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201.1 | SEPTEMBER 2026

THEONTARION.COM

WHAT IS THE ONTARION? INDEPENDENT

WELCOMING

We work for you, not the university. You can rely on us to cover stories that matter to students.

A place where you can get real experience! No matter what you study, The Ontarion has a place for you.

SURPRISES Whether it’s contests, special events, or unique writing, you’ll quickly find The Ontarion is not “just news.”

WHY GET YOUR CAMPUS NEWS FROM THE ONTARION?

SOCIAL MEDIA

You don’t know who wrote it or why

THE ONTARION

Our content is written by real, named contributors

AI-generated junk is everywhere

We only publish work by real writers, photographers, and artists — no generative AI

No rules about fixing errors

If we make a mistake, we correct it publicly and clearly

Fake news spreads easily Your feed is shaped by algorithms Has amazing memes

We carefully fact-check everything we publish We don’t chase clicks — we care about the truth Well, 5 out of 6 ain’t bad!

To learn more about The Ontarion, check out: theontarion.com/about

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WELCOME LETTERS 3 & 4.

Welcome letters

CAMPUS 101 5.

Library 101

Indigenous student services 101

Campus wildlife 101

LGBTQ+ services 101

Campus card 101: the perks of being a U of G student Campus safety 101

ADULTING 101 10.

Grocery shopping and cooking 101

11.

Time management 101 Discounts and benefits 101

12.

Working out 101

13.

Laundry 101 Homesickness 101

14.

Student finances 101

15.

Safer sex 101

16.

AI 101 Dear Gryphons,

COMMUNITY 101 17.

Exploring Guelph 101

18 & 19. Campus map 20.

Networking 101

21.

Campus study spots 101

22.

Making the most of O-Week

23.

Sobriety 101 Making friends 101

24.

Painting the cannon 101

FUN 101 26.

Because we asked...

27.

101 things to do before you graduate

28.

Back to school bunnies

29.

Flowchart: What club should you join?

31.

September to-do list

33.

Meet The Ontarion

34.

Puzzle page

On behalf of The Ontarion, I’d like to welcome you to campus for the 2026-2027 academic year. Guelph 101 is our annual back-to-school issue where we cover the most important things you need to know as an incoming or returning student. In this issue, you can find information about library services, the best places to study, how to access your student benefits and much more. We hope that you find this paper helpful as you navigate university life! Students at U of G have been reading and writing for The Ontarion since 1951. The Ontarion has changed as much as the media has changed in the last 75 years. We’re always looking for new ways to engage students with the news as it evolves and faces new challenges, such as social media and artificial intelligence. The Ontarion prints nine issues each academic year, with one issue for each month of the academic year and a summer issue that goes to print at the end of April. Each issue includes sections for news, arts and culture, sports and health, and opinions. We have a few themed issues, where we include festive stories depending on the time of year; each January, we print the Arts Issue, where we focus on all forms of art across campus. As much as we’re a campus newspaper, The Ontarion is also a resource for students interested in journalism to learn more about the craft. We’ve implemented volunteer meetings over the last year that teach students about news reporting and writing. We cover everything from the Canadian Press, to interview skills, to the Opinion Workshop, where students learn to write opinion pieces. If you’re interested in writing, journalism, or getting involved in another way with The Ontarion, please reach out to me at editor@theontarion.com. We’re always onboarding new volunteers to join the team, and you don’t need to have any experience to write with us (but if you do, that’s great too). Something that I love about journalism is that every story is different—whether it be the angle, the interview, or the topic. I hope that as you read our paper this year, you feel inspired and excited about what’s happening on campus. Wishing you the best year ahead,

COVER PHOTO: RACHEL FIORET

Rachel Fioret Editor-in-Chief

WELCOME LETTERS

Welcome to the University of Guelph To all new and returning students, welcome. I'm glad you're here. The beginning of a new academic year is always an exciting time. For some of you, this is your first time calling the University of Guelph home. For others, you're returning to familiar faces, places, and routines. Wherever you are in your journey, I hope this year brings new opportunities to learn, build friendships, challenge yourself, and create experiences you'll remember long after graduation. Your time at U of G will be shaped by much more than what happens in the classroom. You'll learn from professors who are passionate about teaching and invested in your success. You'll also have opportunities to put your learning into practice through co-op placements, undergraduate research, student

clubs, athletics, leadership opportunities, and volunteering. University is about discovering new interests, developing new skills, and finding the path that's right for you. Along the way, there may be times when you need support. That's a normal part of the university experience, and you don't have to navigate those moments alone. Whether you're looking for academic advising, mental health services, wellness programming, financial help, or career planning, there are people ready to help. Many of these services are offered by our teams in Student Experience, Student Wellness and Student Financial Services. If you're new to U of G, I encourage you to explore StartUofG. It's a great place to find important dates, Orientation events, and information to help you settle into university life. It's also a great starting point for discov-

ering the many ways to get involved, meet new people, and become part of our campus community. Your university experience will also extend beyond campus. The City of Guelph is an important part of student life, with parks and trails, local restaurants and cafes, live music, festivals, and a welcoming community. Whether you're working, volunteering, or simply finding a favourite place to study, I hope you'll take the opportunity to make the city feel like home. Thank you for choosing the University of Guelph and for being part of our community. I look forward to seeing you on campus and wish you every success in the year ahead. Rene Van Acker President and Vice-Chancellor

outside the classroom. The Student Affairs team is dedicated to helping you thrive with resources, spaces, and opportunities designed to help you learn, grow, connect, and feel at home.

Welcome to the 2026–2027 Academic Year, Gryphons! Whether you're arriving on campus for the first time or returning for another exciting year, I am so glad to have you as part of our On behalf of the City of Guelph and all of our residents, it is my pleasure to welcome both our new and returning University of Guelph students for the upcoming academic year. The incredible energy and diversity you bring to our community every fall is unmatched. For those arriving for the first time, welcome to your new home away from home. For those returning, welcome back! I hope you fall in love with Guelph’s unique charm during your time here and perhaps even choose to build your future here after

U of G community. As Vice-Provost (Student Affairs), I want you to know that from Orientation Week to Graduation, campus has services and programs to support you, both inside and graduation. Remember, while you are here, you enjoy the best of both worlds: you are proudly a Gryphon, and you are also an essential part of the Guelph community. When it’s time to step away from the textbooks, I encourage you to discover everything our city has to offer. We have an incredible network of parks and trails, a bustling historic downtown, a thriving arts scene, and great recreation. To help you get settled, our city website at guelph.ca is an excellent resource for

THE ONTARION

Are you looking to meet new people or get involved? I recommend visiting GryphLife. ca. This is your go-to spot for student clubs, campus events, and leadership opportunities. Whether you want to join an intramural team, attend a wellness workshop, cheer on our varsity Gryphons, or explore student government and advocacy, there’s something for everyone. I hope that your university experience is everything you’ve wished for, and more. But if things ever feel difficult or overwhelming, please remember that you’re not alone. Whether you need academic Guelph Transit schedules, trail maps, and local events. You can also drop by City Hall to visit our tourism information centre for local guides. Of course, you can also always reach out to me directly at mayor@guelph. ca. We are thrilled to have you here. Have a fun, safe, and successful school year! Sincerely, Cam Guthrie Mayor

support, personal guidance, or just someone to talk to, help is always nearby. Reach out to your Academic Advisor, explore the Library’s Learning Commons, or connect with Student Wellness for medical care, counselling, or accessibility services. You can learn more about the different support services available to students at uoguelph. ca/studentaffairs. If you’re ever unsure where to turn, don’t hesitate to email Student Affairs at studentaffairs@uoguelph.ca. Wishing you a successful, joyful and inspiring year ahead! Warmly, Melinda Scott Vice-Provost (Student Affairs)

THEONTARION.COM

CAMPUS 101 8 | LGBTQ+

6 | INDIGENOUS

9 | CAMPUS SAFETY

Library 101 A beginner’s guide to the McLaughlin Library ASHLEY MAROZSAN

ho needs looksmaxxing when you could be learnmaxxing this semester? Take advantage of the support provided by the University of Guelph’s homebase for academic improvement, the McLaughlin Library. The library provides resources, books and a quiet place to study. Here are some of the library’s most useful services and how to utilize them. Omni Omni is a digital database containing a wide range of academic papers, articles and other materials useful for research or even a bit of light reading. To access Omni, simply use the library website, click the "Find" dropdown menu and navigate to the "Journal Articles & Databases" tab. Using the search bar, type in keywords related to your topic and use the menu on the left to narrow down the results by resource type and publication date. Supported Learning Groups (SLGs) SLGs are group study sessions typically run by upper-year students. SLGs are usually offered a few times a week for popular courses, such as CHEM 1040 and 1050, and are offered in-person or virtually. SLGs offer students a simple way to connect with peers or mentors to answer common questions and seek guidance on course material or study tips. SLGs do not require any commitment—they are casual and available to drop-in without booking a spot. Use SLGs to your advantage and review course content, or use them as an opportunity to have a group study with your classmates. SLG calendars are available on the library website as well as on CourseLink for applicable courses, in most cases. Writing assistance If you are looking for feed-

back on your writing, book a writing appointment with a peer or staff member through the library website. These services are available for any stage of the writing process and can provide you with advice on structure and clarity, or offer writing strategies. Writing appointments are available both online and in-person. Assistance is also available for working with data, study and time management skills, presentation skills, publishing and special archives. For more information, use the “Book an Appointment” quick link on the library website. Course reserves Many instructors will reserve course material for students through the library, which are then available for everyone enrolled in that course. Physical items on reserve are stored on a shelf to the left of the main desk near the library entrance, and digital items are available through Ares, which can be accessed via the library website. Typically, physical course materials can be borrowed for four hours, although there are also 24and 48-hour options. Course reserve items are self-serve and on a first come, first serve basis. Items can be checked out from the selfserve machine and returned to the shelf when finished.

The McLaughlin Library is a hub for all things research and reading! Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

References and citations The bane of students' existence! The library website has an entire page dedicated to resources for citing your sources properly and avoiding accidental plagiarism. Use one of many guides, videos or templates available to properly credit your sources. Study spaces The library offers a plethora of different study spaces to suit your study needs. Throughout the library, there are drop-in seats available on every floor, from armchairs to study carrels. These are

great options for individual activities, whether you are reading or locking in on your next assignment. For more social options, visit the main or fourth floor. The latter is equipped with couches and booths perfect for group work. The third-floor science commons is perfect for collaborative work with fellow science-minded students, providing access to a whiteboard for equations and problem solving. For more private dealings, individual or group study rooms are available to book via the library website up to two days in advance for a maximum of four hours. Computer labs are available for use, with

computers being accessible using your U of G login credentials. Archives and special collections Guelph houses eight special collections of books and rare artifacts, including one of the largest cookbook collections in the world, one of the largest Scottish studies collections in the world, and a Lucy Maud Montgomery collection. To access some of these materials, you must first book an appointment to visit the archival reading room and request items through the library website.

Just for fun All work and no play makes Gryph a dull student! Unwind with the help of McLaughlin Library by utilizing some services for leisure. The library contains a GryphReads collection, home to a selection of books and video games available to check out. The Guelph video collection grants access to many video streaming services, from academic documentaries to feature Hollywood films. Take advantage of every resource available to you and make this the best semester yet. Happy studying, Gryphons!

