In about 3 weeks, I start University at the U of A.... pretty nervous and excited at the same time. I don't know what to expect really for the first year, other than 'studying'.. seeing if I screw around/getting drunk= waste of $$$ and time. (In addition, a beating from my parents) So if any of you guys went to University, what tips do you have for a fellow like me as a freshmen and is it worth partying hard to be 'first priority' over studies?
People tell me that the first year of University is probably the best times of their lives with all the drinking and partying, yet I really want to do well in my studies to get into the business faculty in the second year.
In about 3 weeks, I start University at the U of A.... pretty nervous and excited at the same time. I don't know what to except really for the first year, other than 'studying'.. seeing if I screw around/getting drunk= waste of $$$ and time. (In addition, a beating from my parents) So if any of you guys went to University, what tips do you have for a fellow like me as a freshmen and is it worth partying hard to be 'first priority' over studies?
People tell me that the first year of University is probably the best times of their lives with all the drinking and partying, yet I really want to do well in my studies to get into the business faculty in the second year.
I went to the U of A as well and I can honestly say that you can do both. As long as you hand in assignments and study for exams, there is plenty of time to party/drink. There is no reason why you can't drink/go to clubs on Friday/Saturday night at a minimum as long as you pay attention in class and turn assignments in on time. In the Business faculty, mid-term and finals week are the only times where you really have to study (in my experience).
The Following User Says Thank You to OILFAN #81 For This Useful Post:
Meet as many people as you can. Party as often is humanely possible, and do just enough to get into second year. Then buckle down and play it smart for the next 3 years.
The first year of university is definitely one of the best years of your life. Enjoy it!
The Following User Says Thank You to Tyler For This Useful Post:
1) Don't let school get in the way of a good education.
2) If you keep up with your work you will be able to do almost everything else you want to do socially (it took me 2 years to figure that one out).
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In about 3 weeks, I start University at the U of A.... pretty nervous and excited at the same time. I don't know what to except really for the first year, other than 'studying'.. seeing if I screw around/getting drunk= waste of $$$ and time. (In addition, a beating from my parents) So if any of you guys went to University, what tips do you have for a fellow like me as a freshmen and is it worth partying hard to be 'first priority' over studies?
People tell me that the first year of University is probably the best times of their lives with all the drinking and partying, yet I really want to do well in my studies to get into the business faculty in the second year.
My first two years of undergrad were two of the worst years of my life for a variety of reasons. Years 3 and 4 though, were awesome because I knew what I was doing and had made a lot of new friends. If you want motivation to go to your classes you should calculate how much a single 50 minute lecture costs you. If that doesn't make you want to attend then I don't know what will.
My advice: don't be a smart ass unless you want to get on a profs bad side. Also, the things people did to be funny in high school are no longer funny in university. Don't be that guy.
The Following User Says Thank You to Kybosh For This Useful Post:
I think it depends on your faculty.
1st year engineering at U of C will determine if you are good enough to keep taking engineering or will kick you out.
The Following User Says Thank You to tigger777 For This Useful Post:
I think it depends on your faculty.
1st year engineering at U of C will determine if you are good enough to keep taking engineering or will kick you out.
I disagree with this. Any faculty does this but it isn't a matter of being "good enough". It is more about getting rid of the people that don't want to be there to begin with. Also, as an aside, from an official standpoint . . . there is NO SUCH THING as a weeder course. That is a concept invented by students.
The Following User Says Thank You to Kybosh For This Useful Post:
Balance is the name of the game. Go out have fun but make sure you study! Just keep up with all your stuff. Falling behind is what screws you over - a bit of studying over time is way more effective then cramming it all in at the end.
Depends what you want out of your uni experience. Personally, I put my marks over partying so I partied when I could but during exam time, I never went out.
Enjoy the 4 month's off :P (to work in the summer )
The Following User Says Thank You to DrJ For This Useful Post:
I was pretty much in the exact same boat as you... only out at UBC (did a first year of general studies and in order to get into the business program). I worked my butt off first year and managed to do just that.. but looking back I do wish that I did more 'first year' stuff in my first year. Granted, I more than made up for it in my second and third year....
