Ridley College - Review #1

Ridley is not a place you forget. It feels large at first, but the rhythm of life there pulls you in fast. Every building has a specific purpose, and each person around you expects you to find yours too. What stood out to me most was how much trust the teachers placed in us. You were treated like a young adult from the start. I remember talking with Ms. Cook in my first year about how I was adjusting. She didn’t talk at me. She listened, then gave practical advice about managing time and pressure. That level of attention is rare. The structure was clear enough to keep you accountable, but you still had freedom to shape your own schedule. I grew up in those hallways.

The best thing Ridley gave me was self trust. You learn that success isn’t one big win. It’s a series of small, consistent efforts. There were tough days, but the people around me made those days manageable. I changed from someone who waited for direction into someone who took it.

Use every resource. Go to office hours. Talk to your advisors

The people. Teachers cared. Students showed up for each other. I never felt invisible.

Embrace every opportunity and cherish the friendships you make because they’ll last a lifetime.

The academics at Ridley pushed you without crushing you. Classes were smaller, so there was no hiding when you didn’t understand something. Teachers knew your strengths and reminded you of them. I always liked science because it connected to real situations, but I also learned to appreciate English where we had to defend our opinions in discussion. The mix of traditional teaching and open dialogue worked. It was about building a mind that could hold different ideas at once. I left feeling ready for university. What I loved most was the opportunity to explore advanced courses that really catered to my interests. It was a dynamic environment where learning felt collaborative rather than competitive.

Every student had to take part in sports. At first I didn’t love that rule, but now I see how important it was. You learned consistency. Practices were on time, gear had to be ready, and effort was visible. My coaches pushed us to compete but also reminded us to support each other when we were tired or distracted. Some of my closest friends came from those long practices and shared bus rides home after games.

Even if you weren’t an artist, you were encouraged to try. I joined the photography club in Grade 11. The darkroom was my favorite place on campus. It was quiet, and the process forced patience. Friends from drama would come in between rehearsals, so the space became social in an easy way. The teachers cared about the process more than the product. It was about experimenting. I learned to look longer before deciding something was finished, which applies to almost everything now.

Ridley offered every kind of activity you could imagine, but the ones that mattered most were the small ones. Volunteering at the local community center was my first time organizing events for younger kids. It showed me that leadership isn’t loud; sometimes it’s about patience. You learned how to listen and respond, not just manage. I still use those lessons every day.

The layout is designed to be comfortable, balancing private space with common areas where we could hang out and unwind. Boarding was an education on its own. Living with other students taught balance. You learned when to speak and when to give someone space. Nights were loud sometimes, but also filled with conversations you don’t forget. I remember my roommate from Hong Kong teaching me how to make instant noodles properly. It was simple, but it felt like family. Those connections carried me through stressful weeks.

The dining hall was always busy. You saw everyone there and the menu rotated enough that it didn’t get boring. On Friday nights there was pasta or stir-fry, and on Sundays, roast chicken. What mattered most wasn’t the food though, it was the small talks that happened over it. I remember sitting with my housemates and planning the week ahead. That rhythm gave structure to the chaos of school life.

St. Catharines itself is a wonderful place to explore though St. Catharines is calm. That worked for us anyway. You could walk downtown for coffee or a haircut, but it was quiet enough to keep focus. The lake was close, and sometimes on weekends, small groups would go for walks or bike rides. It gave a sense of balance.

Ridley had a mix of formal and casual events. Dances, coffeehouses, sports tournaments, and open-mic nights. There was always something happening. What made it work was that no one expected perfection. You showed up, you participated, and you laughed. The social scene felt open. New students found their place quickly.