Meet Your Spring 2026 WUSA Writers

Anusha Akella, 4B Health Sciences

Hello, fellow Warriors! I’m Anusha, a 4B Health Sciences student and a Copywriter for WUSA for yet another term!  

It is quite exciting to be back as a writer with such an amazing and collaborative team, while simultaneously stretching out my metaphorical writing limbs after a while of not doing so. Writing is my absolute favourite pastime, right after reading and doing puzzles (I have a love-hate relationship with NYT Connections). I’m also an avid gamer, with a bias towards indie and RPG games! 

I believe summer has always been the most fun term, although the weather is yet to catch up with the calendar this year. Getting frozen treats, taking long walks to different spots just to bask in the sun, and discovering good food around Waterloo, are some of my favourite things to do in the summer. As an upper year, I’d like to think I’ve unlocked most of the cool places on campus, along with some life hacks that newly welcomed students might find useful.  

The most important knowledge I believe I can bestow is different study spots around campus, based on the vibes you’re looking for. If you want completely silent, peaceful study time, I’d recommend booking study rooms at SLC, DC, or DP (pro-tip: try to book in advance, these rooms fill up quickly!) or using the designated quiet study spaces in the same libraries. These study rooms double as places to complete interviews in too, as someone who has had to attend virtual co-op interviews while on campus. If you prefer places with background noise, I’d recommend group study in DC, and as a Health student, I can’t forget my personal favourite – the Recreation and Leisure lounge on BMH’s 2nd floor. Once the temperature gets higher, sitting outside on BMH green or at the gorgeous outdoor Indigenous space next to SLC (which has its own charging outlets!) is a great way to get some sun.  

If, like me, you enjoy discovering cafés, I’d recommend checking out Funcken café in the SJU campus. It has a cozy atmosphere with some seating for studying, and some delicious sweet treats. Ev3rgreen café at EV3 also has some great treats to grab – I know the chocolatine there has got me through many a long day of classes!  

This summer, I’m hoping to go on more beach trips, spend time with long-distance friends, read more books on my TBR list, and work on some personal writing projects!   

Milena Fernandes, 4A Legal Studies

Hey everyone! My name is Milena, and I’m a 4A co-op student majoring in Legal Studies with a minor in Psychology here at the University of Waterloo. Fun fact about me: I’m hoping to become a Border Services Officer in the future! Outside of school, I’m really into photography, I love capturing candid moments, cool scenery, and honestly just anything that feels a little meaningful or aesthetic (I’ve also included some of my favourite photos!)

 I’ve also been pretty involved on campus over the past year. I’ve been part of the Hera.co club as an editor, and since January 2025, I’ve been a mentor with the Legal Studies Society, which has been such a rewarding way to connect with other students and give back. Being involved has made Waterloo feel a lot more like a community, and I’d highly recommend finding something that interests you; it really changes your experience.

When it comes to favourite spots, the 6th floor of the Dana Porter Library is my go-to study place. It has the perfect mix of quiet and a great view, which makes long study sessions a little more bearable. Off campus, my favourite spot has to be Beertown! Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, it’s my go-to place to relax and catch up with friends after a busy week. 

A few fun things about Waterloo/WUSA: campus life can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but there’s always more happening than you think. WUSA plays a huge role in that, whether it’s organizing events, supporting clubs, or advocating for students; they’re constantly working behind the scenes to make student life better. My biggest tip for new students is to take advantage of everything around you. Try new places, meet new people, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! You never know what might end up being your favourite part of your university experience!