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The Fulcrum’s FIRST YEA R G UIDE

VOL. 2

Illustrated by Zoe P.S

Some History UOtta-know Illustrated by Zoe P.S Written by Bhoomi Dahiya

1. Pedro, oh Pedro Homecoming is cute and all, but here at the U of O we have “the Panda Game.” The game’s iconic mascot Pedro the Panda showed up in ‘55 when the Fulcrum’s associate editor Bryan McNulty got local jeweller, Jack Snow, to donate the stuffed panda he kept in his shop. Before retiring at the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Pedro lived an eventful life. The young Panda was seen parachuting into Lansdowne Park, was once buried there, and even got kidnapped by Queen’s University’s Panda Liberation Organization.

2. Beatle on campus! In ‘69, student government president Alan Rock drove to John Lennon’s Montreal hotel room and convinced Lennon to attend the U of O Peace conference after lying that the Prime Minister would be there. Rock successfully lured the Beatle and Yoko Ono into his yellow Volkswagen Beetle and drove them to Simard Hall. On the trip down, Lennon sang along to Beatles tracks on the radio. “It was a magic moment,” said Rock.

3. The Highs and lows of student government. In the 2010s, $10 000 were spent on unused fireworks which were never seen again. Before the democratic and just University of Ottawa Students Union (UOSU) that we know today, there was the Students Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO). The U of O terminated their agreement with the SFUO in 2018 after numerous scandals arose. Current UOSU executives operate with greater financial oversight.

4. You think the dining hall food is bad? Check this out. When examining what artifacts remained after the Tabaret Hall fire of 1903, the school’s chief archivist, Michel Prévost, noted that the cookware and cutlery are a symbol of darker times at the U of O. “The quality of the food served on those plates was questionable [...] students almost went on strike to protest,” said Prévost.

Illustrated by Zoe P.S Written by Alexandrea Abungin

Throughout your first year of university, you may begin to notice a statistical anomaly. Somehow everyone you know will tell you they have a bad roommate, but nobody will admit to being the bad roommate. Before move-in day, most people are so preoccupied about whether their roommate will be easy to live with, that they rarely stop to consider whether they’ll be a good roommate themselves. If you find yourself becoming any of the following people, consider giving your roommate(s) some grace.

The Married Roommate

The Married Roommate can’t go a day without their partner. Whether it’s their long-distance girlfriend staying over every other week, or their new fling that’s slowly starting to move his clothes into the closet, their partner’s constant presence unexpectedly turns a Stanton double into a triple. This isn’t to say that you can never have your partner over, but that you should always ask your roommate if they’re genuinely alright with it beforehand. Just because they were chill with it once, doesn’t mean they can’t change their mind. Sending a “my girlfriend is over btw” text the night before a mid-term can be a slap, kick, and punch in the face.

The Hermit

In spite of having in-person lectures and a meal plan, the Hermit somehow never leaves the dorm. If you start to spend whole days in your dorm room, chances are your roommate is starting to feel like they don’t get enough alone time. Make sure to trade schedules at the beginning of the year to coordinate how you guys can naturally take turns having the room to yourselves. For example, if one of you has a three-hour lecture, then the other can use that time to call their friends in privacy. Even if you do skip that three-hour lecture (which you will), consider booking a study room for yourself instead of going back to the dorm.

The Life of the Party

You’ll probably start off viewing this type of roommate with rose-tinted glasses. They’re willing to host both of your friend groups before AND after the function, they let you blast your music on their speakers, and you guys had a fun time together every night of 101 Week. What’s not to love? That is until these antics don’t stop at 101 Week. The sounds of drunken laughter and loud rave music become less and less ambient as deadlines start to approach and other people on your floor begin to shoot you glances of disdain for ruining their REM. If going out five times a week is your prerogative, nobody’s here to shame you for that. Just don’t be surprised when your roommate doesn’t open the door for you at 4 a.m when you forget your keys inside.

