The AC bucket list for first year students
You’ve accepted your offer and now you’re waiting for the fall to come so you can take the next leap towards your future – congrats! This is a huge deal, and while you may not know it yet, your life is about to change.
Despite the worries that you may have about the studying, assignments and exams, there are tons of experiences that are worth looking forward to.
Here’s a list of activities that you should take advantage of once you join us on Campus:
1. Take part in AC Day 1
The first thing to check off your bucket list is AC Day 1. The event is for incoming full-time, first year Fall students, and as the name entails, this is your first day of school. Don’t miss out on one of our biggest days of the year where the campuses comes alive with tons of fun activities, free entertainment, games and more.
2. Compete in Open Mic, Trivia Night or Dirty Bingo at the Observatory
The Observatory (or as most call it – “the Ob”) is the go-to place on the Ottawa Campus for a fun night out where you can enjoy excellent house-made food and drinks on a student budget. During the school year, they regularly put on events including Open Mic, Pub Trivia Night, and the ever-popular Dirty Bingo (what’s better than Drag Queens and fun prizes?)
3. Cheer on the Algonquin Thunder at one of several varsity games
Our men’s and women’s varsity teams compete province-wide in a variety of sports, including basketball, rugby, soccer, cricket, volleyball and even loggersports at our Pembroke campus. Whatever your jam is, come out and show support for your team at one of their many matches at our Woodroffe campus!
4. Give back and branch out by volunteering
Not only does volunteering help you meet new people, cultivate leadership skills and provide you with a meaningful experience, it’s also looks great on your resume! Our Volunteer Centre in the AC Hub is constantly updating their database with fun, local opportunities like Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and larger, global projects in places like Kenya and Guatemala. Eligible activities can also be applied to your Co-Curricular Record to recognize the work you’ve done and increase your employment opportunities.
5. Get pampered at the Salon, Spa and Boutique
One of the perks of having Esthetician and Hairstyling programs at Algonquin College is that you get to take advantage of deals like $15 for an express mani-pedi, $20 women’s haircut and blow-dry, and $10 men’s cuts. The Salon, Spa and Boutique is open to everyone and is operated by senior students alongside industry certified instructors.
6. Join an intramural team
Intramural sports are the perfect way to keep off that freshman 15 and meet a bunch of new people. Our Ottawa and Pembroke campuses offers a wide variety of leagues, tournaments and off-campus activities throughout the academic year. Registration starts in September so keep your eyes peeled for sign-ups!
Algonquin Perth Campus students can enjoy free yoga, ice hockey, basketball and swimming available at local facilities.
7. Treat yourself at Restaurant International
Guys’ night, girls’ night, date night, solo night – whatever the occasion, consider spending it at Restaurant International at Ottawa Campus. Chow down on a delicious three course meal for less than $25, provided by students and faculty from our School of Hospitality and Tourism.
8. Enjoy a show at the Algonquin Commons Theatre
Instead of scrolling through Netflix for hours trying to decide what to watch, head over to the ACT. Open to the entire community, the Algonquin Commons Theatre is home to our beautiful 700+ seat auditorium that hosts a variety of events including comedy shows, popular Broadway performances, live concerts, celebrity meet & greets, free movie nights and more.
9. Join one of over 100 clubs and communities – or make your own!
Whether you’re into dance, e-sports, coding, we’ve got a club or community for just about every interest. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make fast friends. And if by some off-chance that you don’t find one that you like, you can start your own!
