Who has the best advice when it comes to your university experience? The people who just did it. Each year, we ask graduating students a bunch of questions for our Meet the Class stories, including what they’d tell someone just starting out at MacEwan. 

We saw a few themes emerge in the responses and divided them into seven handy categories to keep in mind as you start a brand new academic year. 

1. Get involved

Putting yourself out there owned the top spot by a landslide. A third of the students who shared their advice had this at the top of their list.

Participate! There are all sorts of wonderful events and student groups that focus on almost every topic or interest you can think of, and finding your people on campus quickly makes the intimidating or draining act of going to classes easier and more familiar. You aren’t alone. There are hundreds of other students with like minds and similar interests. You just need to find them.
– Jess Zdril, Library and Information Technology Diploma ’26, Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

Take your time, have fun and get involved. Participate in campus activities, join clubs that interest you and don’t hesitate to talk to your professors. Building those connections can make your experience much more meaningful.
– Sairah Mohammad, Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting ’26

You'll be presented with a plethora of opportunities. Take them. Even if they seem scary or challenging, you never know what they might turn into. 
– Kelsie Johnston, Bachelor of Communication Studies, Journalism ’26

Experience everything to its fullest. While the academic aspect of university is the biggest and most important part, it isn’t everything. When I graduated with my first degree from another university, I felt like I missed out because I didn’t have all the experiences I thought I would. This time, I went in intending to put myself out there more. Go to Fall Fest. Attend Griffins games. Take part in the activities around campus. I’m glad I did. 
– Haven Garth, Emergency Communications and Response Certificate ’26, Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

Extracurricular activities, clubs and campus events help you build connections, develop confidence and make your time at university more meaningful. 
– Madhav Sharma, Police and Investigations Diploma, Investigative Studies ’26

2. Make friends

I came to university with the mindset that I wasn’t going to wait for someone to approach me, and it paid off in spades! I ended up making so many friends and learning so much. Talking to your professors is also a huge help. Even if you have a little question, it’s worth asking. Your professors are there to support you; take advantage of that. 
– Kyana Gormsen, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Arts ’26

Take the time to build relationships with your classmates and professors. Those connections can make your experience more meaningful, supportive and enjoyable. Having a strong support system truly makes a difference throughout your degree.
– Alyson Grace Makowichuk, Bachelor of Child and Youth Care ’26, Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

The more people you do things with, the more fun school becomes. 
– Elena Fraley, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’26

It can be very hard to make new friends or find your way into existing friend groups. But do not give up! Keep looking for people that you want to hang out with. It will change your university life for the better.
– Soohyun Kim, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’26

3. Be yourself (and believe in yourself)

Remember that everyone is experiencing something new and probably feels just as nervous as you do. Believe in yourself, work hard and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable. Those risks are often worth taking, and they can lead to incredible opportunities and personal growth.
– Kiran Kandhola, Paralegal Studies Diploma ’26

Believe in yourself! (Bonus advice: Go to the math help room before Fridays!)
– Marcus Frederick W. Euverman, Bachelor of Science, Applied Statistics ’26

Be resilient and know that all you can do is your best. University is hard and there will be times when you feel overwhelmed, discouraged or disappointed when things do not go as planned. Acknowledge these emotions, find the strength to get back up, adapt where you can and keep moving forward. When I experienced moments of self-doubt, I tried to focus on what was within my control. If I felt unprepared, I would continue studying, ask questions or seek support from my professors. When exam day arrived, I reminded myself that I had done everything I could to prepare and that, whatever the outcome, it would reflect my best effort at that moment. 
– Lilyah Richardson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’26, Dean’s Medal – Degree

4. Enjoy the ride

Take in every moment. I vividly remember sitting in my very first lecture, thinking about the long four years ahead. When I look back now, I was foolish to think that those years would be long. It seems like I blinked and now I’m graduating from university. So my advice is to take all the experiences that MacEwan throws at you. Embrace every moment, because it’ll all be over before you know it. 
– Ryan Johnson, Bachelor of Communication Studies, Professional Communication ’26

It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and stress, but try not to lose sight of the experience itself. These years go by quickly, and you don’t always realize how special they are while you’re in them. My advice is to take it all in and enjoy the process as much as possible.
– Leili Rastad, Bachelor of Music, Recording and Production ’26

Get nerdy about it! This experience will be over before you know it, so take the opportunity to really get into it. Be passionate about what you’re studying and really throw yourself into the experience and your MacEwan community.
– Kelsey Lynn Kendrick, Digital Experience Design Post-Diploma Certificate ’26

Have fun and make the most of the experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress, assignments and trying to figure everything out, but some of the best parts of the experience come from the people you meet along the way. Join clubs, attend events and put yourself out there. Looking back, those connections and experiences became just as meaningful as what I learned in the classroom.
 – Fatema Zahraa Ehmid Zouzoo, Therapist Assistant Diploma, Physical and Occupational Therapist Assistant ’26

5. Ask for help

I am a big advocate of the “you don’t know if you don’t ask” theory. It is always worth asking for help and accommodations when needed. I found that people want to help when they can, especially if you are willing to put in the work or make preparations in advance. And the worst-case scenario is that someone says no, and you’re no worse off than before.
– Julie Hurd, Bachelor of Commerce, Management ’26

Be open! To friendships, feedback, making mistakes and asking for help. It’s easy to put pressure on yourself to know everything, but some of the most valuable learning happens when you’re willing to ask questions and learn from others. Looking back, some of my favourite memories and biggest opportunities came from simply saying yes to new experiences and being open to whatever came my way.
– Francesca Bacani, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’26

Don’t be afraid to ask your professors or classmates questions; you won’t know until you try, and there’s no such thing as a “dumb” question. 
– Kimberly Espartero, Business Management Diploma ’26

6. Give yourself grace and try for healthy balance

Don’t stress about having everything figured out right away. Early in university, you’ll have so much support from professors, student groups and campus organizations that can help you discover what you want to get out of your degree. It’s much easier to make decisions once you’ve had the chance to explore different fields and gain diverse experiences.
– Jordan Laframboise, Bachelor of Arts, Honours Anthropology ’26

7. Manage your time and stay organized

Stay organized from the beginning and keep up with things consistently. I’d also really recommend getting involved – attending events, joining clubs and taking advantage of networking opportunities. It’s a good way to meet people, learn outside the classroom and make the overall experience more enjoyable.
– Jashan Ghuman, Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting ’26