5 Things Every CapU Student Can Do In Their First Week
Published18 August, 2025
Photo credit Patrick Leung
Orientation and Transitions Coordinators Ashley and Luv offer their top tips for a successful first week at CapU.
We remember our first semesters at CapU, feeling nervous, excited and (maybe) a little lost.
Not knowing where our classes were, who to talk to, or how to get involved was overwhelming. That experience has shaped the way we support new students today.
In our roles, we get to connect with every new CapU student, some fresh out of high school, others returning after years away and international students who are new to Canada.
Here’s our guide to making your first week at CapU count.
1. Prepare ahead of time for your first term.
When we were first-year students, we remember looking at our syllabi and feeling overwhelmed, but take a minute and remember: these outlines are your course maps. Getting familiar with them sets you up for a smoother semester.
Your course syllabi include everything you need to know, including assignment deadlines, grading breakdown, attendance rules and course expectations. Your instructor’s email, office hours and class dates and times will also be in the syllabi.
Highlight key information in the syllabi or keep a digital copy saved somewhere easy to find. Even skimming through it during your first week will help you feel more prepared.
We also suggest creating a planner or agenda to help you organize and manage your tasks, dates, deadlines, work shifts, social plans and self-care time. You can use a physical pen-and-paper planner, but tools like Google Calendar, Notion or your phone’s reminder app work, too.
Checking off tasks is also very satisfying; it’s like a little win each time.
3. Explore your campus
CapU has many hidden gems, and during your first week, it’s fun to just wander. Trust us, getting lost now is better than panicking five minutes before your first class.
You can also do a dry run to campus the day before classes start, just to walk around and get a feel for things, where the classrooms are, where to eat and where to hang out.
If you’d prefer not to wander solo, Welcome Wednesdays are a great opportunity to join a tour and familiarize yourself with the campus early on!
Scope out good study spots early, like the quiet study zone on the top floor of the library or the comfy booths in the Birch cafeteria.
Swing by the Student Services (Academic Advising, Accessibility Services, Career Development Centre, etc.) so you know where they are for later.
4. Attend Orientation events
Orientation weeks are the perfect time to ease into university life and meet people who are in the same boat as you.
These events are more than just icebreakers and free snacks – although those are a plus – they’re a chance to get comfortable on campus before classes fully kick off.
You’ll connect with other new students, returning students and meet CapU staff, some of whom might become your go-to people throughout the year.
Events like Welcome Wednesdays, CapU Street Party, The New Student Mixer and student panels help you learn about CapU in a fun, low-pressure way.
Whether you are feeling shy or excited, there’s space for everyone. You can go at your own pace and pick the events that feel right for you.
Plus, these sessions usually contain a lot of helpful information, from how to access academic support to ways to get involved!
Student Services
Learn more about the many services, resources and personal supports you can access on campus at Capilano University.
CapU Student ServicesTake our top five tips with you to campus this fall, and we guarantee your transition to CapU will be a little less bumpy. If you have any questions, you can always come visit us in the Student Life Hub or on Instagram.
