This summer, the winner of Canada’s Luckiest Student will took home over $65,000 in life-changing student prizes! Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming surprise winner reveal.

Every year, once Canada’s Luckiest Student closes, we get flooded with messages and comments from excited students across the country who want to know if they’ve won.

But here’s the thing, we can’t just share the winner’s name here, that would be waaay too anticlimactic. Part of the fun of winning Canada’s Luckiest Student is getting surprised in an incredible way. We’ve set up fake movie screenings, put on a virtual game show, and even had one winner unknowingly plan her own surprise. And this year will be no exception.

UPDATE 4 (July 25, 2024): Let’s all congratulate Hugo Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in April with a diploma in Architectural Technologies, this year’s winner of Canada’s Luckiest Student ! Reveal video coming very soon. Don’t forget to enter the newest round of Canada’s Luckiest Student; who knows? it might be your name we announce next year .

UPDATE 3 (July 6, 2024): We’ve got a plan, a potential location, and even a secret insider. It’s all coming together!

UPDATE 2 (June 30, 2024): Alrighty, we dotted our I’s and crossed our T’s; the winner has a valid entry. We are now off to getting as much info as we can get to plan an epic reveal tailor-made for our winner!

UPDATE 1 (June 21, 2024): We have drawn a winner!!! Once we confirm that their winning entry is valid, we can start planning the big surprise. More details coming soon.

While you wait to find out if you won, here’s a reminder of everything the Canada’s Luckiest Student winner will get (assuming they’ve added all the prizes to their bundle):

• $20,000 for your tuition (CIBC)
• Rent for a year (H&R Block)
• A trip for you and your BFF (Contiki)
• $2000 tech package (Lenovo)
• $2000 campus sustainability grant (WWF Canada)
• $2500 to fuel your success (Student Works)
• $3000 to help you travel safely (DrinkSmart)
• $2500 to help you start your business (College Pro)
• MacBook and iPad bundle (LEO)
• $2000 to elevate your education (TKS)
• Free groceries for a year to keep your meals fresh (Sobeys)
• $2,500 to stay connected at home and on the go (Rogers)
• $2,000 for fitness gear and equipment (The Gist)
• A year’s worth of ice cream (Ben & Jerry’s)

Come back to this page for updates on the Canada’s Luckiest Student winner reveal and hints about the winner’s identity. For now, here’s what you need to know…

Have you drawn the Canada’s Luckiest Student winner?

Yes. But their identity is still a big secret. The only copy of their name is on a piece of paper that’s locked in a safe, buried in the desert, and guarded by a highly-trained army of hamsters.

Have you revealed who the winner is?

Not yet. Keep coming back to this article for hints about their identity and how they’ll be surprised over the next few weeks, right up until the winner reveal.

When are you announcing the winner?

As soon as we can. First, we have to come up with a plan to surprise them and then we have to actually make it happen. It can take a few weeks for it to all come together so we appreciate your patience until we reveal who they are.

When does the next round of Canada’s Luckiest Student start?

It’s here! Our newest round of Canada’s Luckiest Student is live and waiting for you to enter. Make sure to claim all the prizes and keep your eye our on our daily codes. We announce these codes on our social media accounts semi-daily, and you can claim them for extra entries to increase your chances of winning this round of Canada’s Luckiest Student.

What else can I win?

Don’t miss any of the other exclusive opportunities we still have for you:

Full Ride: Your next tuition payment could be $0! SLN members can open a CIBC student account in 2024 for an automatic chance to win $35,000^◊◊ for tuition in our Full Ride contest.

Good luck! Maybe we’ll see you soon.

READ MORE: Canada’s Luckiest Student: What’s It Really Like to Win?

◊◊ NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open January 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2024 to legal residents of Canada who are sixteen (16) years of age or older, are current students of an accredited Canadian university, college or secondary school, and have only one active Student Life Network account which must be created before December 31st,  2024. Alternative entry methods available. One (1) Grand Prize available to be won consisting of: one (1) cheque for $35,000 made payable to the winner. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Math skill-testing question, internet access and email required. Full Contest Rules.

The post Canada’s Luckiest Student Winner 2024: The Official Reveal Guide appeared first on Student Life Network Blog.

