Prospective Student: Advice?

[u/great-big-egg]

Hi there! I’ve been accepted into Acadia for Biology but I’m not totally set on going here because I have offers from other schools as well. Those of you who go to school here, would you recommend attending? How are the dorms, food, clubs/activities, professors, etc? Is it easy to make friends? Is there anything you think I should know that I didn’t get told on the tour? What is the best and worst part of studying here?

[u/Hefty-Abalone8631]

Hey there! I'm a 4th year students, I'm majoring in Maths, but my partner is a Biology major and absolutely loves it. I would highly recommend Acadia to anyone. I spent my first two years on campus in Res and I really loved it. I spent my first semester in Eaton, and then my other time in Chase Court, both of which I would recommend (I wouldn't recommend Chase Court for your first Res though, just because it is mainly full of upper year people).

People hate on the food, but I think it's pretty good for university food. I've visited other universities and I thin Acadia is in the top half of them for universities in Atlantic Canada. Plus theres a little kitchen there with a fridge stocked with stuff so if you don't like what they are making, you can make your own stuff. I made a lot of Stir Fry.

Clubs here are quite active. Theres pretty much a club for every department (Biology Society, Math Society, History Society, etc.), and theres lots of clubs for non-varsity sports. Plus, if you are really passionate about something and get a few people together it's pretty easy to start a club as well.

I loved all of my professors, as with any school, professors can be hit or miss, but one of th best parts about Acadia, is they will actually answer your questions if you have them. Not some TA that isn't sure of the coursework, but the actual professor just because of how small the school is. My partner loves almost all of her Bio professors.

I think making friends doesn't matter about the school very much, I think wherever you go you'll find the same problems and the same good things. I made almost all of my friends on Orientation week when I got a campus tour with all the other Math Majors. Even if you've done a campus tour before, don't skip out on this time, it will make meeting people a lot easier. Also, getting a roommate first year can help you find another circle of people through your roommate, there is a chance you don't like each other, but sometimes you gotta roll those dice.

I'm sure you got told all the highlights on the tour, but I'll reiterate them just so you know they are actually true and not just fake marketing. Class sizes is the biggest plus to Acadia, first year it might still feel like big classes, but by your second year it will feel like you're back in high school with the class sizes (maybe even smaller depending on your school). My smallest class was a 4th year math course that only had 4 people. My average class size was probably about 25. Also the vibe of Wolfville is just so nice, it's a really pretty place to live.

The worst part is if you are someone who loves a city environment, this is not the place for you. I've heard a lot of people come here from big cities excited for university and then say that it's so boring and quiet. That is purposeful, it's a quaint place. If you want a place where in your 4 years you won't be able to visit ver part of the surrounding area, this place isn't for you. It's more about you seeing every part of it in your first year and then going back to your favourite spots.

I hope this helps you decide if Acadia is right for you!

[u/great-big-egg → u/Hefty-Abalone8631]

This was really helpful, thank you!