OMG:
I hate how the orientation leaders keep saying "we put so much effort into this for you guys, you're gonna have SO MUCH FUN." I'm sure you did, but we are 18; not 12, and not in summer camp. Can't believe I paid for this.
MOD'S Note: *tears up* You sound... like one of us. Welcome home lad, welcome home.
I hate how the orientation leaders keep saying "we put so much effort into this for you guys, you're gonna have SO MUCH FUN." I'm sure you did, but we are 18; not 12, and not in summer camp. Can't believe I paid for this.
MOD'S Note: *tears up* You sound... like one of us. Welcome home lad, welcome home.
Posted on
Wednesday, September 5.
You can leave your response.
September 5, 2012 at 11:40 PM
Seeing as I'm a girl, "lad" isn't applicable. But yes, welcome home indeed...
September 5, 2012 at 11:45 PM
I feel bad for you Ange. I skipped my orientation week, and the only thing I regretted was that I didn't get any orientation day bag. Apparently there was stuff in there that was useful.
Anyways, Waterloo has terrible O-week stuff, and it's probably best to keep personal pride. Take the time to walk around campus, and get to know where are the best spots to hide for studying, and getting around. Winter's around the corner, and knowing the warm shortcuts can be a life saver.
Enjoy!
September 5, 2012 at 11:45 PM
Go complain to the higher ones if you think it's bad.
Otherwise, nothing will change.
September 5, 2012 at 11:47 PM
Haha, it's not really that useful. Literally everything is just lying in my room. Like sure I'd maybe enjoy the events if I didn't feel like I was being treated like a little kid haha. If you "put so much effort into it" it wouldn't be as boring (mean, I know. Sorry). But whatever, it's not all bad. Just not my cup of tea.
September 5, 2012 at 11:57 PM
Orientation week is more about networking with upper-year students and your own classmates. Don't be fooled by the childish games; it's really not what it's about, and you can take a lot from it. I received a ton of advice about the program I was entering just from prodding at upper-year students once I found out they were in the same program as I was entering. One of them was kind enough to even give me course notes, and textbooks, one of which retailed for over $100. I also met my girlfriend in orientation week.
September 6, 2012 at 12:03 AM
^ Well lucky you. So far we have done nothing of importance except the academic sessions. All they make you do is play stupid games with everyone else who looks bored as hell, whom you'll probably never see again. Eh, I'm over it. Just thought I'd voice my opinion. Is this worth like, $100+? Hell. No.
September 6, 2012 at 12:09 AM
Hey OP, I can come over tomorrow and help you study... Naked.
September 6, 2012 at 12:11 AM
it's called stop complaining and make the best of it.
cheering and pretending to have fun goes a long way.
September 6, 2012 at 12:12 AM
Oh study? When classes begin on the 10th? Psht.
& Meh. Or I can just not go. Sounds like a better plan. Because I'd rather not waste hours of my time "pretending to have fun."
September 6, 2012 at 12:15 AM
As an alumni and former leader, cut them some slack. There is a ton of effort that goes into this. 6 am mornings and 2am nights go into providing you guys with some activities instead of sitting in your rooms all day. Don't like it, don't participate.
September 6, 2012 at 12:16 AM
I'm actually offering to have sex with you today. Maybe that would ease your boredom.
September 6, 2012 at 12:18 AM
I promise I'm not as mean as this makes me seem hahaha, but exactly. I don't like it, therefore I am not participating. I totally understand that effort is put into it, but that's just my personal opinion. I've done things other people haven't liked too. That's life.
September 6, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Hey Ange,
This is #5 again. I was feeling the same way earlier on in the week. I had a bit of anxiety about starting classes and came to University to focus on academics. I'd encourage talking to the leaders and start prodding out useful information out of them. Network with them, classmates, and try to seek out o-week members who are involved student unions that operate year round. Being a frosh and a leader, I formed some of the most meaningful relationships of my undergraduate experience. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's the truth.
