Each fall, thousands of people head to MacEwan University’s campus as students for the very first time. We're always excited to meet them! We also know they probably have a lot on their minds, so we’ve compiled this list of handy resources to help get things off to a good start.
1. Start at the beginning
MacEwan.ca/GettingStarted has a great checklist for what to do before classes begin. And this story about what new students should do during the first few weeks of the Fall term covers everything from funding and friends to transit and tech issues (there’s a bunch of free stuff in there too).
For a step-by-step guide to navigating your first year, check out Flightpath, where you can find everything you need for prepping for classes, building skill sets and finding community.
2. Meet your fellow first-year students
The Community Nest program connects new students with a senior student, known as a nest leader, to share their insights about being a student at MacEwan University. Nest leaders coordinate activities, such as monthly social gatherings and weekly get-togethers, to ease your transition to university.
You can register for this program at any time during your first year.
3. Learn the lingo
University has a language all its own. Bookmark this quick reference that breaks down the differences between the academic calendar and academic schedule, a faculty and a program, and so much more4. Get free money
University is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, but there are ways to make paying for your education easier. Follow these 6 steps to boost your chances of receiving a scholarship, award or bursary.
5. Know where to go for help
From academic advising and counselling to financial aid and the library, there are lots of services designed to give students the help they need. Get to know the many ways MacEwan faculty and staff can lend a hand.
No one wants things to go wrong, but sometimes they just do. Be prepared and get a jump on tech trouble with these 5 answers to students’ top tech problems. Check out these tips from our Security Services team on doing your part to make sure MacEwan stays a safe and positive campus. And keep an eye out for these 7 signs you might need help from a counsellor and where to find it.
6. Study smart
Classes may not have started yet, but things tend to happen at a blistering pace when they do. Here are some study habits for A students and some new insights on whether using AI in your coursework is okay.
Need a little more help? Check out some 30- to 45-minute courses on building study skills, improving time management, reading strategies and more. Check out our study skills webpage to learn more.
7. Find some fun!
Yes, university is a lot of work, but finding time to squeeze in some fun is important too. Kick off the year with our annual Downtown Campus Block Party and SAMU Fall Fest, and keep your eye out for great events throughout the year with SAMU’s student groups, MacEwan.ca/Events, and plasma screens and bulletin boards across campus!