Resources to Help You Prepare for University
The universities offer different programs and supports for many types of students. The resources on this page can help you adapt to life and studies at university.
Note: Eligibility criteria may vary by program.
This list is not definitive. Contact the appropriate university directly for more information.
Trent University
First Peoples House of Learning (Indigenous Student Resources)
First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) is honoured to offer cultural services to a diverse community of Indigenous learners (First Nations Status, Non-Status, Métis and Inuit). We collaborate with students to support their academic success, personal development and leadership potential.
Counselling
Located in FPHL, the Indigenous Student Therapist is available to navigate a variety of mental health concerns with Indigenous Students at both the Trent University Symons, and Durham campuses. Confidential, individual counselling sessions, as well as group workshops and sharing circles are accessible to all Indigenous students at no cost. With the goal of helping students create balance and participate fully within the Trent community, services are short-term in nature and may include virtual or in-person talk-therapy sessions, safety planning, skill building and participating in culturally centered, holistic mental health support.
Academic Services and Support
As a Trent student, the choices and options can get overwhelming which is why FPHL is here to support you! We offer a range of supports including the following:
Academic Supports
- Course Selection and registration
- Creating an Academic Plan
- Academic Advising and Skills
- Tutoring
- Coaching and Self Advocacy
Student Life Supports
- Skill Building Workshops (Lunch and Learns)
- Navigating campus life
- Help with finances (see Financial Assistance page)
- Coaching
- Housing and Food Insecurity
Tutoring
Our students come to Trent with an incredible base of knowledge. However, we don't expect you to know everything you need to know to become a successful student. In some cases, you may find that you need some help in a very specific subject area, whether it be math, chemistry, writing an essay, etc. The First Peoples House of Learning provides tutoring to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students. These tutors may be upper-year students hired by the First Peoples House of Learning, or they could be a referral from an academic department.
Peer Mentorship Program
The Ishkodehwin Indigenous Peer Mentorship Program aims to support incoming Indigenous students in making a successful transition to university life and academic expectations through peer-to-peer support, intentional mentorship opportunities and cultural engagement.
Ishkodehwin provides one to one meetings, monthly events, weekly study sessions, and community building while attending Trent University.
If you would like to receive support from the Ishkodehwin Peer Mentorship Program or have questions you would like answered, please email fphlmentorship@trentu.ca
Health & Wellness - Health Services
Trent Student Health Services is a team of caring, dedicated, multi-disciplinary professionals with expertise in university health issues.
As part of the Student Wellness Centre, we support a diverse student population through the provision of confidential primary health care, health promotion, disease prevention, and wellness education.
Student Health Services is an appointment based medical clinic for all registered part-time and full-time students at Trent's Symons Campus.
Academic Advising
Undergraduate academic advising at Trent is an on-going educational partnership between advisor and advisee that is dedicated to student learning, development and success.
Academic Advisors help undergraduate students clarify their academic goals, decide which courses to take, understand academic regulations and degree requirements, connect with the services they need and, ultimately, take charge of their own education.
Academic Advising offers individual in-person and remote appointments for undergraduate students Monday to Friday. Meet with an academic advisor in-person, via video chat, or on the phone.
Careerspace
- Supports your career development through free appointments, workshops, online resources and opportunities to connect with employers and recruiters.
- Careerspace - Peterborough Campus
- Careerspace - Durham GTA Campus
Health & Wellness - Counselling
Counselling Services
Trent Counselling Services offers confidential, short-term mental health support, at no cost, to all registered students. Our dedicated therapists promote mental health and wellness with the goal of helping students participate fully in the Trent community.
Culturally Affirming Mental Health Support
Trent University Counselling Services is committed to providing culturally affirming psychotherapy that acknowledges the different lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour to their mental health challenges and well being.
We know that seeking mental health support can sometimes be difficult for many reasons, including, but not limited to, fear of being misunderstood and invalidated, stigma, and the burden of having to explain one's culture and worldview.
Ontario Shores Structured Psychotherapy Program
Partnered with Trent University, Ontario Shores Structured Psychotherapy Program provides structured, time-limited therapy to adults with depression and anxiety-related conditions. Supports are publicly-funded, evidence-based, and focus on practical strategies for managing your mental health concerns.
Health & Wellness - Student Accessibility Services
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is a team of interdisciplinary professionals who provide support to students with disabilities through one-on-one advising, referrals to campus supports, and adaptive technology. SAS supports include:
- Developing individualized accommodation plans for registered students;
- Working with students to develop approaches and strategies that use students' strengths to help them engage with their coursework;
- Offering support through an Adaptive Technologist, using a hands-on approach which allows students to learn how their technology works and how it can be used in their studies; and
- Directing and connecting students to appropriate campus resources.
Orientation
- Academic and social integration sessions for all incoming students.
- Specialized sessions and partnerships with Academic Skills, Colleges, First Peoples House of Learning and Trent International.
- With the use of an online app, upper-year students act as peer mentors.
- Peterborough Orientation
- Durham GTA Orientation