This summer, the winner of Canada’s Luckiest Student will take home over $68,000 in life-changing student prizes! Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming surprise winner reveal.

Every year, once Canada’s Luckiest Student closes, we get flooded with messages and comments from excited students across the country who want to know if they’ve won.

But here’s the thing, we can’t just share the winner’s name here, that would be waaay too anticlimactic. Part of the fun of winning Canada’s Luckiest Student is getting surprised in an incredible way. We’ve set up fake movie screenings, put on a virtual game show, and even had one winner unknowingly plan her own surprise. And this year will be no exception.

UPDATE 4 (July 24, 2023): Congratulations to Cosob Mohamed from the University of Guelph-Humber, this year’s winner of Canada’s Luckiest Student! Reveal video and new round of Canada’s Luckiest Student coming very soon.

UPDATE 3 (July 6, 2023): We’ve got a plan, a potential location, and even a secret insider. It’s all coming together!

UPDATE 2 (June 30, 2023): The winning entry has been confirmed! We’re currently gathering as many details as we can find about the mystery winner to help us come up with the ultimate surprise idea.

UPDATE 1 (June 19, 2023): We have drawn a winner!!! Once we confirm that their winning entry is valid, we can start planning the big surprise. More details coming soon.

While you wait to find out if you won, here’s a reminder of everything the Canada’s Luckiest Student winner will get (assuming they’ve added all the prizes to their bundle):

• $20,000 for your tuition (CIBC)
• $2,000 shopping spree for all your essentials (Unilever)
• Rent for a year (H&R Block)
• A trip for you and your BFF ‘Greek Island Hopping’ (Contiki)
• Free groceries for a year to keep your meals fresh (Sobeys)
• $2,500 adidas shopping spree (adidas)
• $2,500 for a new phone and monthly phone bills (Fido)
• The best of P&G products and innovations (P&G)
• $2,000 for fitness gear and equipment (The Gist)
• 35,000 Air Miles Rewards miles to use towards a rewards shopping spree (Air Miles)
• $2,500 in real food for real life (M&M Food Market)

Come back to this page for updates on the Canada’s Luckiest Student winner reveal and hints about the winner’s identity. For now, here’s what you need to know…

Have you drawn the Canada’s Luckiest Student winner?

Yes. But their identity is still a big secret. The only copy of their name is on a piece of paper that’s locked in a safe, buried in the desert, and guarded by a highly-trained army of hamsters.

Have you revealed who the winner is?

Not yet. Keep coming back to this article for hints about their identity and how they’ll be surprised over the next few weeks, right up until the winner reveal.

When are you announcing the winner?

As soon as we can. First, we have to come up with a plan to surprise them and then we have to actually make it happen. It can take a few weeks for it to all come together so we appreciate your patience until we reveal who they are.

When does the next round of Canada’s Luckiest Student start?

Very soon. We love rewarding students and a new Canada’s Luckiest Student giveaway is right around the corner. Keep your eyes out for any upcoming emails or social posts from us as you never know when the announcement of a new contest might happen.

What else can I win?

Don’t miss any of the other exclusive opportunities we still have for you:

Full Ride: Your next tuition payment could be $0! SLN members can open a CIBC student account in 2023 for an automatic chance to win $35,000^◊◊ for tuition in our Full Ride contest.

Canada’s Luckiest Gamer: Level up your gaming setup. Enter for a chance to win a next-gen system of your choice, accessories, and much more.

Good luck! Maybe we’ll see you soon.

READ MORE: Canada’s Luckiest Student: What’s It Really Like to Win?

^◊◊NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 to legal residents of Canada who are 16 years of age or older and are current students of an accredited Canadian university, college or secondary school. One Grand Prize available to be won consisting of:One cheque for $8,750 made payable to the winner; One 1-year GIC for $8,750 opened in the winner’s name; One 2-year GIC for $8,750 opened in the winner’s name and; One 3-year GIC for $8,750 opened in the winner’s name. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Math skill-testing question required. Full Contest Rules.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open May 1 – July 15, 2023 to residents of Canada 16 years of age or older who are current students of an accredited high school in Canada. One (1) Grand Prize available: $7,500 and one (1) CIBC Client Prize available: $2,500. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Math skill test required. Full Contest Rules.

