Spring officially sprung across our University Apartments communities this May.
From Newfoundland to Prince Edward Island, students experienced everything from playoff hockey and Formula 1 excitement to iceberg sightings, local markets, move-ins, and community events.
As students wrapped up exams, started summer jobs, and settled into new homes, each of our property locations had something unique happening.
Here’s a look back at May across our communities.
Wester-Land | St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
If there is one thing that signals the arrival of spring in Newfoundland, it’s iceberg season.
Throughout May, residents across St. John’s were treated to some of the province’s most iconic sights. Icebergs began appearing along the coastline, puffins returned to nesting grounds, and moose became increasingly active as temperatures slowly started to rise.
While spring arrived a little later than some parts of Canada, there was no shortage of things to do. Students could enjoy hiking trails, coastal viewpoints, local music events, and the unique scenery that makes Newfoundland unlike anywhere else in the country.
May also brought exciting news for future residents as Wester-Land launched its Early Bird Pricing promotion for students planning their September move-in.
Looking ahead, June is shaping up to be another exciting month in St. John’s, with local events including the Good Vibes Market and the Best Kind Barbecue Festival helping kick off summer across the city. Students can explore upcoming events through the Destination St. John’s Events Calendar.
If you were in Montreal this May, there was one thing you couldn’t escape: energy.
The city came alive as the Montreal Canadiens continued their incredible playoff run, advancing all the way to the Eastern Conference Final. Bell Centre watch parties, packed restaurants, and Canadiens flags throughout the city created an atmosphere students won’t soon forget.
At the same time, Montreal prepared for one of the biggest events on its annual calendar: the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, one of the city’s largest tourism and entertainment events. For the first time, the Grand Prix weekend overlapped with a Canadiens playoff run, creating a truly unforgettable month for sports fans across the city.
Closer to home, May was also move-in month for many new residents at PALAY and St-Dom.
Over the past month, students from around the world arrived in Montreal and officially began calling our communities home. Whether moving from another province or another continent entirely, we are thrilled to welcome so many new faces to the University Apartments family.
Across Quebec | Behind the Scenes
May was also a big month behind the camera.
Throughout the month, our Quebec properties participated in new photo and video shoots designed to showcase student life, apartment living, and the communities being built inside each property.
What made these shoots especially meaningful was the participation of our residents.
Many students volunteered their time to help us capture authentic moments that reflect what living in our communities actually looks like—from studying and relaxing to spending time with roommates and friends.
The result is a collection of content that feels genuine, personal, and representative of the students who call our buildings home.
For students new to the city, summer is one of the best times to explore Montreal’s festivals, neighbourhoods, and student-friendly attractions through Tourisme Montréal’s summer event guide.
We can’t wait to start sharing more of it with you throughout the summer.
Brown’s Court | Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
As the weather warmed up, Charlottetown’s event calendar quickly filled with local markets, live music, community gatherings, and outdoor activities.
One event we especially enjoyed was a local thrift market where we picked up several unique pieces for our Brown’s Court showroom unit. Supporting local vendors while discovering one-of-a-kind décor? That’s a win-win in our books.
The finds from that market will soon make their debut in upcoming Brown’s Court content as we prepare for our June photo and video shoot.
Like many PEI summers, the season is already shaping up to be full of community events, local festivals, and plenty of opportunities for students to explore everything the island has to offer.
Students looking for upcoming markets, festivals, and live music events can browse the Discover Charlottetown Events Calendar.
Looking Back on May
Every month brings something new to our communities.
Whether it was spotting icebergs in Newfoundland, celebrating playoff hockey in Montreal, welcoming new residents, participating in content shoots, or exploring local markets in Prince Edward Island, May reminded us how unique each of our student housing communities truly is.
But our favourite part of every month remains the same: helping students find a place to call home.
From fully furnished apartments and inclusive pricing to communities designed specifically for student life, we’re proud to support students across Canada as they begin new chapters.
As we turn the page to June, we’re excited to see what the summer has in store.
Interested in finding your student home for September? Explore our available communities, pricing, and leasing information through the University Apartments website.
Happy May, everyone.
June, we’re ready for you!
Wester-Land: A Landmark for Community, Creativity, and Sustainable Living
RSVP by Oct 31 and join us Nov 6 for a celebration of community and creativity.
The event will feature a live musical performance by The Navigators, an interactive stamp-art activity led by Jud Haynes and Whatisadam, and local food by Johnny Mae’s Food Truck, all reinforcing the project’s theme of being a good neighbour and celebrating community connection. The launch event brings together local and national talent to celebrate Wester-Land’s identity as a living work of art and collaboration, featuring these installations:
The launch event brings together local and national talent to celebrate Wester-Land’s identity as a living work of art and collaboration, featuring these installations:
The Navigators (Newfoundland):
Beloved Newfoundland folk band blending rich baritone harmonies and contemporary trad influences. With four studio albums and international tours, The Navigators celebrate local culture through storytelling, song, and spirited performance.
Whatisadam (Montreal):
A striking outdoor mural blending vintage comic style and Newfoundland imagery.
Ben Tardiff (Montreal):
Interior murals highlighting creativity and community inspired by Newfoundland.
Daniel Rumbolt (St. John’s):
Material-driven works inspired by coastal culture and storytelling.
Kevin-Barry Martin (Witless Bay):
“Moratorium Cod” — a kinetic sculpture made from reclaimed materials, reflecting Newfoundland’s heritage and environmental consciousness.
Jud Haynes (St. John’s):
Graphic illustrations connecting local identity and contemporary design.
Westie Life | Newsletter
November Programming
WESTER-LAND BLOC PARTY
Join us for live music from by The Navigators, an interactive stamp-art activity led by Jud Haynes and Whatisadam, and free local food by Johnny Mae’s Food Truck, all reinforcing the project’s theme of being a good neighbour and celebrating community connection.
