Olds College - Olds, Alberta

Alex G.

Mason and I decided on the Botanical Gardens and the Alumni Centre both on the Olds College campus. What an amazing experience! We are so happy we decided to use them to host our wedding. From start to finish, Juanita was there to help us through the planning process and take care of all our wishes. The ceremony was great, weather was stunning, pictures were beautiful, and reception was one heck of a time. Couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out and highly recommend them to anyone looking at a wedding here. Thanks so much for everything!

Andrews O.

This review is more on the conference centre they rent out. The accommodation was wonderful, very clean and comfortable. The conference centre was well suited to hold an impactful youth conference

Michael B.

Great educational environment. The staff is knowledgeable and the learning is top notch.
Loads of new construction and renovation to the buildings .

Manpreet K.

Awesome college and knowledgeable instructors.. no racism and no discrimination. There are no difference between international students and domestic. all students are equal for every instructors. Best college ever in my life.
I’m from India and far from family but all the instructors are very helpful and listen the problems and try to solve the problems specifically Brendan Richardson is best best best instructor. He is really very awesome teacher. I miss my college days and one thing library is very nice my favourite place.

ethan E.

As a student, I feel undervalued
With the Olds college policies, I don't feel included in class with the instructors or students

Will H.

A comprehensive review of the college from a second year turf student, finishing up the on-campus first term.

THE GOOD:

The instructors in my program are saints. Every instructor I have learned from has been so helpful, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in developing my skills and knowledge base. After attending another post-secondary institution for two years prior to attending this school, I can say with confidence that the instructors in this program are among the highest quality I have interacted with. I've heard the same from students in other programs.

The education is great. Not perfect, though. From my experience, the effort you put into your education determines what you take away. Some students in this program can coast, learn nothing, and pass with a good grade. Other students in this program can put a good effort into their studies, learn a bunch, and also receive a good grade. The class work is almost entirely in groups, so you may choose to let your group pick up your slack or become an effective team member. You'll still pass either way. The subjects covered are fairly comprehensive, and I think the program lays a good foundation for future learning. I believe that the education is not for everyone, it all comes down to your attitude towards your studies.

The connections to industry in my program are great. For being one of just two or three turf schools in Canada, it can be expected, but I believe that I've gotten a decent amount of industry interaction.

Social life is great. I'm not much of a social person, but there are plenty of opportunities to mingle with your classmates and get drunk.

The gym nearby is good. A couple squat racks, a bench, several platforms, plenty of dumbbells and a machine, as well as an indoor track. Everything you need.

Olds itself is a nice town. It has everything you need, and it's quiet enough for my liking. You're in the middle of Alberta, so the mountains, Edmonton, and Calgary are just a short drive away.

THE BAD:

Admin stinks. I haven't had many bad experiences with them myself, but I've heard so many stories from other students. I'm sure there are some stories in other reviews.

The food is awful. You pay $650/month for slop. I've been waiting months to get home and start cooking for myself. All the meat is dry and everything is unseasoned. I remember staring at my plate of dry unseasoned chicken with a side of white rice and wondering "why in the world am I here." There's a top-notch sushi place just a couple minute's walk away from the cafeteria if you ever find yourself in that situation. I'd say that the only redeeming qualities of the cafeteria are the once a month pulled pork sandwiches, the dessert, the grill (which gets old really fast), and the student kitchen.

Centennial Village. It's a gamble. The rooms don't have AC, so bring a fan if you find yourself living on the top floors. It's a sauna, even in the winter. Some might enjoy the social aspect of CV, but not myself. Hallway parties were pretty common, and since quiet hours are not enforced, you can expect them to last pretty far into the night. If you're a fan of blasting music in your room at 3 AM, or doing 40 yard drunk-dashes down the hallway just past midnight, you'll love it here because no one will stop you. Don't like where your room is because someone else is making your existence miserable? Tough one, you'll have to fork out some money to change your room. The only redeeming quality of CV is the student boardrooms, they're great places to gather with your classmates, hang out, and have some drinks.

"The bad" is colossal enough to warrant a three star review from me. I considered a two-star review, but I think the only saving grace of my review is the turf program itself. I would have dropped this college if I wasn't confident in the program and my future in this industry. If you made it this far, thanks for reading my rambling. I hope my review helped.

patrica W.

My son had an amazing experience taking the Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate. He found the instructors to be so helpful and very knowledgeable of the industry. They provided real life projects and hours of seat time to perfect techniques. He was able to get a job straight out of the course with one of the industry partners. He is very happy with his instruction and connection to industry needs. Thanks to the great instructional team and management.

Tom B.

Visiting from Texas and stumbled into this place attached to our hotel. Jennifer was awesome and beer was great! Old Skhool Brown Ale and Oldstoberfest are where it’s at! Go see them if your ever in town.