GUELPH 101 | CAMPUS 101

THE ONTARION

Indigenous student services 101 From academic support to social events, here’s what you need to know about the Indigenous Student Centre EMMERSON JULL

he Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) is described as the “home-away-from-home” for all First Nations, Inuit and Métis students at the University of Guelph. It’s where Indigenous students can find academic support and intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical development, all within a culturally supportive environment. The ISC team runs START Indigenous programming before Orientation Week to help ease first year students’ transition into university life. This year’s program is already under way—but there are many opportunities to get involved with the ISC throughout the fall and winter semesters. A dedicated Indigenous Stu-

dent Advisor offers ongoing support to help First Nations, Inuit and Métis students navigate university life. They may connect students to other campus resources and discuss topics including housing, employment, academics and tutoring. Similarly, the Wiisookodaadiwag Peer Mentorship program connects upper-year undergraduate students with students in their first and second years. Mentors connect with mentees regularly to offer guidance and support. Students may also connect with a variety of visiting Elders and Knowledge Holders in oneon-one or group settings. These individuals are respected commu-

The ISC is located at 620 Gordon St. THE ONTARION

nity leaders, teachers and caregivers with rich life experiences and wisdom to share with students. The ISC hosts events regularly during the fall and winter semesters. Some, like craft workshops and socials, are opportunities for students to have fun and de-stress. Others are tailored towards learning and development,

like skill-building workshops or guided walking tours in the Arboretum. Some of the ISC’s events are open to all students — all upcoming events and their details can be found on GryphLife. In March, look forward to Indigenous Recognition Week, a campus initiative that celebrates First Nations, Inuit and Métis

OPIRG Guelph works to bring about greater environmental and social justice through research, education and activism. JOIN A GROUP * ATTEND AN EVENT OR TRAINING MEET GREAT PEOPLE * VISIT OUR LIBRARY GET INSPIRED TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE!

Our office is located on campus at 24 Trent Lane, beside Maid's Hall (check our social media for office hours and accessibility)

opirgguelph.org

guelphopirg

@opirg_guelph

opirg_guelph

cultures. Events showcasing Indigenous art, music, food and tradition promote learning and engagement among the campus community. First Nations, Inuit and Métis students are invited to meet the ISC team during O-Week and stay connected throughout their journey at U of G.

ISSUE 201 .1 | CAMPUS 101

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Campus wildlife 101 When campus life gets too busy, stop and listen to the birds ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY ADITYA PARAMESWARAN

etween campus greenspaces and The Arboretum, the University of Guelph is positively teeming with life. Branion Plaza

Despite being constantly filled with students, many animals have made their home in Branion Plaza. From the spirited squirrels who love eating students’ leftovers, to the small birds who flit about the vegetation beside Zavitz Hall, there’s lots of life to look for. Years of being fed by students have made the squirrels extremely comfortable around humans. Many of them will root through trash to find leftovers, and some are brazen enough to approach people. The most recognizable of the crew is Bjorn, distinguishable by his torn ear and notable weight. For students interested in animal watching, the squirrels are a good place to start—they have quite a bit of personality packed into their tiny frames. For a nature-watching challenge, look for the birds around campus, from black capped chickadees, to ravens, to the red-tailed hawk that stalks the skies during the day. These are much more elusive, with small birds preferring to stay among the shrubbery and the larger birds hanging around roofs and eavestroughs. The red-tailed hawk can be found circling the

skies, occasionally diving down when it spots prey. Campus birdwatching is more challenging than spotting squirrels, but quite rewarding. A pair of binoculars or a camera with a long zoom lens and the eBird app will give you the best odds of spotting something extraordinary. The Arboretum The Arboretum is where wildlife gets hopping on campus. With large green spaces, trees and wetlands, several species call The Arboretum home—including small snakes, beavers and many birds. The best places to look are the birdfeeders, trails and ponds. The birds that frequent the birdfeeders are accustomed to being watched and will allow people to get close for a good look or a photograph. On a normal day, you can spot species like the black capped chickadee, red breasted nuthatches and mourning doves. On a nice day, you might find the likes of blue jays and cardinals. The birdfeeders near The Arboretum entrance from the main campus and The Arboretum center are easy to access and give you a place to sit during a long birdwatching session. For more of a challenge, one can explore the paths around The Arboretum. It’s impossible to know what will be there, but that makes

spotting an animal much more rewarding. A particularly enjoyable walk is following the Wild Goose Trail from the entrance closest to campus and following that to the beaver pond. The path is unpredictable and the animals in The Arboretum are more skittish than the ones on campus, but it’s still possible to catch glimpses of everything from chipmunks to snakes and woodpeckers. If you’re lucky, the beaver pod is much livelier—and rumor has it that the pond is newly populated with a family of beavers. Beyond the beavers, you can find bullfrogs, ducks and other species lounging there. Sometimes there are rarer animals, like a green heron feasting on the frogs that call the pond home. For those who aren’t opposed to a little walking, The Arboretum trails can be an extremely rewarding way to find animals you wouldn’t normally see. Beyond that, The Arboretum also hosts a variety of activities, educational programs and walks every Wednesday at noon. If you’re already on campus most of the day, it would be foolish to not give an Arboretum experience a try. It’s easy to live on autopilot when studying, but it would do the student body some good to stop and see the birds, especially when the campus is teeming with life.

GUELPH 101 | CAMPUS 101

THE ONTARION

LGBTQ+ services 101 Navigating on-campus services and online resources SIENNA G. GEISSLER

niversity is an exciting time to meet new people, gain new experiences and learn about yourself. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, university can be an especially freeing time to explore their sexuality and connect with other members of the community. The University of Guelph has a wide array of resources and services available to LGBTQ+ students to ensure their success in a new environment. OUTline is a resource and support service that specializes in answering questions and providing information regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. OUTline provides on-campus resources to help LGBTQ+ students navigate their identity in university. Such resources include the Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisor, who is trained in answering questions, offering guidance and providing support to any student who should seek it. OUTline also extends support through their Online Chat Page

where anyone can connect with trained volunteers in a discreet, confidential and private online environment. Services are open Sundays to Thursdays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the fall and winter semesters. In addition, the University of Guelph grants students the opportunity to change their name and/or gender marker on campus. Such a name change will affect a student’s class lists, transcripts, diploma, tax forms, campus living information and anywhere else their name should appear. Separate forms are available to students who have gone through the legal process of changing their name and gender marker and for those who have not. OUTline hosts frequent on-campus events specifically for LGBTQ+ students including weekly discussions where students can connect with one another both virtually and in person to discuss their lived experience. Other events hosted by OUT-

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& radio media centre Email volunteer@cfru.ca University Centre, Level 2 CFRU.ca @CFRUlive on IG

line include but are not limited to: the Trans and Gender Diverse Students’ Social, the Queer/Trans Black & Racialized Students’ Social, the LGBTQ2IA+ International Students’ Mixer, and the LGBTQ2IA+ Book Club. Upcoming OUTline events can be found on GryphLife. Exploring your sexuality can seem intimidating at first glance, especially under a rising conservative influence in North America. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are so many others around you who are in the same boat. As you have probably heard countless times, sexuality is a spectrum and one’s journey exploring it is personal and lifelong. Especially at this time in your life, you may feel overwhelmed with the pressure to have everything figured out. It is crucial to recognize the amount of time you have to explore and find out who you are. Remember, everyone is on their own journey, so it’s imprac-

The University of Guelph has many resources available for LGBTQ+ students. Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

tical to compare yours to someone else’s. When exploring your sexuality, boundaries are vital. Make sure to always communicate clearly with your partners beforehand. Consent doesn’t change with the gender of a person. Make sure everyone is on the same page. When things are new, they are bound to be a little awkward. Instead of shying away from new experiences altogether, embrace the awkwardness and have fun. Some may find exploring their sexuality more difficult due to past trauma or homophobia from family and friends, religion, school or other sources. Being patient and kind to yourself is perhaps the most necessary part of ex-

ploring your sexuality. There is no race to win when exploring. Don’t feel pressure to label yourself. Your value comes from beyond your identity, and you are deserving of respect and support. LGBTQ+ students may face additional financial barriers that impact their ability to pursue higher education. If you ever find yourself struggling financially, please contact the Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisor and Student Financial Services for financial aid resources. The Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisor can provide a list of scholarships that pertain to LGBTQ+ students. For more information, you can visit uoguelph. ca/studentexperience/lgbtq2ia

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ISSUE 201 .1 | CAMPUS 101

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Campus card 101: the perks of being a U of G student Everything you need to know about your campus card and why it’s so handy SANA GURUNATHAN

our campus card, also known as your student ID, is your primary University of Guelph identification. This card comes with many perks from the moment you register for it, so be sure to learn about all the ways you can use it during your studies. Let’s start at the beginning. When you register for your campus card, you will be asked to submit a clear photo. This goes on the front of the card, along with your name and student ID number. From the day you receive your campus card to the day you graduate, this card will be your friend in navigating around campus and the city. One of the first ways you use your student card might be at a

campus dining hall. Upon acceptance to the university, students have access to a meal plan while living in residence. There are two different accounts included in your meal plan: Basic and Flex dollars. Basic is used for all food purchases in hospitality locations, including the University Centre and Creelman Hall. Flex is used for vending machines, Brass Taps, The Bullring, dining at off-campus restaurants, delivery orders and Red Top Taxi Service. If at any point you are out of meal plan dollars, you are always able to either email the Campus Card Office or visit them in the basement level of the University Center and purchase additional Basic or Flex dollars for the rest of the school year.

Your U of G card is your ID, bus pass, meal plan and gym pass. Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

Another way you might use your card early in the year is by exploring Guelph off-campus by taking the bus. A huge perk included with your campus card is access to Guelph Transit. Every year, the Central Student Association and the Graduate Students Association negotiate a bus pass that offers students unlimited access to Guelph Transit. The goal is to provide new students with easier transportation, whether they're unfamiliar with Guelph and want to explore, or simply need to run errands

like grocery shopping. Upon enrolment, students can tap their card on the HID reader when entering the bus. You will also use your student card during exam season, as you need to bring it into each exam as a point of identification and to show your student number. If at any point during your studies you lose your campus card, it is recommended to immediately report it missing at one of the on-campus dining halls or the Campus Card Office. You can

also get a replacement card simply by visiting the Campus Card Office and applying for a new one. There is, however, a small fee to get a new student card. Overall, your campus card indicates your affiliation with the University of Guelph, providing you with easy access to perks such as Guelph Transit and unlimited meals. Just don’t forget to have it on hand wherever you go! For more information, visit the Campus Card Office website: www.uoguelph.ca/campus-card

Campus safety 101 Your guide to staying safe and alert at U of G PATRICK SUTHERLAND

hough the University of Guelph campus is considered to be very safe, for some students the adjustment to campus life can come with safety concerns. Fortunately, there are many resources available through the Campus Safety Office, including safety and fire prevention, as well as general tips and advice. When you’re on campus, you might see members of the CSO team, including Special Constables, Fire Safety Officers, and the First Response Team, student volunteers who provide emergency first aid on campus. Behind the scenes is the 24/7 dispatcher who will always answer your call, no matter what your reason for calling. SafeGryphon App The SafeGryphon app is your digital gateway to all things campus safety. It’s worth downloading and exploring some of its capabilities. Features like Work Alone, a setting that will check on you periodically during a latenight study session and alert your

emergency contact if you don’t respond, can provide peace of mind. If you are walking on campus after dark, the app can connect you with SafeWalk, a Central Student Association service that provides folks on campus with a trained volunteer escort (be sure to check the SafeWalk website to confirm hours of operation). You can also use the Friend Walk feature, which allows a friend to see your location in real time as you walk to your destination. U of G Alert Available through the SafeGryphon app and the CSO website, U of G Alert helps keep students, staff, and campus community members informed and up to date on critical alerts, including university closures or in the case of an emergency. Students, especially new ones, are encouraged to check to ensure their contact information is up to date. Campus community members can opt in to the system via the website or app.

