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Rank: Frosh
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If there are any experienced uni students out there we would love it if u could give some advice for the 1st year students of 2008  Try to tell us what school you went to, what program you took and the common traps freshmen fall into!
University of Guelph '12 Biomedical Science
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Rank: Student Council
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61152 wrote:If there are any experienced uni students out there we would love it if u could give some advice for the 1st year students of 2008 Try to tell us what school you went to, what program you took and the common traps freshmen fall into! manage your time effectively. (Ie: every day, week, and month should be planned in advance). Leave yourself some time for fun, travel etc. Don't get too caught up with the opposite sex. Use office hours to your advantage. Don't be afraid to take on a difficult topic or take on an unpopular opinion, the prof may come to respect you for that.
BAH '08 (Queen's) MA'11 (Queen's)
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Rank: Valedictorian
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CRAZYBUBBA wrote:Don't get too caught up with the opposite sex. -1 ! I see university as the LAST 4 years you'll ever get to fool around with the opposite sex and just have fun with no strings attached per say.. after once's peoples careers starts, things get a lot more serious! Enjoy your time in university and have fun with the opposite, you won't regret it and you'll probably never have a chance do have fun like this the rest of your life
-University of Toronto Electrical Engineering 1T0!
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Rank: Senior Student
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JUST BE SAFE AND SMART ABOUT THE ACTIVITY YOU GET INTO sexual or non. alcohol included.
condoms are your best friend...! HPV is a silent STD that you can catch without someone even having symptoms, or even knowing they have it "yet". please, please, please--- be safe about the sexual activity you get into- if you get into anything at all.
university is not the "last time" you can have no strings attached sexual fun- it really depends on where you're at in life.
some people don't find that kind of thing even worth it- and if it's your style do not feel pressured to go a long with your friends or the crowd.
one thing i will mention though-- a lot of rapes do go unreported because "we were drunk" or "i didn't really say no" or "i just let it happen because..." some lame reason about it being too late to change your mind... or letting a guy/girl stay over and oops you wake up naked. listen... have a buddy system, and just so you know--- just because you didn't get violent about you're "no" doesn't mean you didn't mean no. rape is still rape when you said "i don't think we should do this" or "i really don't want to" or "i would rather just go to sleep" or "please stop" or the famous "no". don't let anyone manipulate you into thinking it didn't happen, and please be careful.
every single girl/guy in knew in college and university from the first i went at 19, to when i went at 27- had an experience like this.
it's so common. please don't fall victim, and don't blame yourself if it happens. it's not your fault. (guys and girls)
now on to less serious matters.
ACADEMICALLY---
what i learned "the hard way" after first year is that you really need to keep on top of your reading. seriously, before you know it work piles on- you have 9 chapter midterms and a week to study 200 some off pages for one class alone. really do prepare yourself and just do a bit of work each day. that way you're not so stressed out, or behind in all your classes, when it comes to doing papers, or exams.
that's my biggest advice, because it was my biggest downfall.
and yes- if you're apt to gain weight (and not naturally thin) you will gain weight if you don't work out and try to eat healthy.
the freshman 15 isn't a joke.
stress adds pounds, so does late night studying, crappy food choices, and lots of partying. use the gym.
Glendon/York Universty - Specialization in Psychology
Child and Youth Worker Graduate
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Rank: Valedictorian
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dansflObtch wrote:
ACADEMICALLY---
what i learned "the hard way" after first year is that you really need to keep on top of your reading. seriously, before you know it work piles on- you have 9 chapter midterms and a week to study 200 some off pages for one class alone. really do prepare yourself and just do a bit of work each day. that way you're not so stressed out, or behind in all your classes, when it comes to doing papers, or exams.
that's my biggest advice, because it was my biggest downfall.
and yes- if you're apt to gain weight (and not naturally thin) you will gain weight if you don't work out and try to eat healthy.
the freshman 15 isn't a joke.
stress adds pounds, so does late night studying, crappy food choices, and lots of partying. use the gym.
That's my number one goal for university: do not do not do not procrastinate. I started to pick up better habits in the middle of this year, but it was too late to really push my mark that much higher and I really regret not doing the work when it would have been easy to on a day to day basis. I'm soooo scared about gaining weight. I'm constantly on diets and I just went through a really successful one, so if I gain weight I will cry. What I'm doing for sure is bringing my ultra high-tech weight scale (one of those fancy that weighs to the .2 units, measures body fat, internal fat, BMI and etc) and keeping a daily watch on my weight. Other than the gym and sports teams, what are some solutions to exercise?
