uoitproblems-blog

[uoitproblems-blog]

Should i choose UOIT as an exchange destination?

Hi, I’m an prospective UOIT exchange student majoring in Computer Science/ Software Engineering and Business. Only have a few more days before i make my choice. So far my research of UOIT is slightly positive. Just a few questions for the community.

Is the Laptop fee really necessary? even if you are an exchange student? I heard its 900 dollars a year so its 450 for a semester?

Any ideas on living around campus? West Village Townhouses seems nice and adequately priced.

How is the Student community and social life?  Its gonna be my first time in Canada so are there like exchange student social programs?

Do you guys think UOIT provides a good learning environment or do other universities such as queens or waterloo be a better choice.

Thanks!

 Hello! 

Unfortunately, yes the laptop fee is necessary, even for exchange and part time students, I believe. $900 is actually cheaper than what I had to pay when I was there so I guess consider yourself lucky :P The reasoning is that you're getting licensed software you'd be using in your classes with the laptop. To be honest, I only ever used like, 3 of the included programs, but if you're in Computer Science it might be different for you.

Quite a few apartments have gone up very close to campus and their rent seems fairly reasonable considering their proximity around campus. Alternatively, a lot of houses are being rented out to students too, but if they are within the campus area they're usually around the same price as the apartments, might not be furnished, and are a year-long lease as opposed to 8 months. However, you don't have to deal with as many neighbour issues like if you were living in dorms (which was an awful experience for me). The school is definitely smaller than the other schools you listed, so the social scene might be a bit quieter in comparison. I can't really comment more though since I haven't been to any other school... And I can never really comment on the experience or environment because that is definitely very dependent on your program and also yourself. Ultimately, the experience is what you make of it, with only some outside factors affecting it. Overall, I enjoyed my time at UOIT, especially the hands-on approach to the classes and the small class size. 

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Hi! I just saw the lack of study space ask, and I was wondering if that applied to both campuses? Thank you!

Most of my classes were confined to the North Campus so I can't give a concrete answer for the downtown campus, which is actually several buildings spread around downtown Oshawa. However, you would be a lot closer to the Coffee Culture I liked to study at (free wifi, plugs for laptops in all the booths), and also the Charles street building did provide a nice study space in their main floor, but I've only ever been there on weekends when there weren't classes so I don't know how crowded it is normally.

Anyone who spends most of their time in the downtown campus is more than welcome to add to this answer!

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Hi! I'm currently in grade 12, and a prospective UOIT student. I applied to three of their programs (Health Science, Life Science, and Commerce). I also went to their campus tour in November of 2014 and absolutely fell in love with everything UOIT has to offer. However, I have been reading comments about the schools lack of study space, bad internet connection, unusable printers, etc. I know the school is fairly new, and I don't want any misconceptions due to haters on the internet. Thank you!

Uhm....I think there's a question in here somewhere? Are you asking about whether that stuff is true or not? Or of it's really that bad....? I'm going to deduce a question and answer that lol.

There is a serious lack of study space, partly because any kind of rules are often unenforced (except, for at least a few years, the no food in the library rule, which was enforced with an iron fist...) Campus space is a bit small, while the student population seems to be expanding each year, so that's obviously a problem. The other problem, as mentioned, is that spaces reserved for studying are often taken up by people hanging out or gaming. People will also "reserve" seats in the library by just leaving their stuff in a seat while they're in class. Usually people feel bad or awkward about moving the stuff or handing it over to security, so that space is basically hogged up even when not being used. People also take naps in the library but I like to think they just passed out from all the studying lol.

It is genuinely frustrating trying to find a place to do some work, and--this sounds awfully hipster-ish of me, but I usually end up going to the Coffee Culture in downtown Oshawa. They have decent food and drinks, free wifi and booths with plugs. It can get busy sometimes, but I've spent many free days there for like 6+ hours doing work. Plus, coffee shop sounds apparently help increase productivity.