The post Canada’s Luckiest Student Winner 2023: The Official Reveal Guide appeared first on Student Life Network Blog.

How many times have you made a New Year’s resolution in the new year only to let it fizzle out and die within a month or two? Don’t fret! It happens to the best of us. Student resolutions are often easy to make but can be hard to follow through with during the year. Are you ready to change that?

Choose a resolution that will better your life as a student. You’ll be more invested in the change and will be more inclined to stick it out. If you’re not sure what that means, then browse this list of common student resolutions along with tips that will encourage you to commit to them.

1. Improve Grades

There are almost always student support and tutoring services available at colleges and universities to help you manage your academics. If you need study tips, drop-in services, and study groups to make a difference and lift your average, find out what your school offers and take advantage.

Sometimes improving your grades merely requires a better system. Invest in a good planner and use it. Dedicate blocks of time for studying or readings during your week and follow through with your plans. Study, focus, and make it happen!

2. Work on Health and Fitness

Your tuition usually includes attendance fees for your school’s fitness facility. Take advantage of it since you’re paying for it anyway and create a fitness/nutrition plan that works for you. Don’t forget to also focus on your mental health. A lot of times, mental well-being is placed on the back burner to make room for assignments, essays, group projects, presentations, readings, and exams… (sound familiar?) but it’s important, so make your mental health a priority. Check into counselling and other student services offered by your school if it will help.

3. Get More Sleep

I think we can all relate to this one. Sleep quality and the number of hours we get each night can make all the difference when it comes to alertness and our energy level. A better night’s rest will help you combat addictions to coffee and energy drinks (so you can save money) and will generally leave you feeling rejuvenated.

4. Make More Money

What you should really be asking is, “How do I budget?” Develop a reasonable monthly budget to use for textbooks, food, tuition, entertainment, rent, and savings and stick to it. Apply for bursaries and scholarships (you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this). If you need a little more assistance, consider a part-time job and contact your school’s career services office for on-campus opportunities. Also check out: 4 Types Of Financial Aid Students Can Count On for more information.

5. Find Some Balance

Learn how to balance the chaos of school with friends, fitness, and downtime. Yes, it’s possible. No, don’t argue with me. Use a planner to make your life easier by scheduling time for studying, entertainment, physical activity, and yes, even your social life. Balancing everything in your life will leave you feeling more energized and positive, so you’re less likely to procrastinate when it comes to working.

6. Gain New Skills

Why not try something completely new? Is there a club you’ve been thinking about joining or an elective course you’re not sure about enrolling in (but seems interesting)? Jump in and just do it as Nike advises.

1. You’ll learn something new.
2. You’ll make more connections and build relationships with people.
3. You might inherit new skills that could inadvertently land you a job.
4. What do you have to lose?

7. Plan for the Future

What do you want to be when you grow up? This question was so common when we were kids, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop asking it once you reach post-secondary school. There’s a broad range of jobs available that we discover as we continue our education. Keep asking yourself, “what do I want to be when I grow up?” to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life.

You’re constantly being reminded that what you do today can affect your future and what you want to do. Take a moment to evaluate your current relationships and determine whether they can assist you in some capacity or (to be blunt) if they are simply holding you back.

Consider applying for part-time jobs that are related to the field you intend to pursue once you are out of school. Student support and advising are often available at college and university, so take advantage of them to figure out your next steps after graduation.

2023 is a new year. This is a new beginning and a fresh start for some, but it can also mean improving something in your life. So, set a new goal for yourself and make your New Year’s student resolutions count.

The post New Year, New Me? 7 Most Popular Student Resolutions for 2023 appeared first on Student Life Network Blog.

Don’t settle for one contest entry when you could have hundreds.

You really can rack up hundreds (even thousands) of entries to give yourself the best odds possible of winning Canada’s Luckiest Student and the life-changing bundle of student life upgrades and prizes. Because you never know where that single winning entry might come from.

If you’re looking for any way to boost your chances of winning the incredible prize bundle in Canada’s Luckiest Student, you’re in the right place.

