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September 2, 2011

20 Tips in 20 Days for First-year Students: #20- Get help adjusting if you need it





In the final post of our 20-part video tip series for first year students, fourth-year psychology student Aleka Maclellan discusses campus resources for those having difficulty adjusting to life at Mount Allison.
Moving out on your own can be a difficult experience and for that reason Mount Allison offers resources for students to help them cope with the transition. Being in a new place with new people can be a frightening experience but every other new student is in the same situation. The best thing you can do is to be open to new opportunities and friendships as that’s a major part of university life. If you’re feeling homesick, depressed, or otherwise in any need of help adjusting, there are many options for all students in need of support. 
The first place I would recommend is your R.A. They’re generally 2nd or 3rd year students who have recently made the transition themselves. They’ll understand what you’re going through and be able to offer support as a fellow student. If you’re not comfortable talking to your R.A., there are counselors available through the Wellness Centre whose job it is to help students. They are professionals on campus that provide counseling services that are covered in your student fees. Simply contact them and set up an appointment.
As Aleka mentions, there is also the online, anonymous, and student moderated Beautiful Minds forum on Moodle where students can discuss issues with other students. Transitioning to life on your own can be difficult, but there are many resources available if you need some advice. 

Geoff Campbell
Communications Assistant
Mount Allison University

September 1, 2011

20 Tips in 20 Days for First-year Students: #19- Access student disability services




Mount Allison is so supportive of all students and they really want you to succeed. The Wellness Centre provides services to students with documented disabilities other than learning disabilities and The Meighen Centre is for students with learning disabilities. This support includes note takers, alternate exam settings, alternate lecture and exam formats, mentoring, the use of adaptive technology, and other services. For more information on these student support services, visit  the Wellness Centre and Meighen Centre websites.



Geoff Campbell
Communications Assistant
Mount Allison University

August 31, 2011

20 Tips in 20 Days for first-year students: #18- Enjoy Mount Allison without alcohol



In this the 18th video in our 20-part tip series, fourth-year honours psychology student and Orientation Chair Aleka Maclellan discusses what students can do to enjoy Mount Allison before they turn 19.

All residence events are generally all-ages. Turning 19 really isn’t as life-changing as it’s cracked up to be and there’s certainly no shortage of things to do before then at Mount Allison.
I would suggest many of the previously noted ideas of what to do in Sackville. For Art lovers there’s visiting the Owens, START, and Struts galleries. I would also suggest going out and exploring the region, experiencing theatre, getting involved in club activities, and grabbing a coffee with friends. In first year I often went to movies at Sackville’s one-room Vogue theatre, especially the Friday night toonie movies ($2 movies, for non-Canadians). For music, there are wet-dry nights at the Pub and various house events. 



Geoff Campbell
Communications Assistant
Mount Allison University

August 30, 2011

20 Tips for first-year students: #17- Places to Relax at Mount Allison University





In the 17th in our 20-part video tip series, fourth-year biology students Beth Whitfield and Brittany Cain talk about their favourite places to relax and unwind around campus. 
Brittany really likes the solarium and pub in the Student Centre and Beth suggests the Waterfowl Park as a good place to de-stress. Personally, I enjoy taking a walk down Bridge Street to see the very end where there used to be a bridge. Now it is just a chasm where you can look out across the marshes and see the Radio Canada International shortwave towers. It is a really tranquil place (except when the train comes by). If you’re not up for a long walk, then I’d suggest going to the War Memorial park downtown. It’s a quiet place to relax and reflect.



Geoff Campbell
Communications Assistant
Mount Allison University

August 29, 2011

20 Tips in 20 Days for first-year students: #16- Where to go for support in residence





In the 16th post of the 20-part video tip series, fourth-year biology student Brittany Cain discusses where to find a support system in residence. It’s doubtful you’ll have any major problems, but if you do have any issues with a roommate or a room repair, a residence assistant (RA) in your wing/on your floor is the best first stop. If it is something more serious, you can always talk to the assistant don or your house Don, who are adults or live-in families in your residence.
 
Geoff Campbell
Communications Assistant
Mount Allison University