LU offers high school students glimpse of University life

More than 600 prospective students got a taste of university life on Tuesday.

Lakehead University held its annual fall preview day for area Grade 12 students. The recruitment event took place across campus as students navigated through lectures and activities. The event also gave students information about enrollment requirements and course credits they would need to complete in their final year of high school.

Seventeen-year-old St. Ignatius High School student Nick Wegher wanted to learn more about the university’s chemistry, math and physics programs. He said he looked forward to enrolling with Lakehead University, the real deciding factor being them money he could save by living at home.

"Staying home is going to save me money for tuition," Nick said. "I`ll be here at home instead of somewhere else where there are other expenses. Lakehead University is right here and it offers a good education."

Christina Kempenaar, 17, from Sir Winston Churchill High School, said she had a passion for music and was excited to enroll in the concurrent education program.

With all the would-be students walking around, 19-year-old Jason Igras said it reminded him of when he first looked for a school to enroll in two years ago. A second year in environmental studies student, Igras said he didn’t remember his hometown of London, Ont. having a fall preview like LU’s.

Having a tour of a university is beneficial for a future student to get an idea of what that school can offer them, he said.

"In London, you have to sign up for your own tour and they don’t promote it as much as they do here," Igras said. "I had to organize my own tour with Lakehead University, but it was exceptional. The tour definitely finalized my decision to attend LU."

Robert Perrier, manager of undergraduate recruitment for Lakehead University, said the fall preview was one of the biggest enrollment campaigns the university does to attract potential students. LU extended the invitation to both area school boards and schools across the province.

Some students came as far as Toronto and Brampton, he added.

"This is the most significant event that we offer each year," Perrier said. "We offer tours and the opportunity to see the school all year round but this is the most concentrated day. Everyone is out from the professors to staff members to welcome those prospective students."

LU’s smaller classroom sizes and a more intimate school environment were some of the highlights that stood out for students compared to other universities, he said.

While the event has been around for about 15 years, Perrier said they made the event to include students from the region and not focused as much on students from the city.