1) Canterbury Falls  

Canterbury Falls, located on Canterbury Creek, is a beautiful 9.5-meter ribbon-style waterfall maintained by the Hamilton Lions Club. To get there, take the westbound 5 bus and get off at the Rousseaux and Wilson stop. From there, follow the Canterbury Falls Side Trail, which branches off from the Bruce Trail. It’s about a 20 to 30-minute walk to the falls. Though it’s one of the more challenging waterfalls to access, the scenic view at the end makes it all worthwhile!  

2)Sherman Falls 

Sherman Falls, a stunning 17-meter-high curtain waterfall, is part of the well-loved Bruce Trail route. Fed by Ancaster Creek, this gem is nestled between Tiffany Falls and Canterbury Falls, making it a must-visit for any waterfall enthusiast and such a beautiful place to take pictures with friends. Getting there is a breeze—just hop on the westbound 5 bus from any campus stop and get off at Wilson and Montgomery. From there, it’s about a 14-minute walk to the falls. The trail is beginner-friendly and offers a simple, scenic route, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful nature hike and catch a glimpse of Sherman Falls’ beauty.  

3)Tiffany Falls  

Tiffany Falls Conservation Area is the closest waterfall to campus, making it a perfect destination for students looking to enjoy an outdoor experience between classes or on a free weekend. To reach Tiffany Falls, you have a couple of convenient options. If you take the 5 bus from any campus stop, get off at 1039 Wilson, and it’s just a short 9-minute walk to the falls. Alternatively, you can take the 51 bus and get off at the West Hamilton Loop. From there, it’s a scenic 17-minute walk to your destination. Either option offers a peaceful retreat into nature without venturing too far from campus!  

4)Cootes Paradise Nature Sanctuary  

Cootes Paradise Nature Sanctuary is a true gem, offering 600 hectares of diverse natural beauty. As one of the most biodiverse areas in the region, it’s a crucial sanctuary for wildlife, especially migratory birds that pass through the area. One of the easiest ways to access the trails is right beside Les Prince Hall. To get there, we took advantage of the free Sobi bikes available to all McMaster students.  

Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a network of scenic trails that meander through the sanctuary, some even leading down to the tranquil waterfront. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, reflect, or simply connect with nature. On our hike, which took about two hours, we were lucky enough to spot deer and frogs along the way, and we eventually ended up at Churchill Park near Westdale.  

Whether you’re in the mood for an easy walk or a longer hike, Cootes Paradise is a fantastic nearby escape, offering peaceful trails and plenty of opportunities to encounter wildlife. It’s definitely a must-visit spot if you’re looking for a relaxing day in nature! 

Remember to stay safe and stay on the trails that are open! Click this link for more information about personal safety.

Ok byeeee!!! <3  

From: The First-Year Experience Team

Getting to James St North 

Getting to James St North from the main campus is easy. Take the 1, 5, or 51 bus heading eastbound from any campus bus stop, or hop on the 10 from Main Street & Emerson. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes to downtown. Get off at the MacNab Bus Terminal (Main & MacNab). This terminal is a great spot to disembark as it’s easily identifiable and a hub for buses going all over the city, making it perfect for further exploration of Hamilton. 

Art and Culture: Art Gallery of Hamilton 

123 King St W 

Our first stop was the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH), which is free for students every day with a valid student ID. If you’re bringing a non-student along, the AGH is free for everyone on Thursdays. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday and offers a variety of beautiful exhibits that change throughout the year. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for some great finds! 

Taco Lunch: The Mule 

41 King William St 

For lunch, we headed to The Mule. While two tacos weren’t quite filling, they were delicious! For a satisfying meal, we recommend getting 3-4 tacos or 2-3 tacos with an appetizer. 

Study Break: Relay Coffee Roaster  

27 King William St 

After lunch, we went to Relay and enjoyed iced matcha lattes and nachos with cheese. With free Wi-Fi available, it was the perfect spot for a quick study break. 

Exploring Hamilton’s Farmers Market 

25 York Blvd 

Next, we visited Hamilton’s Farmers Market, which has a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, snacks, flowers, and more. We treated ourselves to gelato from Lina’s European Pastries and Coffee House.  