If you feel personally attacked, just know that I’m only telling you this because you still have time to change your ways! Not getting along with your roommate(s) isn’t the end of the world, but all of you need to try putting your differences aside to fight the real enemy: people who live in a single dorm. Your Friend, Di Daniels

Di Daniels The Fulcrum’s resident relationship expert

Dear Di, I just moved to Ottawa from a small town in Alberta and I, well, ok so I downloaded Grindr. Is it safe to assume that the influx of recently created accounts I’m seeing are guys my age that just moved here or is this “profile created 3 days ago” stuff suspicious? Dear FeBron James,

-FeBron James

Fret not for this is an annual occurence. The answer is…both? Unfortunately, it’s a time of year of which creeps take advantage. It’s kind of like the 40 year olds that choose to hang out at the Gatineau bars which underage 18 year olds flee Ottawa to. You gotta navigate this like a sketchy Facebook marketplace sale. If you’re gonna meet up with a stranger, meet somewhere public and maybe bring a friend to scope out the scene. Avoid giving out your personal number before hitting it off in real life and if they’re in a rush to meet… that’s questionable.

631 King Edward Ave Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

Dear Di,

Dear Gee-Gee Mascot, Low effort relationships can be great when they’re actually low effort and ideally when you’ve both agreed that’s what you want. The problem with labels is that they can be a one size fits all approach to things which doesn’t always reflect what you want from someone. Try filtering out what you think a relationship should look like from what you would personally want one to look like. Also, spontaneity can be great but you don’t want your relationship to be entirely on someone else’s terms. Think about whether or not the unpredictability is fun for you or if it’s taking you away from your other interests and commitments. Don’t worry about whether or not it’s a “situationship”, focus on whether or not you’re happy in the situation without having to compartmentalize its less desired attributes. That said, if he’s 5 already compared you to a ‘crazy ex’, run.

Am I in a situationship? I’m talking to this guy and we have this effortless connection. I find myself sitting in my lectures thinking about how I never know when I’m going to see him, or if he’s going to respond to my texts, or what he meant when he said he’s so glad I don’t get jealous like his ex… He’s so mysterious. Well my friends said he’s wasting my time but I’ve always been one for slow burns and my intro to feminism professor made this really great point about how harmful labels are so it’s fine right? -Gee-Gee Mascot Illustrated by Zoe P.S Written by Bhoomi Dahiya

New Beginnings Illustrated by Zoe P.S Written by Bhoomi Dahiya

“Looking back at first-year me? Girl ain’t had a clue what was going on,” says U of O grad Femi Salam-Alada. Adding, “I only started figuring that stuff out in third year, and I really had it figured out by fourth year.” Whether you’re 100% sure about your program or you’re in it to please your parents and the job market, Femi emphasizes that the rest of your university experience is completely in your hands. “How you go about your social life, gender, and sexuality, those are personal things, and this is the perfect time to figure them out.” In an interview with the Fulcrum, Femi joked that each year of undergrad they grew into completely different people, but looking back they can see the defining moments that made them who they are today. No matter what plans you have, or guides you’ve read, if you’re not seeing the bigger picture yet, it’s because you’re too close to the screen.

either been where you’re at or is where you’re at.” Ask what resources and spaces your peers have access too, and build your own community (slowly). “Being intentional” is key, says Femi. If you’re not actively looking, it can be very hard to find your people and make things stick. But the thing is, you don’t need to find your people during 101 week, or first year, or even second year; you’ve got more time than you think. “Theres no one university experience” says Femi: “I remember staying up until 2 a.m. at Morisset library and feeling like I had made it, nerdy as that is.” Femi says that it was once she found her grounding that she had the most fun doing simple things. So, go to open mics, talk to random clubs, be a general member, “you might even get clipped at random things, the Fulcrum has definitely clipped me before,” says Femi.

Most people take four to five years to finish their degree and if you’re really learning, new outlooks will inevitably clash with how you view yourself and your reality over the years. With your newfound freedom, and control over your schedule, your academic and social life may start to blur together. The same goes for your personal development. You might feel like your professional trajectory is out of your control but the more you lean into who you are, confidence and fulfillment in one part of your life will likely spill into the other. So, take a minute to figure out what you want out of this. “Usually, this means actively thinking about how you’re going to interact with the people and organizations that’ll get you where you want to be, but being able to sit and think about where you’re at is definitely the first step,” says Femi. As you move through different spaces you’ll probably struggle to find people whose values truly align with yours, but the key is to keep trying. It can be frustrating to join a club and realize only parts of your identity are welcome there, but usually you’re not alone. “Everyone here has

