Student Survival Guide

🎉 A Big Welcome to All Our Students! 🎉

Whether you’re stepping into the classroom on campus or engaging in your studies from the comfort of your own home (or even balancing both!), we’re thrilled to have you. The Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) are here to support you every step of the way, with an array of services designed to make your learning experience as smooth and successful as possible.

Quick Reminder: To access some online resources, you’ll need to log in using your College Network Account.


📚 Library Space: Your Study Sanctuary

Need a quiet place to focus or a spot to meet with your study group? The Ottawa campus Library is open 24/7! 🌙 Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, you can access a silent study room or even book a meeting room for group work. Need extra space? More meeting rooms are available on the 2nd floor of C Building. More information can be found on the Library Study Spaces page.


💬 Library Live Chat: Real-Time Help at Your Fingertips

Got a question? We’re just a click away! The Library Live Chat service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you need more in-depth, personalized research assistance, don’t hesitate to book a Research Appointment, available both online and in person.


📖 Borrowing and Returning Books: Easy & Convenient

Need a book? Simply request items online using Page 1+, or pop into the library to pick it up. All you need is your AC card to borrow books. Returning books? Drop them in your campus Library’s drop box.


🌐 Digital Resources at Your Fingertips

Our A-Z Digital Resource Collections are packed with everything you need to succeed: databases, eBooks, journals, videos, and more! You’ll have 24/7 access—just log in with your College Network Account.


🧑‍🏫 Essential Skills Guides: Learn What You Need, When You Need It

From citing sources and avoiding plagiarism to study skills and math tips, the Essential Study Skills Guide has got you covered. Perfect for brushing up on those important skills you’ll need throughout your academic journey.


🤔 FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got a question? Visit our FAQ page for answers to commonly asked queries. We’ve gathered all the info you need to make your experience seamless and stress-free.


Coaching Lab: Free Coaching for Your Success!

At the Coaching Lab, you can get one-on-one help in a variety of subjects like math, writing, study skills, and even ESL! Whether you’re on-campus or learning remotely, coaching is available at no charge. Need coaching at the Pembroke campus? Head over to the Pembroke Campus Student Support Lab for appointments.


🧑‍🏫 Peer Tutoring: Learn from Your Peers

Struggling with a course or concept? Peer tutoring pairs you with trained student tutors who’ve excelled in the course you’re taking. The best part? It’s just $8.00 per hour! You can book tutoring sessions online or on-campus.


📚 Skill-Building Workshops: Sharpen Your Academic Skills

Join our free workshops designed to help you strengthen fundamental skills like research, writing, digital literacy, and study techniques. Whether you’re attending in-person or online, these workshops are a fantastic resource to boost your success.


🔍 Page 1+: The Ultimate Research Tool

Meet Page 1+, our resource search tool! It helps you discover and access a wealth of industry-relevant resources more effectively. A must-have for your research!


🌍 Open Educational Resources (OER): Free Learning Materials

Access free, openly licensed textbooks, images, videos, and more with our Open Educational Resources Guide. This is your go-to for finding cost-free materials that support your studies.


📚 Subject Guides: Tailored for Your Program

New to your program? Or diving into a specific research area? Our Subject Guides are curated resources designed for specific programs and areas of study. They’re perfect for preliminary research and getting started.


🖥 The Learning Portal: Access Shared Resources Across Ontario

The Learning Portal offers shared access to resources from all Ontario Colleges. It’s packed with modules on topics like study skills, writing, research, and career exploration.


Get in Touch!

For more info, stop by the Library or connect with us online. Whether you need help finding resources or just want to chat about your academic journey, we’re here to support you!

🔗 Connect with Us:

Have an amazing first few weeks back at school! Let’s make this semester your best one yet! 🌟

Welcome to College: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started

Hey there, future college superstar! 🎉 Feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as you step into this new chapter? Totally normal! You’ve made it to college, but now you might be wondering, “What’s next?” Don’t worry – we’ve got your back with some super handy tips to help you hit the ground running. Let’s dive into the 7 Steps to Success that will get you cruising through your college journey with ease!

1. Connect with Tech

Welcome to the digital age! To make the most of your time at Algonquin College, you’ll want to get comfortable with some essential online tools. Sign up for a free workshop or visit the Navigating Technology Guide to get the lowdown on Zoom, Brightspace, email, Microsoft 365, and more. It’s like having a tech-savvy buddy guiding you through!

2. Master the Art of Time Management

Procrastination? No thanks! Embrace your inner time wizard by diving into some Time Management modules. These will arm you with nifty techniques to plan your time wisely, tackle assignments early, and develop a routine that works for you!

3. Plan Your Schedule Like a Pro

They say “Failing to plan is planning to fail,” and that’s spot-on. Start by crafting a semester plan and weekly schedule. This way, you’ll keep track of your goals and stay on top of your game. A little planning goes a long way!

4. Take Notes Like a Boss

Struggling to juggle listening, note-taking, and absorbing information? You’re not alone! Even if your classes are online and recorded, effective note-taking is crucial. Check out the Taking Notes in Class module to learn tips and tricks for balancing tasks and creating notes that actually help you study.

5. Read with Purpose

Ever feel like you’re reading but not really absorbing the material? Fear not! The Reading with Purpose module is here to transform you into a reading ninja. Discover strategies to get the most out of your reading and make that knowledge stick.

6. Discover the Treasure Trove of Services

Your college offers a ton of resources to support you. From the Library to the Student Learning Centre (SLC), you can get help with research, citing, study skills, math, presentations, coaching, peer tutoring, and so much more. Check out our Services site to find out how we’ve got your back.

7. Ask Away!

Got questions? Don’t hesitate to ask! Swing by your campus Library or use our online Library Live Chat service. Our friendly staff are always ready to help you out in real time.

Whether you’re navigating campus or rocking online classes, starting your college adventure on the right foot is key. Follow these steps, seek help when needed, and remember: the secret to success is already within you!

Best of luck with your first week – go make it amazing! 🌟📚🎓