Hey Guys!

I’m here taking a (quick) study break to check in with everyone reading the student blogs.

I think it’s coming around the time when university applications are due on OUAC (from what I remember) and if you are anything like I was, all the research and decisions are becoming a little stressful! Well these blogs are here to help you out, and give a little insight to student life here at QSB. I can relate a little bit to what you’re going through, as I just finished the same process – it’s exchange application time for second year students! Application were due December 6th and leading up to this date, us second year Commerce students had to choose which exchange school we were interested in – essentially applying for university all over again! This was exactly what I felt like doing (not) but it was exciting at the same time as everyone here is so pumped up for exchange now. What helped me decide, and what I probably should have done when deciding on a university, was a matrix. I know right now you’re thinking “no way, I do enough of those in math!” but it’s actually really helpful and gives your decision some quantifiable numbers. Decide on some criteria which are important to you in a university (for example. class sizes, exchange opportunities, quality of professors etc.) and give them a weighting. So, for example, when deciding on exchange I decided having help finding residence and travel opportunities were really important to me and I weighted them higher than cost of living. Then go through all your top choices and rank them based on these criteria. It will help you compare each school and make a decision if you are really on the fence. Although, it’s important to remember the ‘feel’ you get from a certain school, and that the ultimate choice is yours. (I have to confess, my top exchange choice wasn’t the top choice of my matrix). And if you still have questions or can’t decide, take a campus tour! Right now, all you need to focus on is finding your top choices as the ultimate decision of your school isn’t due until May (you have a few months!).

Other than exchange (we find out in January), here at QSB final exams are in full swing. Us second year Commies are writing our second exam tonight at 7pm and finish on the 18th. One more week and lots of studying to go! Study styles are different for everyone. My roommates set up camp in my living room every day from 8am until 11pm and don’t leave (or change out of their pjs). I’m a little different, I like to constantly change locations (from the Law Library, to my bedroom, to Starbucks, to my living room floor – all the couches are usually taken..) Study styles are different for everyone and first year is really the time to figure that out. So be prepared for first semester to maybe be the least productive time during your university career because by second semester you will have figured everything out .

That’s it for now! For everyone applying, good luck and I’d be happy to answer any PSE questions (or any questions) you guys may have (PSE due in February I believe?) Let me know!

Sarah Klaassen

Queen’s Commerce 2013