You don’t have to do it alone. There is no prize for struggling in silence. If you ever find yourself having a hard time in university, try to look into the mental health resources available to you. WHEN IMMEDIATE HELP IS NEEDED A mental health crisis is any situation where a person’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviours cause an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, or render them unable to care for themselves. The closest hospital to U of O for emergency mental health is Hôpital Montfort, located at 713 Montréal Road. It features a specialized Mental Health Emergency Zone to assess and treat individuals in crisis. If you are unable to commute: Good2talk is the Post-Secondary Student Helpline in the North-East Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868 Ottawa Distress Centre Northeast Call 613-238-3311, in Gatineau and region, call 1-866676-1080 THE WELLNESS LOUNGE | UCU 203 The Wellness Lounge, located within the Student Health and Wellness Centre, provides a space where students can decompress and participate in wellness activities. There, you will find Peer Wellness Helpers who offer drop-in and virtual chat support to connect you with other mental health resources on campus. Students can also access Therapy Assisted Online (TAO), a digital platform offering self-guided modules on stress management, resilience, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. PEER SUPPORT ASSISTANTS | UCU 211F Peer Support Assistants are trained students who provide confidential and non-judgmental listening. Unlike psychotherapists, peer supporters do not diagnose

conditions or provide treatment. Instead, they offer emotional support and help students feel less isolated while navigating personal challenges. For students who are unsure whether their concerns warrant professional counselling, peer support can also serve as a bridge to more formal services. WHEN MENTAL HEALTH BEGINS TO IMPACT DAILY LIFE A different level of support may be needed when emotional difficulties begin interfering with your ability to function socially, academically, or personally. These are signs that you may require professional mental health care. Students can access psychotherapy through the Student Health and Wellness Centre (MNO N203). The process begins with a Mental Health Intake Appointment, during which a clinician assesses your concerns and determines the most appropriate course of action. Depending on your needs, you may be connected with short-term psychotherapy, support groups, psychiatric services, or community-based resources. Psychotherapy is designed to address immediate challenges while equipping you with strategies for managing future difficulties. Mental health counselling appointments at the Student Health and Wellness Centre are now billed through the UOSU Greenshield Canada student health plan. Students sign an insurance authorization form allowing the clinic to bill Greenshield directly for eligible counselling sessions (currently 8–10 sessions, depending on clinical need). Notably, students who pay the university’s health and wellness fees do not pay anything out of pocket. If Greenshield does not fully reimburse the cost of a session, the Student Health and Wellness Centre covers the remaining balance.

wait, There’s no spots left!!

The Weather’s perfect on campus! I’m gonna study outside.

UCU SQUARE How do these people all know each other already? Its week two!

maybe around here?

well.. she’s alone there... i could ask...

what if she says no?

No.. it can’t hurt Hi, uhm, sorry... to ask.. can I sit here?

thanks!

no prob.

Yes, Of Course!

It’s Easier Than You Think Written & Illustrated by Zoe P.S just sitting across someone feels nice...

A GUIDE FOR INTERNaTIONAL STUDENTS Illustrated by Zoe P.S, Written by Alexandrea Abungin

Having a hard time tackling your first year of university and your first year in Canada? Scan the QR code on this page to read the International Student Handbook! Created by U of O students, Oghenefejiro Mejire and Leen Demyati, the handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to housing, academics, employment, information on insurance, food access, and everyday living in a new cultural setting. In an interview with the Fulcrum, co-authors, Oghenefejiro and Leen, shared their personal advice for incoming international students.

OGHENEFEJIRO International Student from Nigeria I advise that you ASK QUESTIONS! Back home, a lot of people may have volunteered information and told you “oh this is where to go and this is how to do things,” without you even asking. That really isn’t the case here. For example, a lot of international students choose the traditional residents like Marchand and Rideau, because they are cheaper. But they don’t realize that if they wish to continue living in residence the following year, it is better to choose a 12-month plan at Annex or Hyman Soloway. This was something that ResLife did not explicitly tell me until I prodded about it. For me, navigating being an international student was a very individual process. But while crafting the IHouse Handbook, I found that one of the first things that you should do is find a like-minded community. I think you should try finding people who speak the same language as you and join student clubs that you have ethnic or religious ties to. You can use the UOSU clubs portal to help you find a club that connects with you.

