Studying at UCalgary: The Ins and Outs

By Deborah Oshidero, University of Calgary, Canada

With mid-terms coming up and having settled into life here at UCalgary I thought it was appropriate time to talk about the reality of a law exchange year at UofC. I am a third-year undergraduate student enrolled in postgraduate-level law courses at the University of Calgary, not to make it sound daunting. In all honesty this journey so far has been both intense but still rewarding. Studying here offers a variety of academic courses, big campus life, and the experience of living in Canada.

Academic Life

I currently have seven classes a week, spread out nicely across my schedule, which allows flexibility and free time each day. However, don’t be fooled – the workload is intense. Each of my class demands a lot of reading, and a significant portion of the work must be done independently outside of class. It’s not unusual to have over 100 pages minimum of reading to complete in a week (across all modules) , along with graded quizzes and assessment of regular participation in class discussions. The emphasis on reading and participation is particularly strong in my program, possibly because I’m taking postgraduate-level law courses as an undergraduate. Some modules are graded based on class contributions, so it’s important to be well-prepared and stay engaged. The professors are generally very open and encourage questions and with the Law classes being extremely small, the classes are really interactive, more so than you’d find in Manchester.

Despite the academic intensity, there are fantastic opportunities for practical learning. For example, I joined the Business Venture Clinic, where I get to work with real start-up clients, providing legal information and drafting documents – an invaluable experience for someone interested in commercial law. So though the workload is heavy it is so worth it.

Accommodation and Campus Life

My accommodation is just a 7-minute walk from my main lecture building, which is extremely convenient. The campus itself is massive and offers everything you could possibly need. There’s an all-you-can-eat dining hall that covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner (though you have to pay for a meal plan/swipes to go in), as well as a food court that reminds me of the one in the Trafford Centre – although it’s about a third of the size.

The University of Calgary’s facilities are amazing. There’s an Olympic-sized ice skating rink on campus, a full sports complex, and countless clubs and societies to get involved in. Whether you’re into sports, arts, culture, or entrepreneurship, there’s something for everyone. Getting involved in these extracurriculars is crucial not just for your resume but also for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Final Thoughts

Living and studying in Calgary is a full-on experience. The workload, particularly in law, is no joke – it feels like I’m always reading. Good time management is absolutely key if you want to stay on top of your studies without sacrificing your social life or mental well-being. But with supportive faculty, real-world opportunities, and a campus buzzing with activity, it’s an incredibly enriching environment to be in.

For any student thinking of coming to Calgary – be prepared to work hard, but also take full advantage of everything this dynamic university and city have to offer.