UWO 2012
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Rank: Student Body President
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pick the residence furthest from your classes---walking for 20 min everyday with a heavy backpack to and from your classes could probably add up. i know i won't go to the gym personally---i just get bored doing things stationary. that's why i want to do intramurals---something fun like field hockey or soccer or even other physical activities like aerobics dance or something that i'll actually be motivated enough to go to. i've never been in a situation where i've had to lose weight (never been on a diet, never been to the gym really except to just go with my sister and friend a couple of times) so i think that those 'unconscious' weightloss activities will be enough for me. I also eat like one meal a day (with snacks in between) and am vegetarian, which generally helps (most veg-friendly places also double as health nut places so i don't even have to try to stay away from fatty burgers and stuff). my weight fluctuates though, this year i think i've ranged from 95 pounds to a little less than 110 and i have no control over it but either way i'm at a healthy body weight for my height (5 2 ) so i'm not too worried about the freshman 15. all the same though i'm still going to try to walk most places rather than pick somewhere really close or bus.
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Rank: Frosh
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This isn't really a solution per se and don't know if you already know this, but a tidbit is to not eat when it's late (like past 8:00 PM) unless you've got a midnight exercise session or something crazy like that.
For breakfast and lunch you can eat food that's more fatty, but for dinner eat healthier with lots of fibre, as at night people tend to generally not be as active after a full day of work, and so the fat tend to accumulate when people sleep.
If you really have to eat during midnight, then eat something that's got fibre and hardly any fat, like a slice of bread. The fibre is hard to digest, and so you feel full for longer and won't be tempted to eat junk food.
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Oh man, I am like the most hardcore dieter (for my age anyways, when we really shouldn't be dieting at all) so yeah these are all things that I know and do.... I just crave carbs all the time and put on the pounds super easily so it makes me sad.
Redrose, what you said about picking a res far away from class is what I tried to do; I picked Perth, Elgin and Essex for top choices and that's about as far as you can get from the main hub of campus. Hopefully my res choices come through for me. I also hope I get a second or third floor room so that it's close enough to walk the stairs and not kill me.
UWO 2012
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Rank: Valedictorian
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This is total B.S. It does not matter when you eat, I know the "Oprah-way-of-life" says do not eat 3 hours before you go to bed, but it does not matter. The only thing that matters if you have all ready eaten a lot that day, and are prone to snack at night (while studying, watching TV, hanging out with friends, etc.) Fat does not "accumulate" when people sleep. And if you eat high-fat things, that won't make you FAT. It is lack of exercise and eating over your caloric allowance. I am trying to lose a lot of weight recently so I have been doing a lot of research. A lot of people on this board probably do not need to lose weight, but here are my tips, having gone through two years at university being a fatty. - Walk, really easy when you are a student with no money - Carry your books on your back in a decent knapsack so you do not put pressure on parts of your body that can't handle it - Go out instead of inviting your friends over, another easy way to get a walk in - Walk to the grocery store and carry your groceries back (I know most will have a meal plan, but if you want to buy extra) - Eat protein, carbohydrates, and (good) fats at each meal, this will most likely keep you fuller longer - Eat breakfast, kickstart your metabolism early on in the day if you can, some people don't like to eat breakfast because they don't feel hungry, but that can lead to pigging out at lunch, so even if it is an apple, relatively healthy granola bar, etc. - Stay away from sugary cereals, aim for one with less than 10g of sugar per serving size (they have new Kashi cereal in the stores, probably not in the caf, also oatmeal (steel cut is better but takes a long time to cook), if you use plain oatmeal, add fruit, honey, nuts, to make it taste better - Some university gyms have classes like aerobics, step classes, and spinning classes that you can join - Take the stairs in your residence building - Good fats = avocado, nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans), natural peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, just make sure to keep amounts small because these food are also very calorie dense - Try and eat lean meats, sometimes can be difficult in the cafeteria - Limit the number of full eggs you eat - Limit the amount of tinned tuna you eat (mercury, if you are trying to watch out for that) - Do not get the Fiber One chewy granola bars, they contain trans fats, even though they are tasty - Try for whole grains (bread and pasta), but find a brand you like because some are gross - Make sure if you up the amount of fiber you eat, to also drink more liquids because fiber can have the opposite effect if you don't Anyway, I doubt most of you care about all this, but I am really trying to switch into a healthier lifestyle, so that is my two cents.
