Dear First Year Student: What to bring to university

As a fourth-year Life Science student hoping to study medicine, I have done my time at university. I have mastered bringing the necessary stuff to university to help me achieve. I want you all to succeed as well; here are my essential items to bring to university!

Food

Is it ironic that food is the first item? You will be learning and using your brain power to accomplish all of your dreams. Let’s make sure you are being nourished. Make your lunch, eat breakfast, and pack snacks with you all the time everywhere. If you don’t have time on a particular  day,  let’s make sure you have some spare change to check out the UB Cafe, Tim Hortons, DC cafe, Hive cafe etc. We have lots of options to choose from!

Laptop

To be honest, my laptop is the gadget I use the most. Since I do all my work on a laptop, I always make sure to have a charger and bring it with me wherever I go. Let us ensure your device can assist you because specific criteria are tailored to each unique faculty and program. You may learn more about the suggested equipment (2022-23) for each Faculty/Program to enable effective Ontario Tech University software usage by clicking on the link. Click here to learn more about the suggested devices (2022-23).

I also have a small pencil case with pens, pencils, an eraser, a ruler and a notebook. Most of these items help me with labs and midterms/assessments because they require  a pencil (for scantrons) while some professors may allow you to use a pen for short answer portions. Life-saving tip: you will likely write faster with a pen so use a pen when you write longer exams as it may help you save some time.

Reusable Water Bottle

You need to hydrate yourself! As you move about your day, you will get dehydrated; believe it or not, this will impact your mood! Please bring a water bottle to refresh your mind and keep well as you venture through the day.  Plenty of water fountains can be found around campus, allowing you to refill your water bottle.

Comfortable Shoes

I recommend you wear running shoes because all the walking and shuffling from class to class requires comfortable footwear. The last thing you want is to be tired and exhausted from poor selection in foot gear because you underestimated the mobility throughout the day. 

Gym Bag/Clothes

We have a gym and recreation center, and you are encouraged to use them!! Did you know you pay for this service as part of your tuition? Please take the time in between classes if you can to refresh and recharge your mind by moving. This will elevate your mood and help you do better in school!

Your Curiosity

Never be afraid to ask questions and offer your opinion. Your professors and TAs want to see your desire to learn and do and make the most of your experience. They will appreciate your enthusiasm and drive to make the most of your time by learning, paying attention and seeking clarification when necessary. Trust me, if you are confused, others are as well and may be frightened to step up in front of everyone—so raise your hand and help yourself and others who may be stumped! There are no dumb or unnecessary questions—ask away! There are no dumb or unnecessary questions—ask away!

Your Unique Self

We are so happy to have you be part of our school. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn and grow, and we can only imagine the greatness you will bring in enhancing the school’s legacy. Be yourself, do what makes you happy and use your skills and talents to do good. We need you; you belong and do everything you can with your time here because you will look back and be so proud of yourself! We look forward to seeing you grow!