Mural Walk on James and York Streets 

As you walk down James St and York St, you’ll find lots of interesting murals. Don’t miss the new mural on the building at the southeast corner of James and York/Wilson. 

Window Shopping on James St North 

For some window shopping, check out these unique stores: 

• Pretty Grit (128 James St N): A homewares and gift store with a range of home decor and gift items for your friends and family. Closed on Mondays. 

• Daddy’s Plastic (148 James St N): A vintage clothing store. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

• Vintage Soul Geek (150 James St N): Another great vintage clothing store. Closed on Mondays.

• Phoenix Emporium (133 James St N): Full of cute finds. 

• Store on James (129 James St N): Offers pottery, books, and gifts. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

• Chocolat on James (123 James St N): Delicious chocolate snacks, goodies, ice cream, and more.

• Gong Cha (109 James St N): Perfect for bubble tea and studying.  

More Recommended Spots:  

Although we didn’t visit this spot on tour, it comes highly recommended: 

The Bard and the Bear: A board game café that’s ideal for playing games with friends or meeting new people. They charge a $7 cover fee for a minimum of 3 hours of gameplay, with half-price cover on Tuesdays between 4-5:30 PM. They also offer various deals and events throughout the week. Closed on Mondays.

Returning to Campus 

To return to campus, take the 5, 10, or 1 bus from King and Hughson and I hope you enjoyed your amazing day on James St North! Happy adventuring and see you next time on the Hello Hamilton Tour!  

Remember to stay safe by keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings as you explore! Click this link for more information about personal safety.

Ok byeeee!!! <3  

From: The First-Year Experience Team

Getting to Locke Street 

Reaching Locke Street from the main campus is a breeze. Simply hop on the 1, 5, or 51 bus heading eastbound from any campus bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes. Get off at Main and Pearl St, and from there, it’s a short walk to the Locke Street South shopping district. Head west on Main Street and turn south on Locke Street, and you’re all set to begin your adventure. 

First Impressions: Concrete Poetry 

178 Locke St S (near The Burnt Tongue) 

As you walk from Main Street, Locke Street immediately showcases its unique charm. One of the standout features is Concrete Poetry, an art installation by Simon Frank. Originally installed in 2011 and reinstalled in various areas in 2019 after construction, this poetic journey begins at 178 Locke St S, near The Burnt Tongue. Stroll south on the west sidewalk to Herkimer Street and then north on the east sidewalk to read the entire poem, guiding you through a series of delightful shops. 

 Unique Shops and Local Treasures 

The Local Life: 218 Locke St S, Lulu & Lavigne: 228 Locke St S, Epic Books: 226 Locke St S 

Locke Street is a haven for shoppers looking for unique gifts and local treasures. The Local Life is perfect for locally crafted gifts, while Lulu and Lavigne offer charming home decor, gift cards, and adorable plushies. Epic Books is a must-visit for book lovers searching for their next great read. 

Delicious Eats: West Town Bar and Grill 

214 Locke St S 

When hunger strikes, West Town Bar and Grill is the place to go. Their omelets, French toast, and Joe’s Big Breakfast are delicious, filling, and affordable. 

Sweet Treats: Donut Monster 

246 Locke St S 

 For a sweet treat, Donut Monster is a must-visit, offering unique donuts, coffees, lattes, and other drinks. With free Wi-Fi, it’s also a great spot to take a study break with your laptop. 

Creative Fun: Play with Clay 

198 Locke St S 

One of the highlights of the day is a visit to Play with Clay, where pottery painting is a relaxing and creative activity. Prices range from approximately $16 to $40, depending on the size and design of the clay piece. Play with Clay only takes walk-ins for pottery painting. They also offer pottery-making and painting sessions for those interested in diving deeper into their artistic side. 

Cozy Cafe: Democracy 

202 Locke St S 

Afterwards, head to Democracy for hot matcha lattes and a cozy study session. The atmosphere is perfect for unwinding with a warm drink and getting some work done. 

Exploring Unique Boutiques: The Witches Fix + Nest  

The Witch’s Fix: 195 Locke St S, Nest: 171 Locke St S  

Locke Street is home to unique boutiques like The Witches Fix, offering a variety of stones, bracelets, and more. The Nest sells pet toys, handcrafted home decor, enamel pins, and plushies, ensuring you find something special for everyone. 

