Tell me about Waterloo..

[hd2002]

A place full of geeks and not a single post on waterloo :?:

Personally picked waterloo over queens and uoft because of its renowned coop education. I will start first year mechatronic engineering there this fall. I am on steam 4, so coop begins in January. A teacher of mine who used to go there told me steam 8 is actually better because the first coop term is actually in the summer, give you more time to get used to the campus life, etc. What is your take on it? Is it gonna be hard for me to get coop work in gta? And also what is the good, bad, evil of waterloo?

[KennethToronto]

A lot of my friends are at UW studying engineering doing co-op. Many had difficulty landing jobs the first time around and had to resort to doing stupid volunteer stuff.

However, now that they're in 3rd year, the jobs are much better (Honda, ATI, etc).

[bananaman]

Doing coop in January makes more sense because there's less competition. If you do the other stream whatever you call it, then you're competing against all the other engineering students from U of T, Queens, etc... for summer jobs.

I had to fight and scream to get an engineering job for the summer. Hopefully, my experience this year will land me an interesting PEY position next year.

[divx]

students are getting dumber these days. we (year 2004 students) are the worst ever at UW, with failure rate across the campus at 40%, while the norm is only 6% ~ 8%. Because of it, you, me, and everyone else have an easier time due to the extreme bell curve for EVERY SINGLE course :lol:

To reduce failure rate and thus increase tutition fees paid to the university, they have made drastic measures by having insane bell curves, so much that make me, who completely nuked the physics final exam passed with 66%, that's crazy considering the final worth like 70% of our final mark.

Conclusion, studnets are getting dumber and dumber each year, each of us won't have to work as hard as those before us. Mark inflation = easier degree. Now is the time to get a degree at UW if you want one :cheesygri

[babychai]

i find that stream 4 is a bit harder in that:

- you just started university and started to get used to campus life... then they make your life harder by making you apply to jobs and go for interviews

- most of the people you meet in frosh (and that live in your residence) will not be in the same stream as you... so it's definitely harder to keep some of these friends

- you will end your term on a 8 month study term... when you're just used to 4 months of school, 8 months of school is definitely something different. also, you have to save enough money during the last few terms of co-op to support this...

[divx]

I'd go crazy if I have to study for 8 month, 3 month is hard enough.

[aquariaguy]

I'm a pre-opter at UW.

[Tharyn]

Alright,

Well, first thing's first, don't spend ALL of your time studying and doing work, if you do, you'll find your time at Waterloo to be much less exciting than it could be. Don't get me wrong, you've gotta work hard, but you also party hard in the end.

I'm in 2nd Year EE, started in 2003 and here's my advice:

1. Don't worry about the ELPE (English Proficiency Exam) if you passed Gr. 12, then you'll pass all it is writing one essay on your choice from two topics, don't try and "study" for it, it's not worth it.

2. Don't worry about the math prep exam either, I failed it, and frankly it was one of the best things for first year, all that happens is that they recommend you go to an additional tutorial where you simply work on assignments and it's usually around 1 TA to like 10 students, so it's a GREAT way to get help.

3. Participate in FROSH WEEK, you'll meet a whole slew of people that are all new just like you, and you'll probably meet some people in your class, besides it's an absolute blast.

4. WEEF is GOOD, remember that, WEEF (Waterloo Engineering Endowment Fund), you automatically donate $75 with your Tuition (you get a tax return on it!) and it benefits all of us, it goes to fund new labs, equipment, and overall makes your experience at UW better in the long run. Don't pay attention to posters some idiots who have nothing better to do saying WEEF funds Arts, or Prof's salaries etc.. it's all not true, it only goes to the students.

5. Since you're 4 streem, make sure you've got your resume (all up to date) ready for when you get to campus, you'll start applying to jobs within the first couple weeks (I was also 4-Stream and yeah it's alot to deal with right off the bat so it pays to be prepared).

6. Don't be afraid to come into POETS (The Engineering Bar), I know I was in 1st year, you might be a little intimidated but we're all friendly people (I'm the manager this fall, so don't be afraid to come say hello, the name's Mark) We show movies every afternoon from 12 onward in POETS so it's a great place to chill and meet new people, we also serve (if you're of age) on Thursday and Friday.

7. Come to EngSoc meetings it's a great way to find out what's going in the Engineering Society, and there's FREE FOOD! Which is a plus for ALL students, hehe.

8. Come out to the EngSoc events, there's plenty of events EVERY term so it's always a blast, you gotta work hard, but you gotta let loose sometimes too! More info: www.engsoc.uwaterloo.ca

9. There's the "Of-Term" parties that happen at POETS for Beginning of Term (BOT), Middle (MOT), and End (EOT), which just another way all of us in Engineering all hang out to have a great time. BOT will be the First friday of the week we start Lectures.

10. Check out Frosh Mentoring, it's a great thing, basically we'll have forums set up where you can talk with upper year students to ask for advice, and just about anything... there's also going to be a couple outings where you can meet upper year students and have some free food!

That's all I can come up with now, but if you've got any questions or anything, feel free to PM me.

--Mark

[shear_force]

PDEng = Professional Development for Engineers

Starting for the incoming class in Sept 2004, PDEng is now a required course that must be completed every co-op term. Actually no, 5 out of 6 possible work terms so you do have a break from it once. I am now taking this course as an 8-stream civ eng on a work term.

There has been many problems with this course, mainly students were upset when they arrived at Waterloo and found out that we will never truly be away from taking mandatory courses at any time. As well the course is presented in an online format which is unreliable at best.

More info can be found at:

http://www.pdeng.uwaterloo.ca/

This is a result of students' opinions on the course:

www.pdengsucks.tridiumstudio.net

I'm just letting you know about this extra course you will be taking because as soon as you hit campus you will be hearing tons about this course. Mainly from students in my year since the general feeling about it negative across the board!

~Val


BTW, to answer your actual question in your post 4-stream and 8-stream each has their benefits. 8-stream really drains you academically wise while 4-stream doesn't give you that 'full first year'. Each is great so don't really stress what stream you are in!

[wanted]

students are getting dumber these days. we (year 2004 students) are the worst ever at UW, with failure rate across the campus at 40%, while the norm is only 6% ~ 8%. Because of it, you, me, and everyone else have an easier time due to the extreme bell curve for EVERY SINGLE course :lol:

To reduce failure rate and thus increase tutition fees paid to the university, they have made drastic measures by having insane bell curves, so much that make me, who completely nuked the physics final exam passed with 66%, that's crazy considering the final worth like 70% of our final mark.

Conclusion, studnets are getting dumber and dumber each year, each of us won't have to work as hard as those before us. Mark inflation = easier degree. Now is the time to get a degree at UW if you want one :cheesygri

How ironic :lol:

[hd2002]

wow, i wasn't expecting this much response.i will check out the bar for sure during the frosh week, mark.

shear_force, welcome to rfd. It's an honour to have your first post on my thread. :razz:

and keep these great tips coming, guys(and gals?)

[shear_force]

I've been hanging around for a few years now, got my very first freebies off of here around grade 10 :lol: I've just never posted before, I'm a lurker.

But PDEng, beware! It's not that bad if you pass, but well if you look at the petition the student started, there are some colourful opinions going around about it!

~Val

[Peter Griffin]

I'm finishing my Honours Political Science and Peace and Conflict Studies double degree after this school year.

About Waterloo - It's a good school run by CS'ers and Engineers. As you're getting into engineering I assume that you'll have a great time with all the money our Arts tuition pays into those fancy labs and computer systems.

Not totally kidding about that last part. Just a little miffed by the short stick us Arts students get from the Administration is all. Anyways back to the cheerleading...

1) I was in Co-op for first year (businees) and dropped out simply because it was not worth my time to work at African Lion Safari (best job any other student without 'connections' recieved through Career Services) and pay the $500 a semester fee for that fun. But as was previously stated just sit it out the first few semesters with crappy jobs and you'll end-up with a good one sometime or later.

2) Try to get out. Engineering is hard as the 40% failure rate attests to but really don't stay indoors and study all the time. I still remember my friends from first year in engineering were two types: A) Anti-social shut-ins B) Fun people who enjoy spending time with others *some excessively so*

3) Meet people from Laurier. They are a lot of fun and can help with networking to meet new people in different places. Many of my friends from outside of class are laurier students and I get to meet all kinds of different people in the city.

4) See live music. There's plenty of bands touring through the city so don't be afraid to take a chance and see a band you've never heard of before - plus it is way better than going to some dance bar IMHO.

5) Schooling should be first priority. I've seen a few friends fail out simply because they spent too much time partying and not enough studying. I think if you picked a program which interests you then this becomes much easier. I find my studies to be incredibly engrossing and apart from the odd dull course (municipal politics, ugh) you'll be able to do well. Really take an interest and you;ll excell.