You can also make your University experience much easier for yourself by networking. I met enough people early on who actually sent me exams from past classes they took that I had to take in the future. Definitely helps a ton when studying.
I promise you, the work you do in orientation in terms of networking will transfer into your academic studies as well. The absolute most important thing I learned in University was the benefits of having a strong network; it will set you apart significantly from your classmates.
September 6, 2012 at 12:25 AM
Last time you'll get treated like a kid...possibly ever. Should enjoy it while it lasts cause after this no one gives a fuck about you, and they certainly won't coddle you.
September 6, 2012 at 12:25 AM
Lol @ people sending you old exams. My academic session today specifically told me that doing so was forbidden. But thanks for the advice! I appreciate it. Although I'm not the type of person to go and talk to people by my own free will...
September 6, 2012 at 12:26 AM
I appreciate that O-Week is not everyone's thing, and that's okay. But please don't be super-hateful towards it. We have worked incredibly hard to give you a chance to get to know your classmates in a non-academic setting, even if some of the events are "lame". In fact, lots of cynical people leave our "lame" events and develop friendships over how "lame" it all is.
September 6, 2012 at 12:31 AM
I'm not "super-hateful," and as previously stated, I understand that you put work into it and whatever. Just saying that it would be nice if people didn't treat us like we are 12. Like you'd go to a leader and ask them something, and they just stare at you... like oh, okay then...
I understand that everything can't be as great as anyone expects it to be by their own standards and it's not like "omg I hate this so much, you all should just.. I don't even know.." but yeah. It's just not for everyone.
September 6, 2012 at 12:33 AM
^You want to have sex? Yes or no.
September 6, 2012 at 12:35 AM
Ange, try to step outside of your comfort zone and talk to some new people. If there is any time to do it, I would suggest doing it during orientation week. You could even start a conversation with others by talking about how silly and lame the events are. I got my first job after University from an upper-year student I met who later went in Human Resources.
September 6, 2012 at 12:52 AM
I've heard it said before but I'll repeat it: Orientation is a lot of fun if you don't take it too seriously. I met a bunch of cool people I probably wouldn't have otherwise and its good to get out of my dorm to socialize and shit. Overall, you get out what you put into it.
September 6, 2012 at 12:59 AM
Oh definitely random anonymous stranger on a blog, I want to have sex with you...
& Aha, stepping outside of my comfort zone isn't going to happen. Not any time soon anyway. Glad for everyone else who has had these success stories, but meh. This is almost over anyway.
September 6, 2012 at 1:15 AM
Orientation can be a lot of fun if you're willing to talk to new people. It's really the easiest way to talk to random people without being a creep. And so what if it feels like summer camp? They just want you to relax and adjust to being away from home.
September 6, 2012 at 1:24 AM
Doing this won't help me adjust from home. If they had like actual sessions that helped you cope with being away from home, gave you tours of the campus, explained some of the courses, how exams work, and then had some fun stuff (like all the night events are great - just the day time stuff like the scavenger hunt... meh, not my thing), then that would be much more useful and worth my time. And you could still meet people doing that.
September 6, 2012 at 2:01 AM
Meh, I don't mind having a run down of examination and all that stuff.
If you have questions, leave'em here. I'll hang aorund till 3.
September 6, 2012 at 7:30 AM
Get hammered at the football game on black and gold day, trust me you'll have fun with your fellow frosh.
September 6, 2012 at 8:54 AM
Ange, they should have provided a tour this week... they always have, no? Maybe you skipped out on it.
You're learn about your courses, how exams work, etc. next week. That's why they don't bother to do it now, because depending on what program your in, the courses will vary and profs always cover this on the first day of the course anyway.
If you live in residence, the dons are there to provide support if you're anxious about being away from home. There are also tons of counselling services available to you and an off-campus dons office, you can find their contact info in the guidebook that should have been included in your O-Week kit.
