Welcome Seawolves! The first days of term can be scary and overwhelming; here are some of the things you need to know to get through the next few months, before the madness begins on Thursday.
Course Registration/Withdrawal:
The last day to register for classes is September 18th. It’s also the last day to withdraw from a course without it being recorded on your transcript (the piece of paper that will be the record or your poor, or not so poor choices over the next four years), however you can withdrawal until November 2nd but a “W” will appear on your transcript. A “W” doesn’t effect your GPA, however it may affect applications to other programs or for scholarships. If you have any concerns or questions, contact: unbsjreg@unb.ca or stop in at the registrar’s office in Oland Hall Room 141.
Textbooks:
Talk to your professors! Make sure you absolutely need the listed title, also ask if the current edition is necessary. If your instructor is assigning problems from the current edition, share one with a friend, and have a older version for reference. Buying used textbooks is also big money saver. If the bookstore is flat out (the cheap ones go fast), check out the unbsj textbooks group on facebook or consider rental options. Also amazon, but we probably didn’t need to tell you that.
Lockers:
They’re free! We know, weird right? Bring your own lock, first come first served.
Parking:
So many options, so many options. Daily, by semester, two semesters or even the whole calendar year (for the poor souls who don’t get to take the summer off). In case you are thinking about skirting the old pay for parking scheme it should be noted that yes, security does ticket…and tow…and UNB won’t let you graduate without paying your fines first.
Financial services in Oland hall, room 137 can get you your pricey, but shiny, new mirror decoration.
Paying Tuition:
Tuition payments are due by September 15th, in Oland Hall Room 137. If you are waiting for student loans or need to make alternative payment arrangements, help is out there, contact finaidsj@unb.ca for more information, and make sure to check out the UNB scholarships and bursaries webpage. You can always apply late, there just might not be any honey left in the pot, but it’s worth a shot.
Students Representative Council:
Not your standard politics club, in fact, it’s not a club at all. The SRC, as it’s commonly referred to, is a not-for-profit corporation owned by the students of UNB saint john that, according to their website, strives to “(provide) a transformative and engaging student experience for all full time and part time students.” While the last three budgets haven’t been posted on their website yet, the SRC traditionally spends around $300,000 of your hard earned dollars on everything from advocacy efforts and administering the health and dental plan to paint parties and safe ride. More info is available on their website, or drop into the office in the thomas condon student centre. By-elections are coming up in the fall.
Howlers:
The Pub. Host to many parties, witness to much shenanigans. Reasonably priced drinks, close proximity to class. Opens September 17th at 4pm. Nuff said.
Safe ride:
Your way home from Howlers (or around town). The free shuttle service offered by the SRC. Call 506.650.0052. If they are busy or not running, the bus is cheap, and if you are in a hurry, cabs are a reasonable option as well.
First Class Bash:
The best way to kick off a the new semester is with first class bash, a very large, usually well attended party hosted by the SRC (your student fees at work). This year it’s a paint party, scheduled for september 18th, for more info check the SRC website, facebook, or drop by their office.
Student Services:
Found on the bottom floor of Oland Hall, hosting personal and career counseling (once again free, sjcounsellor@unb.ca) the student accessibility centre and most important, student advisors! Please do yourself a favour and talk to your advisor, these people are your best hope for navigating the labyrinth of academia and helping you graduate, with your major of choice (if you’re keen a minor too), in a reasonable amount of time.
Clubs & Societies:
There are many different clubs and societies at UNB Saint John. For a full list, contact VP Student Affairs Kjeld Conyers-Steed at studentaffairs@unbsrc.com. Also check out Club Days on the 23nd and 24th of September and, if want to join a club that doesn’t exist, the SRC can assist you in starting one.
We tried to provide as much information as possible without you curling up into a ball rocking back and forth while yelling “make it stop” and as such this article barely scratches the surface of what’s out there. If you have any questions or suggestions, or even want your article about life as a student published feel free to contact us at editor@thebaron.ca