So that's my mini-summation. I never regret choosing Waterloo - mostly because of the people I've met and my program. So don't be afraid to switch engineering majors or faculties altogether. It might just keep you in school; you'll be far happier.

[jc4ho]

hey i went to waterloo today to check out the house i'm moving into in a few weeks.

and i can't believe waterloo still stinks after 3 months.

what the hell

[Rehii]

hey i went to waterloo today to check out the house i'm moving into in a few weeks.

and i can't believe waterloo still stinks after 3 months.

what the hell

Waterloo always smells like cows and horses ... but it's stronger in the summer term.

[ah_long]

u'll catch me in there this sept as well for AFM program

[Xanimal]

It's nice to see so many replies from ppl who went to Waterloo. First year seems kinda overwhelming, I haven't even started and I'm already beginning to worry. I mostly worry about not finding a job for co-op and having to do something ******** for that work term. Also the english and math exams on the first week don't help much.

I have a question for all the waterloo students in co-op, w/e stream. Can you find a job if you are really persistent? What qualities are best to have if you are an Engineering student. I'm a mechatronics student, and I am desperately trying to learn c++ and add a bit more to my resume. It's very stressing first year, because I just don't know what to expect.
Any suggestions?

[7jai]

I agree with the previous posters whom said that it's hard to even land jobs now for engineers who graduate from UW.

My friend's older brother graduate from UW with the electrical engineering degree with honours as well. He had excellent coop jobs, however at the end, he is still jobless and works at some "cell phone" shop fixing cell phones.

Not trying to say "which" degrees are better than others, but I just think they all are useless without these several components:

1) connections (no matter what ppl say, it's all about connections to get you started in this crazy world)

2) furthuring your studies (it's useless to STOP once u get a bachelor's which means NOTHING nowadays since everyone gets them, u gotta continue to enhance yourself and go for master's degree or other sorts of certification)

So don't waste the 10 thousand a year you paid each year at UW or any other university. Go enhance yourselfs and continue to improve your knowledge and make your degrees work for you, instead of YOU working for your degrees.

[Tharyn]

It's nice to see so many replies from ppl who went to Waterloo. First year seems kinda overwhelming, I haven't even started and I'm already beginning to worry. I mostly worry about not finding a job for co-op and having to do something ******** for that work term. Also the english and math exams on the first week don't help much.

I have a question for all the waterloo students in co-op, w/e stream. Can you find a job if you are really persistent? What qualities are best to have if you are an Engineering student. I'm a mechatronics student, and I am desperately trying to learn c++ and add a bit more to my resume. It's very stressing first year, because I just don't know what to expect.
Any suggestions?

Like I said in my previous post don't sweat it about the Math and English exams! They don't actually affect anything, other than giving you a tutorial to go to if you fail either.

But don't spend time studying! enjoy frosh week as much as you can, it's a great time and don't let studying keep you in and from meeting new people etc.. etc..

It varies from year to year about co-op jobs, I mean back in 1A (am 4 stream) all I had was general programming skills (was in Comp Eng at the time, now transferred to Electrical), and I managed to land 3 interviews and in the end 3 job offers. It's some just luck of the draw, but once you land interviews, it's all about your interpersonal skills at that point.

But for example, the 1st chemistry class, I heard, only 25 people got jobs by the end of the term, kinda overwhelming I know, but being in 4 stream gives you an advantage as you'll have less competition.

But if you're really persistant there's a good chance you'll get a job, but give it your all, and don't be afraid to apply to a variety of jobs!

And about the comment about graduating with honours, engineering is only an Honours program at Waterloo so if you graduate (regardless of your passing grades) you'll graduate with honours.

--Mark

[divx]

How ironic :lol:

excuess me for not going into arts and science to take literature. and you should stop quoting on typos.

[divx]

It's nice to see so many replies from ppl who went to Waterloo. First year seems kinda overwhelming, I haven't even started and I'm already beginning to worry. I mostly worry about not finding a job for co-op and having to do something ******** for that work term. Also the english and math exams on the first week don't help much.

I have a question for all the waterloo students in co-op, w/e stream. Can you find a job if you are really persistent? What qualities are best to have if you are an Engineering student. I'm a mechatronics student, and I am desperately trying to learn c++ and add a bit more to my resume. It's very stressing first year, because I just don't know what to expect.
Any suggestions?


Because in the first year it's all generic eng, you won't be able to find any real eng coop, such as ATI, nVidia, M$, etc (big firms)

there are a lot of website programming jobs, so make sure u know html, dhtml, php, jsp, SQL, mySQL, Java, c, c++, c#, visual basic.NET, c#.NET, etc. (if u knew all of them, u can apply for 99% of the coop jobs advertised for Junior positions) It's ok if u only knew few of them.

[divx]

2) furthuring your studies (it's useless to STOP once u get a bachelor's which means NOTHING nowadays since everyone gets them, u gotta continue to enhance yourself and go for master's degree or other sorts of certification)


(assuming you are talking about UW engineering)
I disagree. Do you know how hard it is just to get the bachelor degree? you gotta to be a super genius or a bookworm. Try to get masters in eng will most likely get you into a mental insitution than any good job. You must be one of those smart a$$ who can actually would recommand people try out masters degree.

[warren_s12888]

A place full of geeks and not a single post on waterloo :?:

I will start first year mechatronic engineering there this fall. I am on steam 4,

Im in 2B mechatronics. Guess I'll be 'initiating u this coming sept. :razz:

Leave a PM if u have any questions about mechatronics.

Anymore Mechatronic students on RFD?

[ryan123]

i heard when u r in res u can only download 2 gig a month, is that true?

[7jai]

(assuming you are talking about UW engineering)
I disagree. Do you know how hard it is just to get the bachelor degree? you gotta to be a super genius or a bookworm. Try to get masters in eng will most likely get you into a mental insitution than any good job. You must be one of those smart a$$ who can actually would recommand people try out masters degree.

hey smartass,

a) i wasn't recommending anything, this is my own personal opinion so i would PLEASE ask you to keep your insults to yourself. If you have an opinion on my ideology, then Sure, question it, but don't however insult it. Do you see me doing that to yours?

b) Obviously i know how hard it is to get a bachelors degree, i'm IN a bachelors degree right now. WHOEVER said that good pay isn't followed by HARD WORK? This world ain't easy my friend, especially in Canada, the country of where millions of citizens abuse the health care/welfare systems.

c) Masters degree's are not for ppl who (and i quote you) "are SUPER genious, or a BOOKWORM"..... You having THAT mentality already proves that you aren't masters material. THE MAIN KEY to masters isn't about money, but it's about learning more and futhuring yourself to become even more profound with the area you are studying.

Some ppl ACTUALLY do an engineering degree, then go on to take their masters in psychology or some other area of expertise JUST because they want to LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE. But I guess this surpasses your brain capacity since you seem to be mainly focus on the "keyword" ---> MONEY..\

so next time you have something "say", maybe you should think it over before you spit it out alrite buddie? You can HAVE opinions and they might be different from others, but dont insult my and the other RFD-ers intelligence...

[jc4ho]

i heard when u r in res u can only download 2 gig a month, is that true?

1500 weekly

drives you insane

sympatico promotion to the rescue.
don't use rogers in loo.

[MixMasterAlan]

Like I said in my previous post don't sweat it about the Math and English exams! They don't actually affect anything, other than giving you a tutorial to go to if you fail either.

But don't spend time studying! enjoy frosh week as much as you can, it's a great time and don't let studying keep you in and from meeting new people etc.. etc..

It varies from year to year about co-op jobs, I mean back in 1A (am 4 stream) all I had was general programming skills (was in Comp Eng at the time, now transferred to Electrical), and I managed to land 3 interviews and in the end 3 job offers. It's some just luck of the draw, but once you land interviews, it's all about your interpersonal skills at that point.

But for example, the 1st chemistry class, I heard, only 25 people got jobs by the end of the term, kinda overwhelming I know, but being in 4 stream gives you an advantage as you'll have less competition.

But if you're really persistant there's a good chance you'll get a job, but give it your all, and don't be afraid to apply to a variety of jobs!

And about the comment about graduating with honours, engineering is only an Honours program at Waterloo so if you graduate (regardless of your passing grades) you'll graduate with honours.

--Mark


Mark? Weren't you in my class (comp eng 2008) ? Haha if you are, its good to see RFDers from class.

[MixMasterAlan]

i heard when u r in res u can only download 2 gig a month, is that true?

Don't worry about the 2 GB limit, there's a guy on campus with a file sharing box set up, and you can download locally. The number of users are growing and that means more and more files available for local download:P

[2heaven]

1500 weekly

drives you insane

sympatico promotion to the rescue.
don't use rogers in loo.

I agree, in some places rogers just blows. But on rare occasions I hear of people not having any problems with it. Might just be the neighbourhood.

