Thrive Guide

Week 1: Thriving Academically 

Tip 1: Learning About Courses/Course Requirements 

• First year course requirements (Commerce and Non-Commerce Requirements) 

• Academic Calendar

  • Includes course descriptions, prerequisites, and other program requirements 

  • Pro Tip #1:  Ensure you check that you have enough Commerce, Open, and Non-Commerce electives 

  • Pro Tip #2: Ensure you are selecting the right year while looking at programs, as they have changed over the last few years!

  • Includes information and course requirements to complete a minor 

    • Pro Tip #3: Take courses that you enjoy and value - it will make it more enjoyable, and you will see the reward! 

  • Electives available to first-year Commerce students, upper-year Commerce students

    • Tips for Level I students on choosing Non-Commerce electives

  • DeGroote Course Outlines

Tip 2: Setting Yourself Up for Success 

• Prepare physically and mentally for class 

  • Make notes on the provided slides during the lecture, and then create an in-depth summary afterwards (What content are you confident with? What do you still have questions about?)

  • Pro Tip #1: Put your phone away, and sit where you feel your learning will be optimized to maintain good focus throughout class 

  • Pro Tip #2: Use class as an opportunity to build connections with professors, TA's, and new friends!

  • Class Packing List: 

    •  Device chargers 

    • Computer/iPad/Notebook 

• Plan your day out wisely 

  • If you aren't a morning person, avoid taking morning classes! If you thrive in the morning, plan accordingly 

  • Bring snacks to fuel your energy!

    • Pro Tip #3: There There are great places to study/grab a bite to eat in-between classes!

• Get familiar with where your classes are and find a place to study 

  • Find out where your classes are beforehand to help you get into a good routine

  • Pro places to study: 

    • Peter George Center for Learning and Living (PGCLL) 

    • Health Sciences Library (Silent spaces) 

    • Thode (Great variety fo study spaces: Silent spaces, group spaces, quite learning zones, quite conversational zones)  

    • Mills: Lots of natural light, great variety of study spaces: Silent spaces, group spaces, quite learning zones, quite conversational zones)

    • MUSC: 2nd and 3rd floor spaces are open to students, 24/7

    • MSU Grind Cafe: Basement of MUSC 

Tip 3: On-Campus Academic Resources

• Important forms on the DeGroote website

  • MSAF: missing assessments under 25% 

  • Academic Accommodation for RISO (Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observance) 

  • Deferred Exams 

• OSCARplus 

  • Appointments for: 

    • Academic Skills 

    • Career Counselling and Job Search Coaching 

    • International Student Services 

  • Mentorship Programs 

• Resources on the DeGroote website

  • Information on:

    • Finance electives and career choices

    • Reading and understanding your advisement report on Mosaic

    • Pass/Fail courses and no credit courses

    • Professional designations

    • Tutoring Support

• Softwares/Platforms

  • Free access to professional softwares

    • Zoom premium

    • Microsoft 365

    • LinkedIn Learning (hundreds of courses to help you learn both hard and soft skills which will be used in your courses but you have full access to all courses on the platform)

• Student toolkit on the DeGroote website

  • Information on:

    • DeGroote’s communication to students

    • McMaster supports and policies

    • Student experience

    • Starting your professional life

Week 2: Thriving at McMaster and in Hamilton 

Tip 1: Off-Campus Essentials

• Main grocery stores near campus: Food Basics (845 King St W) and Fortinos (1579 Main St W)

  • Note: Fortinos can be more expensive, but has more of a selection (whereas Food Basics is a bit more budget friendly!) 

  • Pro Tip #1: Walmart does grocery delivery!

• Shopper's Drug Mart: Has mini grocery sections as well as a pharmacy

Tip 2: Best Study Spots  

• McMaster Campus

• Mills Memorial Library (Quiet Study on 6th floor) 

• Health Sciences Library

• McMaster University Student Centre (2nd floor, patio on top floor) - Open 24 hours!

• Near McMaster Campus: 

  • Williams Cafe (1309 Main Street West)

  • Coco Fresh Tea + Juice (96 Main Street E)

  • Ark + Anchor Espresso Bar (300 King St W) 

  • Durand Coffee (142 Charlotte Ave W) 

  • Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery (1020 King St W)

• Pro Tip #3: Find a study area that brings you peace!

Tip 3: Transit and Travelling Around

•  Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) & GO Busses

  • Free HSR for all students! Load your pass onto your presto account

    • A code is given through McMaster Mosaic website

    • Type in that code onto the presto website

      • Load it onto a current presto or register your new card and add it onto your account

  • Hamilton Street Railway: 

    • Line 1 and 5 both go through campus and take you across main (each of them essentially go to the same places just have slightly different stops)

    • Line 10: goes across main street but not through campus (nearest stop is at Main and Emerson right across from the Starbucks and Shopper's Drug Mart)

      • University Plaza (Pro Tip #4: restaurants like East side Mario's accept meal plan cards!)

    • Line 5:

      • Jackson Square/Downtown/ Art Gallery of Hamilton/Hamilton City Hall

      • Movie Theater & Costco in Ancaster

• SoBi (Social Bicycles Hamilton)

  • Special student rate for monthly use, or pay as you go

  • 6 parking stations around/near campus: 

    • A.N. Bourns Science Building.

