Niagara College’s campuses were a flurry of activity this January.
Over 2,000 new students began their studies at both the Welland Campus and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus at Niagara-on-the-Lake, taking part in a host of academic and social activities as part of Winter Orientation.
For first year General Business student Harmandeep Kaur, Winter Orientation – affectionately dubbed Frost Week -was filled with firsts, from starting a college program in Canada, to donning ice skates.
Students Harmandeep Kaur (left) and Ahn Nguyen (right) try skating for the first time.
“I felt fear at first, I’ve never done this before,” said Kaur as she steadied herself on the synthetic ice at SACafeller Square in NOTL, an event put on by NC’s Student Administrative Council (NCSAC).
For Kaur, who hails from India, the chance to try this great Canadian pastime was a memorable way to kick off her studies. At SACafeller Square, Kaur shared her first experience on “ice” with third-year Sales and Marketing student Ahn Nguyen.
“This is my first time also. At first I felt scared, but now I want to skate faster,” said Nguyen, originally from Vietnam.
NCSAC president Tom Price (left), and incoming Niagara College president Sean Kennedy (right) on synthetic ice at SACafeller Square at the NOTL Campus. Kennedy encourages the first-timers, “You’ve got to try it on real ice now.”
Beginning January 3, orientation introduced students to both the academic and social aspects of college life, and were organized by the Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership (CSEL), NCSAC, Athletics and Recreation, and the International division.
“#NCFROST2020 was an incredible time for students to connect, make lasting friends and lifelong memories which are integral to their retention and success at Niagara College,” said Tom Price, president of NCSAC. “The focus of NCSAC’s events were around social engagement to address loneliness and isolation for our 2,000 new students.”
Winter Wonderland at the Welland Campus included hot chocolate, beavertails, a giant inflatable igloo and glowing swings – the ideal background for meeting new friends and snapping the perfect shot for Instagram.
“From Karaoke Night, Paint Night, Friday Knights, Welland Wonderland, We Got Game, and SACafellar Square, the continued collaborative effort between NCSAC and the College in engaging the student population is what defines the NC DNA. We are trailblazing in our activities, welcoming, and passionate about all NC students,” said Price.
www.instagram.com/p/B7ZqyqvHp2t/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
International student orientation included a variety of information sessions and fairs tailored to newcomers to Canada, as well as a visit to Niagara Falls – a first for first year Hospitality students Ashish Malik and Nisha Patel.
“Whenever we think about Canada, Niagara Falls is the first to come to mind,” said Malik who hails from northern India. “I am the first in my family to come to Canada. The education system is what brought me here to Niagara College… Orientation has been very beneficial for us.”
Patel reflects on her journey to beginning her studies. “When I was in India, I began searching for colleges in Canada. Niagara College was on the top for hospitality. The hotels and restaurants are all here in Niagara so it’s a big opportunity for us, and for work placements, too. I think I’m having a better opportunity here at Niagara College than any other college,” said Patel, who is from the Western part of India.”
“Because of Orientation, I’m much more comfortable to speak to my professors and ask questions,” said Malik.
Malik and Patel attribute their preparedness for Niagara College and life in Canada to the Canadian Academic Preparedness Program (CAPP), a free, pre-departure transition program offered by the International Department in India.
“It made us more comfortable and we learned about what to expect in Canada,” said Patel. “I didn’t feel at all nervous to be here.”
