"I ski and study in Kamloops, Canada"

"After years of scrolling through lists of university programs across the globe I finally got my act together and sent my application off, with the help of KILROY. I had heard about KILROY by an acquaintance and learned that KILROY can assist prospective students to go and study abroad in an array of countries.  Having spent several summers working at a Canadian summer camp and meeting my Australian partner here, my mind was always set on Canada.

I was so thankful that KILROY was able to make this dream a reality for me and my partner. Being very outdoor orientated I picked Kamloops, BC before Ottawa and Peterborough, ON. The winters in interior BC have way more to offer than Ontario. I am so glad I chose Thompson Rivers University, the study and life balance here is great and I appreciate my surroundings immensely." 

"My partner and I left the Australian summer for the Canadian winter and landed in Kamloops just a couple of days before new years eve 2018. 

We quickly settled into our new home, mostly thanks to very friendly Kamloops locals. However, something that we experienced as peculiar was the absence of activity in the down town core. However, we learned after a while that in the winter the university students hang out at school or home. And rather than downtown being the shopping hub, it is mostly taking place at the mall. As well, most people spend their leisure time at one of the surrounding ski resorts or at a local lake (for some casual hockey). After some time in Kamloops, this all made sense and we have definitely embraced this same lifestyle.

Kamloops is a beautiful city, and not too large. Everywhere you turn there’s a beautiful view of the mountains. The weather is lovely and warm in the summer and very cold, but bearable in the winter. But, for the first time in many years I am looking forward to the winter because of the great winter activities that you can engage in close to Kamloops."

"In early January I started school. I couldn’t really believe it, that after years of procrastination I actually found myself in a seminar in a class room on a different continent. 

I have always had high expectations of myself and what I can achieve and university would be no different. After a couple of days I noticed that I was putting more time and energy into my studies than the majority of my course mates. Each to their own, I thought. However, being in the right mindset from the beginning and showing up to class prepared really helped create this spiral of positive events. Being able understand what was being taught in class, as well as having the background knowledge to engage in discussions gave me a confidence boost and made me enjoy school even more. My main tip for anyone, whether at school or somewhere else: find what motivates, engages and helps you prepare - and do it! The positive effects are compounding." 

"I got a job straight away working as a lift operator at Sun Peaks during the weekends. This was beneficial in many ways: not only did I receive a free ski pass, I also received a healthy break from the textbooks and got to enjoy the beautiful BC winter. My partner and I have managed to see some of the surrounding cities here in BC, including Kelowna, Salmon Arm, Vancouver and Vancouver Island. We feel lucky that we are able to live in such a beautiful part of the world, so feel the need to appreciate it whenever we’re able. 

Kamloops locals are incredibly friendly and willing to help. I’ve made some great friends with both locals and other International students, which has definitely helped me to settle and enjoy life outside of school."