Top 10 Reasons to Choose Lakehead

Discover why Lakehead is anything but ordinary.

With a focus on high caliber research and education in our unique Northern and Central Ontario locations and natural lab environments, Lakehead University is anything but ordinary. Explore the top 10 reasons why Lakehead is the school of choice for over 69,000 alumni and 8,500 students annually.

1. Lakehead grads get jobs

96.3% of Lakehead graduates are employed within 2 years of graduation in their field of study. This is above the provincial average for any public university.

Lakehead graduates gain a competitive advantage through our small class sizes, access to hands on research and learning, and accredited programs that make our grads job ready. Dedicated career services for students are part of the Lakehead experience with international, national, and regional employers recruiting on-campus to seek out Lakehead students.

2. Strong academic reputation

As a fully comprehensive university with more than 65 undergraduate programs of study across our two campuses, our programs are flexible and customizable to meet students interests and goals. Options for double majors, minors, concentrations, and certificates exist. Students in select programs also enjoy pursuing two degrees at the same time such as Concurrent Education and an MBA.

3. Global recognition

Maclean’s has once again ranked Lakehead University among Canada’s top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Canada in the 2023 University Rankings. For the fourth year in a row, Lakehead University has been included in the top half of the Times Higher Education list of the best universities from around the world.

These rankings recognize that Lakehead delivers high quality programs, fosters excellence in research and scholarly work, and provides transformative learning experiences that put our graduates on the path to success.

4. Access to $11 million in scholarships, bursaries, & awards

Annually, Lakehead provides over $11 million to students in recognition of academic excellence and financial need. Our automatic — and fully renewable — Entrance Scholarships program is one of the best in the country. Entrance scholarships range from $3,000 to free tuition based on academic performance. Entrance Bursaries are available to support students with financial need.

5. Small class size advantage

With 82% of classes capped at 50 students or less, Lakehead students benefit from highly interactive and engaging learning with highly acclaimed faculty and researchers starting right in first year classes and beyond. Close interactions and support from faculty means students thrive and reach their full potential.

6. 100% hands-on & experiential learning

Learning at Lakehead extends beyond lecture halls into our local communities, the lab, the workplace and even around the world. Lakehead students benefit from early access to practicums, placements, internships, and undergraduate research opportunities.

Over 27 of our programs have a co-op option, over 140 national and international companies for placements, community service opportunities, field experience, and international opportunities can be coordinated into your learning.

7. Exceptional student supports

Our supportive and student-centred philosophy provides students with the highest potential for success. From new student orientation, tutoring, academic advising, strategies for note taking, and exam preparation, students have access to supports to make their academic goals a success.

Our dedicated and professional staff provide a range of counseling, health and wellness services, and academic accommodations so you can get the most out of your Lakehead experience. Our commitment is to your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual health.

8. Thunderwolf spirit

Go Wolves Go! The blue and gold spirit at Lakehead varsity events is a thrilling opportunity to be part of the pack and cheer on our Thunderwolves varsity teams in hockey, basketball, and volleyball — known to have one of the largest fan bases in Ontario!

Students round out their studies by taking part in club sport teams, such as curling, hockey, soccer, or volleyball, or work out at our campus athletic facilities. For students who prefer the outdoors, our communities in Thunder Bay and Orillia offer amazing outdoor recreation pursuits in our Northern environment, both on our campuses and minutes away.

Student clubs, academic associations, and societies are cornerstones of student life and Lakehead offers exceptional opportunities to get involved, make an impact, and enrich their student life.

9. Exceptional campus locations

With campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, students have the best of living in a smaller city with big town charm and amenities. Lakehead’s campuses are surrounded by the beauty and nature of living in a quieter and more picturesque setting. Outdoor enthusiasts get ready — Thunder Bay offers unlimited outdoor activities to enjoy in all four seasons.

Both locations offer an unbeatable quality of life with some of the shortest commute times and affordable living. Plus, there is so much to do — shopping, nightlife, live theatre, festivals, and a great culture scene.

10. Guaranteed residence

There is no better place than to live on campus during your academic studies than Residence at Lakehead. The advantage of quick access to classrooms and library resources, student supports, dining, and meal plans gives you full support to your academics.

In addition to the amazing people you will meet, Residence Life activities such as events and excursions are experiences you will remember for a lifetime. Residence is guaranteed to all incoming high school students for the academic year and an affordable option.