1st Year Waterloo Engineering Students - Answering Your Questions

[Tharyn]

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:


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!

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!

[xaueious]

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 :D. Sorry couldn't help it

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

[poorwingman]

go to your frosh week.. you only have 1

[Tharyn]

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.

[BaconMunch]

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 :twisted:

[nkwu]

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.

[ian1386]

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

[nkwu]

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

[xaueious]

No you graduate in 2010 :D

[basketball]

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

[simms]

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

[Tharyn]

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

But of course! :D

[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.

[Tharyn]

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.

[Raptor7]

if you want to...

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

[nkwu]

I'm debaiting whether I should apply to get the WEEF cash back.. are there links on the finance part?

[mingming]

Since 1A to now 4A, I've been first in line to get my WEEF back. When you go get it, they make it such a case to make you feel guilty. They make you think you just stole money from a charity for disabled children.

[Raptor7]

I'm debaiting whether I should apply to get the WEEF cash back.. are there links on the finance part?


http://www.weef.uwaterloo.ca/faq.html#Q2

Like the above poster said, put your game face on when you go in.

[mingming]

I'm debaiting whether I should apply to get the WEEF cash back.. are there links on the finance part?

A cheque should arrive within a month or 2. $75 is always good for some drinking money... :cheesygri

[xaueious]

The real problem I have with WEEF is that it charges directly off my tuition. I don't need tax rebates, so I can't use it for anything.

[Tharyn]

Either way, it still goes directly back to the undergrads and that's what matters. It's not like the money is being spent without cause.

If you can't see the benefit in that, then that's quite a shame.

[ian1386]

The real problem I have with WEEF is that it charges directly off my tuition. I don't need tax rebates, so I can't use it for anything.

Donations will forward to future years...so you'll be able to use your accumulated donations when you need them. (for tax purposes, I mean)

[rayesyn]

lol.........well said fellow ENGINEERING student ;)

A cheque should arrive within a month or 2. $75 is always good for some drinking money... :cheesygri

[nwwong]

Since 1A to now 4A, I've been first in line to get my WEEF back. When you go get it, they make it such a case to make you feel guilty. They make you think you just stole money from a charity for disabled children.

Lol same. $75 x 8 terms is $600 over the course of 5 years. Even more if adjusted for inflation and loss of interest income :D

[jayehs]

Either way, it still goes directly back to the undergrads and that's what matters. It's not like the money is being spent without cause.

If you can't see the benefit in that, then that's quite a shame.

ahhh you are one of those haha...
Well considering how much they jacked up the tuition, I think they have plenty of extra money. I remember tuition was around $2500 when i started? And it reached 4250 in my last term in winter 2004. I wonder how much it is now.

I think the school takes enough from us. And they have the nerve to constantly call us after graduation to take on the Dean's Challenge. Donate 2004 dollars in 3 years or something like that. Then you get a free dinner with the dean YAAAAY...

[chinsterr]

the current dean looks like uncle fester from the adam's family .... could be fun haha

ya, weef sux.