7 Things to Know for the First Week of Classes [3 min read]

As you prepare yourself for the first few weeks of classes, the team at CBU has compiled a list of seven things that will help you start your semester off on the right foot.

1. Get your student ID card at the CBU IT Service Desk

All new students should have received an email from no-reply@cardexchangecloud.com instructing them to request their CBU Student ID Card. Please know that this is a safe email to open, it is not spam. If you did not receive this email, please contact IT_Services@cbu.ca for assistance. You can also visit the myCBUcard webpage, where you will find a more detailed list of the process, FAQs and more important information. 

All students should get their student ID card as soon as possible. This card will be required to access most events and services at CBU. This includes its use as your library card, campus fitness centre pass, meal plan card as well as print and photocopy card. You won’t be able to get into events such as parties at the Pit, athletics games and most importantly, exams, without it! It can also act as a debit card so you can make purchases at food outlets on campus.

2. Bus Passes

Are you in need of a bus pass to help you get around? Then you will have to take a trip to the CBU Students’ Union front desk! (#11 on our campus map). 

Don’t forget, you’ll have to bring a valid student ID to ensure you receive the student rate.

If you’re a student studying at Cineplex, please be prepared to show proof of enrolment for classes at Cineplex to receive an additional discount. A class schedule from your Compass Student Account is acceptable for this. 

For more information on CBRM Transit, please visit www.cbu.ca/transit. For more information about obtaining bus passes through the CBUSU, visit the bus pass page on their website. 

3. Connect to CBU Wifi

You’re going to need wifi to do most things throughout your time with CBU, like accessing your Moodle or Compass Student Account. 

To access the CBU wireless network 

• Choose CBU-Secure from the wifi network options
• Log in using the same first part of your CBU email address (CBU22HLA, not CBU22HLA@cbu.ca)
• Your password will be your birthday in the form of YYMMDD. For example, January 2, 1995, would be 950102

4. Register with the CBU Library

Like we mentioned back in our first tip, your CBU student ID card also serves as a library card. This allows you to make use of all services available from the library like borrowing books, laptops, phone chargers, headphones and calculators, plus printing, booking study rooms and ordering books from other libraries. 

To register or renew a CBU Library account, please visit the register or renew your library account webpage. 

5. Check out the CBU ServiceHub 

The CBU ServiceHub serves as a digital resource to improve the student experience. It has been designed and updated over time to allow students to quickly access resources and relevant information to meet their academic and service needs. 

Additionally, many of the forms you will need, such as Add/Drop, Program Changes, Letters of Completion, etc. can also be accessed by visiting the Forms page.

6. Get Familiar with Campus

Not sure where your classroom is? How about the library? What about the Boardmore Theatre? Maybe you’re a little hungry and don’t know where to find the cafeteria. Are you a basketball fan and look forward to seeing the Capers play? We’ve got you covered.

During the first week of classes, members of the CBU community will be present on-campus and at Cineplex Cinemas Sydney to provide directional assistance. If you’re a late arrival or require further assistance, the CBU website also offers a virtual tour and a campus map!

7. Participate in Week of Welcome and Other Campus Events

August 30 – September 8, is Week of Welcome! Week of Welcome (WOW) is the official welcome to the Caper family. Each new semester, new and returning students are encouraged to participate in the many sessions and events held by CBU and the CBUSU to start the semester off strong. 

We have lots of fun and educational events planned for you throughout this week, including the second annual World Jam Concert and Caperfest Home Opener Weekend, where the CBU Capers soccer teams will be taking on Dalhousie and Acadia! For more information, visit cbu.ca/wow. 

But the fun doesn’t stop after week one, we also encourage you to continue getting involved in as many events as possible throughout your time at CBU. To stay up-to-date, we recommend regularly checking cbu.ca/events. 

If you’re interested in getting involved with the events, please reach out to volunteer@cbu.ca