It’s been 2 WEEKS already??!

Yeah, time sure goes by when your head is stuck in a biology textbook. When first week passed, I assumed that you know, second week was going to be relatively faster. But word of caution, when you forget to balance your courses and your social life, things can be pretty hectic (and you start counting down the days to your first midterm.)

So here’s what happened:

• I have seen the light -BLUE CHIP COOKIES: someone sneak into their kitchen and smuggle their recipes for me because for the love of pasty goods I have yet to find a deliciously, sinful cookie as good as theirs. I tried it the first week (goal accomplished!) Their cookies may seem really sweet, but one cookie had me filled up in no time. Try out the Brazil Nut Cookie with its smooth, gooey white chocolate and crisp Brazil nuts that will have you and your taste buds screaming for more. The Smartie cookie looks really tempting too, and the Chunky one is for the chocolate die-hards.
• GET’CHA HEAD IN THE GAME: (no, I wasn’t watching re-runs of High School Musical) The first week of classes was a tad bit overwhelming partly because I still had my head in summer mode. By the second week though, it’s a wake up call. Things are going to be really fast-paced here because all your courses are basically condensed into 3 months. It’s not easy, I know that for a fact.
• READ ALL THE THINGS (AND WORK WITH OTHERS): The best way to learn things, well is to work together with others, like with friends or classmates. My Math 102 assignments couldn’t have been done without working together with others or on Piazza (though it’s not my favorite source for help). It also provides a sense of support because everyone’s doing the same thing as you (and occasionally suffering).
• Always be prepared for classes: Don’t be like me in her second week of class, forgetting her iClicker for Bio 112, rushing back to her dorm before realizing her keys are back in the lecture room (Long story short: I always check the things I need for class.)
• Yeahhh, I work out: Exercise is a great stress reliever, I’ve been doing runs both outside and on the treadmill (at the Vanier commonsplace, don’t judge). I feel in shape and sharper. Note to self: get a Birdcoop membership by next term….
• Get Involved: Clubs Week is coming up, and it’s the perfect timing for students to get themselves involved. If you live in residence, chances are you can also get involved in your residence associations. I attended the Place Vanier group associations and I signed up for a variety of groups (Sustainability, etc.). Try signing up and check if the group/club is right for you. Also, check our your faculty undergraduate society. I’m currently looking into first year representative for Faculty of Land and Food Systems.
• Last but not least, BREATHE: I really felt like I was holding my breath the entire 2 weeks. Try to find something that relaxes you, or seek out a friend and do things together. Remember, you’re not alone.