    • Mary E. Keyes Residence.

    • Health Sciences Centre.

    • McKay Hall

    • MUSC

    • Engineering Technology Building (ETB)

  • Off campus: Main and Dalewood intersection, Paisley’s Coffee House and Eatery in Westdale, Sterling and Haddon intersection

Week 3: Thriving Personally 

Tip 1: Staying Physically Healthy 

• Finding fun ways to stay active 

  • McMaster intramural sports 

    • Sign-up individually or as a team

    • Variety of sport options: Volleyball, Soccer, Badminton, Ultimate Frisbee, Water Polo, etc.

    • NEW rope climbing and bouldering walls are open iN DBAC

    • Walking or going on hikes around the McMaster and Hamilton area

• Meal Prepping 

  • Students on Meal Plans: Try out different dining halls and match your preferences 

  • Off-Campus Students: take time to plan out what meals to eat each week 

    • Pro Tip #1: Students get 10% off groceries at Fortinos and Food Basics on Tuesdays

  • Staying Hydrated

    • Carry a reusable water bottle, and refill at one of the many stations on Campus

    • Pro Tip #2: Set reminders in your phone to drink water!

Tip 2: Prioritizing Mental Health 

• Prioritizing sleep 

  • Aim for 7-9 hours nightly 

  • Pro Tip #3: Getting enough sleep helps to maintain focus and keep your energy up throughout the day

  • Apps to help with sleep tracking/control: Calm App, Apple Health App

• Taking breaks for things you love/hobbies

  • Balance is important to ensure you get to experience things you love 

  • Sports and getting your body moving are important activities to take part in (ex: McMaster intramural sports)

• Mindfulness and Meditation 

  • Apps for meditation: Headspace, Calm App 

  • Yoga classes at David Braley Athletic Centre

  • Nature walks and hikes 

    • Cootes Paradise and Princess Point 

  • Move your body! 

Tip 3: On-Campus Resources 

•  Student Wellness Centre

  • Carries a range of counselling options

  • Nurses, family medicine doctors, specialist doctors 

  • Call in to book an appointment, or view their resources here

•  David Braley Athletic Centre 

  • Has a variety of gym areas including a Women's Only Gym 

  • Free weekly classes including spin classes, strength training and yoga all at different difficult levels

• McMaster Community Fridge 

  • Operates on a take-what-you-need, leave-what-you-can system 

  • Open 24/7 

  • Located behind Mills Library by the parking lot off of Sterling 

  • Includes a pantry and freezer!

Week 4: Thriving Socially

Tip 1: Discovering Hamilton  

• Exploring nature and hiking areas

  • • Tiffany Falls Conservation Area

    • Chedoke Conservation Area and Golf Course 

    • Princess Point and Cootes Paradise (close to Westdale and McMaster area) 

  • Trying out new restaurants!

    • Downtown Hamilton area: The Mule (41 King William St), Amigos (109 George St) 

    • McMaster area: West End Pub (151 Emerson St), Dough Box (1457 Main St W), The Burnt Tongue (1019 King St W), Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery (1020 King St W), Saigon Asian Restaurant (1024 King St W) 

  • Other fun activities to do with friends: 

    • The Westdale Community Magic (Westdale Movie Theatre) 

    • University Lanes (Bowling alley in University Plaza)

    • Dundas, Hamilton (Shops, restaurants, etc.) 

Tip 2: Getting Involved in Clubs and Committees 

• Getting involved within the McMaster community through clubs and committees provides the opportunity to hone in on your hobbies and professional development, and also helps to make lasting connections and friendships here at McMaster 

• Refer to the MSU directory to find listings of all available clubs at McMaster

• Refer to the DCS website to find listings of all available clubs within DeGroote School of Business

• Pro Tip #1: Searching up McMaster, Mac, or DeGroote can help you navigate on social media to find different clubs! 

• Pro Tip #2: If you have an idea for an organization that does not yet exist within MSU or DCS, you are definitely encouraged to start your own club or committee!

Tip 3: Welcome Week & FYOP 

•  Welcome Week Events 

  • Welcome Week is held one week before classes start, and is full of exciting events for upcoming McMaster students

  • Holds events running from August 28th - September 1st

    • Some events are faculty specific (DeGroote School of Business), and some are held by the McMaster Student Union and are open to students in any faculty

  • Pro Tip #3: Attend as many events as possible and keep an open mind to new opportunities and experiences!

• Connecting with Greensuits 

  • Greensuits are Welcome Week representatives for DeGroote School in Business 

  • Greensuits are here to help you and put first years first!

  • Pro Tip #4: If you connect with a Greensuit throughout Welcome Week, feel free to request them as your FYOP mentor!

• First Year Orientation Program (FYOP)

  • FYOP is a DCS committee and mentorship program. that pairs first years with an upper year mentor within DeGroote School of Business 

  • The goal of the program is to ensure first year students are supported by the DeGroote community throughout their transition to McMaster 

  • Pro Tip #5: Follow the FYOP Instagram account for updates and event information 

  • Pro Tip #6: Having an upper year mentor is great resource to have if you have any questions about academics, extacurriculars, university life, etc!