[divx]

1500 weekly

drives you insane

sympatico promotion to the rescue.
don't use rogers in loo.

oh, it used to be 500mb and later 1 gig per week, now 1.5 is still not enough. that's too bad, UW is the only university i knew that's this cheap about bandwidth.

[divx]

you seem to be mainly focus on the "keyword" ---> MONEY..\



does that mean you don't? I'm sure most people, if not all, is focused on money, without sufficient amount of money, we would have a very difficult life, and that's something I do NOT want. Eng is crazy, I doubt anyone would take eng if wasn't for the money. I mean, who would want to study for 60 hours a week just to get an average pay job? some people might goto university for "fun" or "learn" about life, but those are rare. Most people goto university to get a degree, so that they can get a better job. And we all know job = money. Doing a job that you like would be the best.

[warren_s12888]

does that mean you don't? I'm sure most people, if not all, is focused on money, without sufficient amount of money, we would have a very difficult life, and that's something I do NOT want. Eng is crazy, I doubt anyone would take eng if wasn't for the money. I mean, who would want to study for 60 hours a week just to get an average pay job? some people might goto university for "fun" or "learn" about life, but those are rare. Most people goto university to get a degree, so that they can get a better job. And we all know job = money. Doing a job that you like would be the best.

Agreed, I wouldn't be in ENG if weren't for the money. I enjoy ENG, but thats just a bonus.

[Tharyn]

Agreed, I wouldn't be in ENG if weren't for the money. I enjoy ENG, but thats just a bonus.

Uh, if you're in Engineering for the money, you'll be pleasantly DISAPPOINTED.

A lot of people have this notion that Engineering = Instant Money.

While yes, there's a good chance you'll make more money out of school, but Engineering isn't your ticket to being rich, with some $100,000+ / year salary.

Have you even looked at the Salary suvey's done by the PEO? That'll certainly burst your bubble.

Also I, for one aren't in Engineering because of the money, and frankly from what I heard and seen from my friends in older classes, those are the people who generally fail out or just lose interest and leave.

I'm in engineering because firstly I have a passion for what I'm studying, and second have a passion for learning. I want to learn about the field and contribute to it, not just go home at the end of the day with some paycheck.

Unless you have the drive to pursue your field, you won't be getting some fat mythical paycheck just because you have a piece of paper that states your have an engineering degree.

Also, Alan, yeah that'd be me, I was in your class, but transferred into Elec this summer. haha, small world!

--Mark

[warren_s12888]

Uh, if you're in Engineering for the money, you'll be pleasantly DISAPPOINTED.

A lot of people have this notion that Engineering = Instant Money.

While yes, there's a good chance you'll make more money out of school, but Engineering isn't your ticket to being rich, with some $100,000+ / year salary.

Have you even looked at the Salary suvey's done by the PEO? That'll certainly burst your bubble.

Also I, for one aren't in Engineering because of the money, and frankly from what I heard and seen from my friends in older classes, those are the people who generally fail out or just lose interest and leave.

I'm in engineering because firstly I have a passion for what I'm studying, and second have a passion for learning. I want to learn about the field and contribute to it, not just go home at the end of the day with some paycheck.

Unless you have the drive to pursue your field, you won't be getting some fat mythical paycheck just because you have a piece of paper that states your have an engineering degree.

Also, Alan, yeah that'd be me, I was in your class, but transferred into Elec this summer. haha, small world!

--Mark

I'm well aware of the salary survey. I know that you have to stand out from the rest and have something unique to contribute to the field you are studying.

I guess what I really meant was that I'm engineering for the 'potential' to make that "mytical paycheck". But I guess any profession has the potential for that. I guess Engineering was my choice because I enjoy what I'm learning.

[civ@uw]

students are getting dumber these days. we (year 2004 students) are the worst ever at UW, with failure rate across the campus at 40%, while the norm is only 6% ~ 8%. Because of it, you, me, and everyone else have an easier time due to the extreme bell curve for EVERY SINGLE course :lol:

To reduce failure rate and thus increase tutition fees paid to the university, they have made drastic measures by having insane bell curves, so much that make me, who completely nuked the physics final exam passed with 66%, that's crazy considering the final worth like 70% of our final mark.

Conclusion, studnets are getting dumber and dumber each year, each of us won't have to work as hard as those before us. Mark inflation = easier degree. Now is the time to get a degree at UW if you want one :cheesygri

I thought the 40% failure rate was just for the Term 2 Software Engineering students.

[bob0]

i dunno about u guys but i'm in chem eng and i dont find it too hard. just going to lectures and keeping up with assignments and some craming before quizzes/exams can get u an 75-80 easily. maybe chem eng is just one of the easier engineering courses

but my $0.02
go to class, at least for your 1a term, i find that i do most of my learning from going to class and therefore dont have to spend a large amount of time studying after.

do your assignments, they're pretty much free marks and they definitely help u learn the course material

be friendly with ur classmates....u'll be stuck with them for the next 5 yrs...well most of them....and assuming u dont transfer out

have some ppl that u can study/do assignments with....much easier than trying to work out a problem you're stuck on by yourself, also dont just copy it....u wont learn that way

go for older edition textbooks if u can....usually they only rearrange the questions or chapters...so y shell out more for basically the same thing?

sell the textbooks u know u wont use for the next term....if u leave it off for too long u'll never be able to sell them....one costly mistake i made...

also for exams ask questions....if the ta or prof is nice they will give hints on how to go about solving the question.....although u'll have to ask it in a creative way and not just outright say "how do u solve this?"

instant food is ur friend! learn to love it...come exam time especially

oh...make some friends in the term ahead and behind u....this way u can get books and notes off the person in the term ahead of u and then when ur done pass them off the the person behind u

if u can accesss wireless internet....use that....i dont think there is a cap on that.....not too sure though...i remember trying to max it out last week but they didnt cut me off....must have d/led about 1-2 gig in a couple days


that's a long list...haha...think i covered everything i messed up on during 1st year

[veryhuman]

4th year math actsci

if your comming to waterloo, if you dont have what it takes. be prepared to get owned. :-0 that's just in the math faculty. but for sure it will apply to eng.

and if anyone needs a double mattress + box spring. i have a 4 month old set (like new) for sale :D

[7jai]

does that mean you don't? I'm sure most people, if not all, is focused on money, without sufficient amount of money, we would have a very difficult life, and that's something I do NOT want. Eng is crazy, I doubt anyone would take eng if wasn't for the money. I mean, who would want to study for 60 hours a week just to get an average pay job? some people might goto university for "fun" or "learn" about life, but those are rare. Most people goto university to get a degree, so that they can get a better job. And we all know job = money. Doing a job that you like would be the best.


I don't doubt the fact that you believe that if you become a "doctor" or a "engineerer" you wont make lots of money. That is true.

However, you honestly think just because you are that, you are successful? Once again, everyone has different beliefs, so please don't misunderstand what i'm trying to say. I just think that it's stupid how ppl study super super super hard and avoid the other aspects such as university life....JUST to get a "good paying" job, and then work their ASSES off after that so that they have money to pay for stuff and pay off their VISA bills for buying a BMW or what not.

Have you ever heard of the book called "Rich Dad, Poor Dad?". If not, I highly recommend it, where it discusses the differences between the teachings amongst the REAL successful ppl (ie. the ppl who makes alot of money, but has the luxury to enjoy the nicer sides of life), and the ones who aren't as successful (ie. the ppl who make loads of money but just end up paying bills at the end and who keep on working like a machine). But let me just give a little insight to some ppl to persuade them to read the book.

One of the key points of the book is that you can work super hard to get the "amount of money" you always desired, and keep on using that money to pay off your bills, loans, "dream" purchases (ie. fancy cars and such).....and this keeps on circling on and on and on...

As the rich dad would do, he would make his money work for him, and use that capital to generate more money, instead of spending it and digging yourself an early grave of piles and piles of bills left to be paid.

My point is, sure, you can get a good paying job, and keep on doing that job till you die and keep on paying your bills for the fancy purchases u made...

OR

You can keep doing your job, but instead, make your money work for you so that you wouldnt' have to worry about those sorts of things, and enjoy the REST of life that you probably would miss out, such as learning more about life, and meeting more ppl on your spare time instead of working your ass off to pay your damn bills for the BMW you just bought.

[weedb0y]

I have only known hardcore desparados and geeks from that Uni. However, exceptions do exist.

[B40]

I'll tell you all you need to know.

Mondays - Philthys
Tuesdays - Louies
Wednesdays - Phils/Turret/Bomber
Thursdays - Turret/Fed
Friday - Rev

Have fun :cheesygri

[swiftfox]

Oh Waterloo...only 8 more months to go (hydrogeology - part engineering, mostly science)

And I'd far rather the city smell like a farm than for it to stink like Toronto...So glad I didn't have any co op terms there..

