Student Life
At university, you can explore your interests, inside and outside of the classroom.
You will have the opportunity to attend social events or join a student club. You might also like to play extracurricular sports or, if you live on campus, get involved in your residence community. In this section you will find more information about student life at Lakehead.
Orientation Programming
Lakehead’s Orientation is your introduction to student life at Lakehead University, and to your new campus community in Thunder Bay or Orillia. Orientation is a chance for you to meet your new peers and faculty, learn about student services and build skills to be successful in your academic journey.
Additionally, the Indigenous Student Services Centre provides numerous opportunities to connect with services and to welcome new Indigenous students to campus. Be sure to check your Lakehead emails and Lakehead events calendar for upcoming activities.
The ISSC will once again be hosting Maadaadizi 2022 in person at Marina Park in Thunder Bay. The event is a joint initiative with:
- Northern Nishnawbe Education Council,
- Confederation College,
- Seven Generations Education Institute,
- Matawa Post-Secondary, Eabametoong First Nation and
- Oshki Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Institute.
It is a day set aside to welcome Indigenous students and their families to their respective institutions and to the City of Thunder Bay. Information booths, children’s activities, food, prizes, a keynote speaker and musical entertainment will be available. Check the Lakehead events calendar for more information.
In Orillia, students, families and community organizations celebrate the beginning of each academic year at the Indigenous Student Welcome Gathering.
Clubs and Societies
The Lakehead University Native Student Association (LUNSA) is a Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) club that students can easily join. LUNSA organizes various student events throughout the year on the Thunder Bay campus, including the annual LUNSA pow wow.
LUSU also offers the ability for students to join or create clubs for any number of purposes, from field of study to culture, to much more.
LUSU’s Aboriginal Awareness Centre (AAC), located on the Thunder Bay campus, provides peer support and opportunities for student involvement with Indigenous teachings, ceremonies and traditions, as well as education and advocacy on current issues facing Indigenous students.
The Turtle Island Student Circle is an open club for students that fosters a sense of community and culture at the Orillia campus.
For more information about this club and other services for Indigenous students, contact Indigenous Initiatives Orillia Campus.
Athletics
Varsity Athletics
Lakehead is home to the Thunderwolves varsity sports that range from basketball to wrestling. The Lakehead Thunderwolves participate in both Ontario University Athletics and Canadian Interuniversity Sport.
Read more about Lakehead’s varsity athletics.
Recreation and Intramurals
Lakehead offers recreational sports and leagues at its Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, regardless of your skill level. Recreational sports include hockey, soccer and ultimate Frisbee.
Joining a team is a great way to meet other people and stay active, whether you are continuing to play a sport or starting a new one.
Read more about recreation at the Thunder Bay Campus.
Read more about recreation at the Orillia Campus.
Student Services
Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
If you have a disability that requires academic accommodation and support, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is available to help. Contact the office as soon as possible to ensure the appropriate supports are in place for you at the beginning of the school year.
Safe Spaces (LGBTQ)
LUSU’s Pride Central is Lakehead’s safe space for LGBTQ students and allies. It acts as a resource library and education centre that focuses on ending discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is also a drop-in centre, where you can access computers for public use, peer support and referrals to campus services, as well as attend social events.
Child Care
Child care is available at the Nanabijou Childcare Centre.
Read the centre’s Parent Handbook [PDF].
Security
Security Services at Lakehead aims to provide students, faculty, staff and visitors with a safe and secure campus. Security guards patrol all areas of campus, including your residences.