I didn’t tour campus till after first year began!

LEEN International Student from the United Arab Emirates I want to highlight what Fejiro said, ASK QUESTIONS. Even if it doesn’t sound relevant to you now, it might be in the future. Another piece of advice I have is to put yourself out there. Make sure to network, join different clubs, and explore different career paths. Not only does this help you meet like-minded people, but it also helps you better understand what work culture in Canada looks like. What helped me was joining my faculty student association and the Model UN club, as well as helping to create IHouse. I will be quite frank, being an international student can be quite lonely, and honestly that homesickness doesn’t really go away. You also have to recognize why you’re here and think about the opportunities that you have here, and that homesickness will feel worth it. There are so many resources available at the university to elevate your experience beyond the classroom: there are exchange programs, hackathons, and clubs. Utilize them. My biggest regret is not doing so sooner.

I didn’t Step FoOT in Canada Before First year Started!

Real talk

from your Mentors Illustrated by Zoe P.S Written by Alexandrea Abungin

If you ever have a hard time adjusting to university life, consider booking an appointment with a Mentor! Mentors are upper-year students that are assigned to your specific faculty or department to provide course planning assistance, connect students with campus resources or support services, or even host study groups. Here’s what they would tell their first-year selves: Alexandrea Abungin French Immersion Mentor “If you can, request that qualitative grade! Even though those grades will be uncovered when you apply for post-graduate programs, qualitative grades can still help you meet the CGPA requirement for the French Studies Bursary and potentially even the CGPA requirement to do a co-op term.” Nicholas Matta Faculty of Social Sciences Mentor “My biggest piece of advice is that you need to distance yourself from the friends that keep you from studying. Independent study allows you to experiment and find the optimal environment, noise level, and schedule that maximize your productivity. It’s okay to study with friends, but if you guys are sitting on the fifth floor of CRX doing cartwheels, then that’s a problem.” Rim El Alaoui Faculty of Science Mentor “Before entering a lab, be sure to familiarize yourself with the procedure. Instead of simply reading the protocol, I try to visualize the steps and equipment involved. Communication is also key when working with a lab partner. Divide responsibilities clearly, but try to work through difficult questions together so that you’re both familiar with how to solve them. Try to meet with your lab partner a few days before the deadline to review each other’s sections and provide feedback.”

Thierry Mentor Telfer Mentor “A common mistake most first-years in Telfer make is not putting themselves out there enough when it comes to networking and getting involved! I believe that every first-year student should attend at least a few networking events each semester. Another common mistake is not participating in case competitions during which students can practice presentation skills, meet potential recruiters, and make their names known within the faculty.” Cory Hilton Faculty of Arts Mentor “My advice to first-year students is to avoid burning yourself out from putting too much pressure on yourself. The first year of university brings a lot of change, and expecting yourself to adapt to these changes immediately and flawlessly is unreasonable. There will be setbacks and they may be tricky to navigate. This is normal! Take a breath, cut yourself some slack.” Ibrahim Tarbouchi Faculty of Health Sciences Mentor “A lot of first-years assume that booking a 1-on-1 meeting with a Faculty mentor or attending professors’ office hours is something you only do when you’re really struggling. But I’d honestly reach out much earlier: when you’re building a study schedule, using different study strategies, or trying to survive your first lab report without opening 37 tabs and pretending that’s a plan.” Anima Mehrin Faculty of Engineering Mentor “I think first-year students often underutilize the Academic Writing Help Centre. The Academic Writing Help Centre provides students assistance in structuring university-level writing, including essays, lab reports, and technical reports, while receiving feedback that helps students improve over time.”

So you want to be a Gee-Gee?

