Building a close-knit community: Students forge strong bonds at Laurier Milton

Dec. 4, 2024

While they’ve only been together since September, students at Wilfrid Laurier University’s new Milton campus are quickly building a place where they can connect, collaborate and form lasting relationships – laying the foundation for a close-knit community that will grow for years to come.

“Laurier Milton is different from a larger campus because you get to build closer connections with fellow students and the teachers even know you by name,” says Kristina Okhrimenko, a first-year Computer Science student at Laurier Milton. “I still get the experience of meeting new people and university life while not having to be far from my family and my home.”

Just four months into the academic year, the first students to study at Laurier Milton are both creating and contributing to an already-vibrant student experience. They have formed a Student Leadership Council to plan and run student-focused events, established a Computer Science Club to share their interests, and taken part in Halloween celebrations, games nights, a pancake breakfast and even attended a Blue Jays game.

As campus experience coordinator at Laurier’s Milton campus, Bree Belfour plans student events and extra-curricular activities. Belfour describes the first-year student community at Laurier’s newest campus as “vibrant, energetic and refreshing,” noting that all students are encouraged to become involved.

“It’s such a close-knit environment here in Milton,” says Belfour. “Laurier is that in general, but because our campus is so small we have an even more personal experience. All of the students are friends with each other and they work together. We have something going on for students every week and we don’t want to lose this momentum, especially the friendship and relationship building that’s been taking place.”

Bright and inviting, Laurier’s Milton campus at the Milton Academic Centre boasts spaces that have already become popular with students. Casual seating areas throughout campus, study rooms, a lounge, private seating huts and even the campus boardroom have become favourites for academic collaborations and social activities.

“To be honest, the students are using every inch of this campus and it’s amazing to see,” says Belfour. “But there are definitely the regular spots on campus students go to.”

One of those regular spots is the new Hungry Goose Cafe, which opened on the Milton campus in October. Run by members of the Bansal family of Milton, the cafe offers a selection of comfort foods and beverages.

“The most unique aspect of this cafe is that we cater to such a close community,” said Lagan Bansal, who along with her sister, Kangan, runs day-to-day operations at the cafe. “We design everything on our menu for the students and staff here. And because it is such a small environment, we can converse with the students and ask for their feedback. That creates a unique vibe.”

Small campus, big opportunities

Computer Science student Rand Alb says she made the right choice in choosing Laurier Milton. While the tight-knit campus community is a benefit when it comes to overall student experience and meeting new people, she says it also results in an enhanced learning experience.

“Here, we see each other all of the time and you are more likely to remember people’s faces and put a story and a name to that face,” says Alb. “Academically, something that I really enjoy is that you can contact your professor and talk with them about any issues. When I had a problem, I was able to get it resolved and get exactly the support I needed. On a bigger campus, that might have taken longer.”

Laurier’s Milton campus programming is tailored to local and commuter students to meet the needs of students in Halton Region and the Greater Toronto Area seeking to attend university close to home. Inaugural Milton campus programs include Computer Science and Psychology, with elective courses offered in User Experience Design, Leadership and Criminology. Laurier's Business Technology Management program will welcome its inaugural Milton cohort in September 2025, and Software Engineering will start in September 2026 pending provincial approval.

As the Milton student community grows in coming years, so too will opportunities for involvement.

Belfour notes that the Milton campus has already hired a student content creator to assist with social media and will be hiring campus ambassadors to share first-hand information about the Laurier Milton experience, in addition to volunteer opportunities for students.

“Whether through the Student Leadership Council or other initiatives and activities, there are so many ways to become involved at Laurier Milton,” says Belfour. “Students here are so passionate about being Golden Hawks already, you can feel their spirit and how excited they are to welcome more students in the coming years. I’m excited to work with these students during their time here to make their dreams happen.”

While Alb has enjoyed her time at Laurier Milton so far, she says she’s excited to see what the future brings.

“Even though there is already a very nice sense of community, it’s going to grow even more,” Alb says.