When I was in first year, I moved 8 hours away from home to be here, and I didn't know a single soul. If you look past all the silly games, you'll see that the whole point of O-Week is for you to meet new people (1st and upper years), get rid of those awkward jitters by acting a little crazy, and also to start learning what services are available to you through the university. It's impossible to cram it all into one week - that would be overwhelming!! Just take it day by day, there's plenty of time to get settled in here. Just keep an open mind.
September 6, 2012 at 9:06 AM
Frosh week is a bunch of foolish events thrown together the same way year after year because the same clique happened to like them in their first year and can't believe anyone couldn't like them (and if they don't, they're obviously not trying).
Essentially everyone involved in O-week is an extrovert. They expect you to be like them. They expect the crowds and teambuilding games to excite you, and if they don't, then clearly it's your fault because they like it. It's obviously a problem with YOU, not the events. You hear the same thing every goddamn year.
It's always an excuse by those in charge to not change anything. A friend of mine wanted to get rid of the math dance this year because so few people like it (read: extroverted girly FOC) but that was shot down.
And unless you're willing to subject yourself to the system, you can't change anything because you don't "know" orientation and if you do put up with the bullshit then you have to work your way up an elaborate social hierarchy that a lot of people look forward to all year. Ah yes, the all-powerful Tie Guard and Toolbearers! *eyeroll* Positions posted for insiders only!
Could people waste their time to fix this? Sure. But the amount of closed-minded hostility you are going to encounter is not going to be worth it. Frosh week is fine, YOU are the problem. You're not trying hard enough to enjoy things, so suck it up!
September 6, 2012 at 9:30 AM
I don't understand why the frosh leaders here are getting defensive and telling OP to suck it up and enjoy it. This is a valuable opportunity to learn something about activities that incoming frosh might enjoy and make frosh week better. I liked my frosh week but yeah it felt like summer camp and was boring by the end. Ideas to make it better should be welcome.
September 6, 2012 at 9:37 AM
^ Oh yeah, let's have O-week cater to introverts instead. Everyone, go into your rooms and play Warcraft all week.
The only useful thing about O-week is meeting new people. If you're not going to talk to people then yeah, you might as well stay home and play Warcraft.
September 6, 2012 at 9:40 AM
^ I'm not saying change frosh week to do everything one person says but taking the time to listen to suggestions instead of getting defensive isn't a bad thing. Grow up.
September 6, 2012 at 9:43 AM
OP made some good suggestions like saying she would want to know a little bit more about how classes work and stuff.
September 6, 2012 at 9:51 AM
Orientation leaders don't have a history of taking suggestions well. They like to stick to their old "camp dances", and "look for a bush to hide" games rather than "here's a way to get settled into Waterloo life because it's a shithole" sort of things.
If I ran orientation, there'd be a lot that would disappear. Like, oh I don't know, the fucking dancing.
September 6, 2012 at 10:09 AM
27 here... lol, 29, you dickwad. It's retards like you who assume such idiotic things about introverts that keeps things so uninclusive. When I say inclusive, I don't mean forced inclusion or affirmative action---I mean a variety of events that lots of different people can enjoy. And right now, frosh week caters exclusively to people who like big crowds and team building events. The packed SLC events are a complete nightmare and can be totally written off.
But you stick with thinking that introverts are just those losers you don't like that play WoW all day, as opposed to real people that want to meet others but can't handle being stuck in crowds all day. Jerk.
September 6, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Waterloo is too full of itself to change. It's a "like it or leave it" mentality where if one tries to change the status quo they are ignored or shouted down.
September 6, 2012 at 10:49 AM
OP is trying to share her experiences so why is everyone is patronizing the hell out of her by telling her just to "network?" What the hell does that mean and why do you need to pay to achieve such? Why spend >$100 just to have a setting where you make an ass and humiliate yourself with other people as uncomfortable as you?
It is up to OP to meet people as it is in real life, so what is the relevance of orientation if it isn't orientating students to living in a university setting? OP brought up very valid suggestions to help acclimatize new students to university and I agree with her 100%.
Yes I commend those that spent time organizing but there is a lot of room for improvement and the "my way or no way" attitude is complete bullshit and lacking leadership.