Fire Safety The CSO is also responsible for fire prevention, an easy to overlook component of your overall safety at U of G. Where once students had to worry about lit cigarettes or ungrounded outlets, firehazards have modernized: cheap power banks and chargers, improper disposal of batteries, and over reliance on extension cords for our million devices that need charging. The CSO website provides many tips for fire prevention, ranging from common knowledge such as never using a candle on campus, to lesser known tips like not using extension cords permanently or only buying electrical devices that have the Canadian Standards Association logo on them. That 97 per cent off power bank for $1.99 on Temu may be tempting, but those savings might just be tempting fate. It’s worth taking a look at the CSO website, if you learn one thing that prevents your bike from being stolen or stops a fire then it will be well worth your time.

Emergency poles are located across campus to respond to safety concerns and emergencies. Press the talk button for assistance. Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

ADULTING 101

13 | LAUNDRY

11 | TIME MANAGEMENT

THE ONTARION

14 | FINANCES

Grocery shopping and cooking 101 Tips for eating well on a student budget ASHLEY MAROZSAN

ou are what you eat," so why not eat your best to keep your brain at its best? The Ontarion has you covered with tips for eating well on a tight budget with minimal equipment. Consistently eating a balanced, nutritious diet is the foundation for wellbeing and performance in anything from sports to your toughest exams. As daunting as it may seem, healthy eating is not as complicated as rocket science. In fact, it's not complicated at all! The only lab you need is your very own kitchen. The first step to eating on a budget is to actually plan your budget. Your previous grocery shopping experience and weekly flyers can inform your new grocery budget. When shopping, put every cent to good use and save a little extra by using coupons, price-matching where available and taking advantage of student discounts. Bulk Barn offers students 15 per cent off on Wednesdays, and on Tuesdays, Food Basics offers students 10 per cent off. At Metro, students can get 10 per cent off their groceries every day of the week. If you get through your shopping list with a little ex-

THREE STAPLE STARCHES, THREE WAYS

tra cash to spare, consider using it to stock up on some non-perishable pantry staples like beans, rice or spices on sale. A great way to save money while eating healthy is buying seasonal produce, which is usually fresh and inexpensive. Get creative with your cooking and find different ways to incorporate the same item into multiple meals. For example, bell peppers can be roasted, used in a salad or stuffed with savoury fillings. Ingredient flexibility can not only save you money upfront, but also reduce food waste, saving you more money along the way. Plus, fresh produce will add colour, flavour and fibre to your diet, helping you feel your best. If flavourful produce is the star of the show, staple starches are the stage, providing a rock-solid foundation for budget nutrition. Simple staples like brown rice, potatoes and oats provide a ton of fibre, micronutrients and feel-good energy to fuel your day without breaking into your piggy bank. Not only are these carbohydrates nutritious, but they are inexpensive and can usually be purchased in bulk. Incorporating

Seasonal produce plays a starring role against the backdrop of pantry staples. Emmerson Jull/THE ONTARION

these ingredients into your meals can stretch your groceries a lot further while making satiating meals.

POTATOES

RICE

OATS

Egg, bean, and potato breakfast burrito

Rice pudding

Baked oatmeal

LUNCH

Potato-leek soup

Rice bowl with vegetables and a protein

Savoury oat and vegetable pancakes

DINNER

Baked potato

Pilaf

Oats pongal

BREAKFAST

Students are incredibly busy. Plan ahead and make your mealtimes a little bit easier by preparing a couple extra servings that can be eaten throughout the week. By keeping some basic ingredients prepared, you can easily mix and match to create new and interesting meals without being repetitive. For example, cooked rice can be the base of a burrito bowl, act as a vehicle for sauces or be repurposed for fried rice. Without a doubt, the Most Valuable Player award for eating on a budget goes to beans. For under a dollar per serving, legumes and pulses offer fantastic sources of protein, both soluble and insoluble fibre, unsaturated fats and an array of minerals. Most importantly, legumes are deliciously versatile. For centuries, humans have been consuming legumes in a variety of flavourful dishes from around the world. Beans and legumes can be the base of soups and salads, roasted, mashed, fried and more. Adding legumes to otherwise protein-light meals can

make them more robust, satiating and budget-friendly. Treat your body and your wallet well by incorporating beans into your diet a few times a week. Some examples of delicious bean recipes are black bean tacos, chickpea curry, dense bean salads, chickpea fritters and lentil bolognese. Maintaining a balanced diet on a budget is easier than it may seem. Most meals can be made on a stovetop or in a microwave. Aim to have at least one source of protein, fibre and fat in every meal to help you feel satiated. Life does not always go according to plan, so keeping a couple ready-to-eat meals in the pantry or freezer can help keep you on budget when things go awry. Perfection is not the goal, rather consistently and sustainably eating well. The 80/20 philosophy promotes eating whole, nutrient-dense foods 80 per cent of the time while allowing 20 per cent for indulgences. Make your grocery budget work for you while still finding joy in food.

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Time management 101 It's possible to stay on top of deadlines while having a social life ANDREEA BURLACU

niversity is the ultimate test in time management. There’s lots to get done: coursework, clubs and teams, staying active, getting enough sleep, having a social life and maybe a part-time job. Although it may seem daunting, you can have it all. The key is staying organized, keeping track of deadlines and scheduling in some time to rest and recharge. Organizing coursework The first thing to do when you get your syllabus is to make a calendar with deadlines and weekly coursework. Whether it’s Google Calendar, a physical calendar on your wall or a planner, this helps you visualize what needs to be done, breaking it down by the week. This should include assignments, weekly readings and time to study for midterms and exams. This way you’re not overwhelmed with everything at once. The Notion website is a hidden gem: You can make pages for each class, tracking progress on assignments and your grade in each course. You can view your syllabus on CourseLink. Usually professors will release it within the first week of class. This lets you know how much each assignment is weighted for your grade, so you know what to prioritize. It also usually describes penalties for late

coursework, as well as contact information for professors and TAs in case you need assistance or, occasionally, an extension. Skipping class Although it may be tempting, avoid skipping class! It’s hard to learn from someone else’s notes rather than listening to the professor explaining things. Also, some professors have participation marks or have graded in-class assignments that contribute to your final mark. Being present is the best way to engage with the material. You should take notes on important concepts, whether it’s on a laptop or in a notebook, writing things in your own words and organizing them in a way you’ll understand later. Extracurriculars Outside of class, it’s helpful to colour-code your calendar to sort out everything else you’d like to do. A Google Calendar can be useful—you can assign a different colour to each activity. For example, your job might be yellow and working out might be green. Seeing these bricks in your calendar helps you get into a routine. It’s also calmer seeing everything sorted out in front of you.

Illustration by Paige Stampatori

A calendar also reminds you when things are coming up—you won’t miss your friend’s birthday or the first date you planned for Friday night. Seriously, it’s important to allot time for the fun stuff in university as well. Dollar Beers might be a weekly block in your calendar and that’s totally fine. Just make sure you’re keeping

on top of deadlines and scheduling in some time to eat well, sleep enough and move your body. The key to time-management is allotting time to focus on things besides getting coursework done. Work hard and play hard: There’s time for both if you schedule it right.

Discounts and benefits 101 Stretch your dollars with student rates for streaming, shopping and more ADITYA PARAMESWARAN

unds can be tight at the start of the year. Between rent, tuition, textbooks, food and fun, every dollar counts. Student discounts are one of the best ways to make your money stretch a little bit further. Certain companies such as Amazon and Spotify offer student discounts on their subscription services, while organizations like the Student Price Card offer the ability to get discounts at retailers. The University of Guelph also offers benefits and discounted rates for certain software and further benefits, just for being a student.

Student Discounts Prime for Students provides students with cheaper access to Amazon Prime, offering faster shipping, streaming movies with ads, access to a limited number of eBooks through Kindle and unlimited photo backup through Prime Photos. Spotify Premium offers ad-free music and unlimited skips for students at a discounted rate of $6.39 a month, decreased

from their regular rate of $13.99 a month. With some searching you can find student discounts at a multitude of retailers. For example, if you’re looking for new tech, try Apple or Henry’s Camera. Generally, searching for the company’s name followed by "student" or "education" will provide their student discount page. The main student savings card in Canada is the Student Price Card (SPC), recognizable from their black logo at many retailers and fast food outlets. For $11.99 a year, students can access exclusive discounts at Skip The Dishes, H&M, Samsung, Adidas, Tim Hortons and more. CIBC members have access to SPC+, an enhanced tier of the card with additional savings. More information on the membership can be found on spccard.ca Another option is the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This provides fewer discounts to students in Canada, and most of the promotions are travel-focused, such as discounts on international data through Airalo, tours through G Adven-

tures, language learning through Babbel and others. The main strength of this card is the international discounts it offers, with savings on services in Europe and South America. At $20 for the card, it may be worth considering for students interested in international travel or studying abroad. Further information on ISIC can be found on ISIC.org

University of Guelph student benefits The Central Student Association (CSA) and the Graduate Students Association (GSA) provide a host of health benefits, including partial or full coverage of prescription drugs, dental procedures, vision correction and mental health services. Most full-time or part-time undergraduate students and full-time graduate students are automatically enrolled in the benefits plan. Check your coverage and find more information at www.mystudentplan.ca/uofguelph/en/mybenefits

Experience Guelph is a valuable resource for those job hunting, providing students and alumni with access to an exclusive job board that also includes research positions, co-op placements and volunteer opportunities on and off campus. This is an extremely useful way to find jobs during academic semesters, during the summer to save some funds or to fulfill a degree’s co-op requirements. Various colleges within the university provide free or heavily discounted software through the university’s Computing and Communications Services. That includes a heavily discounted subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and a free Microsoft 360 license. Students from more specialized programs can access the software necessary for their classes, such as Solidworks for engineering students. These resources should help alleviate the strain that academic life puts on the wallet. They should help you save money, find a job and hit the ground running when school is over.

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Working out 101 Go at your own pace—there’s many ways to get moving at U of G ANDREEA BURLACU

t’s important to stay active for many reasons: It’s good for your body, it releases endorphins and your bones will long for movement after sitting for hours in lecture halls. There are so many ways to work out at university. Here’s an intro to getting fit in a way that’s fit for you. You could go the classic “gym bro” route, lifting weights while blasting rap music in your headphones. This isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Everyone at the gym is pretty friendly, and staff are there to help you use machines, lend equipment and answer questions. There are even sensory hours where no music is played if you’re looking for a more chill vibe. Sometimes the fitness centre can be quite busy, especially in the afternoon and evening. Don’t be afraid to ask the person on a machine if you can “work in” with them, taking turns to use it. That’s the secret to finally getting a turn on the lat pulldown machine. Who knew communication was key to building muscle? You can use many of the athletic centre’s facilities with just your student card, including their pool and track. These are great ways to get your cardio in. A paid NRG membership gives you access to the fitness centre and many classes, including pilates, yoga, Zumba and cycling. There are so many classes offered that you’ll be sure to find one that fits you and your schedule. A full cal-

endar can be found on the athletics centre’s website and inside the building. If you like sports, there are courts for basketball, squash, pickleball, badminton, table tennis, soccer, beach volleyball and ultimate frisbee. These have drop-in schedules, which can be found on the athletics centre website. You do not need an NRG membership to attend, just swipe your student card at the front desk. There are also intramurals offered for different levels: fun, recreational and competitive. These are a great way to meet new people, learn how to play new sports (the fun level is for everyone) and show off your skills. The athletics centre hosts super cool clubs as well, some of which some U of G students may not even know about. For example, they have two different hiphop dance teams (Atcha Crew and GryphSteps), equestrian teams, dragonboat, a Nerf Club and even underwater hockey. Now is the time to try something new! Another nice thing about the athletics centre is their skill development classes. For example, they have dance classes across genres, like ballet, acro, tap, jazz and even Irish dance. There are beginner and intermediate levels, which are best for novice dancers, and advanced levels for those with more of a dance background. They even have a recital at the end of each semester, which is optional, but very fun. U of G also offers

Get moving with the help of the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre. Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

martial arts training including karate and muay thai, as well as swim lessons. Apart from official athletic centre activity, many clubs offer ways to stay active. Check GryphLife often: There’s often some group hosting a dance night or a sports day. There are also ways to get moving off-campus, especially if you’d prefer some time alone to recharge. You could take walks

around the city, take a hike at one of Guelph’s parks or try an at-home workout on YouTube. When working out, it’s important to stay hydrated and eat nutritious food to keep your energy up. Get your protein and fibre in by prioritizing a protein source and lots of fruit and vegetables in your meals. Also, keep in mind that health looks different for everybody and every body. Don’t think

of exercise as punishment, or as a way to shrink yourself. Imagine fitness beyond your physical appearance. It’s a way to set goals, to make yourself proud, to feel stronger in your body and in your skills. You can find support for healthy eating, counselling and personal training services across different campus departments. Health is interconnected and showing up for yourself is always the best first step.