Uschi Queen's '10
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Rank: Student Body Vice-President
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My advice is have fun!
Actually do your own assignments, don't copy others, they will resent you for it plus you won't learn anything.
Go to class, take notes. I rarely read the textbook for my courses (I just finished first year engineering), but if you find that is helpful or it is necessary for your class definitely do it. The professors are actually there to help and a lot of them put a lot of effort into helping out. They will make time for you after class if you need any extra help.
Go out and be social. I am so sick of people saying "I can't go out tonight I have to study". Who studies from 10pm-2am?? Seriously. You need fun.
University of Alberta - Mechanical Engineering '11
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Rank: Senior Student
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as someone who's lost 40 pounds and 10 inches in the past, and is BACK ON bandwagon trying to lose 25 pounds and probably 5 inches it suckkkkkkkkkks but it can be done. it takes hard work and consistency. i was going really well keeping it off until i went on a medication and its side effect: WEIGHT GAIN. trying to watch everything that goes into my mouth, and work out that much harder and still see the scale go up? sucks! but that's a reality, and i've gained almost 25 pounds over the past 2 years. some of it is muscle because i have been increasing my weights but meh. i have one thing to mention 1. where is the vegetable! FIBER! protein and vegs is what should fill most of your plate, then carb. you talk about about CARB CARB CARB in your list there- oatmeal, granola bars, cereal, bread, etc. listen i'm not saying don't have carbs- not at all but BALANCE. i've talked to a nutritionist and actually you should have protein and veg at every main meal of the daykeep in mind FRUIT IS ALSO A CARB! it also spikes your blood sugar. if you prefer to do fruit in the morning, then do a hard boiled egg or something for your snack.... you should eat 6 small meals a daydrink lots of water!Get moving! and don't forget to strength train!WEIGHT TRAINING BURNS FAT FASTER.
*it takes 15 minutes of weight training for your body to start burning the fat
*it takes 40 minutes of cardio to do the samethe BEST.... do weight training 3 times a week.... followed by hard 20 minute cardio session afterwards. do regular cardio routine ( break a sweat people- if you're just walking and not sweating! FORGET IT!) 5 times a week! if you're looking for a "fad diet" book that works-- try the South Beach Diet by Dr. Agatson.It's actually not really a diet- it's more healthy eating for people who have no idea how. the first 2 weeks weens your body off the crap you're put into it- so it start fresh. www.sparkpeople.com -great site for all your support messageboard needs, calorie counter, diet plans, fitness plans, etc DIET IS IMPORTANT.
Glendon/York Universty - Specialization in PsychologyChild and Youth Worker Graduate
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Rank: Senior Student
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Spherical wrote: the fat tend to accumulate when people sleep.
If you really have to eat during midnight, then eat something that's got fibre and hardly any fat, like a slice of bread. The fibre is hard to digest, and so you feel full for longer and won't be tempted to eat junk food. a slice of bread? if you want to talk fiber i think a good plate of vegetables is far better option.
Glendon/York Universty - Specialization in PsychologyChild and Youth Worker Graduate
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Rank: Senior Student
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what diet was that?
and how much do your excercise? do you strength train?
i'm always battling my weight. i look at food the wrong way and i gain 10 pounds. it's not easy!
your ultra high tech weight scale might make me far too weight obsessed- more than i already am. that's a scary thought!
other than gym and sports teams-
honestly i'm a huge fan of group excercises classes at gyms. even if you go alone- you're stuck there as the instructor is telling an entire class "just remember! you're here because you have a goal! you want to see change in yourself! let's see you push yourself! can i get one more lunge! you can do it!" you're freaking' dying... but you see 20 or so other people dying with you... it's great motivation. it's nice if you can get a friend to come along.
they have the classes at my school gym too which is nice...
i never use to like the gym but as i got older i had to do *something* and i found i really liked that atmosphere.
there's nothing more embarassing then trying to sneak out half way through...
Glendon/York Universty - Specialization in Psychology
Child and Youth Worker Graduate
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Rank: Valedictorian
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I didn't mention vegetables because I simply assumed people new to eat their vegetables. Remember, we have 95%+ average kids here.
Yes I know fruit are carbs.
I was simply giving healthy alternatives to the usual carb laden diet (whole grains, etc.)
So... thanks.
Uschi
Queen's '10
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Ooosh wrote:I didn't mention vegetables because I simply assumed people new to eat their vegetables. Remember, we have 95%+ average kids here.
Yes I know fruit are carbs.
