1st Year Waterloo Engineering Students - Answering Your Questions

Hey all,

Well it's coming close to that time of year, and I always enjoy answering any questions you may have about Waterloo Engineering, Rez, the city, 1st year, etc....

I'm currently finishing up 3A (Electrical) right now (last final's on Friday, and RFD's a great way to procrastinate with studying). I've seen / been through all the usual 1st year experiences and I'm more than happy to help.

Feel free to post your questions and I'll answer them, or if you like feel free to PM me.

Right off the bat, here are a couple tips:

1. Participate in Frosh Week
   • Everyone's in the same boat as you, new school, new people, new experiences. Frosh Week is the best way to get to know other people, make some new friends and overall have a great time. Remember, in the end Frosh Week is what your make of it! If you're pumped, excited, it's going to be a great time!
2. Be a Part of EngSoc
   • University isn't only about school, there's got to be some balance. That's where the Engineering Society comes in. There's lots of fun events going on all term (this summer we had whitewater rafting, skydiving, bowling nights and more), and it's also a great way to meet other people, both students in your year, and upper year students. So don't be shy to come out to events, and EngSoc meetings (free food!!!) and get to know everyone who's active in the Society

That's all I've got for now, and back to studying I go, but let's get the questions rolling!

I personally did not like froshweek all that much. I think it was a waste of money. But experience really varies.

The leaders are really awesome and the events aren't bad, but it's really not for everyone. Be warned and possibly save 75 bucks

I think a bit part of my lack of motivation to go was because everyone in engineering is a guy . Sorry couldn't help it

Our mechanical engineering class has < 10:1 ratio. It doesn't really get that much better.

go to your frosh week.. you only have 1

Originally Posted by poorwingman

go to your frosh week.. you only have 1

I completely agree, it's one of those once in a lifetime opportunities. Like I mentioned in my original post it's all about what you make of it. Not only that but you meet so many new people, it's a fantastic experience.

actually, go to frosh week, have a great time and next time around, be a frosh leader. I swear it's the only chance you get to be ridiculous, have fun and have a whole bunch of frosh look at you in awe, like you're some sort of god muhahaha

Originally Posted by xaueious

Our mechanical engineering class has < 10:1 ratio. It doesn't really get that much better.

I'm in software engineering. *censored* sausage fest. Worst Male:Female Ratio. Ever.

Originally Posted by nkwu

I'm in software engineering. *censored* sausage fest. Worst Male:Female Ratio. Ever.

Same here...which year are you in? My class (09s) is definitely the worst...something like 75 total, 3 or which are female...so 25:1 ratio

I'm a freshman this year, so if I recall, I graduate in 2011

No you graduate in 2010

almost done being a freshman....damn GENE 123 exam...

I have a question... do you still talk to your friends from high school?

Originally Posted by simms

I have a question... do you still talk to your friends from high school?

But of course!

Biggest tip - dont forget to get all of that money back they automatically take off your 'tuition'. i.e. health plan, dental plan, etc. Unless you need it of course. And its automatically tacked back on every semester, I wonder how much $ they make that they shouldn't. Blah, i know i got screwed with the new dental not knowing about it this semester, and health the first time around.

And if you want to, you can get that $75 in WEEF money back, if perhaps you feel that $4500+ should be enough money from you. They don't advertise it, and unsigning up for it takes place in a shady room. Funny stuff.

As for frosh week, sure, go, enjoy. You might meet some people, guys of course. Don't expect to see any women on the eng. side of campus for the next 5 years.

Originally Posted by Raptor7

Biggest tip - dont forget to get all of that money back they automatically take off your 'tuition'. i.e. health plan, dental plan, etc. Unless you need it of course. And its automatically tacked back on every semester, I wonder how much $ they make that they shouldn't. Blah, i know i got screwed with the new dental not knowing about it this semester, and health the first time around.


And if you want to, you can get that $75 in WEEF money back, if perhaps you feel that $4500+ should be enough money from you. They don't advertise it, and unsigning up for it takes place in a shady room. Funny stuff.

As for frosh week, sure, go, enjoy. You might meet some people, guys of course. Don't expect to see any women on the eng. side of campus for the next 5 years.

WEEF is the largest student run Endowment Fund in all of Canada, the donations go directly back to us.

This past term $80,000 was given out to all of the Engineering departments for additional equipment, software, etc.. all for students. Once again the donations go directly back to you.

Originally Posted by Raptor7

if you want to...

Some people don't have billions of dollars to attend this school, every little bit may help.