Michael Aguer Bol Bior

May 9

Written By Meja Madol

•Current city of residence: Toronto, Ontario

•Year arrived in Canada: 2016

•School(s): University of Toronto

•Academic program(s): Geographic Information System/Urban Planning

•Occupation/profession: Geospatial (GIS) Analyst

1. From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new WUSC students?

Things are going to be overwhelming at first, breathe, ground yourself and be intentional with your time.
Be open to unfamiliar surroundings, take advantage of the resources and opportunities around you at school.
Find ways to engage with school activities, clubs and associations, explore and have fun as well.

2. Do you have any advice on choosing academic programs and careers for later success after school?

Make the most of your first year. Talk to your professors and other students. What are grads doing? What cool courses are upper-year students taking? Talk to the
Wusc alumni community as well.
Before you apply to a specific program, read the brochures and talk to students in the program at an open house or during a campus tour. Make sure the program interests you and lines up with your career path. It is very important.
Try taking electives in other subjects you enjoy. You might find that you would be happier studying something else. If this happens, you can change your program. An academic advisor can help you figure out what’s best for you.
Studying something that interests you will make it easier to get to class, study, complete assignments, pay attention in class or during labs, time management and get good marks.

3. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?

Join a club or association, even if it’s something you have never tried before, it will open you up to a completely new social network. If it involves exercise and a lot of talking, even better! Or you can be part of your Wusc local committee.
Don’t feel like you’re stuck with one group of friends. Make friends and get to know people, it is good to be outside your comfort zone, however, that doesn’t mean you have to stick with them, especially if you feel like it’s not a good fit.
Most of all exercise, join a gym, go for a run, do some yoga (try if you can); anything that gives your brain a break and re-energizes you.
Get out of your room, I found staying in my room in the residence to be toxic. Sitting in your room alone is likely to make you feel lonelier than you are. Try going to the library or to a cafe to study – anywhere where conversation is taking place and you’re not deafened by silence.
I strongly believe you are not alone – there are plenty of other first year students out there who are feeling exactly the same as you. Do not feel like you are alone in this experience. Hopefully, being aware of this will encourage you to not despair and elevate your spirits.
Most importantly, if the sense of loneliness overwhelms you and you start to feel too anxious to do anything, talk to someone, local committee or contact any Wusc alumni. Lastly, don’t forget to keep in touch with your family.

4. From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada?

Firstly, it is up to you to – both how you are going to do things and when. You may find that all of your assignments are due at the same time, so a bit of forward planning for staggered deadlines will save you from a lot of panic at the last minute.
Think critically about everything you read, see or hear – consider whether you agree or disagree with it and then (most importantly) work out why you think the way you do.
Know when to ask for help – and where to get it – there's a lot to get used to when you come to university, and no-one finds it all easy. One of your most important responsibilities is to yourself – to recognize when you need help and to know where to get it.

5. What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?

Lack of social interaction, missing the support of friends, family and extended social circles is a big factor for most new students.
Cultural differences and difficulty finding adequate employment opportunities
Getting used to the weather, adapting to new cultural values and beliefs
Lack of access to professional help and guidance

6. Seeing how credit scores are important, do you have any advice on managing money or a credit profile?

Track your spending and developed a budget.
Get a part-time job to supplement wusc allowances and to cater for other expenses
Avoid the temptation to spending on unplanned purchases
Borrow only what you can afford to pay back on your credit card
Pay your bills on time and carry credit card balances responsibly
Take advantage of technology and tools to avoid credit pitfalls i.e Online, mobile and phone access to your account, and bill payment options, Statement alerts by text, e-mail, or phone - Instant, free transfers to and from your other accounts

7. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?

After you arrive here, be clear about your goals and your desires. Talk to your family, be honest with them. Tell them about how things are don’t feel bad if you’re not giving them enough money.
School is your number one priority. Tell them that you can help them financially after you are done school and get a good paying job.
Under some circumstances, have a reasonable agreement with them that you can help depending on your budget and the severity of the situation at hand. Don’t over-blow your account.
Don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself. People will be calling you a lot looking for assistance. Set your priorities first and work with what you have as disposable funds.

8. Were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?

Kuol Majak, P.Eng