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Laundry 101 Death, taxes and laundry are some of life’s dreadful certainties, but they needn’t be so complicated. Here’s a guide to mastering the latter EMMERSON JULL

on’t run out of matching socks or rewear that stained shirt just because you’re apprehensive about doing your own laundry. For those uninitiated to this never-ending chore, The Ontarion’s laundry guide is here to help. Caring for different fabrics Natural fibers require the most careful treatment. While cotton and linen typically fare well in the washing machine, keep the water temperature cold and hang them to dry. An exception can be made for 100 per cent cotton t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, socks and underwear, especially when they’ve been pre-shrunk. Those can be washed in warm water and tumble dried without much concern. Occasionally—like after you’re sick—you can wash sheets and towels in hot water and dry them on high, but they’ll last longer if you don’t make a habit of

it.

Silk, wool and cashmere should be washed by hand in tepid water and laid flat to dry. Items made of satin, like pillowcases or blouses, should be treated the same as silk. Never attempt to machine wash leather or suede. Take these to a dry cleaner or buy a specific care kit to spot-treat stains. Semi-synthetics like rayon, modal, viscose and other fabric blends—like 50 per cent cotton and 50 per cent polyester—can be prone to shrinkage. It’s best to wash these in cool water and air dry them. Synthetic fibers, including polyester, nylon, spandex and acrylic are the most forgiving materials. They can withstand warmer water temperatures and tumble dry cycles. Exceptions here would be items made of fleece and expensive activewear, which should be air dried, tumbled on low or no heat.

Homesickness 101 How to overcome homesickness as a new or returning student ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN

hether you’re a new or returning student, you might experience homesickness this semester. Here’s what you need to know to overcome it. What is homesickness? Homesickness is a universal feeling. Stemming from loneliness, homesickness is known to impact one’s mood by flooding the mind with thoughts and memories of home. Some research says homesickness is understood as distress and impairment triggered by current or foreseen detachment from home. Symptoms can include: withdrawn behaviour, difficulty focusing on subjects unrelated to home and a combination of symptoms associat-

ed with depression and anxiety. The impact of homesickness varies for each person. For some, homesickness may be short-lived with only minor effects. However, for others, it can be severe, greatly impacting their everyday life. Homesickness is a common experience shared among university students. It’s natural to feel isolated and lost upon arrival at university. Certain risk factors are associated with experiencing homesickness more strongly. The stress of acculturation is one of the most important—it’s the stress resulting from changes in values, beliefs and behaviours caused by continued experience with a new culture. International students may be more susceptible to homesickness as a result of entering a new envi-

Illustration by Paige Stampatori

Sort your items Sorting your laundry will keep your whites bright and your delicates without holes. At the very least, consider separating your laundry into three loads: towels and sheets, whites and light colours, and finally darker or brighter colours. Here’s a few extra tips: • Many dyed items will bleed colour on the first few washes, especially in warm water. Try to keep them separate from items they can stain. • Always do up zippers and buttons, tie loose strings, fasten hooks and snaps, and secure velcro before the wash to avoid snagging other items. • If your towels are bright

•

pink and your sheets are white (or vice-versa), wash them separately. Most bras and delicates should be hand washed to avoid stretching, snagging or warping. Most people won’t take the time to do this. At least stuff them into a mesh garment bag before throwing them into the machine, and then remove them from the bag to air dry. Laundry detergent

The brand, scent and type of detergent you use is up to you. Powdered detergent is usually the most affordable. People with sensitive skin should stick to clear, unscented detergent. Use detergent sparingly to avoid buildup on your clothes,

ronment, which may have different cultural norms than their home country. It’s worth recognizing that acculturation stress is not limited to international students. Students from diverse backgrounds coming to the University of Guelph could experience cultural differences and discrimination that can worsen the symptoms of homesickness. How can you manage homesickness? Although homesickness can feel like an impossible battle, managing it doesn’t have to be. Students can access campus and community resources designed to decrease feelings of isolation. By visiting U of G’s Wellness Education & Promotion Centre, students can receive peer support from the Student Support Network to normalize and validate their experiences. Attending a variety of orientation week events can also help students build friendships with those who share similar interests. There are many community and online resources for whenever you need someone to listen.

Illustration by Paige Stampatori

which can hold onto odour and cause stains. Laundry pods, sheets and powders can be harder to dissolve in cold water, but they’re easy to measure. For liquid detergent, ignore the lines on the cap and use a maximum of two tablespoons per load. Don’t waste money on fabric softener or dryer sheets, which can also cause residue to build up on your clothes and towels. Wool dryer balls are an eco-friendly solution to combat static in the dryer. Finally, when it comes to treating stains, removing builtup odours or softening your sheets, white vinegar will be your laundry hero. It’s cheap, effective and gentle for your clothes and the environment. Now you’re well on your way to being a laundry pro.

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Student finances 101 Stay sane while managing your money ASHLEY MAROZSAN

chool can already be stressful enough as it is. Why weigh yourself down worrying about your finances? Instead of overthinking, stay organized and informed on the state of your bank account with a few simple tricks. First things first: the best way to save money is to not spend it. Being aware of your needs, lifestyle and habits can help prevent you from over-spending. Cooking at home or using public transit—in lieu of takeout or Uber—can put less stress on your bank account and allow you to stay within budget. Speaking of budgets, now would be a great time to make one. Outline your monthly income or available savings for the year and compare that to your monthly living expenses. Begin by finding the sum of your monthly expenses, such as rent and car insurance, and set that amount aside. This amount is often fixed and will not change on a monthly basis. Next, add up the cost of your necessities: groceries, pet bills, hygiene items, gas and other things you buy frequently. Reference previous receipts or bank statements to get a better idea of how much you typi-

cally spend on those items. Lastly, make a list of any additional expenses and their costs, such as streaming services and subscriptions. If your net total ends up being greater than your available income, make some decisions about which expenses to cut back on. One helpful way to stick to your budget is to record all of your expenses and categorize them. You could use a physical planner that comes equipped with an expense tracker, like many sold at the U of G Bookstore. If you prefer to budget digitally, use a spreadsheet software or try an app like Notion, which has many pre-made templates available to track your spending. These trackers are programmed to calculate your spending against your budget, allowing you to easily compare the two. Keep your receipts and record the totals as you go, adding up your total expenses at the end of each month. Taking the time to track and review your purchases forces you to reflect on them, which may help you limit mindless spending. Take notice of where you went over budget and where you stayed under budget. Ask yourself if any overages reflect your needs—or if

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U OF G AMBASSADOR! First year students: Showcase your residence room or be our welcoming crew. Second year and up: Lead campus tours for Future Gryphons. Any year: Greet and direct visitors during campus events.

QUESTIONS? Email ambassad@uoguelph.ca Apply online by October 1, at uoguel.ph/uoga

The RBC on campus and the LINC are there to help you manage your finances. Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

there was something you could have done differently that month. Sometimes unexpected expenses pop up, which is perfectly normal. If you end the month under budget, try to anticipate some items that might be due for a refill in the near future—you don’t want to buy olive oil in the same week as toilet paper! Getting ahead on next month’s supplies can alleviate the financial strain of multiple big purchases at once. You’re only human, so there will be times when things don’t go according to plan. Maybe you get sick or your car needs emergency maintenance. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to be prepared. If you can manage it, create an emergency fund and keep it in a separate account, away from the rest of your money. A good rule of thumb is to set aside enough money to cover three to six months of expenses, but even a few hundred dollars squirreled

away can cover some unexpected costs. A credit card is a great financial tool when used responsibly. People inclined to overspending might opt out to avoid the temptation, but for many, credit cards allow a little financial flexibility. The key is living within your means and not charging more to your credit card than you can afford to pay off that month. Many cards have the added benefit of cash back or reward points, but beware of fees and interest rates as you build your credit score. Keep an eye on your balance and get in the habit of paying it off in full regularly, before the due date. Financial responsibility doesn’t need to be another source of stress. Keeping a budget, making a back-up plan and monitoring your spending are three simple ways to make sure you stay on track this school year without using too much of your precious time.

Sample monthly budget Expenses

INCOME

• Rent + utilities, $850

• Part-time job, $850

• Groceries, $450 • Personal items, $100 • Miscellaneous spending $50

TOTAL ExpenseS = $1,450

• OSAP or other financial aid, $250 • Personal savings or other income, $425

TOTAL Income = $1,525

Surplus or deficit = $75

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Safer sex 101 Resources on sexual health, contraception and consent in university ANDREEA BURLACU

et’s set the scene. The lights are dim and a candle is flickering. Someone super sexy sits across the room and the mood is decidedly romantic. You reach out to make a move. But WAIT! First, grab The Ontarion to learn how to ensure your sex is safe and consensual. Here’s a guide to having safe sex and campus resources to learn more.

Birth control If you’re planning to be sexually active, you should consider using a method of birth control, which includes barrier protection. Condoms are up to 87 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy, and they can also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms can help add extra protection when combined with other birth control methods. A variety of condoms are available at drugstores, and they’re given out for free at U of G’s Student Wellness Services. Make sure to put condoms on correctly, check expiration dates and use a new one each time you have sex. There are several other birth control options for more consistent protection. Hormonal birth control, such as the birth control pill, can be prescribed by an on-campus doctor at Health Services. They can also insert an intrauterine device (IUD), which is up to 99 per cent effective, however it does not provide protection against STIs. Speak to a doctor about which option is best for you. If you had sex that could result in pregnancy and didn’t use contraception, or if your contraception failed during sex, you can take an emergency contraception pill. The sooner you take one within a lim-

ited period after sex, the more effective it is. It can be bought from any pharmacy without a prescription. Emergency contraception is also available at Health Services if you book an appointment with a nurse on site.

STIs STIs are infections primarily transmitted through sexual activity, usually by exchanging bodily fluids or through skin-toskin contact. Anyone who’s having sex can get an STI. Thankfully, their transmission is largely preventable. All STIs are treatable and many are curable. To decrease the chance of transmission, use a barrier such as a condom for penetrative sex or an oral dam for oral sex. These are both available at Student Wellness for free. You can also get vaccinated against HPV and Meningitis B at Health Services. It’s also important to get tested regularly for STIs because most of them don’t show any symptoms. It’s recommended to get tested if you have new sexual partners and do routine screening once a year. STI testing is available at Health Services by appointment or during drop-in hours, and at Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. More information can be found on the Health Services website. U of G’s Student Wellness is an incredible resource for all things sexual health. They offer assistance with choosing contraception, getting STI tested, pregnancy testing and pregnancy support. Learn more at wellness.uoguelph.ca/sexual-health Other resources for sexual health in Guelph include Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, which offers reproductive health counselling, affordable

Illustration by Paige Stampatori

contraception, IUD insertion, free condoms, pregnancy testing and counselling, STI testing and treatment, and vaccines. As well as the SHORE Centre provides inclusive, gender-affirming sexual healthcare with a focus on reproductive freedom.

dent Wellness, specifically the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support and Education Office. These include guidance for immediate support. Learn more at wellness.uoguelph.ca/sexual-violence-support-centre/contact-us

Consent

Choosing to abstain from sex

One of the most important parts of safer sex is communication. Consent needs to be active and ongoing from each person during sex, or it’s not consensual. More information about consent can be found on the Student Wellness guide to Safer Partying, Substance Use & Consent. Learn more at wellness.uoguelph.ca/safer-partying Sexual and gender-based violence support resources can be found at Stu-

University is a time for many people to explore their sexuality, if they feel comfortable doing so. Do not feel pressured to engage in sexual activity. It’s totally valid to abstain from sex or to go at your own pace. Checking out the safer sex resources offered by the Student Wellness Centre is the perfect foreplay and will help you get down safely.