A Sweet Ending: Gelato AMO Café  

171 Locke St S 

End your Locke Street adventure on a sweet note at Gelato AMO Café. Their gelato is the perfect way to wrap up a day of exploration and enjoyment. 

Returning to Campus 

When it’s time to head back to campus, continue walking north on Locke Street, past Main Street, to King Street. From the King & Strathcona bus stop, you can catch the 1, 5, or 51 bus back to campus, concluding a perfect day on Locke Street and I hope you had so much fun at Locke St even if you just do a few activities!  

Remember to stay safe by keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings as you explore! Click this link for more information about personal safety.

Ok byeeee!!! <3  

From: The First-Year Experience Team

Westdale Village has all these qualities and is the perfect spot for a day out, whether you’re in the mood for a delicious meal, snacks, or some unique shopping finds. Here’s your guide to making this most out of your first-year experience.  

Getting There 

First things first, getting to Westdale is so easy.! Hop on the 1, 5, or 51 bus heading eastbound from any bus stop on campus (the rainbow sidewalk direction from MUSC) and get off at King and Paisley. You may also choose to walk from campus – Westdale is a 12-minute walk from the Student Centre. Now let’s start our adventure.  

Bookworm’s Paradise: King West Books  

1060 King St W, Hamilton 

For all my book lovers out there, King West Books is a must-visit, offering a diverse range of genres, ensuring there’s something for every reader. Mixed Media is also connected to King West Books, where you can find cute cards and supplies to fuel your creativity. 

 Lunchtime Delight: Saigon Asian Restaurant  

1024 King St W, Hamilton 

Feeling hungry? Head over to Saigon for an affordable yet incredibly tasty meal. My personal favourite is the special combination pho, listed as #69 on the menu. The broth and tender meat make for a satisfying lunch or dinner, and you even get a free fortune cookie at the end of your meal. You should check it out!  

Movie Haven: The Westdale  

1014 King St W, Hamilton 

If you are a film enthusiast, The Westdale Theater is the place to be! This cinema primarily screens independent and repertory films, with a strong emphasis on showcasing Canadian content. It’s a great spot to catch a unique movie find away from the mainstream movies.  

Stationery Lover’s Stop: Take Note Boutique 

1002 King St W, Hamilton 

Just around the corner is Take Note Stationery Boutique which offers the cutest greeting cards, a great selection of gift-wrapping materials, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for a special card or some stylish office supplies, Take Note has you covered. 

Quick Coffee Break: Paisley’s Coffeehouse  

1020 King St W, Hamilton 

When it’s time to wake yourself up or to grab some coffee, Paisley’s Coffeehouse is a fantastic choice. They serve one of the creamiest matcha drinks and offer delicious sandwiches perfect for a light lunch. It’s such a cozy spot to relax, study and refuel!  

Vintage Finds: Drop Spot Vintage  

1044 King St W, Hamilton 

This shop has a retro aesthetic with very cute and vintage clothing. You should check this place out for a detour.  

Cutest Store: DooCoo 

1032 King St W, Hamilton 

DooCoo offers a fun array of Japanese cartoon collections, enamel pins, stickers, jewelry and much more! This place is the perfect place to find unique treasures with friends.  

Heading Back  

King at Sterling  

When you want to return to campus, take the 1, 5, or 51 bus from King at Sterling or walk back to campus. I hope you enjoy exploring Westdale Village as much as I did! Happy adventuring and see you next time on the Hello Hamilton Tour. 

Remember to stay safe. Click this link for more information about personal safety.

Ok byeeee!!! <3  

From: The First-Year Experience Team

Being a student who always wanted to do well, I placed a lot of pressure on myself. This pressure grew during a calculus class I took in second year. After midterms, my overall academic performance was not great and I was no longer confident in my abilities to improve my grades. This made me anxious and afraid of completing a test. 

My test anxiety stemmed from a fear of failure and incompetency when my performance did not match my expectations. I had to seek support and learn to accept failure, build confidence in my academic abilities and create time to review the content I struggled with.  

