Isa – University of Calgary
Semester 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film, Screen & New Media)
Hi, my name is Isa and I am currently a third year student undergoing my Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film, Screen, & New Media). I decided last year to undertake a semester abroad through the QUT exchange program and it became one of the best decisions I’ve ever made (not exaggerating). Despite there being some struggles at times, all the stress was so worth it in the end. I spent my 2024 semester 1 at the University of Calgary in Canada. One of my main points when deciding where to go was how well I could independently live but also be somewhere where I could engage with a new lifestyle and environment. Calgary felt like a perfect place given I was going to put myself through a Canadian winter (very much different to Brisbane). I undertook 3 different classes as free electives which I had credit space for in my program, which is my first piece of advice when preparing for exchange: save your free elective credits! I was able to take classes which were not available at QUT but always wanted to do. Having the opportunity to take such classes has to this day provided me with so much more knowledge that I can apply now that goes beyond what my course offers.
Knowing that I was going to have to endure extreme weather while away I made sure to prepare myself for the winter. Although, I was very lucky to have gotten a very mild Canadian winter this year so I overestimated how extreme the cold was! Realistically, out of the 5 months I was away, a total of 2 weeks was probably the only number of days where the weather reached temperatures like -30 to -50 Celsius. Apart from that I can promise you that you will adjust! Having also been able to live on campus though their accommodation options, I lived in an apartment with 2 roommates, I highly recommend not to be shy to ask students how to get around the UofC campus through the underground and above ground tunnel connections. I struggled to find all the right routes because I was quite shy at first but ask people or the university where to find the tunnel systems! Walking outside for 5mins during colder days did in fact create icicles on my eyelashes… Do not try and find your full winter wardrobe in Brisbane. Take larger suitcases with extra room because I do recommend buying a puffer and clothes when you get there. Thermals and everyday wear you can take, and I actually recommend bring some cooler clothing like tshirts and lighter layering pieces for when the weather starts to get warmer! I bough a lot of clothing while there because I only brough with me extra warm clothing that I barely wore, every building is heated and you can go around campus through connections, so keep that in mind!
Early in the semester, when it was still colder, public transport could get a bit tricky when it came to grocery shopping and going places outside the campus. The main campus is much further up the NW quadrant of Calgary so you’d have to either catch a bus or the train to downtown/neighbouring commercial areas. The campus being quite large though, you have access to many amenities and food options already + luckily my roommates also had their own car which I could get rides with. But with that, the public transport pass was very easy to use, you just pay a fixed price for it at the start of the sem and you just scan it on your phone app every time you use the buses (no need to scan it when using the trains). Typically, the trains function pretty well despite the cold weather and snow, but buses tend to get trickier when there’s snow and such.
During the bulk of my stay I did my best to really integrate myself into the community and not be shy from talking with people and making friends. Everyone is genuinely so nice and welcoming, always keen on making friends! Because I wasn’t so worried about my grades in my classes, I was able to find more time to explore the city, the surrounding areas of Calgary, and hanging out with friends outside of academics! UofC also hosts tons of fun events that I recommend to keep up with; went to my first hockey game with my roommates and friends and it was so much fun. The classes themselves and my professors were also quite amazing in my opinion; the teachers are so passionate and adamant about you engaging with the content. A big thing to note is that often if not always, the professors will not record their content and post it online (D2l which is their version of Canvas). Also, participation/attendance is 15% of your grade so you become much more motivated to engage with the uni facilities and students.
After adjusting my lifestyle and getting into a weekly routine, living in Calgary was so enjoyable and easy for me. I made some of my closest friends and I cannot wait to get back to visit during a different time period. There is much more traveling and summer events I want to go to and didn’t get a chance to attend before returning. My experience there was so refreshing, especially because this was my first time living alone and independently from family. There are so many little nuances and things you learn about living in Calgary that it’s hard to name and remember them all, so I am always so happy to talk and provide specific advice.
To end off this blog post, I want to put in a final word about my experience if you are thinking about attending UofC. Don’t be afraid about the weather and dealing with all the intricacies of moving away alone. There is so much support out there, and the earlier to start prepping the easier it becomes. It’s all so worth it in the end and I guarantee that you’ll have an amazing time in Calgary and UofC and good luck with your future exchange plans!
Find out how you can apply for exchange via the QUT Student Exchange website.
