Why Choose Champlain College
Champlain College isn’t just about being a part of a college, it is about being a part of the Champlain family; the Chamily. Our college celebrates cultural diversity, focuses on inclusion, and helps our members to find the courage needed to be your authentic self and forge your own path here at Trent University. With a passion for traditions, a playful competitive spirit, and a unique culture of its own, Champlain DARE’s you to Discover, Adventure, Reflect, Engage.
“Champlain college is like my family and one cannot improve family.” - Anonymous (2020) 
Photo above - Group of students during the Earn Your Stripes event.
Photo above – Student leaders, Jinal and Jessica, sharing some of Champlain’s sayings and symbols; I heart my Chamily, Champlain ‘till I die, the college compass and the acronym DARE (Discover, Adventure, Reflect, Engage).
“Continuer mes descouvier” – at Champlain, we strongly believe that each student brings something new to the college and we encourage each student to discover and embrace their uniqueness. What will your personal journey be like here at Trent? Studying at a University is an amazing experience that offers many opportunities to engage in each day; your college will send you regular communications to help bring these opportunities to you so that you can expand on and learn more about your interests outside of the classroom.
What makes Champlain College unique?
- Oldest Symons campus college full of traditions! First college built by Ron Thom on the Trent University Symons campus. Traditions include Fall College Weekend (PigBowl, Fall Fair, Chillioke), High Table Dinner, Earn Your Stripes Ceremony, Winter College Weekend (Broomball tournament, Winter Carnival, and Bon Temps Dinner), Graduation Celebration (learn more about our College Events & Traditions).
Photo above - Historical photo of Champlainers playing one of the traditional events of hockey.
- Global Perspectives – Champlain College is also home to the Trent International (TI) office, the Trent International Student Association (TISA), and the International Development Studies program, building a solid bridge to work with the international student community at Trent University. In the college we collaborate with campus groups to bring you International Education Week, the Walking Together seminar series, and to bring you to the Curve Lake Pow Wow.
- Active Living - Champlain College is known for their rich spirit of adventure and engaging in the outdoors. With collaborations with the Trent Athletics department and the Outdoor Club we offer opportunities to canoe, snowshoe, hike, participate campus rec, our PigBowl (flag football tournament) and our Broomball tournament.
“I love the enthusiasm and the competitive spirit of the students residing in the college. Champlain has done a great deal to improve the lives of international students here on campus, and I am grateful for it.” - Anonymous (2020)
- Inspiring architecture and common spaces – Ron Thom (1923-1986) was an internationally known architect who designed the Thoms J. Bata Library, Champlain College, Lady Eaton College and the Chemistry Building. Did you know that the Champlain residence buildings are created to say “CC” from a bird’s eye view? Amazing spaces in the college include the Great Hall, Residence Quads, Beach Quad, and our indoor common spaces (Junior Common Room, Champlain Living Learning Commons and the Fireside Lounge) (Learn more about our college spaces)
Photo above – Champlain College view of the Thom tower, beach quad, and residence buildings.
- Diverse food choices! The CC is home to the only pub on campus – The Ceilie as well as the all vegan/vegetarian spot – The Seasoned Spoon, and the Champlain Café food court (Dine on Campus)
- Amazing outdoor spaces - We have a huge field where we host several sport tournaments and events throughout the academic year, including our winter carnival Bon Temps, Hockey and many more!
The Champlain College Cabinet
The Cabinet is a body elected and run by the Champlain students, along with the College Office are always going above and beyond to support the students and plan events that are inclusive to any and all Champlain students.
Photo above - A student canoe-ing on the Otonabee River.
So, do you DARE to be Champlain?
To choose or change your college affiliation - go to MyTrent - Supports- College Life
Contact us for more information champlain@trentu.ca