1. Tour the campus
Find where your classes are instead of waiting until the first day of class! This can be found on your schedule: Dal.ca > Login > Dal Online > Web for Students > Registration > Student Schedule by Day and Time.
Also, check out other important spaces like the Student Union Building (SUB), Dalplex, Student Health and Wellness, Registrars Office, etc. Use the new campus maps on DalU and the Spotify virtual tours as an aid if needed! Noting these locations will make campus feel more familiar on your first day.
2. Introduce yourself
Now is the best time to make connections! Go to as many Orientation events as you can and get out of your comfort zone! Make a customized schedule of events you want to attend using the Orientation website (Halifax students) ahead of time if it will ease your mind. Truro’s Orientation schedule can be found in the First-year students (Truro) group on DalU.
If you live in residence, visit your neighbours and attend events put on by your RA. If you’re a first-year student living off campus in Halifax, connect with the Off Campus Council! They’re a new community at Dal that connects off-campus students through mentorship and events.
3. Prepare for your courses
Use the my book list feature on the Dal Bookstore site to find out what materials you need (textbooks, lab coats, calculators, etc.). I recommend waiting to buy these materials until you’ve gone to the first lecture and the prof has told you what you need! This also gives you more insight into whether you want to stay in the course or drop it—don't buy course materials until you’re sure of this.
Read your syllabi and make a calendar with deadlines and exam dates. Doing this early will ensure you don’t forget deadlines when things start to get busy.
4. Explore your surroundings
In Halifax, a bus pass is included in your student fees (full-time students only). Take advantage of this, as it can get you pretty much anywhere, even on the ferry to Dartmouth! Definitely check out the waterfront, Citadel Hill, and Public Gardens!
In Truro, popular places you should check out include Victoria Park, the Fundy Discovery Site (where you can watch tidal bore rafting), the Marigold Cultural Centre, and local shops on Inglis Street.
5. Lay the groundwork in your courses
Get to know your professors and teaching assistants early on. Go to their office hours listed in the syllabus and introduce yourself. Showing investment in the course and your willingness to succeed goes a long way with most profs. There will be times when you need an extension or help at the last minute, and they will be more likely to help you if they know you and what kind of student you are!
Finally, schedule your time wisely—time management is key in all aspects of your student life. Plan time to do your readings, study, do assignments, etc., but also set aside time for extracurriculars like societies and intramural sports, as well as self-care activities like seeing friends and getting rest. This is crucial to make sure nothing gets overlooked when life gets busy.
6. Get connected with academic resources early
Dalhousie has many supports that will be useful to you. The Writing Centre can help with any area of writing, from planning to review. Make sure to book appointments in advance of your deadlines. Even if you don’t think you need it, having someone else look at your work or ask last-minute questions is a lifesaver!
Also check out the Study Skills and Tutoring page where you can find lots of workshops that will teach you important skills like effective reading and exam preparation, as well as access to personal study coaching.
You can find all sorts of student support resources here.