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AI 101 What to keep in mind when using artificial intelligence PATRICK SUTHERLAND

’d be happy to help you write about AI, and honestly? That’s so you. If you tell me a bit more about the type of publication it’s for, I can help you tailor the style and tone. Just kidding. We don’t use generative AI to produce content at The Ontarion. AI is a huge topic, and we can only scratch the surface in 500 words, but there are a few basic guidelines that will save you a lot of trouble in the short and long term. For the average person these days, when we say AI, we tend to mean large language models (LLMs). The revolutionary, but controversial, technology works by being trained on massive amounts of written text which teaches the model how words tend to associate with each other. It is then able to predict what responses to prompts

should look like, sometimes with startling accuracy. Of course, this doesn’t mean that everything that comes out of an LLM is true. It’s important to keep in mind that, despite imitating a personality, LLMs do not "think" or "understand" anything. It only predicts what the next word should be, statistically speaking. Despite this, LLMs have transformed. Before you use an LLM at school, you should carefully evaluate why and how you are using it. Let’s get this one out of the way. Plagiarism with an emerging technology is still plagiarism and the consequences will be just as serious as old-fashioned plagiarism. Detection is only going to improve, with many LLMs experimenting with adding hidden markers to generated content. Fi-

nally, speaking from experience as an editor, it’s harder to hide than you might think. It strips away your voice as a writer and robs you of opportunities to improve yourself. A writing style with room for improvement is far more interesting to read than the polished banality of LLM generated text. An LLM can be an incredible tool, depending on how you use it. If you take its outputs with a grain of salt, engage your mind and use it as a jumping off point for learning, you can reinforce learning and test your knowledge. If you just ask the LLM for answers and never engage in deep learning you will train your brain to passively receive information. Think of it like going to the gym and automating your equipment with a motor while you sit there doing nothing. Your muscles will

Be Prepared: Sign up for U of G Alert What is U of G Alert? U of G Alert notiﬁes you if a critical incident happens on campus or if campus is closed unexpectedly.

How will I be notiﬁed? By default, U of G Alert sends messages to your U of G email, but you can add a personal email address or phone number so you don’t miss crucial alerts.

uoguel.ph/uofgalert

not grow—and neither will your brain if you replace it with an LLM. For those of us who struggle with staying organized, an LLM can be extraordinarily helpful. With the ability to process and instantly refer to your unmanageable to-do list, an LLM can help you stay on track and learn to manage your time. Just try not to become too reliant on it! One of the best uses for an LLM is to use it as a springboard to cultivating new skills. Like most emerging technologies, there are really two sides to it: the underlying technology and the company that manages it. The company that manages it has earnings reports to worry about and investors to keep happy. The company wants you using it and wants to keep you subscribed. So be mindful that when you ask it

to proofread your assignment, it will try to rewrite it for you and can essentially push you towards plagiarism. In particular, apps like Grammarly can be a slippery slope; you’ll use it to spell check and before you know it you are being tempted with sentence rewrites and "better" wording. Ultimately, how you use (or not use) LLMs is your choice and your responsibility. You can use it to grow and improve yourself or you can become reliant on it and lose your critical thinking skills. Not using LLMs is perfectly valid, but it is worth considering that it is not going anywhere and it may be valuable to learn how to use it, even if you choose not to. For in-depth information on LLMs and using AI at university, see the McLaughlin Library's Digital Learning Commons.

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COMMUNITY 101 22 | O-WEEK

21 | STUDY

23 | FRIENDS

Exploring Guelph 101 Take it from U of G alumni: Here’s the best of the Royal City EMMERSON JULL

nce a Gryphon, always a Gryphon. The magic of being a University of Guelph student lingers beyond your time studying and stretches far past the borders of campus. Here’s some of the hidden gems—and tried-and-true favourites—that you should explore while you’re studying in Guelph.

Nightlife Downtown Guelph offers a selection of bars and late-night digs, each with its own unique appeal. Frank & Steins and Trappers Alley are the bars with the longest lines, and they’re most popular among first and second-year students. You’ll find a true dive bar vibe at Pablo’s and Jimmy Jazz, the latter favoured for karaoke and live music. If you need something to keep you occupied, play the arcade games at Bad Luck Bar. For a buzzing dance floor and decent DJs, head to Royal Electric Bar & Public Eatery if you prefer line dancing, try Cowboys Guelph, or ride the mechanical bull at Stampede Ranch. Guelph’s most popular trivia

spot is probably McCabe's Irish Pub & Grill, but it’s also fun to do at a local brewery, such as Brothers Brewing Company or Royal City Brewing Co. The former offers customizable snack flights, and the latter has the best soft pretzels and beer cheese the city has to offer. Finally, Bev’s on Beverly, Two Faces Bar and Revel Cider are ideal for a girls night out, with gorgeous settings, local wines, ciders and delicious cocktails. Soak up the last of the warm weather on Bev’s new patio, or take a sip of Revel’s natural ciders at their tasting bar. Head to Two Faces to escape the downtown noise and enjoy a glass of wine until midnight.

Shopping Guelph’s local business scene is opportune for finding a new favourite vinyl, book, outfit or knick knack for your dorm. In the mood for scoring secondhand treasures? Rumours Vintage, Vintage Instincts, Old Pal Vintage and Wild Rose Consignment offer a selection of hand-

picked men and women’s clothing to help you find your next nightout fit. The Patch Guelph has two locations on Wyndham Street and the business offers a lucrative consignment program for buying back your old clothes. If your style leans more towards Aritzia and less towards your mysterious aunt’s closet, try the 31 Wyndham St. location specifically. Physical media is all the rage and there’s no better place to find it than in downtown Guelph. The Bookshelf is a tried-and-true stop for finding your next read, but don’t overlook their surprisingly large disc golf section. You can’t miss Janus Books for the best prices on used novels, cookbooks, comics and other great literary works. Don’t forget to expand your musical horizons with a shiny new (or used) vinyl from Royal Cat Records. If you want to get into the world of film photography, Foto Source Guelph has all the equipment you’ll need—plus they develop film fast! Other notable mentions are Kennedy Park, the best spot for purchasing gifts; Wyndham Art Supplies, where you’ll find an ex-

The Patch Guelph is a must-visit for thrifty shoppers with unique syle. Photo provided by Emmerson Jull

Enjoy a slice and a drink at Piatto Pizzeria + Enoteca. Photo provided by Emmerson Jull

ceptional selection of paper products and general art supplies; The Dragon for board and card games; and Sunday Blooms, an all-in-one stop for home goods, coffee and fresh florals.

Dining and cafes You’re never far from your next great meal in Guelph. If you’re hungry now, head to YIAYIA, a Mediterranean takeout spot located conveniently close to campus. For mouthwatering sandwiches, try Sugo Mercato, which neighbours Double Rainbow Cafe and Standing Room Only, two other gems in the Ward. Then there’s Lucky Belly: unforgettable, mix-and-matchable and worth the commute from campus. Angelino’s Fresh Choice Market and A&E Market + Deli both serve bodega vibes and charcuterie options to-go. For a casual menu not lacking in flavour, you’ll want to eat at Baker Street Station or The Wooly Pub. Park Eatery’s burnt ends poutine, burgers and bowls are everyday favourites, but dine in for their weekend brunch at least once. Guelph has a fabulous selection of Indian restaurants, but The Bollywood Bistro is one of the most popular, and for good reason. For Thai, do Na Ha Thai’s Kitchen; for Chinese takeout, do Guelph BBQ; and for all-you-caneat sushi, choose between Cherry Blossom or Hanami Izakaya. Plan your next date night at

Manhattan’s Bistro & Music Club. Their food is exceptional, the live jazz music and atmosphere equally so. When your family visits, suggest Bardō, where the pizza menu, craft cocktails and pastas shine. Scaddabush is good, but for Italian, you can’t go wrong with Buon Gusto or La Cucina. If you’re really craving pizza, head to Piatto Pizzeria + Enoteca for a thin, wood-fired crust—their seasonal drink menu always has something great. Finally, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in Guelph’s coffee culture than by cafe hopping. In the south end, try an expertly dialled roast at Cavan Coffee, or browse biking gear with a flat white in hand at Flow State Bike Co. You’ll find the best iced matchas at The Cornerstone and Lost Aviator Coffee Company (plus, their house-made syrups are top tier), but SŌL Bakehouse is a new contender, with natural lighting and gourmet cookies. Order breakfast and a hot chai at Capistrano Bistro & Espresso Bar, located centrally downtown. Give a shout to the friendly staff at Red Brick Cafe, lock in for a late night cramming session at Centurion Coffee, and, if coffee isn’t really your thing, head to Dirty Soda Girls for fun, fizzy and caffeinated drinks. Whether you’ve just begun your journey in the Royal City, or you’ve lived here for a few years now, there’s always more to love about Guelph.

Varsity Field

Alumni H

R IN G R D

PO W ER

Campus Safety Oﬃce

Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre

U SE

ALD

DON

Drew Hall

John T. Powell Building LK A W S LD O N EY R

EN T LN

Mills Hall

IN EG

W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre

A R D

Johnston Hall

A W

G R

O D

Old Fire Hall Building

A W

WMEM

WA L K

O R D O

A LU

MNI

The Bullring Starbucks Bob’s Dogs Raithby McLaughlin Library House The Cannon LK A W ZAV LD O N EY R MACN

OVC

G O

MCLN

OVC Lifetime Learning Centre

REYN

LN CRSC RICH

IN EG

THRN

A R D

A W

Tim Hortons Express

Mountain Hall

R D

Conservatory Greens

N ST

Mar

SO W

V IL

HUTT

Prairie Hall

O SSC

Planet Bean

Y RA

University Centre Brass Taps

University Bookstore

PAHL

ANNU

C H R IS

G E

N LN

Federal Building

Research Innovation

Hagen Aqualab

GRHM

BIO

South Resid

ALEX

LK O

IN R

A W

C Dairy Barn

UC Bus Loop Go Transit

M CAF

ROZH

MASS

Gryphon Centre

MACK

Johnston Green

Tim Hortons

Begging Bear

BWH

Co-op N Bookstore U M L A

A IW

Co-op & Career Services

Art Gallery of Guelph

Planet Bean

Child Care and Learning Centre

Gryphon Fieldhouse

Maids Hall

MAC Creelman Hall

M AC

A IW

MINS

MACS

East Residences

Alumni Stadium

Gryphons Football Pavilion

LA Pit PJ’s Restaurant

Lennox/Addington

G LE

Lambton Hall

W AT S

Watson Hall

Bio Control Building

ECBA

LEGEND

CAMPUS ABBREVIATIONS

McLaughlin Library – University of Guelph’s Library Mountain Dining Hall - Located in South Residence OVC - Ontario Veterinary College PAHL - OVC Pathobiology / Animal Health Lab Prairie Dining Hall - Located in South Residence REYN - Reynolds Building RICH - Richards Building ROZH - Rozanski Hall SSC - Summerlee Science Complex South Residences - Includes Maritime/Prairie/Mountain THRN - Albert A. Thornbrough Building WMEM - War Memorial Hall ZAV - Zavitz Hall

