Thompson Rivers University has created spaces where students can access a variety of information. There are resources for academic information or support, counselors and health services, and a calendar with upcoming events. TRU Student Life, as an office of student services located in OM 1468, serves as an intermediary that guides students to access important departments at TRU.
Jerin Jeejo, orientation and transition ambassador, is an international student from India, currently in the third year of his science degree. He just completed his first month working with the Student Life office.
“I joined in winter 2023. I had a mentor in the orientation and transition program. Through that mentor, I was able to know all the events around campus, get help with my studies, and be guided through finding jobs and friends,” Jerin said.
“When I saw the job poster, I really wanted to be part of this program and give back what I received.”
TRU student life serves as a bridge between students and many relevant departments.
Course Planning
For those who may need academic advice, student life supports can connect you with someone from Course Planning and Academic Advising, a department offering students extra help and guidance relating to planning out course loads and class schedules.
Health and Wellness Services
While having a fully mapped out class schedule is essential to succeeding in university, maintaining proper health and wellness is paramount. Student life service guides can help you connect with health and wellness services that many students may not be aware of. These services include counseling, sexual diversity support, a dental plan, and multi-faith chaplaincy.
TRU Calendar
TRU student life offers a student calendar that provides information on events, as well as crucial dates and deadlines for students. This tool helps you determine the final day to drop classes and the start date of the next semester, along with much, much more.
Peer Mentorship
New students can count on peer mentors—experienced upper-year students ready to share advice and answer any questions. Interested students are paired with a peer mentor “who has lived through a specific experience,” encouraging a “give-and-take dynamic, where both the mentor and mentee offer advice and view points and learn from each other.”
All these services enhance the academic experience for TRU students, addressing many challenges both on and off campus, and are included in the tuition fees paid every semester.
On the student life Instagram page, individuals can also go through photos of past events, keep on top of new ones, or get easy-access links to many other tools that they may need.
In addition to offering everyday supports, the Student Life office hosts a weekly event called TRUesdays, which fosters a larger community through engaging activities.
Alejandra Azcuyuriona is a first-year science student from Latin America who recently attended a TRUesday event. She received an email from the Student Life team listing all the activities they would offer in the new semester.
“I was new here, and I didn’t know anybody. Student life helped me transition from my hometown to Kamloops,” she said. “People who come here are looking to create new friends. [Thanks to the TRUesday event] I became more social.”