Students are starting to settle into their fall semester and whether you’re new to Mohawk College or a continuing student, enhancing your college experience is important. Here are five ways to do so.
Get involved
It’s easy to forget that there’s more to college than books, homework and assignments. Getting involved in clubs and extra-curricular activities can benefit your college experience. The Mohawk Students Association (MSA) plays an important role in students’ experience on campus.
Through the MSA students can participate in the Clubs and Committees Program. This program allows students to meet new people and interact with students who share similar interests. Clubs and Communities Specialist Hibo Ahmed says joining a club is one of the best ways to enhance your Mohawk College Experience.
“Joining a club is easy, simply contact the club and committee president listed on our directory,” said Ahmed. “We suggest that students express their interest in joining and how they would like to get involved. The president will then follow up with the next steps to start. Students can submit a club application form for any topic such as anime club, dance club, Middle Eastern club and more.”
Students can access the Clubs and Committees form at Clubs & Communities | Mohawk Students’ Association.
Make navigation easier
Not only does the MSA provide opportunities to mingle, but it provides an easy and affordable way to commute to campus. There’s no need to stress about transportation when you have a Presto Card that allows you to bus anywhere in Hamilton for free. Students are eligible to receive a bus pass from the Presto Card stand currently located at the Mohawk College News Desk. If school transportation isn’t your issue and you’re finding navigating campus difficult, you can download the Mohawk Safety app to access maps and directions to your location.
First-semester students can also investigate off-campus housing through the First Year Experience Program (FYE) at Student Life. There students can find information on homes near Mohawk.
“Everyone is welcome, and you get sorted into a house based on your program,” said student development coordinator Marita Linde. “There are five different houses. Some include practical nursing, health and community services, and engineering. Whatever your program is, you get sorted into a house and get your own channel on Microsoft Teams. Then you have a leader who’s a student and helps meet with other students in similar programs.”
Make yourself useful
Another way to enhance your college experience is to find your purpose. To achieve this, students can find part-time jobs on campus or volunteer for organizations of interest. The MSA offers a variety of jobs on campus such as food and beverage services and student engagement. Jobs on campus provide flexible schedules that don’t interfere with school. Those looking to volunteer can do so by contacting Mohawk Student Life for information on how to get started. Volunteering can boost your Co-Curricular Record and help with following your career path.
Attend events and activities
Mohawk College is always hosting events for students. Whether that is Goat Yoga or a movie night, students are encouraged to participate in events happening on campus. Events are hosted by different departments including, but not limited to, the MSA, Mohawk Student Life, Social INC, and the Health and Wellness Centre. Each week new activities or events are posted online. Prizes and giveaways are also commonly featured at events. Follow Mohawk College’s social media pages to find out all about the events.
Reach out
One of the most important tips for enhancing your college experience is to reach out in a time of need. Support services are available on campus for students battling mental health issues or struggling with their academics. Mohawk’s counselling services offers in-person and virtual meetings. Students can also reach out to the Learning Support Centre to access the Peer Tutoring Program or learn more about study habits.
To learn more about ways you can enhance your experience at Mohawk College visit Mohawk College.
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