Built along the banks of the Thames River in the “forest city” of London, Ont., Western is one of the largest universities in the province. With more than 400 majors, minors and specializations at the undergrad level—200 courses to choose from in first year alone—and about 200 student clubs, Western is more than just a regional powerhouse. It is building international recognition with research collaborations on every continent.

“Universities have always helped students prepare for careers, but what we mean by that is shifting,” says president Alan Shepard. “It’s about providing more learning opportunities that take place outside the classroom. Students are hungry for experiential learning. Western has a lot of these opportunities today and will offer even more in the future.”

The campus’s traditional charm is mashed up with modern elements, such as the stone-and-glass home of the renowned Ivey Business School. The John M. Thompson Centre for Engineering Leadership and Innovation helps engineering students to devise early-stage ideas, build prototypes and found start-ups. A new Indigenous learning space opens this year, providing support and services to Indigenous students and engaging with the wider university and local Indigenous communities. Newly renovated Thames Hall is the new home for student health and wellness services. Downtown London, just a quick bus ride away, provides plenty of entertainment on the weekends. Drawing on its nearly 330,000 graduates worldwide, Western boasts one of the largest homecoming weekends in Canada.