Have modules like any other university. Make it like the a pre-university week where students get to explore the university and have guidance if requested. Forcing this smarmy version of school spirit will only hinder future commitments from these students if not traumatize them.
September 6, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Amen, #35. At least someone fucking understands. I don't understand why everyone ASSUMES that I am introverted- ps, learn the definition of introverted. It means you are comfortable with being alone, it doesn't mean you're anti-social. I'm just saying that if you actually took SO MUCH time to come up with all of this orientation stuff, you would have thought it out a bit more about how to help students get accustomed to University life. The campus is large and there are people from small towns here who are pretty scared of it. Why don't you do something useful like make them feel better about it, rather than playing ice breaking games with 345678 people that you will likely never see again. I know that you learn academic stuff when school starts- but more details would be nice. Don't need to be all defensive just because I gave an opinion.
TL;DR : It's an opinion. A lot of people feel this way. Don't be so defensive, and realize that you need to change something.
September 6, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Like really, if you have such a problem with a person's opinion (shared by many others), feel free to come up to me and say it to my face.
September 6, 2012 at 11:26 AM
you're 18, you're still a kid. since when do 18 year olds who have never survived in the adult world suddenly adults?
September 6, 2012 at 11:54 AM
^ By that logic then any student at Waterloo is a kid. Therefore those that are organizing the event are kids organizing for kids and leaves your comment moot.
But of course logic is not your strong point as you get personal rather than understand the context of what is being said.
September 6, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Lol, are you joking.... you can't call an 18 year old a "kid."
When you have kids, are you going to treat your 18 year olds like they are 6? Didn't think so. I don't know how old YOU ARE, but I'm sure when you were 18 you wouldn't have appreciated being treated like/called one.
September 6, 2012 at 12:49 PM
^ 35 here. On aspect for some of the programs here is the entitled/arrogant culture. For some reason older students think themselves as wise in the world with a few years of university and perhaps a co-op or two of employment. It carries onto this site a lot so this is just a heads up.
September 6, 2012 at 4:40 PM
For those that think OP is complaining and not taking full advantage of the O week, screw you. She paid for a good time, and she feels cheated. Therefore a complaint is in order, if one of your paying customers is not satisfied with what they purchased at least listen to her suggestions, considering it is a non refundable payment. Business ethics 101.
September 6, 2012 at 5:10 PM
Well, OP, I really hope you don't end up feeling that way about tuition...because I did, and now I get ripped off every term. So it's not a complete loss from your perspective. Not defending the O-Week bullshit. I felt that I wasted my time and money coming out of it too; but hey, look on the bright side, it could potentially be worse...
September 6, 2012 at 6:53 PM
agree with 34 and 35
September 6, 2012 at 9:01 PM
I'm not sure if this is what OP means, but I feel like O-week is a bite of a wasted opportunity. It should be about helping students make the transition from high school to uni. You know, addressing the most common fears, helping to point them in the right direction and let them know what to expect for the next four years.
Instead, you play some games with a bunch of people you'll most likely never see again.
September 6, 2012 at 9:16 PM
Op, what faculty are you from? If you are from Math, I am really sorry about math orientation this year. I promise orientation is not like this but this year,for whatever reason, everything is very unorganised.
September 6, 2012 at 9:16 PM
Op, what faculty are you from? If you are from Math, I am really sorry about math orientation this year. I promise orientation is not like this but this year,for whatever reason, everything is very unorganised.
September 6, 2012 at 10:51 PM
Obviously everyone is missing the point of FYE: Waterloo. It's Friday morning, and it teaches skills like money management, time management, destressing, etc. Here's the description that one of MathFOC provided.
FYE Waterloo – Friday September 7th
Formerly known as Cornerstones, this event is run by the Student Success Office. New students will learn what it means to succeed at Waterloo, with events culminating in an ‘invocation-like’ ceremony!
So you should really consider reading all of the information on your Orientation week before judging it so harshly.