1. Open a CIBC Student Account

Firstly, this one’s a no-brainer. Not only will you double (yes, double) every single entry you’ve earned so far, but you’ll also double all additional entries you earn from here on out.

On top of that, opening a CIBC student bank account, credit card, or line of credit as an SLN member also automatically enters you in the Full Ride giveaway for a chance to win $35,000 for tuition. In summary, that’s extra entries, a bonus contest, and a trusted student banking product. Could be a win-win-win for you.

2. Refer a Friend (Or a Lot of Friends)

Unlock exclusive bonus rewards by referring friends, family members, and classmates to also enter Canada’s Luckiest Student. The more new students you refer, the more bonus content you’ll unlock, starting with 100 extra entries for a single referral!

But you don’t have to stop there, keep referring to unlock instant prizes like pizzas and gift cards and qualify for exclusive chances to win prizes like a new iPhone and iPad. Get started by finding your unique referral link here.

3. Find Codes in the SLN Newsletter

Did you know there’s an extra entry code at the bottom of every SLN newsletter? So, if you haven’t been keeping up every week, now’s the time to start. After that, don’t forget to dig back through your inbox to find as many past newsletter codes as you can.

4. Complete Everything in Your Feed

We mean everything! Add the prizes, claim every offer, and visit every page. Not only will you rack up the entries, but you might also find some other good stuff that you missed. You can go to your feed right now by clicking here.

Once you’ve done everything on this list, there’s nothing left to do but keep checking your feed often for new prizes, offers, and opportunities to earn extra entries. Good luck!

The post 4 Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning Canada’s Luckiest Student appeared first on Student Life Network Blog.

Post-secondary is a great time to gain some serious knowledge about your field of interest, but you’re also paying a ton of money for your education, so you should probably leverage the opportunity to get as much as you can out of the experience. So many students go to class and leave, forgetting about all the opportunities for career and personal growth that their institution provides. There are so many people to talk to, activities to participate in, and things to do to help you stand out and get the most bang for your buck.

So, if you want to stand out from the crowd and get the most out of your education, keep reading! These are things I’ve personally implemented in my post-secondary career that have truly made a difference in my performance and overall satisfaction at university.

1. Introduce Yourself to Profs

This tip is life-changing. It requires you to get out of your comfort zone a little bit, especially if you’re an introvert, but it really goes a long way. After each course’s first class of the semester, try to approach the professor, introduce yourself to them, and mention one thing you found really interesting about the class. If you researched them, you can also tell them why you’re interested in their work, or why you’re looking forward to their class. That one discussion alone allows the professor to see you differently- you are no longer one of hundreds.

You could potentially become their go-to person if they have any questions, or it could also be the start of a professional relationship, especially if you’re interested in their research work and would like to work with them in future terms. Professors love to see when their students are excited and eager to learn, and will not forget your gesture. Plus, you’ll get to connect with industry leaders and understand more about what they do.

2. Read Your Emails

I cannot stress this enough. So many students don’t check their school e-mails regularly because of all the seemingly useless, announcements there. But I promise you that amongst the trash, there is some gold. There are often emails about scholarships, networking events, quick surveys that reward you with free gift cards, and so much more. If you check your email regularly, you will occasionally find some great opportunities for yourself. This tip alone is the best way to leverage your institution’s resources, as universities and colleges circulate most of their information through email.   

3. Speak Up

Many post-secondary institutions really care what their students think, so if there is something going out that you’d like the university to address, make your voice heard. This can range from a project deadline being too rushed, in which case you could voice your opinion to the class representative, or it could be a larger administrative issue. Whatever it may be, don’t be afraid to send an email to someone involved in that specific department and make your voice heard. You might be surprised how much of an impact it could have.

4. Network Like Your Life Depends on It

Universities and colleges always have things going on, whether they be symposiums, events, guest lectures, or something else entirely. Make time to attend some events you find interesting and talk to people about shared passions. Apart from attending events, don’t be scared to message upper years, TAs, or profs that have worked on projects or at companies you admire. Many universities/colleges are home to some really incredible professors doing cutting-edge research, and you have access to those people! If asking to meet them for coffee or virtually is too much too quickly for you, simply ask them some questions over email. You can learn an incredible amount from those who have been in your shoes and are now years ahead. Plus, people love helping students. Creating connections is the best way to move forward in your career.

