I encourage prospective graduate students to embrace interdisciplinary learning and seek out mentorship opportunities. Graduate school is about more than just coursework—it is about developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and building professional relationships. Stay open to new perspectives, actively engage in discussions, and take advantage of the research and networking opportunities available at U of G.
Get involved in the community. Grad school is more than your research project; expand your contributions beyond your field of research and into the community where you are working.
I lived in Ridgetown as this is where my research was conducted. Although Ridgetown does not have much infrastructure in comparison to the City of Guelph, it has large acres of land for research in agriculture. I sometimes enjoyed a tour on the vast land with various research work going on. Personally, I think Ridgetown may be the town with the kindest people I have met, and I know the same is true for the City of Guelph.
People are very friendly and kind, and respect each other's culture. I felt like I was at a home away from home. There is not the rush and noise that you find in most cities. Life is…perfect here.
When an airline asks you to sign a waiver for your guitar just scribble quickly in hard to read handwriting "no thank you" and hand it back. Later if they damage your equipment you can claim you did not understand why they handed that waiver to you.
Workshops offered through the library and OpenEd are so beneficial to help with your research goals and teaching tips/tricks. Definitely be sure to check these out!
U of G has a fantastic intramural program. I played ice hockey and dodge ball, but there are many other sports offered. In addition, the University has a new physical education building and every student has access to basketball, gyms, the pool, and hot tub.
Choose a supervisor who makes you excited about your project. There will be times when your project does not go as planned and reminders of that enthusiasm and why you are doing the work are crucial to continuing through the hurtles.