Destiny’s strategies

The best strategies that worked for me was consulting someone about my feelings, self-reflection and adding a little positivity throughout the course of my study. Talking with someone, like a friend or professor, allowed me to clarify and relieve any concerns I had before a test. Self-reflection helped me address the source of my emotions. Using a journal, I allowed myself to write freely, channeling any emotions I had.

After about a week, I would return to my journal to reflect on how I felt without judgment. Lastly, I combatted negative thoughts with positive, self-fulfilling thoughts. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good enough,” I reminded myself how far I came and the effort I put along the way. This helped me from being self-critical and more compassionate towards myself.  

Fei’s story

When I first came to university, I was terrified of midterms and exams. Despite hearing how difficult university is, I expected to achieve the same grades I had in high school. I soon realized that university is not at all like high school. I remember crying outside of Centro with my friend after our chemistry test, while we shared a piece of cheesecake.

After this, I began to experience more test anxiety. It’s been a challenging journey to cope with test anxiety, but I’ve learned to embrace the idea that it’s okay to encounter setbacks and not excel as I used to. Accepting the possibility of “failure” helped reduce my test anxiety over time.  

Fei’s strategies

When I made the decision to not pursue a career in medicine, I changed my perspective. I no longer put so much value on grades because they don’t represent my true learning and abilities entirely. This career change and perspective had relieved the immense pressure I used to feel.

In addition, practicing deep breathing exercises helped calm my nerves before a test. Before beginning a test, I try to find a quiet space and take 10 minutes to follow a guided meditation or breathing exercise on YouTube. This simple practice has been incredibly beneficial in reducing my test anxiety. 

In conclusion

Test anxiety is a normal experience and with support, it can get better. We hope that our stories show that it is okay to experience test anxiety. You can seek support from friends, professors and other professionals to cope. We all have unique experiences with test taking, and it can be helpful to try a variety of ways to reduce anxiety.

Self-Responsibility

Professors and staff

Classes

Studying and tests

Grades

Everyone wants to succeed, get good grades, and feel confident in their academic abilities but you may encounter challenges. From my experience, having the right strategies for you to improve your confidence academically, can really help.

I recommend visiting the Writing and Academic Skills Hub in Mills Library L215. The writing and academic skills services are prepared to help boost your academic confidence and provide feedback on a variety of skills, such as writing and comprehension.

2. Book an academic advising and career coaching appointment

Do you enjoy your program? Do you like your courses? If you have ever been stumped by these questions or responded negatively, you are not alone!  You can book an academic appointment on OSCARplus for a writing advisor, academic coach or an academic peer mentor. You can also find an academic advisor from your faculty to discuss your program and any additional thoughts you have.

Second-year students can also join a program called Level Up: A Second-Year Academic and Career Program, which is an 8-week program created in partnership with career counsellors to build confidence in your academics, career choices and as a McMaster student.

A career coach can help you decide what you want to do with your degree and determine what career suits you. 

If you’ve taken a course you do not enjoy, you can try to register for courses that interest you or have lighter coursework to keep you motivated and relaxed throughout the year. Check out the academic calendar or your faculty/program website for more information.

3. Find a peer mentor  

Find someone who is approachable, like-minded and similar to you (whether in identity or experiences). You can start by searching for peer mentors in your faculty or program available to all students. There are peer mentors offered for international students, academic peer mentors and the access program for equity-deserving students at the Student Success Centre. This way, you can have someone to support and guide you throughout your time at university 

4. Join events or clubs 

It is hard to balance academics and social life, however, making space in your day to participate in social events or activities can support your emotional well-being and sense of belonging in the university. You can also join course-specific study groups. I recommend following social media accounts created for your faculty and program to check for student events and social gatherings. 

These are just some ways to make your second year less challenging. You can also find other ways to make the most out of your university experience.  

Destiny (she/her) is a program support assistant for the Student Success Centre’s (SSC) Academic Skills Team. She is in her fifth year of the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program here at McMaster University. Outside of school, she loves creating digital art, reading and spending time with friends and family.

After four years, I learned a lot and I hope this advice helps you through your own journey. I encourage you to go out there and explore the academic services the Student Success Centre has to offer.

Destiny (she/her) is a program support assistant for the Student Success Centre’s (SSC) Academic Skills Team. She is in her fifth year of the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program here at McMaster University. Outside of school, she loves creating digital art, reading and spending time with friends and family.

