My Move-In Week

Welcome to my blog!

I've officially spent my first week at UCalgary (move-in week, which is the week before classes start) and it's been my first taste of residence and residence food.

Move-in day (Sunday) was the most nerve-wracking this week. There were many cars lining up for keys/Unicard pick-up (many cars getting lost as well…), and of course there is stress involved with packing everything you might need (much more so for non-Calgary students) and correctly following the precise yet confusing instructions. I would highly recommend uploading your Unicard photo in advance to skip the long line for taking a photo and checking the move-in brochure for more detailed information than the email.

Lunch at the Landing (the university buffet) was free for students and their parents for the day. It was by far the busiest day, but the line-ups moved quickly. In the evening, residences had a floor meeting to go over general rules and meet the other students staying on the same floor, as well as a pizza party to meet everyone in the same residence.

For first years moving in, I would prepare for a bit of a shock as the diversity of personalities in university can be very different from what you’re used to. Among my high school peers, I felt quite extroverted, but my sociability paled a bit in comparison to other people in my residence pizza party. Try to chat with many people at these events; it can feel awkward and difficult to find someone you find similarities with, but it’s worth getting familiar with the faces around you and you’ll probably make some new friends.

Most of move-in week was a lot of free time, eating, and daily events.

-        On Monday, I explored each floor of TFDL and went to the residence bonfire in the evening – where I started a conversation with what happened to be grad students.

-        I spent most of Tuesday playing board games with a few old and new friends, as well as walking to residence dodgeball and chickening out due to the sheer amount of people (you definitely don’t need to attend EVERY event – there’s so many that you won’t end up with FOMO)

-        Wednesday morning was spent painstakingly walking between each of my classes through indoor tunnel systems. I will admit that I spent 20 minutes looking for the “Craigie Hall +15” and walked past the same people several times with an embarrassed expression. I wasn’t too interested in the “Movie in the Quad” event that afternoon but spent some time walking around the area to see everyone.

-        Thursday was the first day of faculty orientation (not just for people on-residence). I got to meet many people in my major and got a faculty t-shirt. We chanted “We are science!” at the pep rally and chatted while having a chili picnic afterwards. I spent the afternoon exploring Mac Hall (extremely busy) and relaxing with friends I met at orientation. 

Finally, on Friday we got major-specific orientation. A few professors overviewed what our introductory course would look like, and we got presentations from many clubs as well as a student Q&A. Many of the clubs sounded interesting, but I will be exploring some clubs for fun unrelated to my major to avoid burnout.

It’s pretty surreal to think I’m in university right now… I really don’t know how things will go but I’m sure it will be a great journey… join me on it and tell me about yours :)!

Ana