Move-in day: students welcomed to their home away from home

By Justin Waldrop Posted: August 30, 2019 3:30 p.m.

A group of first-year students from Fort Qu'Appelle are living together in College West Residence. As they move in today, they, along with their parents, feel welcomed by the U of R community. l-r: Matthew Geis, Kale Mattern, Terri Mattern, and Paige Dahlman. Photos: University Advancement and Communications

Today is move-in day on the University of Regina campus; energy is high and emotions abound as hundreds of new and returning students move into residences. About 150 faculty, staff, and volunteers are on hand greeting students and helping them move in to their new home away from home. It's all about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where students know they belong.

"From personal experience, I know how important it is for new students to experience a welcoming and inclusive environment right from day one," explains Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor. "Our job as a University community is to set the stage for student success from the moment a student decides to call the U of R home."

By welcome week, the numbers on campus swell to more than 19,000 faculty, staff, and students making the University of Regina the fifth largest "city" in Saskatchewan.

Students have a wide variety of options for  on-campus living: Luther College, Kīšik Towers, Paskwāw and Wakpá Towers, College West, La Cité Residence, and Colourful Campus House, a housing option for 2SLGBTQ+ students.

College West resident and first-year engineering student Kale Mattern, from Fort Qu'Appelle, says, "I received a warm welcome and everyone has been quite helpful." Mattern's mom, Terri, shares, "As a parent of a first-time university student, I have been nervous, but I found the University community very welcoming." She is grateful that the students form a community in residence that can support each other and appreciates the variety of resources the residence offers.

"My resident advisor made me feel welcome and I found the move-in process quick and organized, alleviating my move-in jitters," explains roommate and first-year psychology major Paige Dahlman, also from Fort Qu'Appelle.

"We create an environment that will jumpstart great friendships and create a supportive network of peers," shares Ben Gamble, Manager, Residence Life. "Connected students are successful students."

In addition, the University offers Living-Learning Communities (LLCs). Students can choose from nine different LLCs, including: Arts, Hill Business, Education, Engineering, Health & Wellness, Neekaneewak, Le Quartier Francophone, Global Citizen, and Pre-Professional. The LLCs give students with similar interests, values, and academic programs the option to live in communities. A variety of activities and events are on offer year `round to promote social and personal development, support academic success, build career experience, and encourage wellness.

As students living in residence come from communities in and near Regina, across North America, and from 46 countries around the globe, the U of R experience offers all students a taste of the world.

Hannah Evans, Residence Life Coordinator, says she loves the U of R community that she calls home. "Housing acts as a facilitator, connecting students to extracurricular activities, academic learning communities, social activities, and employment opportunities. Housing is a unique experience of campus life that cannot be duplicated."

On Saturday morning, University alumni will be on hand to assist with breakfast, serving up a side of conversation that will be sure to include tips on how to adjust to residence life, the importance of cheering on the Cougars and Rams, and how to focus on studies, as well as friendships.

"The rest of campus makes an incredible contribution to move-in weekend, welcoming students, and creating a welcoming community," observes Ben Slowski, Manager, Housing Services. "Faculty, staff, students, and alumni come together to create a diverse and welcoming extended family."

A variety of orientation sessions will take place on Tuesday, September 3 with classes beginning Wednesday, September 4. On September 6, the University community will be out in full force to cheer on the University of Regina Rams against the University of Alberta Golden Bears at Mosaic Stadium.

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