Illustrated by Zoe P.S, Written by Alexandrea Abungin

As a student-athlete, you may find it daunting to balance your training schedule and course load, while trying to make new friends outside of those two spheres. In contrast, for those of you who grew up playing sports throughout secondary school, but are no longer on a team, it may feel as though something is missing from your daily routine. Whether you’re an incoming varsity athlete or simply looking for new ways to stay physically active, there are members of the U of O community who are here to support you during this transition! In an interview with the Fulcrum, Student Athletic Council (SAC) Co-Presidents, Isabelle and Avery, shared their insights. Isabelle SAC Co-President | Women’s Swimming 5th Year Human Kinetics For first-year athletes, one of the biggest pieces of advice I have would be ‘just ask.’ The worst that people can say is no. Whether that’s as an athlete asking for a position on a team or to be put on relay, but also just in life in general. I really feel like a lot of the opportunities that I have been able to come across have just been because I asked and was met with ‘yeah, why not!’ Another big piece of advice I have, is just make sure you’re making time to check in with yourself, I would maybe call a friend or call my mom. I personally missed my 101 week because we had a pre-season training camp, but our SAC is an amazing way for student-athletes to get to know each other! Our orientation barbecue and our yearly rookie party is a great opportunity to meet the other first-year athletes who are new to the university. Avery SAC Co-President | Cheerleading 3rd Year Political Science Honestly, if you’re in first-year, I would just take it in stride. I personally thrive off of my busy schedule, because if I know I have training and school, I tend to manage my time a lot better. But that goes for mental health as well, make sure you’re taking time for yourself to relax and create a solid support system. For varsity teams, we have a mental health specialist and they’re great to go talk to and they deal with a lot of post-injury stuff. For non-varsity athletes, I would recommend getting involved in intramurals that are offered on campus! There are also plenty of clubs that are geared towards fitness. And if you and your friends are ever looking for something to do on a Friday night, check out a game! Follow @GeeGeesSAC on Instagram! Check Out These Clubs! Girl Gains Lifting Club

UO Pilates

UOTTARUN

GymBro UOTTAWA

WELCOME TO OTTAWA Illustrated by Zoe P.S Written by Bhoomi Dahiya

Trust me Ottawa’s not actually boring! However, it does have its quirks or what folks online It can look like paying a $60 exam deferral fee are calling “Ottawaisms” but hear me out: you got because your bus never came, or stepping on here at an interesting time. injection needles because the province closed nearby safe-consumption sites, and the city offered “Some say the city has no night life, but if you no alternatives. Or, things can start to reflect your look closely into the night sky you can see bus priorities. fleets disappear year after year into the police budget: a municipal magic trick!” Less than half of eligible voters cast their ballot in the 2022 municipal election, but student voicGeneral frustrations with the city are building up es can be among the loudest if their potential is into targeted critiques of the gaps in community actualized this fall. Large-scale organizations like spaces, restrictions on nightlife, and unreliable your Student Union (UOSU) and Horizon Ottatransit options. Ottawans are sharing creative solu- wa, along with smaller groups like the Ottawa tions to persisting issues, including the over-polic- Youth Vision project and political zine artist Laura ing of our unhoused population, loss of affordable Blanchette, are all engaging with locals in multihousing units, abuses of tenant rights, and more! faceted ways this election season. Check them out! You can feel the momentum for what is expected to be a very close municipal election on October Attend a community BBQ and meet the names 26th, 2026 and you play an important part in it. on your ballot in real life. Go doorknocking with an organization you support and see what your Many students feel their vote and voice is overneighbours are like! And if you realize you hate looked by city councillors because they’re seen all things political on October 26th, then vote for as “transitory voters,” all while grocery, rent, and someone you can trust to represent your interests, transit hikes push them out of the city they try so you can try ignoring all of this for the next little to call home. Whether you see yourself staying while. in Ottawa beyond your degree or not, municipal politics will directly impact you throughout your time at the U of O.

You can vote if: • you are a Canadian citizen • you are aged 18 or older • you are a student studying away from “home” • you are eligible to vote in both your “home” municipality and in the municipality where you live while attending school. For more info, consult https://www.ontario.ca/document/2026-voters-guide-ontario-municipal-council-and-school-board-elections/ eligibility-vote

Community’s a word that gets tossed around a lot but what does it really mean? I mean how would you define community? Really think about it because soon enough everyone’s gonna tell you to just “go and find your community.”

To start, communities are collective units and they’re not just friend groups. Look, there’s levels to this shit and if one things for certain, it’s that you need community. Community exists at different scales and is based on different bonds. Good community, the kind that gets you through university, has a collective effort attached to it.

ya a hi D mi S hoo oe P. B Z y b by n tte ated i r r W ust Ill

Look, you’re star ting university during cli mate collapse and OSAP cuts, I’m sure you’ve got your share of your problems.