September 6, 2012 at 11:03 PM
I'm an introverted person and I enjoyed my orientation week and found it very helpful. I also know some extroverted people who really didn't like it, so I don't think that's the issue here.
Orientation just isn't for everyone. No matter how inclusive you make it, there is ALWAYS going to be some people who don't like it. But the great thing is, if you want to get to know the university some other way, you can. Heck, say hypothetically you don't like the math dance. Then you can just choose to not participate in that one event! You have that freedom! Just because you paid for orientation, doesn't mean you have to use it. It's just like any other student service you pay for.
And for what it's worth I've been a leader for 3 different orientation weeks (note: not all leaders are extroverts like 27 said), and I make a point of not treating my frosh like summer campers. I think that is one of orientation's biggest weaknesses to be honest.
September 7, 2012 at 1:13 AM
Lol at everyone getting butthurt over my comment, like legit, chill out. It's not for everyone- don't get your panties in a twist. Even the academic sessions didn't teach you anything that you couldn't have found on the website. Like... meh.
& Would people please learn the definition of intro and extrovert... It DOES NOT determine if you are social or not. That has nothing to do with it. I am NOT SAYING that all of orientation week is bad, would you learn to read.. I'm just saying that MOST of it isn't worth the time and money. PERSONAL OPINION; DON'T GET PISSY HERE, leaders and shit.
& No. I am in Arts. The Math and Eng. orientations actually look like fun...
September 7, 2012 at 1:16 AM
& Omg, 49. ONE EVENT on Friday morning that could be potentially useful! That makes the WHOLE damn week, like, totally worth it!!!!!!!
September 7, 2012 at 1:27 AM
@29: Look up what introvert means because you have no idea.
Frosh week was awesome in my year, maybe it got worse now but if it didn't you guys are all whiners =)
September 7, 2012 at 1:34 AM
48 **
& lol k are you honestly all brain dead? everyone who keeps going "my orientation week was awesome, blah blah blah."
like okay, you're missing the point. The point is that I don't care how YOUR orientation week went a thousand years ago, but mine sucked- agreed with by many individuals.
September 7, 2012 at 1:35 AM
Even my orientation leader said that it sucked and was so unorganized this year. And that was my fucking leader. So like... shut up ha.
September 7, 2012 at 9:14 AM
I can see you as a person that will just have a terrible time at Waterloo because you think you're above it all.
September 7, 2012 at 9:37 AM
@ OP
Well there's your problem, you're in arts. Arts frosh blows.
September 7, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Hi Ange,
I completely understand. When I was part of the first crew of SL 101 leaders, we literally planned the anti-o week. It was all about what profs are the like, doing the ELPE, real situations that happen in residence, and a couple fun activities tossed in. I don't know who your Arts leader is, but I am in Arts and would love to show you around campus and basically give you the same experience I gave the 350 pre-freshmen last summer. :)
September 7, 2012 at 1:18 PM
I'm in Arts and I admit that when I was in orientation, mine sucked as well. Some parts of it were good like as mentioned, the night events, Monte Carlo, and I didn't even mind the arts dance.
But a lot of the events felt like it was only dragging people around to different locations so we could throw frisbees or run around. If they want people to have fun or connect to others or whatnot, there's honestly better games to do that. Even the arts night at the end of orientation felt disorganized and well, lame.
And I agree with some of your opinions, OP but stop being so hostile and attacking every comment. There's no need to do that and you're coming across as rude.
September 7, 2012 at 2:18 PM
I'm seriously loving the "childish games". They're awesome!
September 7, 2012 at 3:32 PM
It's extremely hard to judge someone on a random website. Like yeah, maybe I sound kind of rude(not totally intentionally), but I hate wasting money. I've always had a problem with money, and I am really displeased with the amount of money I paid for this. I've already said it, and I'll say it again- THIS IS MY OPINION. Its also a written comment, there is no tone. If people wanna attack my opinion on a blog, I'll attack them right back, thank you very much,
And I highly disagree, I don't think I'm above anyone, ever. I am really excited to be at Waterloo and I love to learn and I plan to be here for a long time for extended education. Just because I don't feel like this one week of useless games isn't worth my money doesn't mean I'm "above it all."
