My SYDE 1A Experience
here's a photo of the entire class after the SYDE 121 final exam in E7
My first term (1A) in Systems Design Engineering (SYDE) at the University of Waterloo was extremely exciting and challenging. This term was full of unique experiences and it feels like just yesterday. I made a lot of new friends and learned a lot about myself and just how rigorous this waterloo engineering thing was going to be for the next 5 years of my life.
Waterloo Engineering
Waterloo Engineering is known for its challenging curriculum and fantastic co-op program. The professors focus on building strong fundamentals through hands-on learning and solving real-world problems, and the co-op lets you gain actual industry experience. Plus, the community is really supportive, with plenty of clubs and design teams to get involved with.
E7, The Engineering Building at the University of Waterloo
Orientation Week
Orientation Week at the University of Waterloo was an unforgettable experience. It was a week filled with activities, events, and opportunities to meet fellow students and faculty members. From team-building exercises to campus tours and social events, Orientation Week helped me feel welcomed and prepared for the journey ahead. It was a great way to start my university life and make lasting connections.
Orientation Week activities at the University of Waterloo
The Transition from High School
The jump from high school to university engineering was significant. The pace is faster, the material more complex, and the expectations much higher. In high school, I was used to being guided through most learning processes, but university demanded more independence and self-directed study. Time management became crucial as I juggled multiple deadlines, readings, and projects simultaneously. The freedom was both liberating and challenging since no one was checking if I attended lectures or completed readings, but the consequences of falling behind were entirely on me. I had to quickly adapt to this new environment, learning to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively. It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me valuable skills in self-discipline and responsibility that I know will benefit me throughout my career.
My SYDE 1A schedule. Everyone, including me hated 8:30am classes
Courses
The SYDE curriculum very specific and unique. Every single course we take is SYDE specific, meaning only people in Systems Design will take these courses. You will notice that all the course codes start with SYDE whereas other engineering majors will have some that start with MATH or ECE. Overall, Systems Design Engineering is designed to build a strong foundation in engineering principles while introducing the systems thinking approach that makes this program super unique. Here were the courses I had to take in 1A:
A typical week in SYDE 1A was packed with activities from morning to evening. Finding balance was challenging but essential for maintaining both academic performance and mental health.
Living in Claudette Millar Hall (CMH)
Living in CMH was a huge part of my first-year experience. The residence was usually filled with stream 4 engineering students because of the fact that we would have to come back in the summer and needed cooling. There were single and double rooms where there wasn't really a wall between you are your roommate so it was very different going from your own room to having basically no privacy. I spent many late nights in the study rooms or the areas between the rooms with tables doing homework or catching up on assignments whenever it was too cold to go outside. Being so close to classes was another blessing. This meant I could easily swing by for a quick review or a much-needed break. Overall, CMH wasn't just a building—it was a vibrant community that made my first year both memorable and supportive.
A picture of CMH at night
Making Friends in SYDE
The cohort-based structure of SYDE meant I spent most of my time with the same group of about 100 students. This created an environment where deep friendships formed naturally. Study groups evolved into friend groups, and collaborative projects led to lasting connections.
These friendships were crucial for navigating the challenges of first year. We supported each other through difficult assignments, celebrated successes together, and provided emotional support during stressful periods like midterms and finals.
Preparing for Co-op
Even in 1A, co-op preparation was a significant focus. The Waterloo co-op program is renowned for providing valuable work and work on projects that challenged me to grow even further. experience, and preparation began early. After applying to 500 jobs, I realized that each rejection was a stepping stone toward growth and refinement. The experience was grueling, but it pushed me to continuously improve my resume, hone my technical skills, and perfect my interview techniques—skills that I had already started developing during co-op preparation through resume workshops, mock interviews, and project work. Ultimately, that persistence paid off. I returned to rbcx to work for ownr as a SWE intern. This role was the culmination of everything I had learned: the resilience from facing countless rejections, the practical skills from co-op preparation, and the drive to excel in a competitive field. At ownr, I was able to contribute meaningfully as a software engineer, collaborate with talented professionals, and work on projects that challenged me to grow even further. While the first co-op term was still months away, the groundwork laid in 1A was essential for future success in the job search process.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on my 1A term, I learned so much and I couldn't ask for a better start to my university career.
