My first month at the University of Calgary

Calgary has not fell short of my expectations! When I arrived at the University it resembled a ghost-town, as it was two weeks before the semester began. I used this time to explore the campus, city, and settle in. Adjusting to the climate has been a challenge, but I have had many tips from new friends on how to cope! The workload has not been too demanding..yet. We are just beginning mid-terms, and essays are due within the next few weeks. I have found studying in Calgary different to Adelaide, as lectures are not recorded, expectations are different, and there are more people enrolled in classes. Living on campus is also a different experience, which I am enjoying.

The University’s sporting team is called Dinos, and if you are a mad sports lover, you might find yourself attending many of the sporting events weekly. In the Winter Term, the sports played are Basketball, Ice Hockey, and Volleyball. I have really enjoyed going to Dinos matches with friends, and supporting our team. Last week, I attended the Crowchild Classic, which is an ice-hockey showdown against MRU (Mount Royal University) held at the Saddledome. The atmosphere was astounding, and Dinos won! The finals for sports will be starting soon, and I am looking forward to attending and cheering on the Dinos.

Two weeks ago, I participated in an tournament called Frostbite. Frostbite is hosted by the Student Union, and offers a week full of challenges for teams to compete in. I joined team CISSA (Centre for International Students and Study Abroad). Competing in Frostbite was a great experience, as I made new friends while competing in friendly competition. We finished 5th overall, but I can definitely say that the experience and friendships made are more valuable.

I have been fortunate to become friends with people from Calgary, who have helped me adjust, and take me on exciting adventures. A group of friends took me to Lake Louise and Banff, where we had poutine and beavertails (it is not as bad as it sounds!). My friends have lined up a number of activities and places they want to take me, which I am also very excited for! I was told by my friends that I must go on one of the trips hosted by the U of C Ski Club, and so last weekend, I travelled to Revelstoke with the Ski Club. I have only skied once before visiting Revelstoke, and when I heard that Revelstoke has the longest vertical descent of any ski resort in North America, I was a bit frightened. The views were breathtaking, and worth the long bus ride. For anyone who is studying at the University of Calgary, I would highly recommend going on one of the ski trips hosted by the Ski Club.

I am not sure what plans I have for the weeks coming up, but in a couple of weeks, we have our mid-semester break, where I hope to do more travelling and tourist-like activities. Calgary is a beautiful city, similar to Adelaide, and the University is very inviting. I would recommend studying/visiting Calgary to anyone, as the city caters for all!

Demi Martin, Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education, Semester 1 2017 exchange at University of Calgary, Canada

  • Read Demi’s first blog here

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One thought on “My first month at the University of Calgary

  1. Hi Demi, looks like you are settling in well. It is great to read your blogs….please keep us informed so we can experience it too.
    Cheers
    Caroline

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