Good luck at Waterloo. I just hope that you have a girlfriend already, because trust me, Waterloo is NOT a place to pick up chicks..(we call that place Guelph)

[weedb0y]

Oh Waterloo...only 8 more months to go (hydrogeology - part engineering, mostly science)

And I'd far rather the city smell like a farm than for it to stink like Toronto...So glad I didn't have any co op terms there..

Good luck at Waterloo. I just hope that you have a girlfriend already, because trust me, Waterloo is NOT a place to pick up chicks..(we call that place Guelph)

Well, I know of few who actually picked up loo chicks..but then again, those were laurier ladies..and non geeky majors..

hmm, now I think about it..its harder for anyone in CS/Eng to pick up ladies on campus..unless if they are an exception with good social skills/and looks. :)

I am sure, you are the exception!

[7jai]

I'll tell you all you need to know.

Mondays - Philthys
Tuesdays - Louies
Wednesdays - Phils/Turret/Bomber
Thursdays - Turret/Fed
Friday - Rev

Have fun :cheesygri


HAHAHAHA true true...but louie's is gone...it got changed to "FUBAR nightclub" now haha

[B40]

HAHAHAHA true true...but louie's is gone...it got changed to "FUBAR nightclub" now haha

ohh...I haven't been there for a year. But $2 drinks on Tuesdays at Louies was great.

[MixMasterAlan]

if u can accesss wireless internet....use that....i dont think there is a cap on that.....not too sure though...i remember trying to max it out last week but they didnt cut me off....must have d/led about 1-2 gig in a couple days
year

I've downloaded quite a lot using wireless and there doesn't seem to be a cap. You should be able to find wireless anywhere on campus including your community centres, except for your rez.

Just for the heads up, I was downloading at 2 MB/s (megabytes, not bits) constant at the MC building. I don't know if it's just that building though. But from past experiences, everywhere else is quite fast, about 200-300 kb/s.

[enricky]

Waterloo co-op is great, I just graduated, and I came out debt free. Actually, I had some savings all said and done which I used to put as a downpayment for my car. Go out, have fun. Don't work too hard, in the end you won't remember the nights studying in the library, but the good times you had with your friends.

[Ron]

Mark inflation = easier degree
= even more worthless degree.

[Homi]

i go to laurier,
waterloos alright, but kinda boring if u come from toronto.

personally i think uofw is weak, seems real quiet/boring, wlu is alright though

[Ron]

make your money work for you

I have this large bag of ca$h. Feel like helping me make my money work for me? And please don't tell me to read the book, I have.

personally i think uofw is weak, seems real quiet/boring

That's because you were never invited to hang out with the cool kids.

[Bzji]

Going onto my work term in a couple weeks. Will be going onto 3B Elec Eng after that, so I will share my 2cent.

#1. The mandatory entrace test at the beginning are jokes. The math test isn't all that hard, easy to pass. The ELPE test focus 80% on grammar and spelling, 20% on content. You get 3 topics to chose from, just make sure you can spell well, don't have to give them a whole philosophical analysis.

#2. Labs and assignments are free marks. Midterm is there to scare you into studying. And you can always tell how hard the final will be based on the difficulty of the midterm. The profs tries to balance it out.

#3. Coop is quite tough on first years. Typically 1st yr engineering get IT support jobs, or easy programming jobs. My advice for you is to prepare for coop is to first write a good generic resume, but alter the content towards the job you apply to. Many ppl's mistake is to just send out massive amt of generic resume that lacks focus.


Ok, enuf in class boring details. Here's the important social secrets that everyone wish they knew when going into Waterloo

#1. Try and be nice to classmates. Sooner or later in the next five years you'll have to ask for help in a lab or an assignment

#2. DC library is infamous for being noisy on the ground floor studying area. PPL also go to check out girls. So if you just wanna do hwk or nonserious studying, go to DC with other friends. If you want to do quiet, serious studying, go to DP.

#3. Meet ppl from accounting or pre-opt. Those two programs are magnet for girls. The rumour that waterloo has no girls is not true. They are everywhere if you know where to look. No university is going to be the playboy mansion.

#4. Frosh week for eng is a rip off. Just stay for the first 2 or 3 days to get your hardhat and meet some ppl, then go home. The massive sunburn isn't worth it.

#5. The Pizza Pizza at SLC makes bad pizzas. Try it for yourself once, you'll know what I'm talking about.

All and all UW is a very nice place. You get a really nice feeling walking through campus being surrounded by other students. There is a real feeling of belonging. 3 on-campus bars, and a dance club really gives you a good nitelife in an otherwise boring town. Enjoy your time there, even the hard work that comes with the engineering discipline is part of the experience.

[Tharyn]

#4. Frosh week for eng is a rip off. Just stay for the first 2 or 3 days to get your hardhat and meet some ppl, then go home. The massive sunburn isn't worth it.

Ok Frosh Week is a great time to meet people and just hang out, and if you're honestly worried about a sunburn, that's what sunscreen is for.

Frosh week was probably one of the best times I ever had in 1A, and both myself and many others share this thought.

Unless of course if you think you're "too cool" for Frosh Week. But in the end you get to meet plenty of new people in the exact same position you are and do a bunch of fun things, besides it just a great way to have fun just before crackin' down on lectures on the 12th.

All in all, Eng Frosh is not a rip off, everything I hear from other faculties only makes Eng Frosh better and better. A lot of the other faculties don't put as much time, effort, and money into Froshweek as Engineering does, so seriously go out and take part in it and you'll probably regret it if you don't. Besides all the other students will probably be talking about it during the first week anyways!

--Marks

[shear_force]

#4. Frosh week for eng is a rip off. Just stay for the first 2 or 3 days to get your hardhat and meet some ppl, then go home. The massive sunburn isn't worth it.




Frosh week is a rip-off if you make it one. I had a blast and so did a lot of people I talked to.

Give Frosh Week a chance, put some minimal effort into meeting people and getting involved in the activities and you will not regret it.

~Val

[divx]

Uh, if you're in Engineering for the money, you'll be pleasantly DISAPPOINTED.

A lot of people have this notion that Engineering = Instant Money.

While yes, there's a good chance you'll make more money out of school, but Engineering isn't your ticket to being rich, with some $100,000+ / year salary.

Have you even looked at the Salary suvey's done by the PEO? That'll certainly burst your bubble.

Also I, for one aren't in Engineering because of the money, and frankly from what I heard and seen from my friends in older classes, those are the people who generally fail out or just lose interest and leave.

I'm in engineering because firstly I have a passion for what I'm studying, and second have a passion for learning. I want to learn about the field and contribute to it, not just go home at the end of the day with some paycheck.

Unless you have the drive to pursue your field, you won't be getting some fat mythical paycheck just because you have a piece of paper that states your have an engineering degree.

Also, Alan, yeah that'd be me, I was in your class, but transferred into Elec this summer. haha, small world!

--Mark


well, i'm not expecting 100K+, I just want a stable job with pay 60k+
I also like doing engineering, it's a must to do something you like, otherwise you will never succeed in it. That's why even though my parents wants me to be a doctor, I refused.

[divx]

I thought the 40% failure rate was just for the Term 2 Software Engineering students.

According to the school paper, it says high failure rate across campus, that includes arts and science as well I'd assume. I'm not complaining, I actually perfer this way, because I might have to repeat physics if wasn't for the bell.

[divx]

i dunno about u guys but i'm in chem eng and i dont find it too hard. just going to lectures and keeping up with assignments and some craming before quizzes/exams can get u an 75-80 easily. maybe chem eng is just one of the easier engineering courses

Not saying chem is easy but I got 93% in chem 102 while getting 50s and 70s for other courses. And it's the only course that I copied assignments for the semester, although I do try to understand what I'm copying.


but my $0.02
go to class, at least for your 1a term, i find that i do most of my learning from going to class and therefore dont have to spend a large amount of time studying after.


I concer. I goto all my classes, it is quite useful.


do your assignments, they're pretty much free marks and they definitely help u learn the course material


Yes, during physics 115, I only did the required assignment, and end up with a bad mark of 50%. 2nd Semester in physics 125 I did all the required assignments and optional assignments. Then I ended up with 66%, so I'd recommand students to do the optional assignments as well.


be friendly with ur classmates....u'll be stuck with them for the next 5 yrs...well most of them....and assuming u dont transfer out


Be friendly to everyone, they will be friendly to you in return. Common sense.


have some ppl that u can study/do assignments with....much easier than trying to work out a problem you're stuck on by yourself, also dont just copy it....u wont learn that way


my roomate copies all the time, and his mark is about average. It really depends on the person, since the final is worth 70%, all you need to do is to ace the final, and for some courses you don't need to do any assignments to ace the final. Ex, calculus, chemistry. Just memorize all the formulas and how to use them, on the final, just do formula plugging, how else do you think I got 93% in chemistry :lol:, also, study hard before the final, I'd suggest you to work out previous finals and fully understand it.


go for older edition textbooks if u can....usually they only rearrange the questions or chapters...so y shell out more for basically the same thing?

sell the textbooks u know u wont use for the next term....if u leave it off for too long u'll never be able to sell them....one costly mistake i made...


you can buy used textbook on RFD


also for exams ask questions....if the ta or prof is nice they will give hints on how to go about solving the question.....although u'll have to ask it in a creative way and not just outright say "how do u solve this?"


