As someone who enrolled in this school with a Criminal Justice Diploma, I had planned to spend two more years here and obtain my degree. However, after attending the GSWS 100: Sex Talk: Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Sexuality Studies course, I realized how enjoyable this degree could be. I quickly sought advice from the GSWS manager on how to get a joint degree. In the last year, I have learned more about myself and the world than I ever could have with my Criminology classes. I see how interconnected the two degrees are, and I love it. Each class is unique, especially as you get int ..read more

Listening to true crime podcasts when you are bored, is a pastime most Criminology majors have at least once experienced. There is a different sort of comfort in delving into the nitty-bitty details of a crime story that has shocked millions across the globe and thrown entire nations into stunned horror. However, true crime is not something everyone can digest (quite literally, some stories will make the food in your stomach churn). This is where crime fiction novels come into play- stories tinged with mystery, and murder and all about exceptional plot twists that leave the reader asking more ..read more

In the whirlwind of university life, it's easy for students to become consumed by their academic pursuits, often at the expense of their non-academic passions. However, it's crucial to recognize that university is not just about earning a degree; it's also about personal growth and discovering oneself. This includes nurturing interests outside the lecture hall, such as sports, arts, music, or any other hobby that brings joy and self-fulfillment. Many students fall into the trap of believing that excelling academically is the sole path to success (guilty). While good grades are undoubtedly impo ..read more

Do you have a favourite crime mystery show or podcast? I'm sure many people have or actively do indulge in true crime documentaries, podcasts, and crime and cop shows. Its popularity has peaked and it has concerning implications in the real world. Because of widespread crime and police mystery shows like Criminal Minds, Forensic Files, and Law & Order just to name a few, we can easily be caught taking what we see in entertainment and media for reality. I know I love consuming these shows. They pique my interest and I find them entertaining but we have to remind ourselves that this is all i ..read more

Most people have heard the comment, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." People's opinions may differ from one another (some people fast, some don't like breakfast, some can't eat breakfast after waking up, etc.) and that is absolutely fine! Everyone is different and will react differently to breakfast. Nevertheless, I believe it helps me stay focused before, during, and after studying and attending lectures. Furthermore, I feel less tired and less irritated when I consume a large breakfast before starting my day. However, I know that many students will find it difficult due to n ..read more

University life can be demanding - academically, emotionally, and physically. Mentally, you’re dealing with challenging coursework and perhaps the stress of figuring out your future. Physically, there is a lack of sleep, exercise, and poor nutrition. Neglecting either of these important aspects can lead to burnout. By prioritizing your physical and mental health, you’ll navigate your academic pursuits more effectively and create a fulfilling university experience. Below are a few key strategies that will help guide you to a more balanced university routine! 1. Exercise Regular physical activit ..read more

Hello everyone, I'm William, and I am in my fourth year of criminology. It is really shocking to say this because I still remember the vivid memory of starting my post-secondary education during COVID-19, and fast forward to today, I am close to fulfilling all my classes for my bachelor's degree. As this year is nearing its end, it has got me thinking about how it will be 2024 within 2 months. I am writing this blog post to reflect on my past successes and failures and share this aspect of my life with future students who may be starting their post-secondary education soon. When I first began ..read more

The Basics Since 2017, the criminology department here at SFU has offered a Scotland Field School. Of course, it was cancelled during COVID and this year was the first year it ran since 2020. I’d originally heard about it back in 2019, my first semester when one of the OG organizers taught me and was talking about the trip. This past spring, feeling a little mystified that I was on the verge of graduating, I decided to apply on a whim. I had no idea exactly what I was signing up for. I can be quite spontaneous and that’s how I find myself currently in Scotland writing this up for you on a bus ..read more

A common misconception held among many university students – including me at one point - is that it’s crucial to finish your degree within 4 years. In the upcoming fall semester, I’ll be a third-year criminology student and the sad reality is, that there’s no way I’ll be graduating within the next two years. Fortunately, I’ve learnt it’s safe to say that it’s completely normal and more common than one may actually think. Taking more than 4 years to finish your undergraduate most definitely does not make your degree worth any less or should make you feel any less accomplished. It’s important to ..read more

Hello, I'm William La, and this is my second semester at SFU as a transfer student. I made a blog post last semester, and this post is going to be about what I have been up to and what I have accomplished since then. I haven’t been able to try every food place at SFU yet, I'm definitely working on it (I'm a broke uni student, and it's going to take a while), but in the meantime I thought I’d share some of my favourite places so far. One of my favourite places is Noodle Waffle Cafe, and my go-to meal would have to be Hainanese chicken rice. Another spot that I really like is Biercraft for their ..read more