I spent part of my Reading Week at my former high school, meeting with some of my old teachers.  I was asked to speak to a number of Grade 11 and 12 classes, so I threw together a short slideshow presentation on myths and facts about the undergrad university life.  I thought I would post some general myths and facts on the student blog to try and address some of the fears you may have.
MYTH: You’ll be drowning in debt upon graduation
- This is completely false.  A lot of universities offer various forms of financial aid, be it through academic scholarships, bursaries, or other awards.  There is also government assistance such as OSAP, or you can choose to work part-time and save up.  I actually chose to work two part-time jobs during the school year and, along with the scholarship and bursary I received from Queen’s, I was able to pay for the entire first year myself.  I worked part-time through first semester, and I am still working the same position in my second semester at Queen’s without having any difficulty with the workload.
TRUTH: Frosh Week will be one of the most memorable experiences you will have at university
- 100%, completely clichéd, truth.  Frosh Week will really set the tone for your first year.  It is completely led by students, the week is a total blast, and I’m sure you’ll be looking back at the experience with very fond memories.  The people you meet at Frosh Week will be with you for the next four years; you may as well get to know them!
MYTH: Your lectures will be led by boring professors who talk for about 3 hours while you fight to stay awake
- Also false.  The first year Commerce classes are one hour and twenty minutes long; about the same length as a typical class in high school.  Also, I have yet to come across a professor who will lecture for the entire time.  Many of the classes are highly interactive and many profs will encourage group discussion and analysis.
TRUTH: Assigned readings and assignment due dates come up a lot faster than you think.
- Stay on top of everything, learn good time management skills, get your priorities straight and you’ll be well on your way to a successful first year.  I’m speaking from experience, trust me.

If you have any other questions in regards to the Commerce program at Queen’s or just general university life, feel free to shoot me an email at 8tykw [ at ] queensu.ca.  I’d be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.

Until next time!