Moral of the story is.. keep up in your classes (it seriously makes your life SO much easier) but don't forget to have fun with it too. University is what you make of it man... so enjoy it.
Captain's advice is pretty damn important too
The Following User Says Thank You to Hustle For This Useful Post:
nothing wrong with partying, just make sure your work gets done. I did too much of one and not enough of the other and went nowhere. My second stint as a student was much more successful (at age 28/29) but I wasted a few good years at crappy jobs due to my lack of education.
The Following User Says Thank You to habernac For This Useful Post:
I'm currently at UA right now... How hard do you want to party depends on where you live. If you're in Lister and on a party floor, forget studying. The best for me was one year in lister, and the rest by your self or with GOOD roomates.
Try to pick your schedule so that you don't have these huge 1-2 hour breaks between classes. It's just a killer to buy time unless you go to the library and study. Also, pick your classes so they're not across campus. First year I had class in ETLC and then in Telus right after each other. It was hell... and especially when the weather hit -40, it feels like you're climbing Mt. Everest.
Lastly, pick good professors. They make a huge difference. What faculty are you in? If you're in Sciences I can give you a hand.
Oh and try to make friends in your classes and friends with older students. Getting their old practice exams/lab manuals helps a lot.
I went to the U of A as well and I can honestly say that you can do both. As long as you hand in assignments and study for exams, there is plenty of time to party/drink. There is no reason why you can't drink/go to clubs on Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday night at a minimum as long as you pay attention in class and turn assignments in on time. In the Business faculty, mid-term and finals week are the only times where you really have to study (in my experience).
Fixed, don't forget afternoons and between classes too!
Seriously though, looking back at school from a full time job perspective the work load in university isn't that much. If you could sit down and study 8 hours a day 5 days a week you'd be so far ahead of the game it's not even funny! Its just most people prefer the 20 hours a day, once a week approach...or the 5 hours a day once a week approach...
As for drinking, it's just about being responsible. By that I don't mean not drinking I simply mean manning up when you're hungover. A hangover is not, never has been or never will be an excuse for anything. When all the other 1st years are spending the day in bed watching cartoons you're in the library getting your work done so you can go drinking(or skiing, skating, running, etc.) again with nothing hanging over your head.
Work(school) life balance is all about dealing with a hangover! If you never let a hangover slow you down you'll find a lot more free time...
Get involved. Where ever your interests are, get involved in that area. Don't be shy, especially the first few weeks when a lot of people in class, in orientation, where you live are in the exact same boat as you and are hoping someone breaks the ice.
I really enjoyed the beer gardens at the beginning and end of the year (put on by the business faculty, IIRC). Bar None is a great time too.
Intramural sports at UofA is excellent. Hockey (4 divisions based on skill), flag football, curling, archery, etc... are really fun and affordable.
Don't drink the blue koolaid... it makes you do and think crazy things.
Where have decided to stay? Residence, an apartment, a house?
Location: In my office, at the Ministry of Awesome!
Exp:
On the very first day, either beat someone up, or find the biggest dude around and latch onto him. If you're gonna be a bitch, you don't want to be just anyone's bitch!
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The Following User Says Thank You to Bring_Back_Shantz For This Useful Post:
I'm starting my graduate program in a few weeks as well.....However, after running the gamut for five years prior doing an undergrad, I'd say I have next to no stress levels about the whole thing.
I spent 7.5 years in university and wish I was there now. Life's a piece of cake when you're a student and really you don't have too many responsibilities. You can get trashed on a school night with relative impunity. That goes out the window in the real world (although I have done it twice this week).
A couple more things:
1. First year is not necessarily the best year. They are all fun as long as you are!
2. Not everyone agrees with me, but take courses that interest you. Prereqs are a given, but besides that take classes not because it's an easy course or because you think it will get you a job. Do what you enjoy and then sitting in class, doing assignments, and studying won't be as bad as if you are learning something you don't care about or hate.
Any Tips for a Scrub going to University?
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<-----Check the Badge bitches. You want some Awesome, you come to me!
