Explore engineering
You are lucky in that engineering is probably the most active faculty on campus. There are a plethora of student teams to get involved with and even if their expertise is slightly outside your core competency, give it a shot. If you are passionate and willing to learn they will be glad to have you.
Volunteering with the Engineering Society is a good place to get some volunteer experience without having to go too far, and there are lots of activities to help you release tension and meet people. There are also opportunities to engage your artistic side such as EngPlay, Jazz Band and the like.
Finally, I would strongly recommend you compete in the Waterloo Engineering Competition at some point in you university career. It is fun, you learn a lot, there is good prize money, and it is a great talking point in interviews. If building things is not your forte, try consulting, debating or technical speaking.
Venture outside of Engineering
While engineers often have a somewhat shaky relationship with the rest of the school, there are lots of positive experiences volunteering for FedS if you take the time to look. Getting involved with a non-engineering club can be very rewarding, in terms of meeting non-engineers, enjoying your time at Waterloo, and developing non-technical skills.
Even if you are not good enough for varsity athletics, join an intramural team or a sports club. Learn a new sport by playing squash at the PAC or joining the fencing club. Heck, join the gamers club or the D&D club if that is your thing (though I would generally encourage you to try something new). I always laugh when my peers complain, ‘everyone cares only about technology’. There is a diverse world just across the pathway.
Venture outside of UW
Don’t forget that you are part of Kitchener-Waterloo, not just UW. There are lots of free or cheap things to do outside of UW. Explore our many parks and restaurants, experience the free festivals and live concerts in Town Square. Go skating and see plays or other acts at Centre in the Square.
University is also a good time to try various lifestyles. A part of me dies every time I hear someone tell me they still don’t know how to do laundry. Learn to cook, clean and shop. If you spend your weekends in Waterloo, you’ll realize there’s actually a lot to do. For example, while I’m not fond of clubbing, I’m glad I gave it a shot. Believe it or not, Waterloo actually has art galleries and museums and bike paths and a variety of different ‘scenes’. Try some.
I’ve often heard that engineering doesn’t give us an opportunity to relax or learn a broad number of skills. There are lots of courses you can take free or cheaply in the community like yoga, dance, pottery, art, etc. These can also be a good chance to meet people from the ‘real’ world.
There are lots of other institutions in the community to be involved. Volunteer at the YMCA, tutor high school students, take a business course at Laurier, and go to free public lectures at Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and Perimeter Institute (PI).
Venture outside of Waterloo
The most obvious way to get out of Waterloo is an exchange. I have yet to meet someone who regretted an exchange, and it is also a good excuse to learn a new language (though there are plenty available in English).
The Outers club has fairly cheap rentals for camping gear, and you can often get weekend deals on car rentals. A road trip has long been a formative experience of University years, and you are no exception. There’s something about travelling with friends and seeing new places; the inevitable drama and memories that will ensue will shape who you are.
Question Yourself
Now is the time to generate stories about your “crazy college days” (as they would say in the United States). There is no better time to question your religion, political views, sexuality and other values you may have held dear and constant all your life. I’m not saying you need to change who you are, but even if you do return to your initial viewpoints, you will be stronger and better equipped having asked yourself the tough questions.
Make Your Academics Interesting
Don’t take ‘bird’ courses. Unless you absolutely will fail without a mark booster, take complementary and technical electives that are going to be interesting and relevant. Having some breadth in economics, law, the environment or a language can be useful. Ideally, take multiple courses in the same area to show some depth. An option is always nice, but don’t force yourself to take courses you hate just to put it on the piece of paper. Electives are your opportunity to show an employer your individuality and discover what other areas you are interested in and what kind of people you want to work with.
For the academically ambitious, you can even get a minor. By taking an extra course most terms, distance ed courses and perhaps one extra term you can get an entire extra degree in a field like economics.
Finally, one of the best academic experiences is probably an undergraduate research assistant. While you might not be responsible for profound scientific achievements, you will get a leg up for grad school, a little extra spending money and unique opportunity to shape your education.
Make your co-op interesting
I am always dismayed to hear of people who pick their co-op job based on proximity to home. While it might be nice to save on rent once or twice, co-op is the chance to learn about new companies, new jobs, and new places. While you should return to a previous employer at least once (ideally in a better job, with more responsibility), you should still try to live in 3-5 different places, and at least get 3-5 different experiences.
Take extra courses on your co-op, experience the community you are living in, or work harder than you ever have before. Co-op is supposed to be a break to regenerate and relax, but it can also be an opportunity to try things you are too busy for while at school.
Learn something new every term
Whether you are learning a new technical skill, enhancing your professional skills, or learning about yourself, try and learn something new every term. You have 8 terms here in Waterloo, and it is easy to become stagnant in your routines. While you should choose one or two activities to really commit to and develop some expertise, I challenge everyone to learn something new each and every term. You won’t regret it.
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