Some people believe that going to a school close to home is better, while others feel that the freedom of moving away for post-secondary is their best bet. Regardless, Her Campus Wilfrid Laurier University and Her Campus York University have teamed up to show you that no matter what school you go to, some things will always be the same.
The Coffee Addiction
WLU: No matter where you go on the Laurier campus to get your coffee, it seems like you are destined to wait in line. Those 10 minutes between class that you think you can squeeze in to get an iced coffee? Think again, because you’ll end up wasting double that time anywhere you go.
YorkU: Coffee is the essential substance for students to get through the day, but just like Laurier, York students are super familiar with the minimal location of coffee sources and when we do find one there is always a massive line to get a cup. Guess we all just really like our Tim Hortons.
The Gym
WLU: The gym should be avoidable after any major holiday and especially after New Years. Everyone trying to cram in their 2018 #fitness goals in one place all at the same time? No thank you, I think I’d rather wait until 2019.
YorkU: Athletics is huge at York U and it seems that the gym size can’t compete with the number of people that are constantly going to the gym. It’s always pretty busy in there. Now imagine how crammed it gets right after the holidays, especially after the New Year and everyone is trying to keep that New Year’s promise.
The GEESE
WLU: Why is it that you can’t go anywhere on campus without running into those dangerous geese?
YorkU: I would honestly go as far as to say that these vicious geese basically run our campuses. And there is never just one of them, there’s always a huge pack of them roaming around. Don’t even get me started with all the poop that’s left behind. You wouldn’t even believe how many days I’ve been late to class waiting for the geese to cross the road. I’m definitely happy for the colder months when they disappear for awhile.
LBL – Long Bar Lines
WLU: Any day of the week, our favourite bars are always jam packed. There is no better feeling than finally getting into the bar after a long wait, but seriously, who is down to wait 2+ hours!? Getting into the bar on a busy night seems to take the perfect combination of planning, skill, and sheer luck.
YorkU: On top of the long bar lines of most popular places YU students also experience the costly Uber rides to get to the bars. Since York is a commuter school our nightlife is mostly constricted to downtown Toronto for a more lively scene. However, that means its a bit of a trek to get there so waiting in long lines is not ideal.
Source: Phil’s Grandson’s Place Waterloo, Ontario
Campus Size
WLU: Campus size is one of my favourite things about Laurier. It is so small and convenient, and easy to get around and see people you know. Since most of the students live in the surrounding area, a short bus ride or walk is all that is needed to get to class. Definitely a perk!
YorkU: Holy crap York is like a small city. You’re probably best taking the bus system to get around campus cause let me tell you, if you’ve got to get from one side of campus to the other in 10 minutes for class than you better be wearing a good pair of running shoes and be ready to seriously sprint. Of course once you get used to it us Lions know the best way to get around campus, especially when the weather isn’t good.
Parking
WLU: Don’t even THINK about trying to find a parking spot on campus. If you don’t have a pass you will almost definitely get a ticket, and even if you do it’s sometimes impossible to find a spot.
YorkU: I think every university is pretty much the same when it comes to trying to get money from students in any way possible. Parking passes are pretty darn pricey but one of the great things about York is there are a lot of different transportation options such as our new Subway system.
Although both universities have their differences we both share the same student problems. So whether you go to a commuter-based university or a small town university the struggles are REAL and unavoidable! We definitely encourage you to always have a Plan B, especially when you’re desperate for a coffee.