A Guide for First Years
Fellow Marianopolis first years, congratulations on graduating high school and welcome to Cégep! As you probably know, transitioning into a new environment can be difficult and confusing.
For that very reason, the Marianopolis News Blitz team has worked together to build you this guide. From academics to the cafeteria, this will teach you everything you need to know to ensure a smoother college transition. Happy reading, and we wish you all the best in your first semesters at Marianopolis.
-Your Marianopolis News Blitz execs
First weeks
The first few weeks of class are always full of excitement and random events. These are the weeks to socialize and get to know the school before the course load piles up! Besides that, there are a few crucial things every student should be aware of and try to clear before this period ends.
Student ID
As you may have heard on Orientation Day, your student ID is crucial for your journey at Marianopolis. For the coming years, you must present it at every final examination, otherwise, you might be denied access to the test, so try to keep it near you at all times.
Students typically get their ID printed on Orientation Day, if for any reason you couldn’t show up, or you end up losing it, remember to MIO Josie Cavaliere for a replacement as soon as possible.
Keep in mind, your student ID can also come in handy when trying to get student-priced tickets at many events!
Transportation
Students at Marianopolis are scattered all over the province, so figuring out the optimal way for you to get to school is an essential step to a smooth journey here.
If you are taking public transport, it is important to register for a student OPUS card before the semester starts. This can significantly reduce the cost of transportation. Directions on how to do so can be found on Omnivox.
A shuttle is also available year-round for students to get from the Vendôme metro station directly to school. The schedule should be posted physically and online at the start of the semester.
If you decide to drive to school and live 30km away or more, congratulations, you are eligible for parking! Student permits are 550$ a year and 275$ a semester. You can find the application link here:
Keep in mind that the deadline to apply is August 25th!
Wayne’s World
As the school campus store and information centre, Wayne’s is the perfect spot to get guidance, information on school-wide events, and any supplies that you may need.
For anyone taking math-related courses, the school’s designated calculator can be bought here, and so can the lock for your lockers (see “The Hub” for more information on locker registration). Wayne’s also sells merchandise, lab coats, and goggles, hair ties, select snacks and so much more! If you need a quick fix, most sold items can also be borrowed.
Wayne and his team can also guide you around the school if you ever struggle to find a classroom location, don’t be afraid to ask! He is located in A-101, facing the cafeteria.
To learn more about Wayne’s, you can watch our interview with Wayne on our Instagram!
Lockers
Due to the limited space, lockers at Marianopolis are typically shared by three students. You can register for a locker on The Hub with your locker buddies’ student numbers. If you can’t find anyone, you can simply register alone and you might be matched with other strangers.
This year’s registration starts on Friday August 18th at 10:00 AM.
Remember, the locks for your lockers MUST be purchased at Wayne’s World!
The Hub
https://thehub.marianopolis.edu/guest.php
The Marianopolis Student Hub can be accessed through the link above or through the school website.
Your username is your student ID and your default password is your permanent code with a “#” at the end (the login information is the same for those who are trying to connect to StuStu Wi-Fi). You can always change your password later!
This is where you get to sign up for lockers and look for empty classrooms! If you’re ever looking for a place to eat, work or hang out inside the school, empty classrooms can be a great choice!
School Areas
The Library
Once school starts, students will obviously need a spot to work. The library is the go-to spot for many. Students can also borrow books and files needed for various classes, just make sure to ask the librarian for the specific return time. You can consult their catalogue in the link below!
Students should be aware that no food or drinks (except water) are allowed in the library, if you want to snack, study rooms and empty classrooms are at your disposal!
The librarians are also there to answer any questions regarding formatting requirements for different classes, the IPESA, and other academic-related questions. Students can ask their questions there or chat live using LibAnswers (also accessible via the link). They are also accessible via email at librarians@marianopolis.edu.
A space in the basement is currently being renovated and should become an extension of the library once it is finished. Stay tuned for more details!
Study Rooms
Study rooms are designated study spots all over the school. You can find one or more on almost any floor! They are usually less quiet than the library, perfect for teamwork and working with friends.
You can go to Wayne’s World for specific room locations or ask around. Happy studying!
Tech Support and Computer Labs
The technical support group has an area on the second floor where students can lend equipment such as cameras and microphones by presenting their student ID. It comes in handy for projects and can even be for personal use.
Printers are located all over the school (mainly outside the library), you can print from your own device or the school computers. Just make sure you have enough print credits! You can recharge your credits on the Student Hub or in front of the library if you’re using cash.
Upon enrollment, students are also provided with a Microsoft 365 account and access to the full package. You can learn more about your login information on LibAnswers, or you can ask the librarians directly.
There are also computers with software such as Adobe Premiere. Students can access these computers at the computer labs or at the library. The specific location of the computer labs can be found on the Student Hub.
The Cafeteria
Planning and making lunches can be tough, and that’s where the cafeteria comes in handy. Students can find a variety of meal options ranging from burgers to sushi. Students can also procure snacks and bottled drinks at the cafeteria, and the abundance of lunch tables makes it a perfect place to eat with friends.
The Café
The Café is situated right at one of the basement entrances. You can find a wide variety of pastries and snacks, and of course, coffee. Other types of beverages are also served, so drop by and check it out!
Breaks
Schedules can get a bit hectic, everyone gets a few gaps in their schedules every now and then. This section serves as a breakdown of how to spend those.
