Guelph will provide you with a supportive and stimulating academic environment. My advisors have provided me with the freedom to explore my research interests and the support and mentorship to help me become a better scientist. Their positive attitudes and confidence in my abilities has allowed me to achieve success in my research goals. There are loads of clubs one could join (e.g. qualitative journal club, welfare and behavior group, dairy journal club, graduate student social committees, art clubs, etc.) In addition, my graduate program has provided me with a safe and interactive social environment (e.g. intramural sports, city leagues, department socials).
For my non-native English-speaking friends, there is a plethora of support from the international office! In addition, the library provides lots of writing and technical support!
Being a graduate student at UofG is a wonderful opportunity. There is a fantastic support system here to help you progress and succeed in research, made up of faculty, support staff and other graduate students.
You can walk from one end of campus to the other easily within 10 minutes, and only have to cross one major road if you’re headed east/west (none if travelling north/south). The arboretum is absolutely beautiful, and a great place to go for a lunch time walk on those days that you need an escape from the office/lab. The cafeterias are excellent, and cater to every type of eater. There are always vegan and vegetarian options available, and everything is labeled with potential allergens.
“My advisor has allowed me to grow as an independent researcher, and ensures I stay on track. I have had a wonderful experience growing into the student I am now. ”
I would advise prospective graduate students to read ahead. There are a lot of materials to cover in each reading, and each person depending on where you are from, will understand the material from a different perspective. That being said, respect each other's opinion because though it might be different from yours, it is every bit as valuable. People come from areas with different customs and traditions that are unique. Students from the Caribbean will react to material differently than those in Latin America, and sometimes people in the same countries exhibit different outlooks; it is a uniquely diverse program. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself outside cultures of your own.
Allow yourself time to understand your work ethics in this new environment, especially if this is your first graduate program. Pace yourself, it is not a race; do not be afraid to ask questions because we are not experts yet. Do not feel that if you do not know something, it puts you at a disadvantage – you will learn. Your peers are all of the different backgrounds, do not measure your intelligence against theirs /others – you were chosen for this program based on your hard work. Feel confident, write confidently and pay attention to every point no matter how minor, and you will do fine.
Also, start thinking about your research/thesis idea early, it is a long process, and the earlier you know what you are doing, the easier it will be to write.
Graduate studies at the University of Guelph is unique because of the vibrant and friendly community environment, the access to outstanding resources and training, and the many opportunities on campus to develop important career and life skills.
Guelph was actually one of my top choices for my undergraduate degree. Having chosen a different university to do my undergrad, when applying for graduate school, I knew I wanted to attend Guelph to continue my studies! The CCJP program appealed to my criminology background and my work experience in the criminal justice system.. I knew this was the program for me!
I was fortunate to complete my undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph, where I was always supported and encouraged by both the faculty and my peers. After being so motivated and inspired to broaden my understanding of the world during my undergrad, I chose to continue to study at UoG for my Masters as well.
Have really good time management! Being ahead on a project will do you wonders when deadlines start to creep up. And don't be afraid to make mistakes and not be entirely sure what you want to accomplish from the start. Faculty are there to help and guide you on your journey but you must also be willing to be challenged and accept productive criticism.