1. Develop smart saving and spending habits now.
   • Your future self will thank you!
2. Spend less than your income. 
   • Make a budget plan and set aside emergency funds for surprise expenses.
3. Watch what you “swipe.”
   • Non-cash transactions make it easy to spend, spend, spend — without realizing how much money you’re using.
4. Use apps and software to keep track of your spending and savings.
   • Mint and YNAB are popular ones.
5. Be frugal. 
   • Minimize expenses and make the most of student discounts and sales.
6. Use your OSAP for school-related expenses only.
   • Remember, it’s a loan, so you’ll need to pay it back.
7. Search for scholarships and bursaries that can add money to your budget.
8. Credit cards can be helpful if you use them wisely. 
   • Learn how to develop a great credit rating and what not to do.
9. Get financially savvy and develop life-saving money strategies.
10. Monitor your financial habits to better understand your relationship with money.

1. Teriyaki Experience: When walking through MUSC (the student centre) on your way to class, you may stop and wonder why there is such a large and inconvenient line taking up part of your path – it’s because Teriyaki Experience is back and open for business. This is always a solid and affordable option when you want to stay on campus to eat.
2. The Phoenix patio: If you have been on a campus tour it is likely that you have heard some sort of trivia fact about The Phoenix and its massive patio. They have really great food options, you must try the cauliflower wings and with its abundance of outdoor seating it definitely makes my list.

Off campus

1. Sushi shop on Main Street: It is not the cheapest deal for sushi but it makes up for it with its freshness, quality and convenience. They have a large menu with a bunch of specialty rolls. It is definitely a restaurant to visit.
2. Pancake House on Main Street: This restaurant right on Main Street has a very traditional diner atmosphere and is an excellent option in the morning for breakfast or brunch. They make delicious classic breakfast options and are extremely reasonably priced.
3. Subway on Main Street: Subway is a convienent, 24/7 food choice that is close to campus. It is good to be aware of this option as it will likely come in handy more than once in your undergraduate career.
4. Caribbean Flavah on Main Street: I love Caribbean food and Caribbean Flavah definitely meets and surpasses expectations when I am craving it. They are very close to campus on Main Street right off of the 403 highway. They have great portions, delicious food, and an amazingly priced lunch special. I definitely recommend checking it out if you love Caribbean food like me.
5. Boston Pizza on Main Street: I know it is a massive chain restaurant and not necessarily that exciting, however this can be a fun place to go with friends on their karaoke and trivia nights. They will often have deals on appetizers and specials during these events and this is probably the restaurant of choice for club executive member socials. I would also recommend joining a club!
6. Bread Bar on Locke Street: For those fun family visits when you just need a nice, close option Bread Bar on Locke Street works perfectly. It offers a nice sit-in experience with really tasty food, typically American faire, with a pleasant atmosphere.
7. Saigon House Restaurant on John Street: If you love Korean Barbecue or just love to eat, Saigon House Restaurant is a great place to go for an all you can eat option. It is a little bit further from campus in downtown Hamilton on John Street, but is very accessible by HRT (which Mac students ride for free with their presto). It is the closest option for this type of food and is always a great experience, especially with a group of friends.

Food places that accept student card off campus

1. Pita n’ More: This restaurant is definitely a primary contributor to me spending all of my flex dollars on my meal plan. If you love shawarma like I do, their shawarma plates are delicious. Not to mention it is extremely close to campus, is open fairly late, and accepts student cards – what a magical place.
2. Quick Chik: This restaurant is an amazing alternative to popeyes if you don’t feel like making the trek down Main Street towards Osler. This was my go-to place when I was craving a chicken sandwich in first year. Be wary of the fact that it does close early so if you have a late night craving, you might you have to wait until lunch the next day.
3. Bar Burrito: You can never go wrong with a good burrito bowl especially if you can pay for it using your student card. Only a 10-minute walk from campus, this remains my favourite burrito place to this day.

Nabeelah (she/her) is the program support assistant for the Student Success Centre’s (SSC) academic skills team. She has recently graduated from the Biology, Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program here at McMaster University. Outside of school, she loves to play tennis, bake and hang out with friends and family.