First Things First: Preparing for your first year
Being a university student will be one of the most memorable and impactful experiences of your life. That doesn’t mean it won’t be challenging at times. We’ve pulled together some resources and created a short video series to help you develop strategies and skills to be successful as a student at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½. These resources are in direct response to what our students have told us are important for them to succeed and achieve their goals. You'll also find more resources available in MUN 101.
We encourage you to to let us know how you're feeling about starting (or restarting) at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½, and we'll connect you with resources to support your university journey.
Remember, you do not have to navigate these responsibilities alone. ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ University is home to a vast network of dedicated support units whose primary mission is to help you achieve your academic and personal goals. Beyond these units, you have daily access to your course instructors, professors, academic advisors, and departmental administrative staff who are always ready to assist. We completely understand that a large university campus can feel overwhelming and confusing at first, making it tough to know exactly who to contact. If you need help or advice but aren't sure where to turn, simply email us at registrar@mun.ca. We will respond quickly and connect you with the right person or solution.
Managing academic responsibilities
Managing your academic responsibilities as an undergraduate student is a skill that you will master with time, patience, and intentional practice!
A large part of this responsibility involves time management and balancing your coursework schedule with your everyday life. An important first step is overcoming procrastination—a habit we all naturally experience from time to time. To help you beat the urge to delay, we have an excellent resource packed with actionable advice on overcoming procrastination.
True time management means planning for your week, month, and entire semester. Discover how to reduce your stress and stay on top of your studies by exploring our online guide to taking charge of your schedule.
Finally, we can't forget the course syllabus, the roadmap for each of your classes during the semester. To help you set realistic goals, we've broken down exactly what to expect in a syllabus and how to use that information to plan a successful, balanced semester.
Academic and University Writing
Succeeding in university-level writing and coursework requires developing strong, foundational academic habits. A significant portion of your academic journey will rely on information recall and memorization, serving as the critical foundation for understanding the larger, more complex concepts in your courses. To help with this, we have compiled proven strategies to help you maximize your memorization skills and retain classroom information more effectively.
Alongside memory work, effective note-taking is an essential skill for deep learning and preparing for major writing assignments. To elevate your classroom experience and study habits, we have developed comprehensive online resources detailing when and how to take notes.
For some expert faculty insight on how to capture core ideas effectively, you can also check out this featuring Dr. Amanda Bittner from ÐÓ°É´«Ã½â€™s Department of Political Science.
Wellness and Mental Health
Your personal wellness is critical to your success as a student. Simply put, the better your mental and physical health, the easier it will be for you to reach your goals. In many ways, learning to look after your overall well-being is the most important skill you can develop during your time at university. True self-care involves multiple dimensions, including taking regular breaks, practicing mindfulness, eating healthy, and getting adequate sleep. To support you on this journey, we host a full library of wellness videos designed to help you prioritize your needs and navigate the everyday pressures of student life.
Building a community is also a huge part of maintaining your mental wellness, and there are countless ways to make lifelong friends by getting involved in campus life. You can explore meaningful volunteer opportunities through the Student Volunteer Bureau, join any of our , or develop your skills in one of our student leadership programs.
ÐÓ°É´«Ã½â€™s Internationalization Office hosts vibrant weekly social programming, such as the Coffee Club and Discussion Group. These gatherings are open to both Canadian and international students, making them the perfect place to connect with your peers from around the globe.
If you are on the St. John’s Campus, you can take advantage of Oasis—a free, weekly wellness program. Drop by the third floor of the University Centre every Thursday to enjoy a welcoming, supportive space for students that can help you unwind, de-stress, and practice meaningful self-care.
Undergraduate scholarships
Financing your education is an important part of managing your undergraduate journey, and funding opportunities are readily available through undergraduate scholarships. There are several awards that you might be eligible for as an undergraduate student. Some of these scholarships are distributed based on the direct recommendations of your specific academic department, which is why it is beneficial to declare your faculty or major early in your university career.
Other awards require a formal application process where you can showcase your achievements and involvement. To explore the criteria, deadlines, and application forms for these funding opportunities, visit the Scholarships Office website.
Managing Finances
You will be responsible for covering tuition and ancillary fees each semester. Your tuition is calculated on a per-credit basis with detailed breakdowns available online. In addition to tuition, you will see ancillary fees on your account (such as student union and recreation fees); a full list of these fees is available on the finance website.
Once you have a clear picture of your upcoming educational and living expenses, we highly recommend establishing a personal budget. To make this easy, the Government of Canada provides a free, interactive to help you build a customized financial plan, manage your cash flow, and spend with confidence.
If you are looking to earn an income while you study to help offset these costs, undergraduate students have access to several excellent on-campus employment programs. These include the Undergraduate Career Experience Program (MUCEP), the International Student Work Experience Program (ISWEP), and the Student Work and Service Program (SWASP). For those looking to work off-campus, you can also book an appointment with a career advisor to get professional tips and advice on searching for off-campus jobs.