Gryphon Statue

GRHM - Graham Hall HUTT - H.L. Hutt Building Johnston Hall LA - Landscape Architecture Building LA Pit - Eating area located in Lennox/Addington Lambton Lennox/Addington Hall MAC - Macdonald Hall MACK - MacKinnon Building MACN - MacNaughton MACS - Macdonald Stewart Hall MASS - Massey Hall MCLN - J.D. MacLachlan Mills Hall MINS - Macdonald Institute

ANNU - Animal Science & Nutrition ALEX - Alexander Hall ARB - Arboretum Centre BIO - Biodiversity Institute of Ontario The Bullring - On-campus living room and coffee shop BWH - Blackwood Hall CAF - Central Animal Facility The Cannon - Also known as Old Jeremiah Creelman Hall - Marketplace-style eating CRSC - Crop Science DH - Day Hall East Residences East Village ECBA - Edmund C. Bovey Building FS - Food Science

1951

SINCE

Plant Growth Facilities Building

ARB East Village

House

Gryphon Soccer Complex

EA ST R IN G R D

SPE The Wooly Pub Diana Downtown

Guelph Concert Theatre

OL WI

WO Red Brick Café

O LW

ICH

G L AS

DOU

The Works

My Kitty Café

YA R M O

Sleeman Centre

RIV

River Run Centre

Wyndham Art Supply

ritime Hall

Baker Street Station

UTH S

The Dragon

BA K E R

Buon Gusto

Speed River Bicycle

Old Quebec St Mall

D AC

L EL

Lady Glaze Doughnuts W N

McCabe’s Kk

oRr

CCO

T SSt

La Reina

Planet Bean

The Common

IN S WY

SO N

RESTAURANT

NDH

Guelph Police Service

City Hall

ATHLETICS

ACADEMICS

NIGHTLIFE

ENTERTAINMENT

Guelph Civic Museum

Atmosphere ST N E R D Market Square CA

N TA

FO U

Eric the Baker

UH FA R Q Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate Farmer’s Market

Harvey’s

CAFE

DOWNTOWN GUELPH Balzac’s

IEL

GORDON

IN S

Jimmy Jazz ST L EL N DO C A

RESIDENCE

GO Bus/Train Terminal

N TA

TRANSIT

Cornerstone

Royal Electric

Stone Store

D AR

FO U

SHOPPING

Guelph Bus Terminal ST

GREEN SPACE

Smoke’s Poutine

S T Trappers/ Palace

L EL

FA R Q

Janus Books

Western Hotel

Modern Tourist

NEEVE

Bobby O’Brien’s

Bookshelf

Market Fresh

Dino’s Athletic Direct

Miijidaa

UNIVERSIT Y OF GUELPH CAMPUS

B EC

QUE

Guelph Public Library

dences

ST S

GUELPH 101 | COMMUNIT Y 101

THE ONTARION

Networking 101 It's easier than you think

PATRICK SUTHERLAND

ost people cringe at the thought of networking. The idea of shmoozing in a room full of people, not sure if you belong, while trying to 'sell yourself.' Fortunately, that’s not really what networking is, at least in a broad sense. Networking is about meeting others, sharing knowledge and contributing to a community. By participating in your academic community you will expose yourself to ideas and opportunities while growing as a burgeoning professional. Here are a few tips for networking to help get you started: Step into the discomfort Many of us are not social butterflies. For some of us, the

closest we get to being a social butterfly is the feeling of butterflies in our stomach! Don’t expect to be a networking pro on your first day. Ease into it by attending both networking and non-networking events to increase your comfort level. Don’t compare When you step into a room full of your peers or scroll LinkedIn and see people who seem to be miles ahead of you in every way, you aren’t seeing the whole picture. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing their highlight reels with your behind-the-scenes footage. Everyone is on a professional journey that includes failures, successes, hard work and even a few tears.

Networking is vital to your academic and professional career, but it doesn't have to be scary. Aditya Parameswaran/THE ONTARION

Know your competition

Show up

You may think you are in competition with every other person in your program, but the reality is you are only competing against yourself. Challenge yourself to grow and learn a little bit more every day and week. By focusing on your personal growth rather than worrying about everyone else, you will build confidence and character.

This is the single most important piece of advice, not just for networking, but for your entire time at university. The reality is, opportunity doesn’t come knocking at your door—you have to go out there and make opportunities happen. This is often as simple as getting out of your room and simply showing up to events, talking to

your instructors or volunteering. But it can also mean trying new things, volunteering and observing. You never know when saying “yes” to something small can lead you down the most important path in your life. So the next time you find yourself at a networking event remember: For every one person who truly has it all figured out, there are 10 more just like you who are at the beginning of their journey.

ISSUE 201 .1 | COMMUNIT Y 101

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The atrium in the Albert A. Thornbrough Building is a comfortable place to study. Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

Campus study spots 101 Finding a place to study on a large campus is hard—here’s a good place to start ADITYA PARAMESWARAN

ost of your time on campus will be spent studying, either before or after classes, or pulling an all-nighter in the library. The university is massive, with plenty of nooks and crannies to set up a laptop and work in. Here are just a few.

McLaughlin Library The McLaughlin Library is an obvious choice. It’s centrally located on campus and offers a choice of floors dedicated to quiet individual work and louder group work, in addition to bookable study rooms. Beyond study spaces, the library also offers computer labs for students without access to a laptop, a Starbucks for a pick-me-up during long study sessions, course resources and a myriad of services from

writing help to supported learning groups. One downside to the library is that it’s the obvious choice. At midday, seats at the library can be almost entirely filled, especially the quiet study floors. If you can get a seat early while the library isn’t too crowded, you’ll be able to keep it for most of the day for a marathon study session.

College atriums Many of the disciplines taught at the University of Guelph have their own buildings, such as the Summerlee Science Complex or the Albert A. Thornbrough building. Both of these buildings have dedicated study spaces that are a great option for science and engineering students respectively, providing an

open space to study, plenty of natural light and access to coffee. They also present a convenient meeting spot for groups in similar programs to study together, or for individual students to find help should they need it.

MacKinnon Building Many students will have classes here, but not every classroom is in use at the same time. Empty classrooms provide a perfect place to study alone or with a group, offering privacy, quiet and amenities like desks and chalkboards, making MacKinnon classrooms the perfect place to study in a group. Unfortunately, the classrooms may be booked out by clubs or already occupied, making it difficult to find a private study space in the

Course reserves are always nearby when you're studying at McLaughlin Library. Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

building during exams or midterms.

Outdoors As coursework increasingly moves online, students have fewer chances to "touch grass." When the weather permits, studying outside is leaps and bounds better than studying indoors. Natural light might even help to reduce stress and improve productivity. Compared to the quiet study floors bathed in fluorescent light, getting outside is leagues better. Beyond the green, there are many picnic tables and benches to sit on around campus. But the great outdoors don’t come with indoor niceties like desks or a stable internet connection. Branion Plaza, Johnston Green and the

entrance to The Arboretum near the East Residences are particularly nice places to study.

The Bullring The campus living room lives up to its name. The Bullring provides students with a well-lit space for studying and access to good food and caffeine. Like the library, The Bullring is centrally located on campus, making it easy to reach regardless of where one is. The Bullring is almost always occupied, creating a consistent level of background noise for those who need it to focus. There are study spots on campus for everyone, from coffee shops, to classrooms, to the great outdoors. Have fun finding your favourite spot!

GUELPH 101 | COMMUNIT Y 101

THE ONTARION

Making the most of O-Week Your guide to starting strong at U of G KIERA SCHARF

hether you’re moving into residence, commuting from off campus or moving from across the country, Orientation Week (O-Week) at the University of Guelph is your chance to understand what being a Gryphon is all about. To get your first taste of university life, there are many activities and things to do during O-Week. From live music, clubs and sporting events, to socials, games and residence activities, you’re sure to have a busy, fun-filled O-Week! This year’s O-Week runs from Friday, Sept. 4 to Saturday, Sept. 12, so there’s plenty of time for new students to settle into the groove of university life as the semester kicks off. There will be more than 250 events hosted across campus, including academic programming, fun events and the iconic pep rally. Full event listings and details are available through the GryphLife platform, as well as the I Am A Gryphon app as O-Week approaches. The week begins with community so-

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cials, a dinner and campus-wide welcome. This helps students meet their peers and fellow classmates, encouraging connection right off the bat. As the week goes on, each college will host a variety of academic orientation events, where students can meet professors and ask questions before classes begin. The best advice from upper-year students to make the most of your O-Week is to stay open-minded and try new things! Although staying inside of your comfort zone might be tempting, you’re only in first year once and should expand your horizons—you never know what you might discover. Attend whatever events sound interesting, even by yourself. Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you. While unpacking, consider keeping your dorm door open so you can say "hi." Spark up conversations with the people running the club booths. While it’s impossible to attend every single event, it’s easy to plan ahead

Many O-Week events are hosted on Johnston Green. Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

of time and decide which events sound the most appealing. O-Week is specifically designed so students can pick and choose what fits their interests and schedules the best. Finally, remember that O-Week isn’t about having the “perfect” university experience. It’s about spreading your wings, taking chances, meeting new people and exploring campus. Some conversations this week might turn into lifelong friend-

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ships, while others might remain in your O-Week memories, and both are completely normal. So wear your Gryphon pride, grab your schedule and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. University only starts once, so make the most of it! To find more information about O-Week, you can visit GryphLife and Student Experience: www.uoguelph.ca/studentexperience/oweek

ISSUE 201 .1 | COMMUNIT Y 101

THEONTARION.COM

Sobriety 101 Keep the party going, even if you’re not drinking ASHLEY MAROZSAN

orget every coming-of-age movie you’ve ever watched: University doesn't have nearly as much partying and drinking as movies and TV shows would lead you to believe. Maybe you have an important presentation the next day, you're the designated driver, or maybe you prefer to abstain from mind-altering substances altogether. Whatever it may be, there will likely be an occasion when you're the sober friend of the group. Sobriety isn't a death sentence to a good time—there are still plenty of ways to have fun without the influence of substances. If you’re exploring sobriety, the first thing to ask yourself is, "Why do I want to partake in the first place?" If the answer to this question is because you want to participate in a shared experience with your friends, consider a fun

mocktail or a delectable snack. With this, you can prevent yourself from feeling left out while still indulging in something tasty. If you feel pressured to participate because other people are drinking or using, this is a great opportunity to turn your focus inward. Take a moment to confront your own feelings about social desirability and what it means to "fit in." Do you ever find yourself saying something that doesn't reflect your true feelings, or doing things that aren't conducive to your goals? Your post-secondary years are a time for growth, self-discovery and autonomy. The development of your internal compass is equally important to your academic development. Self-awareness and self-discipline will influence the future decisions you make about your academic and

Evaluating your substance use is important to a healthy lifestyle. Illustration by Paige Stampatori

professional career. Now, the fundamental question: How can you have fun while staying sober? This can be difficult for some, especially when the people around you aren't sober. Anything you are capable of doing under the influence, you are capable of doing sober. Alcohol can act as a social lubricant because it lowers your inhibitions, but really,

what's stopping you from doing the things you want to do—aside from your own reservations? Finding like-minded people with similar interests can help you break out of your shell and have fun. Creating a dedicated space for people to let loose takes the pressure off of being perceived in a certain way. University affiliated clubs—especially hobby and lifestyle clubs—are a great way to

find people with mutual interests, which is a great foundation for friendship. If you’re looking for resources on substance use and recovery, University of Guelph’s Student Wellness Centre can help. Go to wellness.uoguelph.ca/ services/counselling/student-recovery-addiction-resources for more information about on and off-campus resources.

