I’m going to be honest. When I applied for Queen’s Engineering program, I wasn’t quite sure what I was signing myself up for. We all know engineering is math, physics, chemistry, and more, but what is it really like? These are some of the things that I wish I knew before coming to Queen’s!
1. You need to be committed
It’s all fun and games until you realize you have your physics homework due tomorrow, and you don’t know where to start. I’ve been there already, and it’s only been a month. First year engineering at Queen’s has one of (if not) the largest course loads (a whopping seven courses!) out of any of the programs here. While it is manageable, you need to come with the mindset that school is a priority you cannot put off - it is very easy to get behind when you least expect it. On the bright side, most of it you can do with friends, so there’s no need to hide away when there are assignments due.
2. It’s okay to be stuck
Engineering is a program that attracts all types of people from all over Ontario, Canada, and even the world! Everyone has different levels of expertise in subjects, as well as extracurricular experience. There are some classes that you might not get right away, or even at all, and it’s okay! So many of us students are confused with so many things, and you’re never alone. There will always be somewhere there to help you if you reach out. Your peers will be your best resource, and the teaching staff is there to help too. Making sure you attend your lectures, tutorials, and labs are one of the best ways to explore the material more.
3. You may not leave with the same discipline choice you came in with
An engineering discipline is what type of engineering you want to or will do. You might have heard of chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, or other cool ones! When you apply for QEng, you apply for a discipline you want to be in. Something cool about Queen’s though, is that first year is general (except for if you’re in Mechatronics or ECEi)! You choose your discipline in second semester, and even though you might’ve applied for computer engineering, mining engineering might be your calling! This general first year allows you to think a bit more and explore the courses you’re taking to see if you REALLY want to be taking it for the foreseeable future.
4. Time flies, and it’s CRAZY
As I am writing this, I have just taken my first midterm – APSC 171 (aka calculus). I have another one tomorrow. It feels as though orientation was just yesterday, yet here I am, over a month in. It’s important to remember to find time for yourself, no matter how little. You are more important than your grades, and while it’s important to try your best, enjoying your time here at Queen’s is the most essential part of university. Join whatever you’re interested in, and make it work with your schedule. Eat dinner with your friends. Find moments of peace. Your experience is what you make of it.
Kayla McKenzie
First year Engineering Student at Queen's University