Education

University of Windsor: Student life on campus

Where to find the best cheap lunch and more

University of Windsor students

Unofficial school motto: ‘At least we’re not Detroit!’
Best place for a nap: Couches in the upper level of Toldo Health Education Centre, especially on a Sunday
Best cheap lunch: Mare Nostrum
Best hangover breakfast: The CAW Marketplace tater tots. ’Nuff said.
Favourite watering hole: The Manchester
Perks of living in this town: All close, all cheap, all friendly
Best place to study: Second floor of Leddy Library
Best giveaway: Student Health 101’s monthly draws for a $1,000 grand prize!
Best live music venue: The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor

PROFILE: University of Windsor | Windsor, Ont. | Founded 1857

University Insider: Madison Sieger, 21, Digital Journalism and Communication, Media and Film

When I first told one of my friends back home that I had accepted an offer from the University of Windsor, their first response was: “Don’t get shot.” My friend—like many people—was under the incorrect impression that neighbouring Detroit was dangerous. Update: I’m still here. With its mesmerizing skyline just across the river, Detroit’s offerings only supplement what’s available in Windsor. The Canadian city, meanwhile, offers its own sense of community. Despite being a mid-sized school with roughly 16,000 students, the university offers small class sizes. The intimate environment encourages strong bonds with students—and professors—both in and outside your program. There are plenty of places to study or gather with friends, such as the new outdoor study pods when the weather is nice, or the upper level of the CAW Student Centre. Between old Dillon Hall and the renovated buildings opening as part of the downtown campus, the university’s architecture is almost as diverse as the student body—roughly 15 per cent of which is made up of international students. In conjunction with the international student community, UWindsor is known for its exchange programs, involving more than 50 institutions worldwide. But if you don’t want to roam any further than Canada’s southernmost city, the university offers unique programs such as border management and international trade, and anthrozoology, as well as special classroom spaces, including two television studios. It may not be the big city, but with its tight-knit campus and friendly cab drivers (who make it easy to take the 10-minute trip between campus and downtown), it is easy to feel at home.

Extras
The University of Windsor has something for everyone. For athletes, there is the St. Denis Centre, as well as the riverfront, which is great for spring and summer runs. The university is home to three fraternity chapters—Delta Chi, Pi Lambda Phi and Sigma Chi—and two international sororities: Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Zeta. The university’s faculty of law is one of only seven in the province, and Windsor’s inter-faculty programs offer unique interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Being so close to the border means there’s easy access to the U.S.; the duty-free store, in conjunction with the university, provides jobs for students.

Local Vibe
UWindsor’s main campus is situated largely in a residential area, but the downtown is very close, and restaurants and other recreational spots like the riverfront are within walking distance. For a night out on the town, head down to Caesars Windsor for the casino, a concert or both. You can check out the Devonshire Mall for shopping or a movie, or take the tunnel bus to Detroit for a day trip to see the Lions, Tigers or Red Wings. If staying on campus is more your scene, the residence life coordinators and the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance (UWSA) ensure there is always plenty to do at home.

The Skinny
To keep up with what’s happening on and around campus, check out UWindsor.ca/dailynews.

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