Kate Heymans
2A Chemical:
Live without Regrets!
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m generally shy (I barely said two words during my first week of co-op). So my advice for all you shy people out there: let go of your inhibitions and just enjoy life. Sure you will be embarrassed by the crazy things you get dragged into, but in the long term you’re more likely to have fun by being part of the general shenanigans than you are doing homework. A week after when you’re overwhelmed by midterms it might seem like a horrible idea, but six months later it might be remembered as the greatest fun you’ve ever had. The hidden bonus? You’ll make life-long friends. You’ll make mistakes along the way, but what would life be without a little risk?
Go to POETS!
You’ve probably walked past that door a dozen times by now. There are always people in there and when you walk through the door it seems like they are all staring at you. To be honest, they are probably just looking at the big screen above your head… or they are really staring at you. Smile and just walk in. Sure the couches seem like they are all full of lounging people but nobody will bite if you ask to share a tiny corner. The couches are also magically expandable; the more people who want to sit in them… the more seating will be provided by the couch. (And mad props to Graeme Scott for that idea)
Madelaine Liddy
2A Nanotechnology
Co-op tips: The interview
Once you’ve reached the interview stage, there are some key things you should remember to do and not do during the interview. The most important: don’t make things up! Employers remember a lot from your interview and you don’t want to be caught lying. Other things to think about before your interview are stories or anecdotes related to elements on your resume. For example, if you have something listed under work experience, have a story associated with it to pull from during your interview. Finally, remember to relax! The interviewers on the other side of the desk are just people too!
Jon Radice
4A Chemical
Waterloo is a big University. Waterloo is an even bigger town. Don’t forget that there is a live, vibrant, buzzing town all around you to go explore. And I recommend you do. Waterloo has a lot of stores and events that I, as a country bumpkin in my pre-university life, never had the luxury of in my town. From Oktoberfest to Buskerfest, from Taco Tuesday’s at Ethels to Retro Sunday at Phils, Waterloo offers a lot of fun, but only if you’re willing to explore it. And don’t forget that you have another university right down the street; the people there can be a ton of fun if you give them a chance.
Anjali Gopal
2A Nanotechnology
Stalk your professors (or TAs)
No, seriously. Find out their e-mails, office hours, (and if you really want to creep them out, their phone extensions). Having your professors’ and TAs’ contact information can save you the trouble of spending ten hours pondering over a murky course concept. Instead of wasting excessive amounts of time on one assignment question, ask a TA or a Prof for some guidance instead—you can be amazed at how much they can clear things up. Moreover, the majority of your professors and TAs are incredibly helpful, especially if you see them during their office hours. (If none of that convinces you, just think: you’re paying these people up to $4000 per term to teach you anyway—don’t flush that money down the drain by refusing to ask for help.)
Farzi Yusufali
2A Nanotechnology
Despite the huge workload that accompanies university life, do as many extra-curricular events or join as many clubs as you can. Not only will you learn valuable skills like time-management and such, you’ll actually have a chance to have fun while in UW!
If you don’t get something taught in class, ASK FOR HELP! While you may be sitting there now with your pride intact but completely clueless, you don’t want to be the guy who has to re-teach himself everything come exam time.
Ioana Craiciu
2A Nanotechnology
It’s hard to identify where all your bits of tuition money go; it might even be impossible. However, at least some of it goes towards a plethora of services. Almost everything you get for “free” has been funded, in part, by you. So get your money’s worth. Book POETS, read this free newspaper and get cheap food at the C&D. Use free counselling, the shuttle and the free phone in E2!
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