Making friends 101 How to put yourself out there and meet new people

NED BARR

tarting university is an amazing opportunity to make new friends and meet new people. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of the future friendships that await you at U of G. Don’t go to parties

Just kidding. Perhaps this one should be rephrased as "don’t only go to parties." O-Week is a fantastic chance to get to know your peers and survey the potential of your surroundings. Go to the parties that you want to go to—but don’t feel as though you’re mandated to attend every single party that you’re invited to. Stay in for a few nights this September, because a little alone time can help you recharge for your semester of socializing.

Branch out It’s natural to stay with the people that you know for the first little while, but don’t be afraid to "leave the nest." so to speak. This is the time for exploration and self-discovery. Wander around campus, talk to new people and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even if it’s awkward. Embrace residence Listen, no one is saying that you have to be best friends with your roommate, but the sense of community from living with a bunch of other people your age can only be found in residence. Or a retirement home. You are going to share space with these peo-

ple for two semesters, so try to be on good terms with them. Go out at least once and make the time to do little things to keep your roommates happy. Your roommates can introduce you to other new friends, too. Also, go to bead night, movie night or hot chocolate night. You’ll get to know your RA. Be kind to yourself It’s also very normal to not make many friends. It’s entirely up to you to decide how social you want to be. You are doing the best that you can with what you have. Change is constant, so don’t overexert yourself trying to impress others. Learn to love your own company.

Making memories with new friends is integral to your university experience! Aditya Parameswaran/THE ONTARION

Remember that, while these are supposedly the best years of your life, there’s nothing wrong

with that not being true. But you can do a great deal to try and sway the results along the way.

GUELPH 101 | COMMUNIT Y 101

THE ONTARION

Painting the cannon 101 Ready…aim…paint! PATRICK SUTHERLAND

y now, most of you have heard the phrase “painting the cannon.” For the uninitiated though, painting the cannon is one of U of G’s best known traditions: students will paint Old Jeremiah, under cover of darkness, often including a message or celebration. Though some of the best ones simply look cool or are fun with no other meaning behind them. But much like painting any 200-year-old field artillery, there are a few rules. These rules were developed informally by students over the years and should guide your efforts if you decide to take part in this tradition. Painting the Cannon is first come, first served. Whoever stakes it out, gets to paint it that night. This isn’t some poolside chair that you can just leave your towel on… someone has to be physically present, lest you lose your spot. When choosing a date, the university recommends being mindful of up-

coming major observances that others may wish to paint the Cannon about. Take some time to choose your supplies: spray paint is great for finishing touches, but not for the base layer. Think it might rain or snow? Latex paint can hold up a lot better to the elements. Other supplies might include snacks. Once the sun sets, the painting begins! Make sure to dress for the weather. Ensure you have enough people to stay the entire night: an unguarded Cannon before sunrise could get painted over. Once the sun rises, no one can paint the Cannon (though sometimes the university may need to paint it or give permission to other groups to paint it during the day). Paint goes onto the Cannon only. Don’t paint anything else in the vicinity, especially the tree. The only trees we should be painting are the ones Bob Ross tells us to put on canvas.

It's a U of G tradition for students to paint the cannon. Rachel Fioret/THE ONTARION

FUN 101

GUELPH 101

THE ONTARION

BECAUSE WE ASKED THE ONTARION... What is your advice for first year students?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Join the club, try new things, talk to more people. You never know what new interest you’ll uncover or lifelong friend you’ll make! Kiera Scharf 2nd year, Double major in English Literature & Psychology Volunteer with The Ontarion since 2025

Talk to everyone! You never know who you’ll meet. You could meet your next best friend, your sworn enemy, your future spouse or someone who may help you get ahead later. People are always open to chatting. It’s worth it! Elyse Armstrong 3rd year, History Volunteer with The Ontarion since 2025

Have a good routine so you don't fall behind and have time to do all the fun events around campus! Neeve O’Connor 2nd year, Biological Science major, Ecology minor Volunteer with The Ontarion since 2025

Go to The Bullring! It’s a great place to see live music and meet cool people in great outfits. The open mic nights on Wednesdays were where I made some of my best friends in first year.

Take pains to meet the right people and make a point of engaging intellectually with any challenge you come across. Explore the arts and nature, explore yourself!

Your first year at university is a big adjustment. It is important to be kind to yourself and remember that everyone around you is in the same boat. Reach out for help when you need it.

Vida Matus 3rd year, History Volunteer with The Ontarion since 2024

Ned Barr 2nd year, Political Science Volunteer with The Ontarion since 2025

Sienna Geissler 3rd year, Creative Writing Volunteer with The Ontarion since 2024

Editor's note: Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

ISSUE 201 .1 | FUN 101

THEONTARION.COM

101 Things to do before you graduate Read The Ontarion Volunteer for The Ontarion Join an intramural sport you’ve never played Sign out a library book Play spikeball on the Johnston Green Take an elective course that isn’t related to your major Study abroad Go to an open mic night at The Bullring Watch a football game Look for wildlife in The Arboretum Ride the mechanical bull at Stampede Ranch

Do all the extended readings for your favourite course Visit the Guelph Farmer’s Market Live off-campus Learn the difference between all of the “Mac” buildings Do a photo shoot on campus

Have an existential crisis Watch a movie at The Bookshelf Read a genre you don’t usually read

Win trivia at Brass Taps

Try grilled cheese at Mountain Hall

Switch your major

Try a new type of food

Thrift decor for your room Climb the GGAC rock wall Visit one of Guelph’s local breweries

Attend College Royal

Meditate on campus

Buy holiday gifts for your friends at Fair November

Peruse the Scottish Archives in the library

Get pizza at Creelman

Read the U of G cookbook

Wear a U of G hoodie to class

Have a picnic on the Johnston Green

Paint the Cannon

Read a textbook

Go to the Frosty Mug

Explore a local trail

Go canoeing in the speed river

Master a yoga pose

Take a photo with the Gryphon

Paint pottery—or build it yourself!

Learn how to cook a new recipe

Do an early morning lane swim

Try Bob’s Dogs

Try to spot all 211 bird species at The Arboretum

Find your favourite place on campus to study

Try journaling

Vote in the CSA elections

Start your own tradition

Visit a local cafe

Volunteer for a cause you care about

Buy a poster at the poster sale for your dorm

Listen to CFRU-FM 93.3

Go to the Guelph Jazz Festival

Skate in Market Square

Go canoeing on the Speed River Bike or hike the G2G Rail Trail

Donate to the Campus Food Bank Ride a bike to campus Thank a bus driver Vote in a government election Find your personal style Go on a first date Take photos with the Gryphon statue Buy something silly from the bookstore Enjoy high tea at The Boathouse Do a historical walking tour of Guelph Attend a rally for a cause you care about Graffiti the bathroom stall at The Bullring Eat at a food truck in Branion Plaza Train a service dog Attend a campus theatre production

Try U of G honey

Study on the 6th floor of the library and admire the view

Go to an exhibit at the Art Gallery of Guelph

Fall asleep in class

Give your family or friends a campus tour

Attend the Eden Mills Writers' Festival

Explore your sexuality

Listen to SHEBAD

Get a part-time job

Explore your beliefs

Delete social media for a while

Leave your phone in your room when you go to class

Join a club Do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone

Record a CFRU-FM radio show Land a co-op placement

Learn a new language

Host a watch party in your dorm

Learn an instrument

Attend a guest speaker event for a topic you care about

Ask a prof for a reference Tell a prof that you enjoyed their course

Become a club executive

Attend the Hillside Festival Realize you don’t like one of your courses Take detailed notes by hand Pull an all-nighter studying Graduate

GUELPH 101 | FUN 101

THE ONTARION

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BUNNIES

MEET VELVETEEN GERTRUDE!

MEET CINNABUN!

MEET ZELDA!

Breed: Satin Rex

Breed: Mixed-breed dwarf

Fun Fact: Her favourite song is “Honey, Honey” by ABBA.

Fun Fact: He loves handwritten notes and not eating them.

Fun Fact: She makes cute squeaking sounds when she drinks water.

Advice for students: Take as many hand written notes as possible– and don’t put them anywhere near a rabbit. They will eat it.

Advice for students: Start assignments early. Also you can give me your handwritten notes for safe keeping and not for bunny eating.

Advice for students: Show up for things and try new experiences! Fourth year will come before you know it.

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ISSUE 201 .1 | FUN 101

THEONTARION.COM

WHAT CLUB SHOULD YOU JOIN? I'm most interested in...

Something related to science

Culture + politics Playing sports I'd rather take this elective course:

CLAS 1000 (Intro to Classical Culture)

I want to...

My dream trip would be:

My dream job is:

Try a new sport

I love swimming

The perfect day off includes:

Indoors

Run Club Grab your running shoes and a water bottle to catch up with the Run Club. The group is a positive and supportive community that welcomes runners of all skill levels. They begin and end each run outside of the Athletics Centre and follow different routes of about 5km.

Pre-Law Society If your dream career is in law, then the PreLaw Society is the club for you. The Pre-Law Society is a place where you can meet like minded people through events and networking sessions. Put your studies to the test with the moot team or peer mentorship program.

Badminton Club Get out your racquets and join the badminton club to play other students of all skill levels. They host monthly in-club tournaments and offer regular drop-in plays. It’s a great way to meet new friends who also enjoy playing badminton.

Wildlife Club If you love nature, you chose the best university for it. Now you can choose the best club to meet other students who have a shared love of wildlife. Meet students who have a passion for nature and wildlife.

Outdoors Club Calling all nature and outdoors enthusiasts: If you love to explore the wild, then this one is for you. The Outdoors Club aims to bring students together who have a shared interest in outdoor activities. They organize outdoor trips and activities for members. Make friends while participating in some of their events like tree top trekking, canoeing in Algonquin, ice fishing, and more.

Planting veggies in the garden

With words

Yes

Underwater Hockey Club Looking to try a new sport and love to swim? Underwater Hockey is the club for you. This club combines sports with a unique experience. You’ll make friends and have a great time.

The Ontarion You can dive deep into culture, politics and news when you join The Ontarion as a volunteer. You will meet many students who are equally interested in journalism and writing at weekly volunteer meetings and annual volunteer events. You will also develop a broad portfolio of published work which can help you launch your career as a journalist.

I prefer to create...

Outdoors

Climbing Club You’re adventurous and looking to try a new sport, so check out the Climbing Club. They offer weekly indoor and outdoor climbing sessions where you can advance as a climber and meet others. They welcome students of all skill levels.

Classics Society If you love all things classics, this is the group for you. The Classics Society promotes classics and supports classics-themed events at U of G. Maybe you’ll even meet people to do an archaeological dig with.

Horseback riding

I'd prefer to play...

Yes

Historical tour of Europe

History Society If you love history and exploring other cultures through the past, the History Society is the perfect club for you. Meet others who share your interests and attend history related events.

Being creative

Being active

I like the outdoors

Archeological Dig in Greece

Journalist

Play a popular sport

I'd prefer to meet people who...

Enjoy farm work

I prefer...

POLS 1150 (Intro to Politics)

Lawyer

Something I've never done before

Equestrian Club The Equestrian Club is designed to bring together fellow equestrians from all disciplines.

Writers Association Whether you’re working on a novel, a collection of poems or have never put a pen to paper before, the Writers Association is a community of students who have a shared interest in writing.

My ideal elective course is:

ENNS 2210 (Apiculture & honey bee biology)

With mediums

Fine Arts Network This student-run group creates opportunities for students majoring in Studio Art and Art History. They facilitate a broad range of events during the academic year, including art history trivia nights, art in The Bullring, bake sales, and an annual reading week trip to NYC. Join this group for a community centred around art.