Yeah, be nice to your profs, kissing ass can sometime mean pass or fail :cheesygri


instant food is ur friend! learn to love it...come exam time especially


mmmmmmm, boxes of instant noddles



oh...make some friends in the term ahead and behind u....this way u can get books and notes off the person in the term ahead of u and then when ur done pass them off the the person behind u


the notes is usually posted online for most courses....
try to learn ahead, like I knew I be doing c++ for term 2A, so I be teaching myself c++ during the workterm. c++ is soooooooo hard. :mad:


if u can accesss wireless internet....use that....i dont think there is a cap on that.....not too sure though...i remember trying to max it out last week but they didnt cut me off....must have d/led about 1-2 gig in a couple days


there is a cap, it's the same as your rez cap


that's a long list...haha...think i covered everything i messed up on during 1st year

Yeah, I made lots mistake too, I think I complained too much, but I just can't help it ;)

[divx]

I'll tell you all you need to know.

Mondays - Philthys
Tuesdays - Louies
Wednesdays - Phils/Turret/Bomber
Thursdays - Turret/Fed
Friday - Rev

Have fun :cheesygri

you missed saturaday and sunday, what do you do then :lol: hangover...

[manho]

I thought the 40% failure rate was just for the Term 2 Software Engineering students.

i thinks it becuz 2004 is the first class of the new cirriculum after the double cohort. the double cohort kinda got the smart bunch of the new grade 12s in 03. so the 2004s are the mike harris' new batch of grade 12s. tat would be wht im guessing that caused the higher than norm failing rate.

btw im a cive too :razz:

[Tharyn]

there is a cap, it's the same as your rez cap


Actually, there's no cap on the Wireless access. Unless that's recently implemented, but I haven't seen anything like it from when I started in 2003.

divx, what class/year are you in?

--Mark

[Peter Griffin]

it seems like everyone posting on RFD from waterloo is an engie or mathie! OH NO! :-0

Just kidding I have tons of friends from both faculties and there's plenty of cool people in both - they're just more umm.. diffused.

I had no idea people go to pick-up in the DC. I have never ever gone to that library as I see it as rather sad - there's people studying all day everyday. Even at 4am on a sunday night walking back to res from some party you'll see at least a dozen people there. DP is tons better, not only is it quieter (and has 8 floors) but the coffee shop is my favourite on campus (people are nicer than anywhere else).

Saturday - Philthy's
Sunday - Phil's (or hangover recovery/study time)

As for 40% of Arts students failing? Ha. I doubt that very much - I think of my group of friends in poli-sci and PACS after three years almost no one has failed one class (not me - lowest mark was 70% damn you municipal politics!!!). Maybe one or two actually and that's for about 20 people (20x4x2x3= 480 classes) and Arts faculties sedomly marks on a curve - only two classes out of my 24 have marked on a curve. That;s because ours are more subjective; as I've wrote a horrible essay in an hour before it was due and still managed a 60% - profs rarely give failing marks in the social sciences if you apply yourself and learn the course material - specifically by going to class.

I hope you engineers and mathies like the material studying - that;s most important in university or else this will be a career that you hate. Not having fun at university is wasting 4-5 of the best years of your life. Don't rush to the workforce, you'll get 40 years to slave away, make the most out of student life while you can. ;)

[shear_force]

btw im a cive too :razz:

So am I. :cheesygri

But yes, there is no cap when downloading on uw wireless. Go, and study where there is wireless and download at your heart's content :) Careful not to go over your max on rez though, very annoying for that day or so when you get restricted and your internet is SO SLOW. My roommate had that problem too many times for her liking.


~Val

[bob0]

oh....one more thing....apply for bursury (sp??) if u can....it's free money!!

[Tharyn]

Most bursaries are past due by now for the Fall 2005 term, but there's still some available,

More info here: http://safa.uwaterloo.ca/bursaries/

--Mark

[civ@uw]

Nice to see some other civvies :cheesygri

What term are you guys in? I'm going to be a frosh this fall...any advice about profs, coop, etc. would be appreciated.

[manho]

Nice to see some other civvies :cheesygri

What term are you guys in? I'm going to be a frosh this fall...any advice about profs, coop, etc. would be appreciated.

jus finished 2B, going to work then 3A

frosh.. bob mckillop is the only guy u should watch out for in 1st year. he'll kinda be the class mentor. he's nice and evil at the same time. he cant teach for crap, and is a weird marker. he'll give u all this stat about how 15% of ppl fail out 1st yr and everything. dont get discouraged, jus try ur best. remember to go to his last 2 classes before midterm and final, he'll likely to give out hints (which can be true AND false at the same time). as to the report in cive125, make sure u follow EXACTLY what he likes (like his styles, etc.), and remember to staple ur draft with the final, ive known ppl failing the term becuz of tat stupid mistake. as for all other courses, u'll get prof from non-civil dept, so u might get a different one than i had. and oh... DONT buy the chemistry book.. it hardly helps... and the grammar book is another DONT buy...

[Rizzuh]

--Mark

You traitor! You know what you did.

Actually, I was thinking of doing the same thing...

[hurr]

If any if you guys have any questions about Waterloo and are into IRC come to #uw on EFNet. We'd love to answer any questions you might have. Come in the evening to catch someone who's awake.

Rob

[Y2BNE1]

Hello,

Going into 3B this Fall... A great school and some!!! courses are fun while others aren't, it really depends on the proof. Co-op is great, gives you a chance to make loads of money while still in school. There are just too many things to talk about, so join #uw on EFNET and ask questions if you need :) We'll be glad to help anyone out... You can even come by and yell how crappy UW is...

Anyway,

See ya on #uw @ EFNET irc://irc.efnet.net/uw <- 'Almost' Official UW IRC Club!

[Tharyn]

You traitor! You know what you did.

Actually, I was thinking of doing the same thing...

Damn there's a lot of people from my old class here.. haha..

After all these transfers I think the comp class is now only at high 70s in enrollment, and the Elec class at like high 90s.. hah.

--Mark

[swiftfox]

it seems like everyone posting on RFD from waterloo is an engie or mathie! OH NO! :-0



Not true. Hydrogeology is the anti-engineering class. That being said, I take engineering classes , 1/2 my class is geoeng's, and I am currently working as a junior civil. So clearly we're far superior ;)

...was I going somwhere with this? meh.

[mutantd]

If you're doing coop, check out Coop Rankings (http://www.cooprankings.com/). It's a site where you can read what students wrote about their past work terms and see if it's a good place to work. They also have cheat sheets on interviews so it's nice to find out what you're interview is going to be like before you actually go in.

[shear_force]

Nice to see some other civvies :cheesygri

What term are you guys in? I'm going to be a frosh this fall...any advice about profs, coop, etc. would be appreciated.

Don't worry about co-op in the fall. Since we are 8-stream we do not start interviews and applications until the winter term. This was great since a lot of people felt bombarded by having to start co-op applications their second week there. A lot of people didn't come prepared with their resume. Lucky for us we can work on it for 4 months beforehand. Although most people completed them during the Christmas Break.

Profs, as the other poster said, beware of Bob. He does your CivE 125 course, which is weighted more than all your other courses in 1A. It is good to get on his good side as he makes a lot of assumptions about people. He will telll you all that you will fail and show you a whole bunch of charts and graphs to show you visually. Take what he says seriously but keep in mind that he is inflating things a bit.

Oh ya, I'm a 2009 civ going into 2A in the Fall. (I'm on my first co-op right now) If you have anyway questions you can PM me.

~Val

[warren_s12888]

Don't worry about co-op in the fall. Since we are 4-stream we do not start interviews and applications until the winter term.

I always thought all CivEng were in 8 stream. 4-stream starts co op in Winter the term.

[MaxPower2000]

First, let me say that I'm embarrassed for anyone who is getting a University degree (any University, any degree) who can't spell, has terrible grammar, and improper punctuation. Bloody hell, stop writing like a 13 year old in a teen chatroom.

I graduated 10 years ago from UW (BMath CS/EEE), and like others, I suggest you make friends, and not only from your class. Make sure you don't hang out too much with the hard-core 'party' group in the first couple of years, as most of them are doomed to fail, and they will take down everyone they can with them. Half the people you hang out with in your first term will not finish. You pick which half you want to be in. Personally, during frosh week, I recommend you should try to hang out with people from your faculty and your residence (as there will be events for both).

