<p class="ql-align-justify">Lakehead University is small enough to offer the personalized approach to supports and education that allows students to thrive. And they're big enough to embody a truly global perspective. Over 1,600 international students, representing over 67 nations around the world, call Lakehead U home. Start your Canadian journey there.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Dynamic, modern, and highly learner-centred, Lakehead acknowledges all of their students as valued leaders of tomorrow, whose education and success are most paramount to their institution. Both campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia promise the total university experience: a blend of academic excellence and opportunity with a rich variety of social and recreational activities. They also promise excellence in research; Lakehead is the proud host to nine Canada Research Chairs and revolutionary facilities such as the world-renowned Paleo-DNA Laboratory and our Biorefining Research Institute.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Why Lakehead University - Orillia&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify"><u>Campus</u>:&nbsp;Lakehead&nbsp;offers much more than just an education, They make it easy for students to get involved in clubs and recreation, to access students supports, to deepen their learning through internships and cooperative education and help them pay for university through their generous scholarship programs. There are many student-run festivals and events like represent your country on Culture Days on campus, planning Chinese New Year Celebrations or taking part on the city's Holi Festival.&nbsp;There are also leadership opportunities that allow students to develop new skills and grow as a person while getting involved in group actives and meaningful projects through the EXCEL Leadership program or by becoming a Global Ambassador or Peer Mentor to a new international student.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><u>Facilities</u>: In 2006, the Lakehead experience was brought to Central Ontario’s beautiful cottage country in the City of Orillia. Lakeland University is situated in two areas of the city with campus locations in the historic downtown and 500 University Avenue. In 2010, the brand-new state-of-the-art campus opened which made it the first campus in North America to be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard. The Academic Building is environmentally friendly in every way possible; from the green roofing system, to geothermal energy source, water collection ponds, and much more. The campus also features a 250-bed residence, cafeteria and bookstore. All students have access to recreational facilities through our partnership with the YMCA. Over 1,500 students call the Orillia Campus home.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><u>Location</u>: Located just north of ordinary, the City of Orillia is situated in one of the most unique and picturesque regions in Central Ontario. Bordered by two lakes, Orillia is surrounded by diverse communities, rural landscapes and unspoiled, breathtaking views making it the best place to experience four-season living, and providing an amazing home for Lakehead University. They’ve got arts, music, theatre, festivals, sports, beaches, skiing, pubs and restaurants, all within an hour from Toronto and 30 minutes from Barrie. Catch a great concert at Casino Rama, a local band at one of the restaurants in the downtown core, or a music festival at Burl’s Creek. Minutes from campus is the largest growth area of Orillia in West Ridge. New restaurants, shops and businesses offer new possibilities, part-time employment, and shopping. Love the outdoors? The campus is surrounded by some of the best recreational trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Sandy beaches and parks complement the waterfront, which offers some of the best boating and water sports. Within 30 minutes of campus students will find three ski and snowboard hills, dozens of golf courses, unique dining and shopping opportunities, and a number of incredible breweries and distilleries. Orillia also provides students with so much more. From places of worship to cultural centres and a hospital, they will find everything they need close to campus.</li></ul>