*Please RSVP if you intend on coming so we can correctly staff the event!
When: November 6th; 3-6PM
Where: Wester-Land (6 Lambe’s Lane)
RSVP
MONDAY MORNING COFFEE
Come chill and have a complimentary coffee with us! BYOM (Bring your mug).
When: Every Monday 9-10AM with Chris
Where: Puffin Game Hall
WELL STUDIO YOGA
Breathe in, stretch out. Weekly free classes in the Well Studio with Ingrid.
*By reservation only. Spaces are limited.
When: Tuesday 4:30-5:20PM & 5:30-6:20PM
Where: Well Studio
Reserve Spot
MUN MINDS – WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
Connect. Create. Unwind. Activities that reimagine what mental health support feels like.
When: Wednesday 6:30-7:30PM
Where: Well Studio
QUIET/STUDY HOUR
Focus and connect. Study, your way, solo or with new friends from your program.
When: Thursday 6:30-7:30PM
Where: Puffin Games Hall
PUFFIN FRIDAY GAME NIGHT
End your week the right way with games, laughs and good vibes only. From Uno and Monopoly to poker, we’ve got it all!
When: Friday 4:30-6PM
Where: Puffin Games Hall
Moving into Newfoundland student apartments or your first off-campus housing near MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada? Welcome to the era of new people, awkward introductions, and figuring out who your people are. If you’re nervous about making friends—or just want to avoid being stuck with no one to sit next to in class — this one’s for you.
Join a Club. No, Seriously.
Yes, it looks great on a resume. But more importantly, clubs are where you find real friends. I used to think I was “too cool” to join a club in university (translation: I thought it was lame), and I genuinely regret it. Sure, you might have to do a few things you’d rather not, but most of it? It’s fun.
Clubs bring together every type of person — bookworms, extroverts, introverts, and the “too cool to be here” crowd. You’ll meet people you wouldn’t cross paths with otherwise, and that’s what makes it work. Not in a group project kind of way — actually on your own terms.
If you’re going to MUN, check out this list of clubs and societies. There’s really something for everyone.
Pick a Seat With Potential
On the first day of class, sit next to someone you think looks like a future friend. Yes — judge the book by its cover. In most lecture halls, where you sit on Day One ends up being your spot for the next four months. So why not sit beside someone who gives “future friend” vibes?
Not sure how to start the convo? Go with, “Did you buy the textbook yet?” or “Have you taken a class with this prof before?”— literally anything works. No one thinks it’s weird. Everyone around you is just as nervous. Be the person who says hi first. Wouldn’t you rather be nervous with someone else?
Always Say Yes
Okay, maybe not always, but in Week One? Say yes to as much as possible. Go to the soccer game, even if it’s not your thing. Say yes to that ice cream run you didn’t really feel like going on (liar). It’s not about the activity — it’s about becoming familiar, fast. Show up and you’ll stay top of mind for other people. They’ll become top of mind for you too.
Bonus Tip
Also? Hang out on campus. I know, ew. But hear me out — you’re paying a lot for your school, so why not at least exist there? A big bonus of meeting people on campus is that they usually turn into “study friends.” And that means actual productivity. It’s a win-win.
Friends for the Phases (but Maybe More?)
If there’s one thing university is really good for, it’s giving you friends for the moment — people who show up exactly when you need them. I mean this in the most genuine way possible: your party friend, your study buddy, your “we met during Frosh Week and trauma bonded” friend. Not every friendship needs to last forever to matter.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being friends with Jenny for one semester because you two have the best time together every Friday. You might only hear from her on Thursdays to see what your plans are — but hey, for the plot, right? These people — the weekend friends, the library regulars, the roommates who become like family — all of them shape your university experience in different ways.
Whether you meet your soulmate roommate in your shared student apartment or someone who just makes your Mondays a little easier, it all counts. And it’s all worth it. So keep calm… and text your random lab partner from first year. You never know…
Having a balanced life in university might be one of the only times in your life when you can actually pull it off. Why? Because you’re surrounded by people going through the exact same chaos — and you’re expected to be a little wild, a little free, and a little all over the place.
This time in your life isn’t just about nose-in-a-book or bottoms-up at the bar. It’s about both. And honestly? St. John’s is the perfect place to figure that out — you can study all day and hit George Street with your friends at night. That kind of balance? You won’t find it forever. So here’s how to make the most of it while you can.
First Year Freefall
If you’re moving into shared student apartments or settling into off-campus housing near MUN or CNA, chances are you’re living on your own for the first time. And for a while, it’s euphoric. You can skip class, order pizza at 3AM, and say yes to everything without anyone stopping you.
And that’s the problem.
At first, university feels like parties and light lectures. But October hits, and suddenly there are midterms. November rolls around, and you’re exhausted, behind, and overwhelmed.
How to Sort Of Get Your Life Together
Here’s the truth: say yes to going out. Seriously. Go when your friends ask — even if you have something due. No, you don’t need to get wrecked every time, but you do need to be young while you’re allowed to be.
But come Monday, lock in. Get up, have a routine, and treat the week like a job. Do your readings. Go to class. Knock out your work by Friday so your weekend’s free. And most importantly, study where you focus best — not just where your friends go. You’ll see them Saturday night anyway.
Final Notes (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Eat real meals. Sleep when you can. Say yes to weird plans. Because when you think back on your time in college in Newfoundland, you’ll remember your GPA or that one group project that made you want to drop out — but more importantly you’ll remember being on George Street until sunrise, cheering at that basketball game, getting a sweet treat when you should’ve been study, and the people who turned your apartment into something that felt like home.
Live your life. Because now, it really is yours.