Co-op is great. I did it and graduated debt-free and had a much easier time landing a job after graduating. There's no guarantee, but it sure helps. Another advantage with stream 4 is that they have to use your high-school marks to gauge your academic skills as you won't have any University marks yet, and generally speaking, your high-school average will be higher than your University average.

I have no respect for anyone who cheats in any way for any degree. Learn what you are taught, get help, do not copy or cheat. Trust me.

Don't listen to what others say about the value of a degree. A bachelor IS important and I see that every day. I've worked for 3 companies so far, and all of them require a university degree. Period. I realize that this may not be true for all fields, but it is for engineering and/or most technical positions worth getting.

In my opinion, again from experience, a masters degree does not mean someone is 'smarter'. I've worked with many people with Masters degree that are complete idiots. For many master degrees, as long as you are accepted and have money, you will graduate. Which is a shame as it ruins the credentials of people who are studious and deserve the recongnition.

[vw_michael]

students are getting dumber these days. we (year 2004 students) are the worst ever at UW, with failure rate across the campus at 40%, while the norm is only 6% ~ 8%. Because of it, you, me, and everyone else have an easier time due to the extreme bell curve for EVERY SINGLE course :lol:

To reduce failure rate and thus increase tutition fees paid to the university, they have made drastic measures by having insane bell curves, so much that make me, who completely nuked the physics final exam passed with 66%, that's crazy considering the final worth like 70% of our final mark.

Conclusion, studnets are getting dumber and dumber each year, each of us won't have to work as hard as those before us. Mark inflation = easier
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
degree. Now is the time to get a degree at UW if you want one :cheesygri

Off course, this is only until you get a full time job ... Since you do less at school, it will seem like the employers will expect more of you at work ...
They have a saying for this: what goes around comes around :)

[civ@uw]

... DONT buy the chemistry book.. it hardly helps... and the grammar book is another DONT buy...

The grammar book I'll probably pass on buying, but can you elaborate on why I shouldnt buy the Chemistry book? I've read a few reviews saying that book is written in a strange way, but wouldn't there be assignments and other things for which I would require the book?

[divx]

The grammar book I'll probably pass on buying, but can you elaborate on why I shouldnt buy the Chemistry book? I've read a few reviews saying that book is written in a strange way, but wouldn't there be assignments and other things for which I would require the book?

absoutely NOT, all notes and assignments are posted online, you will never need to flip open the chem book for ChE102. I got 93% in that course and never used the damn book. Too bad I bought it. Lessoned learned, never buy textbook until it's needed.

[tonychau]

Hi all UW!

I'm Tony!
I grad from SciBus!
Anyone from SciBus Too??

huh? about UW? no comment. I have my love and hate moments with the university.

Great learning environment!


-Tony

[Tharyn]

The grammar book I'll probably pass on buying, but can you elaborate on why I shouldnt buy the Chemistry book? I've read a few reviews saying that book is written in a strange way, but wouldn't there be assignments and other things for which I would require the book?

I think the grammer book has its uses, it's cheap too, has great sections like references and such, and a pretty good resource, although I completely agree about the chem book, don't waste your money on it.

--Mark

[Fuggit]

4. WEEF is GOOD, remember that, WEEF (Waterloo Engineering Endowment Fund), you automatically donate $75 with your Tuition (you get a tax return on it!) and it benefits all of us, it goes to fund new labs, equipment, and overall makes your experience at UW better in the long run. Don't pay attention to posters some idiots who have nothing better to do saying WEEF funds Arts, or Prof's salaries etc.. it's all not true, it only goes to the students.
--Mark


LOL!!


*** W E E F I S G O O D ***

OMG, they sure drill that into 1st yrs...

[divx]

LOL!!


*** W E E F I S G O O D ***

OMG, they sure drill that into 1st yrs...


:lol:

who would believe that we pay thousands tutition and the university can't even afford it's own lab? we students have to donate to get labs :lol:

funny

[shear_force]

:lol:

who would believe that we pay thousands tutition and the university can't even afford it's own lab? we students have to donate to get labs :lol:

funny


WEEF is not to get labs, we would still have labs without it. It gets us better and more equipment for our labs PLUS much more. Go to the WEEF meetings where proposals are made and the money is given out, then you will see how much it benefits us. Sometimes 4th years will get money for their projects if they make a good proposal. See: http://www.weef.uwaterloo.ca/faq.html#Q7 Mind you they most likely will not give you money if you did not contribute to WEEF each term.



Oh ya, DO NOT buy the chem book. I think I attempted to read a couple of chapters towards the beginning of the term and then never used it again! And if you really need to look in it throughout the term there will be many people who bought it and found it useless and will gladly lend it to you for a it :lol:

~val

[Tharyn]

:lol:

who would believe that we pay thousands tutition and the university can't even afford it's own lab? we students have to donate to get labs :lol:

funny

Like mentioned abouve, have you ever even been to a WEEF Proposal Meeting, or AGM? You'll see directly how it affects the students and only the students. It doesn't buy labs, it gets newer equipment, more PCs for the student labs, more money for department initiatives, etc.. it just makes things better.

We'd have labs regardless, but seriously, considering the WEEF Lab was paid for entirely by WEEF, I think it's something that definately affected me and my studies at Waterloo, moreso in 1st year.

As for our thousands of tuition dollar, someone's gotta pay for the profs, have you seen the number of profs that make over $100 grand a year, and considering the President of UW makes over $300 grand with $10 grand in benefits, yeah, someone's gotta foot that bill, and I don't necessarily agree with it, but there's not much we can do about it, and contributing to make our faculty better is completely a worth while cause.

Here's a link to the Salary disclosures: http://www.uwaterloo.ca/documents/sal2004.html

So yeah, try and factor in everything, and maybe check out some WEEF meetings before being so quick downplay what WEEF does for us.

Besides it's $75, and its tax deductable, since it's a donation.

--Mark

[J1M]

First, let me say that I'm embarrassed for anyone who is getting a University degree (any University, any degree) who can't spell, has terrible grammar, and improper punctuation. Bloody hell, stop writing like a 13 year old in a teen chatroom.

I graduated 10 years ago from UW (BMath CS/EEE), and like others, I suggest you make friends, and not only from your class. Make sure you don't hang out too much with the hard-core 'party' group in the first couple of years, as most of them are doomed to fail, and they will take down everyone they can with them. Half the people you hang out with in your first term will not finish. You pick which half you want to be in. Personally, during frosh week, I recommend you should try to hang out with people from your faculty and your residence (as there will be events for both).

Co-op is great. I did it and graduated debt-free and had a much easier time landing a job after graduating. There's no guarantee, but it sure helps. Another advantage with stream 4 is that they have to use your high-school marks to gauge your academic skills as you won't have any University marks yet, and generally speaking, your high-school average will be higher than your University average.

I have no respect for anyone who cheats in any way for any degree. Learn what you are taught, get help, do not copy or cheat. Trust me.

Don't listen to what others say about the value of a degree. A bachelor IS important and I see that every day. I've worked for 3 companies so far, and all of them require a university degree. Period. I realize that this may not be true for all fields, but it is for engineering and/or most technical positions worth getting.

In my opinion, again from experience, a masters degree does not mean someone is 'smarter'. I've worked with many people with Masters degree that are complete idiots. For many master degrees, as long as you are accepted and have money, you will graduate. Which is a shame as it ruins the credentials of people who are studious and deserve the recongnition.
Clearly, when you were being taught punctuation you learned commas twice and skipped hyphens.

[divx]

never been to those meetings, but it doesn't matter. I did donate to weef if u were wondering. But I probably won't be in the future.

Like mentioned abouve, have you ever even been to a WEEF Proposal Meeting, or AGM? You'll see directly how it affects the students and only the students. It doesn't buy labs, it gets newer equipment, more PCs for the student labs, more money for department initiatives, etc.. it just makes things better.

We'd have labs regardless, but seriously, considering the WEEF Lab was paid for entirely by WEEF, I think it's something that definately affected me and my studies at Waterloo, moreso in 1st year.

As for our thousands of tuition dollar, someone's gotta pay for the profs, have you seen the number of profs that make over $100 grand a year, and considering the President of UW makes over $300 grand with $10 grand in benefits, yeah, someone's gotta foot that bill, and I don't necessarily agree with it, but there's not much we can do about it, and contributing to make our faculty better is completely a worth while cause.

Here's a link to the Salary disclosures: http://www.uwaterloo.ca/documents/sal2004.html

So yeah, try and factor in everything, and maybe check out some WEEF meetings before being so quick downplay what WEEF does for us.

