OMG:
A list of stuff for all the happy beaming frosh engineers that I wish someone told me about:
1) Socialize as much as you can with people from other programs during frosh and first year in general. Other engineers are not the jolliest of people to hang with. Besides, this might be the only chance you will get to meet chicks, specially if you're completely new to the area. Get in touch with seniors. You will get tonnes of advice and free books. If you don't know how to socialize (given most engineers are nerds) learn it from Google!
2) Don't shy away from getting help. Bug the fuck out of profs, TAs, CECS without hesitation. You pay a lot for this shit.
3) If you don't like the program, first year is the only most feasible time to switch. It will only get worse later on. Its usually a good idea to do something simpler and do well in it rather than taking a really tough program with lots of useless minors and what not. Be smart and keep it manageable. In real life lots of stress and undirected useless hardwork doesn't always translate to success. Prudence is the word.
4) The goal here is to learn and excel in what you like. Concentrate on learning your stuff properly rather than getting As.
5) Most coops will be useless bitchy jobs until the final year. Don't fret it much.
6) You don't want to end up with an asshole with a piece of paper at graduation. Interact with people, learn respect the rules, develop a civic sense and try to be a better human being. Work on your personality.
7) Just relax. Waterloo Engineering is hard but depression and negative thinking is only anti-productive and only leads to more problems. The single best way to stay away from depression is to surround yourself with good people. Never stay alone for too long. If you don't like someone, drop him/her like a piece of shit and move on. Most people besides your mom and dad don't matter.
All in all, have fun. Enjoy the experience and let it change you. Cheers!
A list of stuff for all the happy beaming frosh engineers that I wish someone told me about:
1) Socialize as much as you can with people from other programs during frosh and first year in general. Other engineers are not the jolliest of people to hang with. Besides, this might be the only chance you will get to meet chicks, specially if you're completely new to the area. Get in touch with seniors. You will get tonnes of advice and free books. If you don't know how to socialize (given most engineers are nerds) learn it from Google!
2) Don't shy away from getting help. Bug the fuck out of profs, TAs, CECS without hesitation. You pay a lot for this shit.
3) If you don't like the program, first year is the only most feasible time to switch. It will only get worse later on. Its usually a good idea to do something simpler and do well in it rather than taking a really tough program with lots of useless minors and what not. Be smart and keep it manageable. In real life lots of stress and undirected useless hardwork doesn't always translate to success. Prudence is the word.
4) The goal here is to learn and excel in what you like. Concentrate on learning your stuff properly rather than getting As.
5) Most coops will be useless bitchy jobs until the final year. Don't fret it much.
6) You don't want to end up with an asshole with a piece of paper at graduation. Interact with people, learn respect the rules, develop a civic sense and try to be a better human being. Work on your personality.
7) Just relax. Waterloo Engineering is hard but depression and negative thinking is only anti-productive and only leads to more problems. The single best way to stay away from depression is to surround yourself with good people. Never stay alone for too long. If you don't like someone, drop him/her like a piece of shit and move on. Most people besides your mom and dad don't matter.
All in all, have fun. Enjoy the experience and let it change you. Cheers!
Posted on
Wednesday, September 5.
You can leave your response.
September 5, 2012 at 11:25 PM
As a non-engineer, I feel this advice is great and most, if not all, is applicable to other students' experiences at Waterloo as well.
September 6, 2012 at 7:30 AM
I wish people would stop assuming I'm male because I'm an engineering student.
September 6, 2012 at 1:51 PM
Engineers don't have personalities. Silly wabbit.
September 6, 2012 at 7:51 PM
^mathie.
I agree with all statements after 4 years at Waterloo.
September 6, 2012 at 8:51 PM
@OP: great advice, and #1 is right- I think most of it applies to any faculty, not just engineering. Some of these things only make sense in hindsight though.