5. Get Involved in Extracurriculars

This seems like an obvious piece of advice, but it’s unbelievable how much you can get out of clubs/societies. Here’s the thing: many extracurriculars really need people, so getting a role, while it might need more effort for larger clubs, is doable. Second, extracurriculars are one of the best ways to grow your knowledge in things outside of the classroom. For example, if you’re interested in marketing/strategy, you might want to apply to be part of a club’s advertising team. Participating in competitions is also incredibly valuable. Having non-academic projects on your resume is very attractive to employers and comes in handy when looking for internships.

There you have it. If you follow these tips, you will truly get the most out of your education and be able to leave with a handful of resources, connections, and skills that will benefit you for years to come. Good luck!

READ MORE: 10 Things No One Tells You About Post-Secondary Life

The post 5 Tips to Help You Stand Out in University and College appeared first on Student Life Network Blog.

When you’re in Grade 12, it seems like there are millions of programs at millions of schools, each offering unique, appealing benefits – trust me, I know how overwhelming it can be! Two years ago, when I was in my senior year of high school, I chose the University of Toronto (St. George Campus), and there were three key factors that influenced this decision.

1. Scholarship availability

For many students, the amount of money an institution offers is a very important factor to consider when choosing a school or program. During my senior year, the scholarship offers from the schools I applied to helped me decide on, and eventually commit to, the University of Toronto’s downtown campus.

One thing I learned from comparing my offers was that oftentimes, the attractiveness of a scholarship is not solely determined by the amount of money it guarantees you. In fact, some schools offer unique scholarships that extend beyond financial compensation, guaranteeing you certain opportunities during your time at the university. 

This was one of the reasons I chose the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus, as opposed to the Scarborough location. While the latter campus offered me a more generous scholarship, the former offered me more than just money – it offered me a program. Through the President’s Scholarship of Excellence Program, in addition to a financial award, I was guaranteed a work-study job during my second year, a faculty mentor, and access to an international opportunity during my undergraduate career.

For me, it wasn’t simply about the money. Access to these opportunities would make my undergraduate experience more rewarding and fulfilling, which was also really important to me. Every student has different priorities, and you have to weigh the pros and cons of your options. For this reason, it’s so important to think about what you value the most, and what you hope to get out of your time at post-secondary. Most importantly, value no opinion more than your own.

2. POSt (Program of study)

The word POSt, meaning program of study, tends to strike fear into the hearts of many U of T students. Ironically, it was actually a very attractive factor to me that contributed to my ultimate decision.

At U of T, students in the Faculty of Arts and Science don’t apply and receive acceptance into a specific major in their senior year. Instead, you apply to a “stream,” through which you can explore your interests and take courses in a number of different fields. For example, during my first year in the Social Science stream, I took courses through the Munk School of Global Affairs’ One Program, a physics course, a course on the science of human nature, economics, and even psychology.

The opportunity to explore my academic interests in first year was invaluable, and I knew in high school that I wanted that freedom during my first year of university. Because I explored so many different fields early on, I was able to make an informed decision on what major I wanted to pursue for the next three years of my life. 

In my experience, high school courses are not the best reflection of those disciplines at university. Sometimes, a subject you did not enjoy in high school could be one that you love in university. For this reason, applying to POSt at the end of first year was a great option for me. I spent a year exploring my interests, learning, and studying different things without commitment. In hindsight, if I had gone with a direct-entry program in high school, I would’ve always wondered whether I made the right decision choosing my program so early, and I’m super glad I chose U of T for this reason.

3. Choosing the right campus

I always knew I wanted to stay at home and go to school in downtown Toronto. Some of my friends always knew that they wanted to move out, live in residence, and experience a university town. Knowing what kind of experience you want is important when choosing a campus that works for you.

My advice is always to check out different campuses, speak to students at those schools, and feel out whether you could see yourself spending several years there. Things like social atmosphere, support systems, housing options, and expenses are all important factors that will contribute massively to your experience. Take the time to weigh your options and don’t make a decision without knowing what you’re committing to.

