r/lakeheadu

Hey guys, I need some help understanding my application status.

It was first showing “initial review,” then changed to “department review,” then “decision pending,” and now it says “offer of admission in progress.”

Does this mean I’m likely getting accepted, or is it still uncertain? Has anyone else had the same status before what happened in your case?

Would really appreciate any insights!

I'm excited (and nervous) to start the 1 year HBSW program in Orillia! Is there a Facebook or other group already started for this upcoming cohort?

My son has received an offer from Lakehead University for a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering. We live in Calgary, so I’m also considering another path: having him complete a Civil Engineering diploma at SAIT first, then transferring to Lakehead afterward.

Lakehead’s transfer requirement is at least a 70% average (either in the final year or cumulative over the diploma). My son is an average student—not sharp minded —but he is hardworking and consistent.

I’m trying to understand how realistic this pathway is.

• How difficult is it to achieve a 70% average in SAIT’s Civil Engineering diploma?
• Roughly what percentage of students in a typical class reach 70% or higher?
• Is grading generally strict or fair in this program?
• How heavy is the workload compared to first-year university engineering?
• Do most students who aim for transfer actually succeed?
• Are there specific “weed-out” courses where students struggle the most?
• Would going directly to university be a better option for an average but hardworking student?
• Any advice from someone who has taken this exact pathway (SAIT → Lakehead)?

I’d really appreciate any honest insights or experiences.

September 2026 I’ll be a first year student coming from Fanshawe College in London Ont to Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. I’m looking to connect with first year students going into the BED program since I’ll be traveling on my own. If anyone is interested in connecting beforehand I am more than happy to get to know some new friends🫶🏼 Send me a dm!

The stated requirement for transferring from a Civil Engineering diploma to the Bachelor’s in Engineering program at Lakehead University is a minimum 70% average (either in the final year or cumulative over both years of the diploma). However, I understand that this is only the minimum eligibility requirement.

My question is: what average is typically needed in practice to actually secure a transfer into the Civil Engineering program at Lakehead? I know it can vary from year to year, but I’m looking for a rough idea based on past experience.

For example:

• Is 70% usually enough, or do most successful applicants have higher averages (e.g., 75%–80%+)?
• How competitive is the transfer process overall?
• Are there limited seats for transfer students?

Any insight from students who have gone through this process would be really helpful.

Hi,

I am confused and needs your advise. We are from Calgary. My son has received admission offers from the University of Lakehead (for Civil Engineering) and University of York, Toronto.

I am not sure which one would be the best for him. Please advise.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently waitlisted for the compressed BSN program at Lakehead University and it’s my top choice, so I’m feeling pretty stressed about my chances. My average is around 92. Out of the 6 required courses, I’ve already submitted final marks for 3, and I’ll be submitting the final marks for the other 3 by the end of this week (right now they only have my midterms).

Since it’s almost the end of April, I’m getting a bit anxious about timelines and whether there’s still movement on the waitlist at this point.

I’m wondering if being waitlisted might be because some of my marks are still midterms? Has anyone been in a similar situation and still gotten accepted after sending final grades?

I’ve also already received offers from Seneca College, Confederation College, and Sault College, but my priority is Lakehead, so I’m trying to decide whether to wait it out or commit elsewhere.

For anyone who’s been accepted in previous years, do you think I still have a realistic chance with a 92 average this late in the cycle, or should I start focusing more seriously on backup options?

Any insight or experiences would really help 🙏

Hey, I’m an international student applying for Fall 2026 and planning to study engineering (computer/electrical).

I’m applying through OUAC and noticed that Lakehead has two options: the Thunder Bay campus and the Barrie STEM Hub (please inform me if there is another one and tell me all about it).

I’m honestly confused about how this works. Do both campuses offer the same full engineering degree, or is it more like you take some courses in one campus and then move to the other? I saw that Electrical Engineering is listed in both, but I’m not sure if the overall experience or quality is the same.

I’m also wondering if there are any differences in tuition, accommodation, or general living costs between the two campuses. More importantly, does one location have better co-op opportunities or job prospects than the other?

For context, I’m okay with some culture shock, but I’m a bit introverted, would prefer a place that feels more like a city rather than something very rural (im fine with extreme cold weather but i prefer sunny extreme cold over gloomy cold) . I care a lot about being able to make connections, find internships/co-ops, and live somewhere that has easy access to normal things like groceries, shops, and daily essentials.

I feel pretty lost trying to decide between these two options. not even sure if im understanding the basics, so I’d really appreciate any honest advice from people who understand the difference.

Thanks 🙏

I just accepted my offer to the HBSW program at Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus and I’d like to connect with anyone also doing the program! Please lmk if any group chats have been created yet.

Also if anyone is currently in the program or has taken it in the past and has any advice or things you wish you knew before starting it, I’d really appreciate your insights. Thanks so much!

When do they update myPortal with final grades?

How much grants do you usually get? I only got $1200 last academic year, is that normal or low?