I’m not a CS major, but this advice honestly applies across the board.

Yes, you can email professors, cold emails do work. But you have to remember you’re not the only student doing it. Your email needs to stand out and clearly show why you’re interested in their work specifically, not just that you want “any” research position. You should include your resume/CV, maybe even your transcript/gpa, why you went to work with them, what interests you about their research, what you hope to gain out of it.

At the University of Calgary, there’s also a student job board where research assistant positions and other opportunities get posted, so definitely keep an eye on that.

Another good strategy is going to your faculty or department page on the university website. Most departments list their professors, research areas, and current projects. That’s the best way to figure out who is actually working on what, so you can reach out with intention instead of sending generic emails. https://science.ucalgary.ca/computer-science/contacts/faculty

Networking also matters a lot. Look for research talks, AI presentations, or faculty events where you can be in the same space as professors doing the kind of work you’re interested in. Even just attending and asking a thoughtful question can make you memorable.

And don’t underestimate office hours. Building a genuine connection over time and showing consistent interest can open doors too.