From The Tronically Hip

[edit] How much homework can I expect to get?

Honestly, its different for everyone. The thing you'll notice about university (any university) is that you have less assigned work to do, but generally, more work is required to do decently. If you took a heavier load in high school, you might find first year pretty easy...you'll find it harder if you didn't do as much in high school.

[edit] Do I need a computer? Would you recommend a laptop or desktop?

This depends on who you ask. You don't "need" a computer; there are computers in the engineering buildings that are open 24/7 that you have access to. It really comes down to whether you want to do computer-related homework in the lab all the time, or at home (or in rez). The TAs frequently send out important emails from time to time, so if you don't get a computer, it may be helpful to use someone else's computer to check for updates on a regular basis (or, if you live with people in MTE, that works too)

[edit] Which residence?

UW place

good:

• Good for studying, fairly quiet.
• Close to Class
• Mostly engineering and CS students
• Kitchen
• Cheap(er than other residences)

bad:

• Mostly engineering and CS students
• Most people always have their door closed

MKV

good:

• Newly built
• Nice lounges (big screen tv, etc)
• Better mix of students (close to village residences)
• Air conditioning
• Kitchen

bad:

• More expensive
• Farther from class

Villages

good:

• meal plan, no cooking
• good mix of students from all faculties
• nice common areas and lounges

bad:

• far from class
• caf. food

College Residences

good:

• nice part of campus (near fire pit, river)
• All you can eat meal plans
• community atmosphere

Bad:

• Have to eat at certain times with meal plan
• Most students aren't in engineering and often have less work than you