The stress of it all can be isolating, but most of the time we’re all in our heads over the same things, so we might as well stress about it together! And maybe take care of each other along the way.

Being “nonchalant” is out. I know there’s something you care about, come on fess up.

The decline of physical media, indie board games, drop-in soccer games- literally anything? The coolest part of university is that you might be new here but this place is old as hell. Somewhere out there there’s a group of people that’ve combined your interests with a cool social action. We get what we fight for, usually this means trying to preserve funding, physical space, or resources, so that you can keep doing the things you like and meeting cool people while doing it.

Your community is gonna include people you don’t get along with but can get things down with. Community’s gonna mean helping an acquaintance move and not constantly trying to find the perfect friend group. It’s about opting to build something rather than tucking away with your piece of a world in need of serious repairs. By working on something you care about with the people around you, or by getting food after a protest and bonding over this week’s ragebait, you’ll make real friends. 13

Extra! Extra!

2025-2026 Fulcrum Archives

A Year in Coverage Brooks Demolition Leaves Bernadette Childcare Centre with No Options Written by Joshua Bezanson

A summer with no summer co-op jobs Written by James Adair

Beyond February: Black student leaders are calling for deeper institutional support Written by Marjan Massoom

The Louvre Heist: an homage to Europe’s long tradition of theft Written by Kavi Vidya Achar

U of O stands by Israeli university exchange despite mounting criticism Written by Marjan Massoom

Ottawa’s Family Doctor Shortage and how it’s impacting the University of Ottawa Written by Kareem Mukbil

“Getting cracked”: the patriarchy’s violent perception of sex Written by Bhoomi Dahiya

Women’s health dialogues in sports are in need of re-framing Written by Alexandrea Abungin

Illustrated by Zoe P.S

Your First Year Horoscope ARIES Uranus retrograde means it’s time for you to slow down. You have until Sept. 22 to decide if those two electives with back-to-back lectures are worth the sprint from FSS to SITE.

in every group convo at the dining hall, requires a little more planning first. By showing up to lend a listening ear can all means, explore Ottawa and say yes be just as impactful. to opportunities! But maybe figure out how to navigate the campus tunnels VIRGO before applying to be the president of The Virgo New Moon is basically three clubs. your annual reset button, but you need TAURUS to make sure you don’t get ahead of CAPRICORN Virgo season is telling you to build a yourself when goal-setting! Sacrificing Uranus retrograde encourages you to routine you can stick to. But when you your sanity for straight A’s on all your replace your rigid expectations with inevitably fail to secure your go-to mid-term exams won’t be worth much acceptance and patience. You’ll need study spot, do NOT take it as a sign to if you’re burned out by the time finals both when Microsoft Authenticator asks give up on studying for the day. come around. you to prove that it’s really you for the 30th time this week. GEMINI LIBRA Mercury in Libra advises you to think Mercury entering Libra makes this AQUARIUS before you speak. Be careful not to September your month of connection! Uranus retrograde asks you to question overshare details about your personal The stars say your next close friend what’s not working, and the answer life to new people during 101 Week. could be waiting in the CRX Tim might just be you. Before suddenly Hortons line (that’ll give you about 30 dropping a class or quitting a club out of CANCER minutes to get to know each other). frustration, be sure to go to office hours The Libra equinox is all about finding or ask those around you for help instead balance, while the Virgo New Moon SCORPIO of giving up altogether. encourages you to create a sense of As Venus enters Scorpio, your home wherever you are. Keep in touch connections naturally deepen. Just PISCES with those high school friends, but don’t make sure that energy is going towards The practical energy of the Virgo New hold yourself back from building your forming sustainable friendships, instead Moon will help you separate hope from new life. of sitting in your dorm drafting a reality. Stop associating new friends lengthy “so, what are we?” text. with the idealized version of them that LEO you envisioned. Go into new friendships Virgo season rewards consistency over SAGITTARIUS with manageable expectations so that charisma. You don’t need to stand out Adventure is calling, but Virgo energy you can see people for who they are.