David Hasler is taking advantage of O-Week activities as a chance to meet new people and learn about Brock University.

The 18-year-old computer science student from Kingston attended the tower party Sunday and vendor fair Tuesday.

David Hasler

“Everyone is really friendly,” he said. “It’s so different. There’s a lot more people.”

Hasler, who has four roommates, said for someone shy like him, being around so many welcoming people has made moving to university easier.

It’s that independence that drew Michelene Mountjoy, 20, away from her home in Midland.

“I’m excited to meet new people and start fresh away from home. I’m gaining independence and hope to use this time to grow,” she said.

The transfer student from Georgian College said she loves the size of Brock and the beauty of the campus.

“It’s very diverse here,” she said, noting she’s enjoying all that O-Week has to offer.

Michelene Mountjoy

Michelle Riganelli and Julia Sturgeon, both 17, aren’t leaving home to come to Brock but they are immersing themselves in the university experience.

The two Niagara residents attended vendor fair and the tower party and plan to go to the Big Ticket concert featuring Ontario-native Alessia Cara Saturday in Weatherstation Field.

Riganelli said Brock has always been a part of her life, her older sister attended as well as many cousins and she has family working here. She has also spent time on campus throughout high school attending events including sports.

She’s looking forward to this new chapter.

“I’m anxious for it to start,” Riganelli said. “I’m not so much nervous as excited.”

Chris Green, General Manager of the Brock University Students’ Union, said so far O-Week has been a big success, with a record-high attendance at the tower party and the biggest vendor fair ever.

Julia Sturgeon, left, and Michelle Riganelli

He said the students and staff at BUSU have been working incredibly hard to make sure incoming students have fun and feel welcome.

“Our students are working tons of hours for these events and they are doing it for fellow students,” he said. “They all remember what it felt like to be first year. We’ve here to make sure the transition to Brock is fun.”

There was a buzz in the air Tuesday as students filled the halls, taking tours, looking for their classrooms and getting answers to last-minute questions.