A Voice in the Wilderness Archive
From one student to another: Advice for new boarding school students
If you are preparing for boarding school this fall or sometime in the future, you might wonder what kind of advice current or recent students can offer. Before the end of the 2023-24 school year, Shawnigan Lake School Admissions Assistant Ms. Kieran Ward canvassed some of our students for their tips, and here is some of what they had to offer.
In June of each year, students at Shawnigan are packing up their boarding rooms and studying for exams, all while participating in many of our year-end events and activities. Some of these include inter-House events, House outings, interviewing and selection for future leadership positions in the School and in the boarding houses, all-school barbecues, year-end award ceremonies, and Closing Day for our graduating students. As the summer sunshine comes out, this is often a time of reflection and celebration of the years past.
Similarly to how our current students are looking ahead to their summer and the upcoming school year, new students are dreaming of what their life at Shawnigan will look like as it gets closer to welcoming them on Opening Day. September will be here again before we know it!
To help create a clearer picture of what September might look like for a new student, we thought it might be helpful to ask current students to provide a piece of advice they wish they were told before arriving on campus. Many reflected on their high school years as a whole (some have been here for up to five years), while others are just about to complete their first years here as a Shawnigan student and wanted to share advice from their transition from being new students themselves.
Here are some of the tips they offered:
- Your time at Shawnigan will fly by, so be present and enjoy the moment. It is such a unique experience like no other.
- The sooner you get involved, the faster you will make connections and friends that will make the transition to Shawnigan and boarding life easier.
- Take advantage of the sport and 360 (arts and activities) programming. This is a key place for you to meet people outside of your boarding house.
- Make your bed in the morning, it’s a good way to start your day right and help you feel more organized.
- Wear your House colours with pride and cheer your heart/lungs out at inter-House events. People are nervous at first to be so enthusiastic and energetic, but once you’re in the environment you’ll see how easy it is to give it your all. You’ll want to do it for your House!
- Find a trusted adult at Shawnigan. It could be someone from your live-in House team, a duty staff member, your Advisor, a teacher, your coach, etc. You will feel much more connected to the experience and feel supported to help navigate whatever comes your way. They will also be there to celebrate your successes and achievements.
- Be on time for sign-ins. It is a team effort, but it’s up to you to show up for those around you.
- Manage your time well and find a regular routine that works for you. Find time for yourself.
- The first couple of months might feel hard, and that’s okay! Stay connected with your friends at home and don’t say no to the opportunities at the start of Shawnigan because you feel nervous about them. You’ll be disappointed if you don’t.
- It’s important to balance your studies, activities, friendships, relationships and your mental health.
- Reach out for support with your mental health. There are many great resources available to you as a Shawnigan student such as the counselling team, the Health and Wellness Centre, friends, staff, etc.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things. You might just find a new passion, sport, skill, etc.
- On a similar note, keep doing the things you’re interested in as you explore new activities.
What helpful insights from our students! The overarching theme of these pieces of advice all revolve around being open-minded and curious students. Your transition to a boarding school lifestyle will be supported every step of the way, and don’t be afraid to utilize these supports as you start an exciting boarding school journey.
For more information about boarding at Shawnigan, please email admissions@shawnigan.ca
Ms. Kieran Ward is an Admissions Assistant at Shawnigan Lake School. She is in her third year at the School, having worked as a teaching intern, a live-in staff member of Groves’ House, and in the Events and External Programs department before joining Admissions. She also coaches ice hockey and rugby.
Please check out this student-made video for more advice about boarding life:
Please check out this student-made video for more advice about boarding life:
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