Deciding what to do and where to go after high school can be intimidating, but figuring out what’s important to you in terms of scholarships, program structure, and campus environment is a great first step to making a decision that you’re content with down the road. Good luck!

READ MORE: 4 Questions to Help You Decide if University Is for You

The post Big Decision, Little Time: 3 Factors to Consider When Deciding on a University/College appeared first on Student Life Network Blog.

High school always goes by faster than you think it will. For me, I was a part of the infamous Class of 2020, better known as the “pandemic graduates”. As you can guess, Grade 12 went by even faster for me. The pandemic definitely altered some of my decisions, however, even if it had not happened, I still feel that I would have done a few things differently when picking my program if given another chance.

I was extremely stressed, undecided, and under a lot of unnecessary pressure. In retrospect, this could have been avoided entirely. As a student currently entering my third year at the University of Toronto, I have become the family “elder” with all the knowledge and wisdom of how to go through the post-secondary process. If I could go back to Grade 11 and Grade 12, here are some of the things I would have done differently:

1. Start exploring post-secondary programs early

Being an extremely uncertain person, I had far too many options. There are THOUSANDS of programs to choose from and it can get fairly overwhelming. There is so much to consider: interest, location, budget, competitiveness, grades, etc. I made the mistake of exploring programs at the beginning of Grade 12. In fact, I got so overwhelmed that I applied to TEN PROGRAMS. TEN. DO NOT BE ME. 

The stress of making grade cut-offs and meeting deadlines would have been lessened had I just started earlier. Even as a third-year student, I am still finding out about programs at my own university that I wish I had known about in high school. Try making a list of your interests and looking for programs that encompass one or more of them (you might be surprised at what you find).

If you are specifically looking into schools in Ontario, I highly recommended Ontario Universities Info. This website was an absolute life-saver: it has program descriptions, essential links, true grade cut-offs, tuition costs, and a lot more information.

Regardless of where you get your information from, one of the best ways to really learn if a program is right for you is to talk to current students. Connect with students in programs you are interested in as early as Grade 11, via Reddit and Facebook groups, or by attending a University fair.

When going through your research, document all the information you collect: it is crucial. I’m not going to lie, the process is quite stressful and you will tend to forget details. Therefore, having them written down somewhere is a great idea. Once you collect all your information, choosing the programs you should apply to will become a lot easier. 

2. Give yourself enough time to do your applications thoughtfully

If you followed my advice so far and have your list of programs, I suggest you start applying RIGHT AWAY—especially for more competitive programs.

Now, for the applications themselves, questions will vary. That said, they tend to follow a very similar format. Questions can usually be broken up into three key categories: showcasing skills (“Talk about a time you showed leadership”), interest in the program (“Why did you specifically choose this program?”), or situational (“What would you do in this situation?”).

PRO TIP: always make sure you are clear and concise. Do not use overly fancy words to impress your school. Powerful writing is clean, easy to understand, and clearly communicated.

If you can, start brainstorming examples from your life that you might talk about in your answers. Once you have specific questions for any of your applications, make a separate document where you can write out your answers, edit them, and even have others offer feedback before submitting them. When I was applying, my friends and I constantly edited each other’s answers and it saved my applications so many times. Parents and teachers are also great people to go to for editing help!

NEVER RUSH YOUR APPLICATIONS. If you start early, you will be able to take your time and polish your answers to make them reflect best on you as a potential student. 

3. Take some time for yourself

By now, you may have realized that the post-secondary application season is STRESSFUL. Make sure you take some time for yourself to relax, unwind, and see your friends. One of my biggest regrets is turning down hangouts with friends to work on applications, especially considering that the pandemic eventually kept me from seeing some of them for over two years.

Obviously, getting into post-secondary is important. But so is your final year in high school. Don’t forget to make those memories and spend time with the ones you love because if you plan your time right, you can absolutely do both. As Ferris Bueller once put it: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

READ MORE: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Year Of University

The post 3 Big Things I Wish I Knew in Grade 12 appeared first on Student Life Network Blog.