September 7, 2012 at 8:53 PM
I feel that we could use more campus wide events instead of just faculty specific events! students from other faculties are people too, there's no reason to separate the events so clearly. I remember that myself and several other non arts students went to arts talent show with our arts friends and we are promptly kicked out as if we went to a theatre without paying... I dunno about other kids, but i personally felt it was rather rude and against the spirit of frosh week, which was to meet other froshes regardless of faculty.
September 7, 2012 at 8:54 PM
Students should have the option of choosing events and who they want to hang out with instead of sticking strictly to faculty. Considering how some faculties are gender imbalanced.. we could def use more campus wide events
September 8, 2012 at 12:01 AM
^ I totally agree as well. Like it's cool to have some faculty events 'cause there's a lot of people here clearly... but not EVERYTHING has to be done by faculty. And not only is it done by faculty, but you're also split up into different colour groups. So like I have friends in Arts, but we weren't even together either.
September 8, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Leaders have training to go through regarding what you put as "feeling like you're 12". Some people come from a variety of countries, and they may feel uncomfortable with excessive drinking, vulgar language etc. It's an inclusive school and you need to remember that.
You pay 100$ which goes towards the food, renting things (i.e. playfair), your orientation kit and your shirt. No one gets paid for this week, leaders have to PAY to be leaders.
When it rains, a lot of the events kind of seem crummy because no one planned for the events to be ruined by rain.
Also, you need to remember this is how you will meet people you're going to be with for 4/5 years. The upper year students can give you advice that you can only know from experience.
We are not an american school, therefore the events are very different. We are not in a province where all of the first years are legal to drink, therefore there is no liquor. If an underage student is drinking and gets hurt, it is the schools fault - not theirs. UW needs to protect itself too.
September 8, 2012 at 1:39 PM
You know why everyone avoids campus during frosh week? Because of people like OP that think like that.
You paid for it, this is what you get. Maybe you should do your research better next time. Whoops, too late, welcome to UW.
September 8, 2012 at 7:20 PM
Who said anything about drinking at all... Way to assume. You dont need to drink to have fun, there are better things to do.
It would be much more useful if they actually helped you with transitioning into University life, and not playing so many games. That's all I'm saying - no need to freak out. I know that's what SL101 does, but some people live out of country or hours away and could not make it there.
I don't really see why everyone is making a great big deal about it. It's an opinion and it's not like it's wrong- all we did was stuff that belongs in summer camp. I don't know about other faculties, but it just wasn't that great. People attacking me for this opinion is like someone going to a rave with massive drinking/drugs/etc and saying they don't like it, and others patronizing them for THEIR OPINION. Now I don't like doing any of those things, but I personally think this week could have been better. It was still alright, but not *fantastic*
From now on, feel free to say whatever you want, but I am no longer reading this thread because its pointless.
September 8, 2012 at 8:58 PM
If you don't like it, consider changing it in your upper years, that is the only way it will change to suit the needs/wants of a new generations of students. You're welcome to your opinion, and I think most people here appreciate it, just find it hard to swallow. I hope you got at least one thing out of it, be it a tid bit of information or a new friendship.
Cheers!
September 10, 2012 at 3:13 PM
All I know is I had fun at my O-week and my roommates had fun at theirs? Don't really think this applies to everyone, you kinda get out of it what you put in at O-week
September 10, 2012 at 5:31 PM
If you didnt want your opinion criticized, or have people attack it, then you probably shouldnt have posted it to an anonymous website.
September 13, 2012 at 12:26 AM
lol Ange sounds like a c*nt... seriously you need to STFU now, we dont f*cking care about your opinion and you should also know that you sound like an arrogant prick. please go back to whence you came.
sincerely, waterloo.
September 13, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Aw, muffin!