Besides it's $75, and its tax deductable, since it's a donation.

--Mark

[Cyke]

Wow, fellow EE Loo student. Cool.

Anyways, for those people considering getting into EE, or in the early years of EE at Loo, get ready to get screwed over by ECE in the later years. Enjoy 1A to 2A, 'cause it'll get a lot rougher come 2B.

2B is the second worst term of the EE program. With courses like ECE241 and 231 being taught by incomptent profs like Bosco and Selva, you're in for a rough ride. The worst part is that the material taught in these courses are crucial in the upper years. ECE should be using good profs to teach the basic knowledge in these courses, it will definitely come in handy later on if you're able to wrap your head around the material.

3B is probably the worst term ever for a EE student. I'd wager that it's the worst term in ANY program in 'Loo. Here's a taste of what to expect. You'll be taking four ECE courses with lab components in each of them. You're going to be doing approximately, oh, 16 labs during the term. There aren't any labs to do during the two weeks of midterms, so you're basically cramming all these labs in a span of 10 weeks! Weeeeee! Throughout the term, you'll be busy doing pre-lab and post-lab reports (and ya, pretty much each lab has those two components). Oh, did I mention that two of these labs require you to go in on your own time to finish, and require a 30 page post-lab report? The crazy thing is, you'll actually WANT to do homework, because that's the only time you'll have away from the labs. I'm dead serious. In the end, you end up with 3 days to actually start studying before your first final exam.

4A is pretty tough too with if you didn't start your fourth year project ahead of time. Most of the crazy long nights kick in two weeks before the prototype is due. I know a lot of groups that spent the last week practically living in the project room. However, this term is very rewarding since you're finally putting some of your EE knowledge into use.

EE is a rough program, and NOT recommended for those that are lazy. EE is one of the hardest programs in Waterloo engineering. You're going to spend a lot of time doing crazy calculus problems and spending hours in the lab. However, in the end you'll end up with a degree that's highly respected and extremely flexible. You'll have a TON of hardware theory under your belt compared to Comp Engs since you'll have more power electronic and communication courses. You'll also have some low level programming knowledge too using assembly, Java, and VHDL.

The one thing that I really hate is the WEEF fund. And no, it's not because I believe the money is going to the profs. I hate the fact that they charge you for the donation in your tuition bill. It's a damn donation, and we should only donate if we CHOOSE to. And sorry, after 4 years of labs in Waterloo, there's only ONE lab I've been in that actually looks like the WEEF money was put into good use. This is the lab with the spectrum analyzer, and they're amazing and expensive machines. Every other lab has 20-30 year old equipment! The high voltage lab has crummy analog meters, the controls lab have god aweful equipment that doesn't work half the time (ya, this is the lab with the 30 page reports), and the Ed Spike lab have malfunctioning filters, coaxial cables, and other equipment! I'd GLADY donate money to WEEF if they'd actually improve the damn equipment, but they don't. They can preach all they want about how WEEF is good, but until the equipment in the labs actually show signs of improvement, they won't be getting another dollar from me.

But all in all...........Loo is pretty good. The co-op program is pretty much what you should be going to Waterloo for. It gives you a HUGE head start against students just graduating from schools such as UoT and Queens. You'll have almost two years of work experience under your belt.

However, I wouldn't go back for another 2 years for grad school though. :)

Alright,

Well, first thing's first, don't spend ALL of your time studying and doing work, if you do, you'll find your time at Waterloo to be much less exciting than it could be. Don't get me wrong, you've gotta work hard, but you also party hard in the end.

I'm in 2nd Year EE, started in 2003 and here's my advice:

1. Don't worry about the ELPE (English Proficiency Exam) if you passed Gr. 12, then you'll pass all it is writing one essay on your choice from two topics, don't try and "study" for it, it's not worth it.

2. Don't worry about the math prep exam either, I failed it, and frankly it was one of the best things for first year, all that happens is that they recommend you go to an additional tutorial where you simply work on assignments and it's usually around 1 TA to like 10 students, so it's a GREAT way to get help.

3. Participate in FROSH WEEK, you'll meet a whole slew of people that are all new just like you, and you'll probably meet some people in your class, besides it's an absolute blast.

4. WEEF is GOOD, remember that, WEEF (Waterloo Engineering Endowment Fund), you automatically donate $75 with your Tuition (you get a tax return on it!) and it benefits all of us, it goes to fund new labs, equipment, and overall makes your experience at UW better in the long run. Don't pay attention to posters some idiots who have nothing better to do saying WEEF funds Arts, or Prof's salaries etc.. it's all not true, it only goes to the students.

5. Since you're 4 streem, make sure you've got your resume (all up to date) ready for when you get to campus, you'll start applying to jobs within the first couple weeks (I was also 4-Stream and yeah it's alot to deal with right off the bat so it pays to be prepared).

6. Don't be afraid to come into POETS (The Engineering Bar), I know I was in 1st year, you might be a little intimidated but we're all friendly people (I'm the manager this fall, so don't be afraid to come say hello, the name's Mark) We show movies every afternoon from 12 onward in POETS so it's a great place to chill and meet new people, we also serve (if you're of age) on Thursday and Friday.

7. Come to EngSoc meetings it's a great way to find out what's going in the Engineering Society, and there's FREE FOOD! Which is a plus for ALL students, hehe.

8. Come out to the EngSoc events, there's plenty of events EVERY term so it's always a blast, you gotta work hard, but you gotta let loose sometimes too! More info: www.engsoc.uwaterloo.ca

9. There's the "Of-Term" parties that happen at POETS for Beginning of Term (BOT), Middle (MOT), and End (EOT), which just another way all of us in Engineering all hang out to have a great time. BOT will be the First friday of the week we start Lectures.

10. Check out Frosh Mentoring, it's a great thing, basically we'll have forums set up where you can talk with upper year students to ask for advice, and just about anything... there's also going to be a couple outings where you can meet upper year students and have some free food!

That's all I can come up with now, but if you've got any questions or anything, feel free to PM me.

--Mark

[RastaManMax]

Maybe in engineering, (although you may just be smart), and to a certain degree, it has happened in my math class this year cause i really dropped a LARGE bomb on the final, yet i still passed. No such luck with my accounting courses. The meditators are heavier than ever there >:( so we never get a bloody bell. It also depends heavily on the year you're in. Double cohort year = BAD. Next semester i should have a little easier time in the 2nd year electives that i'm taking.

Back on topic: Waterloo sucks away your life. Avoid at all costs >:(

students are getting dumber these days. we (year 2004 students) are the worst ever at UW, with failure rate across the campus at 40%, while the norm is only 6% ~ 8%. Because of it, you, me, and everyone else have an easier time due to the extreme bell curve for EVERY SINGLE course :lol:

To reduce failure rate and thus increase tutition fees paid to the university, they have made drastic measures by having insane bell curves, so much that make me, who completely nuked the physics final exam passed with 66%, that's crazy considering the final worth like 70% of our final mark.

Conclusion, studnets are getting dumber and dumber each year, each of us won't have to work as hard as those before us. Mark inflation = easier degree. Now is the time to get a degree at UW if you want one :cheesygri

[Mech08]

K as for books, Linear Alg and Chem books tons at the used book store. Lin Ag is only for one term so don't sweat it if you don't get it borrow it from a friend. Chem book if you find an older a edtion for cheap <$50 then get it, don't get the brand spanking new one cause it looks nice it's NO good (how much can chem change in a year???), like Mark said all assignments you get off the net or as a hand out, and if they do come from the book photo copy dude. If you get Prof Ng, unless you understand chinglish go to another prof (I'm not bashing chinese, I'm chinese too, but her pronounciation was horrible). That's the thing too if you don't like a prof go to another lecture, first year eng is really the same no matter what eng you in, I had tons of elecs, tronics, chem, enviros in my physics first year so if you don't like it go elsewhere.

Co-op is all about connections. If you want a fun job in the first workterm hit up the family connections. I did and it was sweet, got to work with missile parts and aerospace stuff, whereas others were Cad B*tches, and DB monkeys.

From what I've been told from Prof Weckman chair of mech eng at loo (don't know it tronics are under him too) that mech is getting rid of the bell / not using it as much; so yeah work hard.

Girls pre-opt, accounting, arts (hot but have too much time to party, no good for and eng student) and yes there are some hot ones in eng well in my year at least.

Later all

Hey Mark, I think I was in your frosh group dude, Lime Slime????

[bob0]

for engineering girls check out the chem eng class....highest girls to guy ratio :cheesygri

[civ@uw]

:arrowu:
Since you guys have such good advice, I wanted to ask a few more questions. :cheesygri

How much of a difference is there between highschool workload and first year university workload? Do you need to hit the books as soon as you're done with lectures and tutorials for the day? Is it hard to keep up a social life with some extra curriculars with the workload?

