What's first year like at Waterloo?

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King Warrior

Written by a special contributor

Find out what Waterloo’s really like. Current students in each of our faculties reflect on their first year and share tips and advice for future Waterloo students.

students walking on path on campus with spring blossom on surrounding trees

I switched my program five times

Honours Arts student, Nathanial, reflects on switching his program five times in his first year, getting involved in clubs and activities, and knowing Waterloo was right for him.

Discover student life in Arts →

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Hands-on and fast-paced

Aileen, an Environmental Engineering student, reflects on joining clubs and getting involved on campus, the differences between high school and university, and how she knew Waterloo was the right university for her.

Discover student life in Engineering →

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Every day I was blown away

Michelle shares what surprised her most in her first year as a Environment and Business student, the differences between high school and university, and how she made new friends and got a lot of free food.

Discover student life in Environment →

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How I knew Waterloo was for me

Public Health student, Manal, reflects on making friends, putting mental health first, using support services on campus, and touring the campus to know Waterloo was right for her.

Discover student life in Health →

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New perspectives, diverse experiences

Navya, a Computing and Financial Management student at Waterloo, reflects on getting involved on campus, learnings from 4 a.m. pool games, jogging along Columbia Lake, and taking advantage of entrepreneurship resources.

Discover student life in Math →

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Muay Thai, improv, and more

Aishwarya reflects on the differences between high school and university as an international student, what living in residence in a living-learning community was like as a Physical Sciences student, and getting involved in clubs like Muay Thai martial arts, improv, and the Indian Cultural Association.

Discover student life in Science →

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I wouldn't trade it for anything

Accounting and Financial Management student, Warner, reflects on meeting new people, getting involved in the Waterloo community, and the differences between high school and university.

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