So classes have started on campus and there are thousands of new faces. You recognize a passer by, but you just can’t remember from where. Was he/she in your frosh group? Or class? And you were never good with names.
There is so much happening with the clubs and teams, hours of class, assignments, and friends to meet. University is the best time of your life, so where to start?
Well, that’s why your frosh mentoring directors are here! The events we organize are targeted to your needs, whether that’s making friends, getting advice, relaxing or getting involved. Most importantly, these events are attended by frosh and upper years, are generally free and are UBER fun!
In September there is a bunch to look forward to including a tour of Uptown Waterloo, pre-BOT activities and a trip to St. Jacobs Market. During the first week of class we will be coming around to your classes to tell you more. You can always check bulletin boards for more information on upcoming events.
We understand that this is your first term and there is a lot you want to do, but school is most important. For this reason, the events do not require much commitment. Come out to the things you can, for as long as you want, even if it is just to drop by and say hi.
For us, first year was quite memorable and we have some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
Tip 1: Step out of your bubble and meet people! My advice is to connect with the upper years, especially ones in your program. Upper years are a great resource for knowing the tricks to assignments, certain exams and meeting certain profs’ expectations. For me, I ended up studying with my upper year friends at the library for exams. Also, they are very helpful in answering questions about resumes for co-op. But how to find these upper year students? Come to Engsoc events, chill in POETS and participate in frosh mentoring events! I promise you, they generally don’t bite! (You will get the odd one that does…)
Tip 2: EngSoc is your friend. It provides many services to engineering students, but many of them require you to come to the events and meetings. While each bi-weekly meeting discusses serious business, they are also filled with shennanigans and laughs. These meeting are open to all engineering students and are followed by free dinner. That’s right, a free show and dinner. Just try one out, and I’m positive you’ll learn about an interesting event, an issue you care about, or at the very least, meet someone new. And if you love it, run for EngSoc class elections, where class representatives are elected.
Tip 3: Bite the bullet and WALK INTO POETS (CPH 1376)! First of all, talk about the most comfortable seating on campus. What better way to wind down over a lunch break or after that long lecture! Secondly, you will be immersed in a new culture of TV and movies on the big screen (if you didn’t already know, POETS has a sound system + 1 awesome projection screen). Thirdly, why hear about shenanigans when you can see it LIVE! Past events put on by the NEAC include afro-turfing all of POETS, leaving out “treats” for Easter, and filling the room with balloons. Finally, it’s a way to meet more people on campus! My closest friends come from lunches in POETS, and I can’t wait to return this fall!
Tip 4: Become familiar with the campus. Explore everything (that isn’t locked). Find the overpasses and tunnels, the great places on campus to eat or study, the hidden staircases or the good vending machines. Find the Waterloo Spirit (hint: in the Rock Gardens). Not only will it impress your friends when you can get from MC all the way to DWE without going outside in the winter, but it is a lot of fun. If you have time, grab a friend or two and travel outside of Ring Road. Sure it will be trial and error, but only by exploring will you get to know about the campus, the services and all the UW has to offer.
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