I was simply giving healthy alternatives to the usual carb laden diet (whole grains, etc.)
So... thanks. not a problem i just know that a lot of first years are skipping right over the veggies and going straight for the fries, or lasagna, .. or whatev even if it's fibrous carb like strawberries, broccoli, whole wheat pasta, etc- too much of a good thing will still add pounds  honestly i'm not a veggie eater and i struggle in this area myself.
Glendon/York Universty - Specialization in PsychologyChild and Youth Worker Graduate
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Rank: Valedictorian
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dansflObtch wrote:Ooosh wrote:I didn't mention vegetables because I simply assumed people new to eat their vegetables. Remember, we have 95%+ average kids here.
Yes I know fruit are carbs.
I was simply giving healthy alternatives to the usual carb laden diet (whole grains, etc.)
So... thanks. not a problem i just know that a lot of first years are skipping right over the veggies and going straight for the fries, or lasagna, .. or whatev even if it's fibrous carb like strawberries, broccoli, whole wheat pasta, etc- too much of a good thing will still add pounds honestly i'm not a veggie eater and i struggle in this area myself. I am enjoying the vegetables now only because they are cheaper than most protein, and packaged stuff. :-D
Uschi Queen's '10
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dansflObtch wrote:Spherical wrote: the fat tend to accumulate when people sleep.
If you really have to eat during midnight, then eat something that's got fibre and hardly any fat, like a slice of bread. The fibre is hard to digest, and so you feel full for longer and won't be tempted to eat junk food. a slice of bread? if you want to talk fiber i think a good plate of vegetables is far better option. So agreed. Seeing everybody's healthy eating/living advice really brings me back to my hcore dieting days ahahahah.
UWO 2012
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Rank: Valedictorian
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Pinku wrote:dansflObtch wrote:Spherical wrote: the fat tend to accumulate when people sleep.
If you really have to eat during midnight, then eat something that's got fibre and hardly any fat, like a slice of bread. The fibre is hard to digest, and so you feel full for longer and won't be tempted to eat junk food. a slice of bread? if you want to talk fiber i think a good plate of vegetables is far better option. So agreed. Seeing everybody's healthy eating/living advice really brings me back to my hcore dieting days ahahahah. I don't know if you'd even want to use something like this, but I find it really helpful. www.thedailyplate.comTells you how many (APPROXIMATELY) calories you should be getting to either gain, maintain, or lose weight. And then it allows you to add everything you eat together (calories, carbs, fat, protein, etc)
Uschi Queen's '10
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When I was hcore I had a pocket book with me at all times to count carbs... Yes that's right, I memorized everything. It was the best method of dieting ever (for me anyways) because I would feel soooo guilty if I went over limit or ate something that had 3 digit calories in one serving.
I'm not into veggies at all either so it's really tough for me, but....
dansflObtch, my diet wasn't an actual like...regime per say, but last summer I was at the hospital all the time for some problems that were the result of weight (it's weird, because I wasn't obese or anything but my body still stressed out) so in addition to specialization doctors to treat my medical problems, I also had a dietitian and I learned a lot about healthy eating.
UWO 2012
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Rank: Student Body President
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Joined: 3/4/2008
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i've never really had the motivation to diet or lose weight. i'm a little less than average weight for my height but i'm not terribly skinny either. but i end up feeling like crap whenever i eat greasy food like chips (don't mind the chocolate though. in fact i feel like crap unless i have chocolate at least once every couple days). do you know what's a mental trick i use?
haha watching that 'you are what you eat' show on television---the one where that lady gillian goes to those obese people in the uk and berates them for their eating habits. after watching that i reach for a nice apple.
it could backfire though. you could just end up thinking 'well at least i'm not that fat' and continue with your habits. but i tend to find myself guilted enough just watching the show to avoid unhealthy foods.
also maybe find other people who are into healthy living? I know at western almost every residence has that healthy lifestyles floor---for people who are into healthy eating and sports. i'd really recommend that just based on the description. it would be much easier to live there than, say, a floor where people have pizza and other junk food just lying around. Plus there'll probably be floor sports events and stuff and if you're with another 20 people who are really into the fitness and health aspect of life it would be a great influence.
maybe also find some vegan friends. there are few 'vegan friendly' options that are really unhealthy (except maybe french fries?) so rather than going for pizza and burgers after class you might just end up going to somewhere more healthy (not to say all vegan food is automatically fat free but in my experience most restaurants geared towards the veg crowd are also very healthy).
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