[Nyte]

:arrowu:
Since you guys have such good advice, I wanted to ask a few more questions. :cheesygri

How much of a difference is there between highschool workload and first year university workload? Do you need to hit the books as soon as you're done with lectures and tutorials for the day? Is it hard to keep up a social life with some extra curriculars with the workload?

Depends on how you learn, and the amount of assignments you get (which depends on your program, don't know too much about civs, but I see them around a lot with no work to do) etc. If you are able to learn from the lecture, then no, you don't need to hit the books. If you don't get a thing at all at the lectures, rather than review after, it might be better to preread.

[divx]

me? I work, eat, sleep, work .... in that order. basically any time I can get it put into study (mostly). You maybe smarter than me, so you don't have to work as hard.

[RTC]

#3. Meet ppl from accounting or pre-opt. Those two programs are magnet for girls. The rumour that waterloo has no girls is not true. They are everywhere if you know where to look. No university is going to be the playboy mansion.
.

Now this is true... I'm a Mech. Eng Grad, and my wife is an Optometrist who I met while she was in Pre-Op. Definitely leave the Engineering Buildings to meet girls :)

My advice for school is to do really well on the Midterms, takes pressure off the Finals.

If you in DC, don't be afraid to tell people to shut up if they are just there socializng and your trying to study :evil: (I remember line ups at the door before it opened and you would have to fight for seats, some people reserved seats for friends by throwing books, jackets, hats, shoes....whatever on to a table)

[Trigger]

LOL!!


*** W E E F I S G O O D ***

OMG, they sure drill that into 1st yrs...

:) I graduted three years ago and I still believe that Weef is a great idea.

It's a shame that us Canadians have less of an ownership mentality to things like these than our American counterparts. The value in the WEEF is extremely pathetic even when compared to low-end US schools.

Trigg

[mannie511]

Maybe in engineering, (although you may just be smart), and to a certain degree, it has happened in my math class this year cause i really dropped a LARGE bomb on the final, yet i still passed. No such luck with my accounting courses. The meditators are heavier than ever there >:( so we never get a bloody bell. It also depends heavily on the year you're in. Double cohort year = BAD. Next semester i should have a little easier time in the 2nd year electives that i'm taking.

Back on topic: Waterloo sucks away your life. Avoid at all costs >:(

you just have to make an effort to have a life. yes, it means a little bit more work. but hey. i'm entering my last yr of engineering in the fall, i guess i've sort of accepted that fact. lol

[cheukiecfu]

Mark? Weren't you in my class (comp eng 2008) ? Haha if you are, its good to see RFDers from class.SEXECUTABLES!!!

[2heaven]

LoL,

I love how there is so many people from UW on RFD. It's crazy, never knew...

[Lobut]

Bleh I'm Comp Sci, I'm sorta hating the Waterloo experience so far ...

I could get into a whole rant about it but I'm sure the database that holds this forum has limits.

[fiendy]

Most of the hot girls and people who know how to party are at Laurier, make some friends from there. ;)



<- Laurier grad. :p

[kawai]

Bleh I'm Comp Sci, I'm sorta hating the Waterloo experience so far ...

I could get into a whole rant about it but I'm sure the database that holds this forum has limits.

But I thought UW is the greatest thing since sliced bread :twisted:

[Sl300]

:arrowu:
Since you guys have such good advice, I wanted to ask a few more questions. :cheesygri

How much of a difference is there between highschool workload and first year university workload? Do you need to hit the books as soon as you're done with lectures and tutorials for the day? Is it hard to keep up a social life with some extra curriculars with the workload?


im goin into 2ed yr, and i found 1st yr to be ALOT easier then highschool. just goto class and u'll save urself from reading alone, it'll save u time. BUT there are thoes classes that u DONT have to goto, dont feel bad about it, lol u'll know if u need to go or not after the first week or so

[Tharyn]

SEXECUTABLES!!!

Actually, I was in the 4-Stream comp class, Green Eggs 'N' RAM, but now in 2008 Elec.

--Mark

[ah_long]

ok, could someone tell me whether AFM is a realli hard course...

to be honest, i don't have any accounting fundamentals and i got into the course...

I am in the FM stream as opposed to the PA...

1. is it worth to change to PA?
2. is there a difficulty difference in PA and FM?
3. would it affect me if I don't know a lot about accoutning? e.g. balance sheets and stuff...
4. lastly, is CFA/CMA really that bad compared to CA?

[nkwu]

the co-op eng. degree program can I minor in business? or will the workoad betoo high? I aminterested in engineering, but more interested in the combo/double degree/mixed programs(a la Mac's Management & Engineering, and UTs Skoll)

[Tharyn]

the co-op eng. degree program can I minor in business? or will the workoad betoo high? I aminterested in engineering, but more interested in the combo/double degree/mixed programs(a la Mac's Management & Engineering, and UTs Skoll)

You can get an option (which is essientially a minor) in Management Sciences with your Eng degree. It's actually the easiet option to do.

--Mark

[Bardon]

Coming in a little late to the party, and it sounds like Tharyn already covered most of the important points. To reiterate:

-Thurs/Friday afternoons are POETS time-those classes are optional. This should have been on your schedule.
-Get out and do something with EngSoc. It'll make your time at waterloo MUCH more interesting.
-You will not be at the top of your class-don't even bother trying. You all get the same degree in the end!

I actually did two Engineering degrees at Waterloo-BASc 2001 (SYDE) and MASc 2003 (also in Systems).

Also glad to see the Weef love here-the Cesanas would be proud!

[janicemoo]

I'm starting enviromental engineering in a week and living in MKV. Anything I should know?

[Tharyn]

I'm starting enviromental engineering in a week and living in MKV. Anything I should know?

Well I'd say just read my first post in this thread, pretty much sums everything up.

But a quick recap, come out to Frosh Week, it'll be a blast and a great way to meet new people

Come on out to EngSoc events and meetings, more great times.

Check out POETS (Engineering bar) whenever, movies every day from noon onward and open to everyone.

Most importantly, don't stress out over the ELPE or Math Prep exam, enjoy frosh week and it has no bearing on anything.

Other than that, just have a great time!

--Mark

[shear_force]

I'm starting enviromental engineering in a week and living in MKV. Anything I should know?

Bob exaggerates, do not be worried when he tells you that everyone fails. You will know what I mean when you have your first CIVE/ENVE 125 class with him.

~val

[ak47num1]

Just for the heads up, I was downloading at 2 MB/s (megabytes, not bits) constant at the MC building. I don't know if it's just that building though. But from past experiences, everywhere else is quite fast, about 200-300 kb/s.

Wow! where in MC? I could barely get 20kb/s, but maybe that's just me. Good to know :)

[ak47num1]

3. would it affect me if I don't know a lot about accoutning? e.g. balance sheets and stuff...

Let me try to answer this question. My short answer would be no. Do not worry about not knowing much about balance sheets. You would have ample opportunity to learn about that in AFM 101, which covers materials from high school accounting courses. I just completed my first year, so I don't know how work is like, but for first year, you do not need to have accounting background.

Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

[mannie511]

Bob exaggerates, do not be worried when he tells you that everyone fails. You will know what I mean when you have your first CIVE/ENVE 125 class with him.

~val

i agree with that!!! he'll bring out his charts, etc. haha. Now that i'm entering 4th yr now, what bob said in first year wasn't wrong. just keep up with your work, and go for help when you are stuck!!!

[Hogo]

ok, could someone tell me whether AFM is a realli hard course...

to be honest, i don't have any accounting fundamentals and i got into the course...

I am in the FM stream as opposed to the PA...

1. is it worth to change to PA?
2. is there a difficulty difference in PA and FM?
3. would it affect me if I don't know a lot about accoutning? e.g. balance sheets and stuff...
4. lastly, is CFA/CMA really that bad compared to CA?

Just out of curiosity, and this is for anyone in the AFM program, what was your average that got you accepted?

[mintcoffee]

Bleh I'm Comp Sci, I'm sorta hating the Waterloo experience so far ...

I could get into a whole rant about it but I'm sure the database that holds this forum has limits.

UW isn't all that bad.. I'm going into my 4A term in CS. You definately have to make an effort to get a life. It's sad... especially when you get into 3rd year with OS, Concurrency and Algorithms. But it's not so bad I guess. Making friends outside of the Math faculty is definately a good idea! Engineers and Science know how to party.. Mathies don't :-0

[Tharyn]

UW isn't all that bad.. I'm going into my 4A term in CS. You definately have to make an effort to get a life. It's sad... especially when you get into 3rd year with OS, Concurrency and Algorithms. But it's not so bad I guess. Making friends outside of the Math faculty is definately a good idea! Engineers and Science know how to party.. Mathies don't :-0

I couldn't agree more! Engineering is where it's at for parties... we know how to party! :D

--Mark