Enjoy looking through a microscope

BIOL1050 (Biology of plants & animals in managed ecosystems)

Horticulture Club Plant lovers and agriculture enthusiasts, this one is for you. The goal of the Horticulture Club is to “to enhance the educational experience of any University of Guelph students with an interest in horticulture,” as stated in the 1995 constitution. As a member of the club, you can attend field trips, guest lectures, and social events.

Apiculture Club This is the perfect club for beekeeping enthusiasts. Make friends while learning how to bottle and label honey, attending bee demonstrations, making beeswax products, and more.

Future Vets Club This non-profit, CSA approved club provides support to students who dream of becoming a veterinarian. Future Vets Club is a great place to go to get a glimpse into the profession and the many fields within vet med. The club also hosts many events where you can network with other students and potential volunteer supervisors. Join the club and share your love of animals.

ISSUE 201 .1 | FUN 101

THEONTARION.COM

SEPTEMBER TO-DO LIST EVERY SATURDAY

FRI SEPT 11

THURS SEPT 24

Guelph Farmers’ Market • 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Location: 2 Gordon St., Guelph • Around 110 vendors offering farmfresh food, artisanal products and homemade goods. • Free admission

Bootlegging History Tour • 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. • Location: Italian Canadian Club • A guided historical walking tour of Guelph’s most scandalous bootlegging secrets. • Tickets: $25

Dial Down University Anxiety • 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. • Learn the most common anxiety escalators along with practical tips to decrease anxiety • a FREE workshop for University students, meeting ON-LINE from the Stress Management & High Performance Clinic • www.SelfRegulationSkills.ca/ free-sessions

TUES SEPT 8 Summer Nature Series: Arboretum Tour • 3 - 4:30 p.m. • Location: The Arboretum • Enjoy a guided hike through The Arboretum to learn more about the space. • Free admission

SEPT 18 - 20 Eden Mills Writers’ Festival • Location: The Village of Eden Mills • Readers can enjoy the best of Canadian writing while attending panels, workshops, book signings and more. For more information visit edenmillswritersfestival.ca • Paid admission

TUES SEPT 8 CORE Connections: Speed Friending Event • 4 - 6 p.m. • Location: University Centre 442 (North Elevators)

WED SEPT 9 Meet the Profs: A Networking Event with Cultural Diversity Services • 4:30 - 6 p.m. • Location: University Centre 442 (North Elevators)

THURS SEPT 10 Munch and Mingle • 1 - 4 p.m. • Location: Johnston Green

SEPT 11 - 13 The Guelph Jazz Festival • Location: Downtown Guelph • Guelph’s annual creative and improvised music festival returns with three days of low-cost and free concerts, community programming, workshops and more. • For more information visit guelphjazzfestival.com • Free and paid options

SAT SEPT 26 Shinrin Yoku Workshop • 1 - 4 p.m. • Location: The Arboretum • Step into the healing power of nature with a guided Shinrin Yoku session by instructor D’Arcy Meloche. • Tickets: $65+

BEGINS TUES SEPT 29

ICON BY TRIANGLE SQUAD

SAT SEPT 19 Guelph Beer Bus • 12 - 7 p.m. • Hop on and off at any participating brewery • Guelph’s Beer Bus is back this month with an Oktoberfest theme! Stop at any (or all) five of the brewery destinations, including Royal City, Sleeman, Brothers, Fixed Gear and Wellington. • Free admission, 19+ event

SAT SEPT 19 Tree Identification Workshop • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Location: The Arboretum • This full-day program helps participants refine their skills to identify trees in Ontario. • Tickets: $94+

Relaxation, NSDR, & Stress Management Skills • Intensive skills training in how to calm anxiety, deeply rest/relax the body, and settle a busy brain • 12-session evening program, meeting online twice a week, from the Stress Management & High Performance Clinic • www.SelfRegulationSkills.ca/programs/relaxation-skills

BEGINS WED SEPT 30 Relaxation, NSDR, & Stress Management Skills • Practical strategies to start breaking the cycle when anxiety and procrastination are feeding each other • 3 session evening program, meeting online weekly from the Stress Management & High Performance Clinic • www.SelfRegulationSkills.ca/programs/break-anxiety-procrastination-cycle

Note: Some events are only open to U of G students. Please check ahead and plan accordingly.

FINANCIAL AID at U of G IMPORTANT DEADLINES

The University has committed significant funding and resources to financial aid programs for 2026-27. These programs help students in financial need with managing the cost of post-secondary education.

Undergraduate Financial Need Assessment Forms: October 7, 2026 Graduate Financial Need Assessment Forms: January 11, 2027 Work Study Financial Need Assessment Forms: January 18, 2027

Deadline dates listed are for students registering in both fall and winter semesters. A student experiencing a financial crisis should contact awards@uoguelph.ca any time.

BURSARIES & NEEDBASED SCHOLARSHIPS:

WORK STUDY PROGRAM:

Apply by completing a Financial Need Assessment Form.

Undergraduate students will be notified by late November and will have their award applied as a credit on their winter 2027 student account.

The Work Study program allows you to gain valuable experience working for U of G departments while earning money at the same time. Apply to Student Financial Services by completing a Financial Need Assessment Form as soon as possible. Notifications are sent via email within 5-10 business days.

Graduate students will be notified in February 2027.

INFORMATION and APPLICATIONS can be found at uoguel.ph/finance Contact awards@uoguelph.ca for more information.

The Ontarion is always looking for passionate and creative volunteers to join our team of reporters, copyeditors, photographers, and illustrators. No experience needed!

For more information email outreach@theontarion.com

ISSUE 201 .1 | FUN 101

THEONTARION.COM

MEET THE ONTARION

RACHEL FIORET

EMMERSON JULL Associate Editor

Graphic Designer/Art Director

Rachel joined The Ontarion in 2020 as a volunteer and discovered her interest in journalism shortly after. She loves working with volunteers to pitch and write interesting stories, especially stories related to campus news. When she’s not at work, she’s reading a new fantasy novel and curled up with her cat, Ted.

Emmerson joined The Ontarion in 2023 as a volunteer and quickly discovered her love for journalism. When she's not chasing a new story, she's busy reading, testing a new recipe or sweating it out in a hot yoga class.

Paige has been designing for The Ontarion since 2022. She also works as a freelance editorial illustrator, specializing in conceptual illustration and mixed media portraits. In her spare time she enjoys prowling through thrift stores, sewing and watching reality TV.

Editor-in-Chief

LAURIE ARNOLD Accountant

Laurie has a passion for accounting, and she received her CPA designation in 2017. She joined the business department of The Ontarion in 2022. In her leisure time she enjoys attending live theatre shows, gardening, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

PATRICK SUTHERLAND Executive Director A U of G grad, Patrick first got involved with The Ontarion in by volunteering for the Board of Directors where he enjoyed using his Human Resources Management education. He enjoys spending time with animals, playing board games and rock climbing.

PAIGE STAMPATORI

GUELPH 101 | FUN 101

THE ONTARION

PUZZLE PAGE

The Ontarion Inc. University Centre Room 264 University of Guelph N1G 2W1 ontarion@uoguelph.ca

CROSSWORD 1

21 24

43 46

37-Beseeched

8-Inter___

40-Prayer

9-Tints

41-Court call

10-Marked by a rhythmic beat

42-”I get it” responses

11-Sicken

44-Tarzan creator’s monogram 46-Road crew’s supply 47-Island of Venezuela 48-Potentate 50-Designer Pucci 51-Fleets 52-Picks up the check 57-Entr’___ 59-”Shane” star 60-Swab 62-Dot follower 63-Short trip 64-Fitting

18-Affluence

22-General on Chinese menus

25-Bog 26-This is only ___

53 56

58 62

27-Coloring material

29-1 or

31-Carrier letters 34-Fungal infection of the skin or nails

36-Grotesque

Across

49-Recalcitrant

1-Venture

53-Payment for regular work

5-Shoot for

54-Sacks

10-MSNBC rival

55-Blemish

13-Finito 14-Roma’s land

56-Currency unit in Czech Republic

16-Bond rating

58-Martini garnish

17-Journalism

60-Old space station

19-Used a shovel

61-Drunken feast

20-Maternally related

65-Sweet suffix

21-Playing marbles

66-Bent over

23-Where It’s at

67-Low-cal

24-Diary of ___ Housewife

68-Third degree?

28-Disney honcho

69-Lure

30-Diligence

70-Improvised bed

32-Winter vehicle

SUDOKU 8

3-Recompense for hardship

38-Tristan’s love 42-Shot spot

4-Once, once

43-Professor’s job security

5-It’s inspired

45-Group of seven

6-”Lord is ___?”: Matthew

4 6

S M E

C O

M E

A R

N I

O R

E O

M R

E P

H I

19 22

U G

R E P

E T

O R

A M S O

R G

O U

A G O R

CROSSWORD

E L

N O R

9 3 2 4 5 8 1 7 6

7 4 1 9 2 6 3 8 5

5 8 6 3 1 7 4 9 2

1 6 9 7 8 4 5 2 3

4 2 7 5 6 3 9 1 8

SUDOKU

3 5 8 1 9 2 7 6 4

2 9 5 8 4 1 6 3 7

6 7 4 2 3 9 8 5 1

8 1 3 6 7 5 2 4 9

1 7

2 9

6 2 7

3 8 4

9 1 4

ANSWERS FROM ISSUE 200.5 1

OFFICE STAFF Executive Director Patrick Sutherland Accountant Laurie Arnold

Last issue’s winning puzzle was submitted by Hussain Jafri, Victoria Kulyniy & Jesse Lloyd!

2-Wide street

36-Angles

PRODUCTION STAFF Graphic Designer/Art Director Paige Stampatori

For your chance to win two Bobs dog’s and two pops, just complete the crossword, snap a picture, and send it to puzzles@theontarion.com by Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. Winners are announced in each issue and can arrange a pickup of their voucher by emailing the same address.

1-Gift recipients

35-Riviera season

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Rachel Fioret Associate Editor Emmerson Jull Copy Editor & Fact Checker Carlota Sousa

BOB'S DOGS CROSSWORD CONTEST

Down

33-Thoroughfare

519-824-4120 Editorial: x 58250 Advertising: x 58267 Accounts: x 53534

39-Had the mic, say

15-Anew

7-Floor covering where the cat sat!

12-Henpeck

22 28

7 9

8 4 6 1

2 9

3 8

4 7

Fill in the empty squares so that each of the digits 1 through 9 appear once in each row, column, and 3-by-3 block.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Katelynn Huong Vice Chair Paula Henry-Duru Treasurer Denver Bakhareva Secretary OPEN POSITION DIRECTORS Simran Aujla Oliver Bullingham Nathaniel Diamant Mariana Erazo Maia Galletta Marah Husien Huda Shoaib CONTRIBUTORS ELYSE ARMSTRONG NED BARR ANDREEA BURLACU SIENNA G. GEISSLER SANA GURUNATHAN ASHLEY MAROZSAN VIDA MATUS ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN NEEVE O'CONNOR ADITYA PARAMESWARAN KIERA SCHARF The Ontarion is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. Since The Ontarion undertakes the publishing of student work, the opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Ontarion staff and Board of Directors. The Ontarion reserves the right to edit or refuse all material deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for publication as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. Material of any form appearing in this newspaper is copyrighted 2026 and cannot be reprinted without the approval of the Editor-in-Chief. The Ontarion retains the right of first publication on all material. In the event that an advertiser is not satisfied with an advertisement in the newspaper, they must notify The Ontarion within four working days of publication. The Ontarion will not be held responsible for advertising mistakes beyond the cost of advertisement. The Ontarion is printed by Master Web, Inc. Funded in part by the Government of Canada

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