events, key dates and important deadlines.

You can also receive text updates about class cancellations as soon as they happen. Sign up for this service through the MyConcordia portal by logging in, selecting “Messaging” and texting the appropriate commands to 62424.


4. Get registered

Get to know your My Student Centre self-service dashboard in the MyConcordia portal. This is your direct access to Concordia’s new Student Information System (SIS), where you can add or drop a class, view your grades with a few simple gestures, manage your student account and much more.

Take time to get familiar with all the features of the new system. How-to guides for over 50 tasks are available on the SIS information page on your Student Hub.


5. Get around

New for Fall 2015 — order your STM OPUS card online! If you are eligible for a reduced student fare OPUS card from the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), you can now skip the lines and order your card through the MyConcordia portal and it will be mailed to you by post.  

The Concordia shuttle bus is free and also a convenient way to get from one campus to the other. The Sir George Williams Campus stop is located right in front of the Henry F. Hall (H) Building, while the Loyola Campus stop is across from the Concordia Stadium. Both are equipped with screens that track the shuttle’s progress on a map. You can find a complete shuttle bus schedule online.


6. Get active

Concordia’s two gyms have everything you need to stay fit. Along with varsity sports, there are loads of intramural leagues and free fields and ice time. Complete schedules and activities can be found through the Department of Recreation and Athletics.

Gym memberships can be purchased for a discounted student fee at both Le Gym on the Sir George Williams Campus and Le Centre at the PERFORM Centre on the Loyola Campus.


7. Get to work

Concordia has plenty of services to help you find a job. The work-study program offered by the Financial Aid and Awards Office is a great way for students to find employment on campus, while Career and Planning Services (CAPS) maintains a bank of job opportunities. Furthermore, the International Students Office offers services to help international students find work.


8. Get off on the right foot

Students have access to many resources and services to help make student life more manageable. If you’re not sure where to start, drop by to ask a mentor at the Student Success Centre — they’ll point you in the right direction! — or email your question to success@concordia.ca.


Learn more about Discover Concordia.

Learn more about Concordia Orientation 2015.

 

 



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