Ava Wall (they/them) is a first-year biology student and student content creator. They are an avid writer, photographer, and artist, and you can usually find them getting involved with campus events and activities or studying at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre.

Time flies during your first year at Acadia, and I’ve just finished mine. If I could turn back time to talk to myself last August, I would have a few things to say about how to maximize learning, health, and fun in the first steps of post-secondary life…

1) Now is the time to step outside of your comfort zone!

University is the perfect time to explore new interests, creative pursuits, or learning opportunities. No matter what it is, there will be something for you here; maybe it’s making stickers for the Wolfville Farmers Market, getting involved with your department’s societies, performing in a play, working a campus job, or taking a class on a topic you’ve always found interesting but never had the chance to explore. Your first year is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of everything at your disposal and find your flow. Who knows, you might wind up on a path you never expected to!

2) It’s okay to ask for help, and not just with schoolwork

Everyone gets stuck sometimes, whether it’s with coursework, friends, family, or your mental and physical health. There’s academic advising and peer tutor support for every program, and it’s good to get a head start on things if you’re feeling unsure about a topic. That way, when it comes to exam season, you’ll already have core ideas from a class under your belt. When it comes to your health, the Counselling Centre, Student Health Centre, and Sexual Health Resource Centre are there for you, as well as programming from various clubs and groups like the Acadia Mental Health Initiative. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it - these resources are here for you.

3) Check your email (like, every day)

Up until now, it may not have been part of your daily routine to open Outlook before Instagram, but you never know what might be popping into your Acadia email inbox. Not only do instructors send updates on coursework, but you’ll also be receiving info on events, pop-up breakfast bars, job opportunities, and tips and tricks for making your life at university the best it can be. And bonus - you’ll get notifications for due dates in your courses, meaning you can always be one step ahead of the game.

4) Take electives that interest you

Classes don’t have to be related to your major to be fulfilling. You might discover a passion for philosophy as a kinesiology student, or an interest in biology as a music major. Fill your elective slots with a wide variety of things to learn, and you’ll never be bored. Remember, this is a time for exploration. Sometimes, that can also mean trying something and realizing it’s not for you. And that’s okay!

5) Office hours are pretty great

It can be intimidating to talk to your professors one-on-one, but office hours are a perfect place to receive the help you need, as well as build connections in your field. I was nervous to attend office hours in my first term, but when I eventually did, I found connecting with my profs was rewarding not only academically but also in that it provided me with a personal connection. Who better to ask for help and guidance from than the professionals?

6) Pack a snack and ALWAYS carry water

If there’s one question I hear in every study group, lecture, and library lock-in, it’s, “does anyone have water?” My Acadia-branded half-litre Nalgene comes in handy for keeping me hydrated, an important step in any study sesh, 8:30 a.m. lecture, or when you’re hitting the Acadia Athletics Complex after class. Water and a quick snack are the perfect brain-break when you feel burnt out from homework and pumps up the energy you’ll need to finish the day.

7) Waking up early is your friend (sorry)

Having morning classes can be rough, but I also find them a great opportunity to establish a healthy routine. Getting in the zone early means you can lock in to study during the day and make time for relaxation, hanging out, and self-care in the evening. When exam time comes along, you might need an early start to reallyunderstand those essay topics, and you’ll already be accustomed to waking up and getting it done. Besides, taking advantage of your circadian rhythm - your body’s natural sleep/wake cycle - can make your study time even more effective by maximizing the times you’re most alert.

8) Take the time to explore Wolfville

One of my favourite things about Acadia is its location; the school sits right on Main Street in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, a few blocks away from the Al Whittle Theatre and the Wolfville Farmers’ Market, and just down the road from a plethora of farm stands, coffee houses, pubs, and shops. Wolfville is rich in the arts: catch a drag show at the Axe Bar and Grill, an orchestral arrangement at Festival Theatre, or a seaside jam or parade during the annual Deep Roots Music Festival. There’s also beautiful beaches and views in nearby communities, such as the scenic Lookoff pictured at the top of the page. Part of the charm of a small town is its community and getting out there and participating in events or even just hanging out at your favourite coffee shop contributes to the warm, welcoming environment.

9) Get some fresh air!

Another bonus of Acadia’s location are the gorgeous walking trails in the area. The Woodland Trails take you through the unique Wapane’kati/Acadian Forest, a realm halfway between boreal and hardwood. Trails on the Acadian Dykes lead you down a winding path to the water; here, the Minas Basin has the highest tides in the world, so it’s a different view every hour. When you need some fresh salty air after a long day or are looking for a scenic running spot, the trails are there. Check out our Instagram for trail walks with some of our student content creators!