Applied Mathematics at University of Waterloo

Teneilla (Year 3)

What did you wish you knew before going to your university? What made you choose this institution over all others? What are advantages and disadvantages of your institution or campus? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your university. 

My mother went to Waterloo so it was kinda following a tradition our family now has which placed it at the top of my list. Along with tradition I also got a scholarship which made it easier to choose but the schools math program is very competitive which makes it a lot harder to find friends as some students are really mean when it comes on to helping others. The campus is fairly big so it takes time to get use to and it's the worse during winter time especially walking to and from classes. The MC building is depressing and some classroom has no windows but the M3 is much better

What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program? What are the advantages and disadvantages of your program?  List any advice for incoming first-year students about your program of study.

I wish I knew how competitive it is and how many late nights I would stay up studying formulas and working out equations. I would have changed how i approached some of my courses as some need more work and longer hours than some. Make sure you love math and can work with alot of students who are stressed out or depressed because math can do that to you if you aren't in tune with it. 

What was your favourite university experience? 

Joining clubs is always the best experience in university  along with meeting friends. Watching varsity sports game is also enjoyable 

What was your least favourite university experience?

Tripping and sliding in the ice. I'm not a winter person so I hate being on the campus but if you are you would love it here.

What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?

The hardest part I would say is meeting the right person, after a while a lot of people become depressed and stressed out. Have an equation sheet and understand what and why the equations are necessary and how they are can be transferable. Study groups are the best, by this you can understand from a peer perspective. 

If you were able to take electives, what was your favourite elective? If you were not able to take electives, what was your favourite course and why?

Math137 is my absolute favorite course and is it calculus which is my favorite. When picking electives just be careful that you do pick a subject that is interesting and you won't be bored in.

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