It’s true what they say – university flys by. As I start my fourth and final year I thought back to what I wish I knew in first year..
1. Get Involved
This can’t be stressed enough. University is so busy with classes and projects, but getting into clubs, sports, Feds, or any kind of extra curricular will make your time as a Waterloo Warrior more memorable. Not only do extra curriculars look great on a resume but it gives you a chance to meet students from other faculties that you probably wouldn’t meet otherwise! Try and make a deal with yourself that you’ll try a new club or activity each year.
2. Missing a Deadline Isn’t the End of the World
I know the thought of missing a deadline or not having enough time to submit assignment is scary but trust me when I say it is not the end of the world. Realistically any of these submissions/deadlines you miss will be very small in the long run (I’m talking participation marks or weekly small assignments – not big ones!). If you are pulling your hair out over worrying about not having enough time to do everything by a certain date, take a deep breathe. It will all be ok!!! Prioritize what needs your attention most and then come to a conclusion on how to handle the item(s) that fall at the end of your list. Professors can be really understanding and you may find that they’ll accept a small assignment a day late with a small mark deduction if the situation is valid. A mark is better than no mark!
But seriously, don’t sweat the small stuff.
3. Take Care of Yourself
The previous point ties into this one really well. Make sure you’re enjoying your time here at UW! Spend some time each week on yourself whether that be having a bubble bath, catching up with friends, spending the afternoon making soup from scratch – whatever floats your boat. Sleep, healthy eating, and exercise is super important too but don’t neglect your mental wellbeing either!
4. Build Connections Within Your Faculty
It may seem intimidating at first but building connections with your Professors, TA’s, and Faculty Advisors is something I think every student should do. Not only will it help you with each class but these connections could help you even after you graduate. Odds are if you’re at UW you’re going to have a co-op placement. Some of the co-op applications are going to ask for references and what better way to break into your industry than with a recommendation from someone in it! This also goes for Grad program applications too. You’ll feel more connected with your faculty and the University.
5. Explore Waterloo
Sounds easy enough but depending on your stream you may only be in Waterloo during certain seasons which will limit some of the activities the city offers when you’re in town. Be sure to check out events like RibFest, Oktoberfest, Doors Open as well as the surrounding staples like Waterloo Park and St. Jacobs Market. All the events are listed here – make a Waterloo “Bucket List” and cross the items off as you go through year by year!
6. Take Tons of Pictures/Videos!
By the time you’re in fourth year, memories from first year will be a blur. The more pictures and videos you take to document your adventures the better. Be sure to save your Snapchat and Instagram stories and reflect on them years to come. You can even look into making a scrapbook for each year (old fashioned kind or even the digital make-online-and-order kind) or maybe a compilation year by year video of pictures and clips. I wish I took more videos throughout my university time so try that out and see!
For any first years reading this: I hope this helps and enjoy your time at UWaterloo!!