Every student who has experienced first year understands how tricky it is to navigate your way through school. It\u2019s a complete and total change up from your normal 9-3 high school regime, and lots of young students struggle with adapting. But hey, we\u2019ve all been there. We get it. Here\u2019s an easy guideline that will help any student, first year or fourth, to succeed at Carleton University.<\/p>\n

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1. Tunnels will save your life.<\/h3>\n

I mean this literally. Ottawa winters are not to be reckoned with, especially if you\u2019re not native to the area. The extra 10 minutes it takes to walk to class is nothing in comparison to the -40\u00b0 wind chill you\u2019ll face\u00a0for 3 months straight. This works out even more for res students, I mean who doesn\u2019t want to roll up to class in flip flops and shorts? We may stare at you judgingly but deep down, we\u2019re all jealous.<\/p>\n

2. Yik Yak is still a thing here.<\/h3>\n

Yep, go ahead and re-download the app that every high school WiFi deliberately blocked. At Carleton, the most entertaining way to pass the time in a boring lecture is to log on and see everyone around you talking under the radar. How else are you going to notice\u00a0your prof’s zipper is down?<\/p>\n

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3. Avoid UC stairs at all costs.<\/h3>\n

Unless you enjoy being sweaty, breathless and humiliated by the time you reach the top, I would opt for the elevator. It smells bad and it takes more time, but walking those 3 flights of stairs is the equivalent to running half a marathon. The least they could do is offer us cups of water on the side.<\/p>\n

4. Always\u00a0clear your schedule\u00a0for the Panda Game\/Capital Hoops.<\/h3>\n

These days are a guaranteed good time. This means saying sorry to your boss at DQ; you\u2019re going need the weekend off. Maybe even Monday. Every year, Carleton and OttawaU square off for an unforgettable match of football and basketball. And TBH, Carleton almost always takes the win.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/8cxEawIvAU\/?tagged=pandagame2015<\/p>\n

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5. Morning classes are a no. Especially on Fridays!<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s be real, if it\u2019s before 10am- you\u2019re not going. I\u2019m telling you this to better your university career. Pick classes that you know you\u2019re actually going to attend, because even if the prof is hype, it doesn\u2019t matter if you never show up to see them. And Fridays are even more important, which leads to my next point…<\/p>\n

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6. Thirsty Thursdays are the place to be.<\/h3>\n

Oliver\u2019s pub is the place to be on Thursday night if you\u2019re looking for a good time, and want to meet some awesome people. The drinks are cheap and the music is dope, and you can bring whoever you want (as in not just Carleton kids). So do yourself a favor, and drop that 8:30AM\u00a0Friday class.<\/p>\n

7. Use RateMyProf like your life depended on it.<\/h3>\n

Once you get to building your time table, this is a crucial part of the selection process. Sure, a class might sound fascinating on paper, but your prof could have a low score and a tough reputation. This doesn\u2019t mean that you shouldn\u2019t take the course, especially if it\u2019s a requirement. But sometimes picking a good prof can make any breadth course easier to get through<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BFhRNIDlCiY\/?tagged=ratemyprofessor<\/p>\n

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8. Comfort > cuteness.<\/h3>\n

I know we all want to dress like we\u2019re hitting the runway, but sometimes looking your best, isn\u2019t your best option. No one wants to be sitting halfway through a lecture in Theatre B when the temperature drops below freezing and all you have is the new tank from American Eagle to keep you warm. Also, once the snow drops down, invest in a solid winter jacket. OC transp runs on its own schedule, so the last thing you want is to be stranded in the cold wearing a faux leather jacket with no hood.<\/p>\n

9. Don\u2019t be afraid to put yourself out there.<\/h3>\n

Raising your hand in a lecture of 300+ people can be intimidating, but it can also be rewarding. Participating in class, introducing yourself to the professor and to those around you, and allowing yourself to appear open and approachable are only a few ways to make school 10x easier. Not only will you get a better grade, but you\u2019ll also gain more confidence within yourself, and maybe meet a couple new friends.<\/p>\n

10. Hit the gym early.<\/h3>\n

Carleton has one of the nicest, most modern and new gyms in all the Universities through Canada. The only problem is that it can be a workout- trying to work out- during peak times. My advice is to get there early before the rush comes in. Not only will you avoid all the posers <\/em>who only go there to socialize, you\u2019ll also be more productive throughout the day. Or you\u2019ll be able to nap a bit longer.<\/p>\n

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11. Invest in a locker.<\/h3>\n

The lockers throughout the tunnels may look sketchy and gross, but they\u2019re one of the best assets Carleton has to offer. No more are the days of carrying around 5 different textbooks, a huge parka and wet snow boots. Just remember to be courteous to all of us who walk the tunnels, it\u2019s a locker- not a food pantry.<\/p>\n

12. Take all the free food you can get.<\/h3>\n

It doesn\u2019t happen often but when it does, take it. There will be times when groups and organizations set up tables by tunnel junction or Southam and hand out free samples of coffee, baked goods, etc… Just try not to get too teary eyed when you bite into your free brownie.<\/p>\n

13. Book study rooms in advance.<\/h3>\n

Our library is amazing, and the study rooms are even more amazing. Take the time in the beginning of the semester and book a couple dates to use them. It\u2019s a quite, secluded space that you and your friends can use to study, work on group projects, watch Netflix\u2026<\/p>\n

14. Pack your own snacks.<\/h3>\n

Although sometimes you may be treated to a free one, packing your own snacks is the best way to save money and avoid getting hangry. It may be embarrassing at first, and you might not want to whip out your cheese and crackers in the middle of a lecture, but it\u2019s more embarrassing to have to explain to your parents why you spent $75.00 on Starbucks in one month.<\/p>\n

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15. Appreciate the warm weather while it lasts.<\/h3>\n

Ottawa winters can be really short, or really long. Enjoy the fall warmth while its here, and pray that spring brings us more grass.<\/p>\n

16. Online courses are a blessing and a curse.<\/h3>\n

Yes, you can now watch your BIO lecture in your pj’s\u00a0while eating Nutella in bed. You can also rewatch all the Friends episodes in your pj’s\u00a0while eating Nutella in bed. The choice is yours, so make sure you have the willpower to watch your lectures on your own time. Chances are, if you\u2019re the type of person who eats Nutella in their pj’s\u00a0in bed, you need to go to class.<\/p>\n

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17. Treat yourself to a Rooster\u2019s pita.<\/h3>\n

Worth the money, a pita from Rooster\u2019s caf\u00e9 in UC will leave you only wanting more. They\u2019re made right in front of you with fresh ingredients; it\u2019s basically a high end subway. I recommend Greek, but feel free to experiment on\u00a0your own.<\/p>\n

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18. Subscribe to Society19 Carleton page!<\/h3>\n

Tell your friends, your mom, your mailman, and even your dog. We\u2019re here to help you make the best out of your experience at Carleton, and subscribing and sharing our blogs only help us reach other students. Don\u2019t keep all the tips and tricks to yourself!<\/p>\n

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What else should Carleton students know? Comment below and share this article with friends!<\/h5>\n

Featured image sources: education.kilroy.net<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Every student who has experienced first year understands how tricky it is to navigate your way through school. It\u2019s a complete and total change up from your normal 9-3 high school regime, and lots of young students struggle with adapting. But hey, we\u2019ve all been there. We get it. Here\u2019s an easy guideline that will…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19455,"featured_media":72100,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[7601,9705],"thb-sponsors":[],"class_list":["post-71962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-carleton-tips-advice","tag-ottawa"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n