What I Wish I Knew about University while in High School!

March Break has come and gone! As a prospective student you might have spent the week visiting some campuses, and gaining new information on programs, financial aid, housing etc. If by now you have more things to think about than you did before, and you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, I'd like to share with you a short video of two 4th year Waterloo students sharing 5 things they wish they knew when they were in your shoes. Watch the video, and read some of their tips down below!

1. Don’t Neglect Your Soft Skills

·  University offers you more than the chance to receive good grades! It's important to thrive academically, but, you should also focus on developing a variety of skills.

·  You begin to notice exactly how important it is, in an interview, to be able to talk about who you are and to present yourself in a professional/ approachable manner.

·  Employers are confident that you're able to learn the job. What they're concerned about is: what kind of thinker you are, how well you develop and present ideas, how motivated and passionate you are and in what kind of manner you interact with their clients.

2. There is a life outside of school. Don’t forget about it!

·  Get involved, make connections, meet new people, do something that challenges you!

·  Take advantage of every opportunity you have whether it's clubs, societies, co-op opportunities, travelling abroad, or exchange programs. 

3. Don’t look at choosing a University as just a School but about choosing a COMMUNITY.

·  What kind of experience do you want? What kind of community are you looking for? What lifestyle do you see for yourself in the coming years?

·  Look at the complete picture when looking at a university.

·  What feeling are you looking to have when you step on campus? (tight nit environment? large campus with many opportunities?)

4.  Look ahead but don’t stress yourself out about it!

·  It is never too early to look ahead and research.

·  Talk to as many people as you can and ask them about their experiences.
·  You have lots of options so explore, explore, explore!

·  And remember, planning ahead doesn’t mean you have to stick to it.  

5. It all comes down to finding what you love and that's really what going to university is all about!