Catch up on work
The best advice most teachers will give you is “Don’t procrastinate”. Work tends to pile up quite fast, so be sure to dedicate some of that free time to clearing things off your to-do list. It’ll save you a lot of stress and cramming. Trust us.
Westmount Public Library
You might have seen this one on a blog. This beautiful piece of architecture is situated within 20 minutes of walking from the school. It contains a greenhouse, sunlit study spaces, and an abundance of sitting areas.
Marianopolis students can get a free library card here and access their vast collection of books, magazines, audio files, etc.
You can choose to admire the lovely neighbourhood view on your walk there or even take the bus. There are a few really cute cafés and bakeries on Sherbrooke Street, so don’t forget to check them out while you’re at it!
AP (Activity Period)
Upon receiving your schedule, you might’ve noticed a time slot for “Activity Period”. These are designated time slots on Tuesdays and Thursdays where no classes are administered and students get to participate in extracurriculars of their choice. You can choose to attend a club meeting, go to a seminar, get some work done, or simply catch up with friends.
The school tends to get pretty crammed during those, so if you hate crowds, plan accordingly!
Academic section
Academic rigor is definitely something most incoming students are going to have to get used to. The pace tends to speed up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it through the year with a smile!
Professors and Office Hours
Office hours are times when students can drop by teachers’ offices and ask their questions and go over the material.
It’s important to try and attend them. Lots of people don’t (even students who get high grades). Nevertheless, office hours remain an amazing way for you to review the material regularly and get prepared for exams: teachers sometimes explain concepts that are more complicated than they seem. You’re going to be much less surprised on exam day if you go. Another thing: if you have very lengthy questions, it’s better to go to office hours than to send your teacher a gigantic MIO. They probably won’t be happy about that.
Academic Advising
The school has academic counsellors that deal with schedule changes, course drops and give you advice on many topics ranging from your course progression to university applications. To schedule an appointment, simply go to Omnivox. There’s a specific section for appointments.
Course Outlines
At the beginning of each semester, your professors will post the course outline in your Omnivox document section. Make sure to check it out! It contains all the information you need to know about the class, including exam dates, each assignment’s worth, the course’s objective, the topics evaluated, and much more.
Before asking your professors about questions regarding the course, it’s important to read it to avoid repeating information! Furthermore, it serves as the perfect study guide during exam season!
Socializing
Make at least one friend in each class (not simply to get their class notes…). This can allow you to meet new people and have someone to talk to during your lunch so you don’t get bored or feel lonely. Yes, compared to other Cégeps, Marianopolis is a small school. However, schedules sometimes don’t match and most people you already know might be busy, so making new friends is always a good idea.
Workload
The average workload is pretty high. Depending on your program, you might have to do a lot of exercises, a lot of reading, or both. Never wait until the last minute. Most of the time, the exam won’t be “common sense” or “just logic.” Our suggestion is to review the material daily for a short amount of time and then review your mistakes to understand them. If studying/working for a long time works for you, that’s great, but chances are you’ll be unable to keep up this rhythm for four months.
Plan strategically
Put more energy into classes that weigh more. Yes, of course, you should take all your classes seriously. However, the workload can get massive, so prioritize courses that will impact you more on an academic level.
Survival Tips
Rest
Get enough sleep. This can be difficult to achieve if you have a lot of work to do or if your schedule is a mess and you live far. The only tip that we have is to avoid using your phone or computer late at night because it’ll be much harder for you to fall asleep after. If you get back home from school in the evening, complete your schoolwork before using electronic devices for entertainment.
Ask for Help
There will most likely be times during the year when you find yourself struggling with school, but that doesn’t mean you have to face it alone. Talk to your teachers and academic advisors about what can be done to better the situation. The school offers many resources, including workshops that help you plan out your deadlines and exams to help you get back on track.
If it’s emotional support you need, you can turn to a close one, turn to a friend. You can even schedule an appointment with our school psychologists. They can be contacted through Josie Cavaliere.
Invest in Mental Health
Find a hobby (not simply for your McGill med CV…). Being passionate or simply happy about something can distract you from academic stress and even help you get rid of it… Sometimes. You can join some clubs to find a hobby that seems interesting to you. If your hobby becomes a source of stress, it’s honestly better to just give it up. You’ll find eventually something else that brings you relaxation.
Don’t Overthink It
Don’t discuss answers with others after exams. You’ll end up ruminating for hours over what you wrote. The best advice is to just go home if you don’t have any other classes after. Maybe you’re the one who was right all along. Who knows…
Clear Your Mind, and Your Surroundings
Though it might be tempting to some, try not to surround yourself with people who primarily talk about classes, R scores, extracurriculars, internships, or other academic activities. You’ll feel drained after a while, so try to meet people who help you get rid of school-related stress.
Clubs and extracurriculars
Clubs
With over 100 active clubs at school, there’s certainly something for everyone. Many clubs are also low commitment, so if even you aren’t typically active in student life, consider implicating yourself in a club or two. You can find the full list of clubs in the link below. You can join these on Join a Club Day. You can also create a club if you want to.
Sports
You won’t be surprised to find that we also have many sports teams! Students can sign up for tryouts via their message section on Omnivox for their sport of interest. You can see the full list of teams here:
Afterword
Congratulations! You are now fully equipped to take on this new part of your life. If you have any more concerns, don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone around you. Omnivox also has a student guide section that deals with technical issues you might encounter here, so don’t forget to check that out too!
Best of luck to all of you!