As for the tech problems; they're intermittent. It did improve quite a bit in my later years at UOIT, though not without hiccups. I don't know if other schools might have the same sorts of issues with their tech, though. It's just ironic because UOIT is supposed to be a tech school. But often, I find the IT department kinda incompetent and/or not totally helpful...but I mean, there are computing students all around campus so at least there are other options...? 

Personally, though, a lot of those things might seem really annoying at the time, but they're really not a big deal. University is an experience, but you gotta remember that it's still a SCHOOL. Its main point is to learn stuff, which sounds lame, but hey, you're paying thousands of dollars for something right? The rest of it; the social life, the tech stuff--they're little bits that make up your experience there, but their importance is up to you.

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hey, i'm in first year med lab and i'm wondering if the grades for chem 1010, bio 1010 etc are curved? my grades are good haha but apparently the class averages for the midterms were like 60! there's nothing about it in the syllabus

I'm not the med-lab mod but I've taken both those courses in first year. Whether or not grades are curved depends on the professor, and to my understanding, it's done at the professor's discretion. There's no need to mention it to the students or put it in the syllabus. So, neither of the mods would be able to tell you (especially since it's been like three years since either of us took those classes so chances are you'd have different profs and stuff).

It isn't likely, though, since bell-curving is typically done in very large classes, and UOIT's class sizes aren't that big. I've had midterms where the class average was like 43%, but there wasn't any sort of curving done, even though a failing average is pretty bad.

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Im a grade 12 student and I have my first campus tour ever at UOIT on Sunday! Im so nervous but UOIT is my first choice for forensic science :3 Anything you can tell me about the program?

Don't be nervous! Haha, I'm sure you'll like the school, it's a smaller campus but since it's new, there's some nice modern architecture. Make sure you sign up for the lab demo for the forensics lab!

So since you're going on the tour, I won't tell you the details about the program map or anything like that; I'm sure the profs who are there will be able to provide more info than I can. 

As for the things that I can tell you from my own experience; it's a really fun program in that it gets really hands on.

 The program was accredited last year, which basically means that we meet all the standards that are accepted as a quality forensic science program (you'll learn all about this stuff in like third or fourth year...I'll be honest, it's the less fun part), and the auditors that came in even told us that we had better and more updated equipment than a lot of police labs in the states!

In second year you'll get to use the crime scene house, and lucky you guys, you get the new one (we had the tiny cramped one...). So this is where you would process a scene as if you were Scenes of Crimes Officers. You'll get to collect evidence, and then go back into the lab to analyse it, using pretty much the protocols you'd expect to get as an actual SOCO. 

You'll also have plenty of labs in other science courses that are a part of the program, as well as labs for forensic-specific topics like forensic chemistry, biology, dugs and tox, etc (starting in third year). So, you're basically getting some hands-on experience when it comes to some of the common forensic analyses. At the end-ish of third year, you'd be taking one of your "cases" that you did in the labs into a mock court, where you'll be questioned as an expert witness. Everyone says it's super intimidating but if you're well prepared, it shouldn't be that bad (I also got best mark in that, woo).

The thing is that it is a pretty intense program. I think we had about 60 people in first year and 14 of us graduated this June so it's not an easy program. Sometimes it's the work load and sometimes it's the material itself (it's a very interdisciplinary program so there are courses covering several different sciences, and I've had friends leave the program partly because they were having trouble with the chemistry part, or the biology part). It takes a lot of work but if it's something you're passionate about, you should be able to make it through. Most of the profs in the program are pretty great, and they want you to do well.

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How are the nuclear engineering students liking uoit? And how are students liking uoit overall? Student life, res, profs etc

Can any nuclear engineering followers answer the first part?

I also encourage followers to add their input for the second part, too! Just remember that submissions should be respectful--don't hold back if you think something's an issue, just don't be rude about it.

As for what I think... like most other universities, it's a mixed bag. I personally liked UOIT, with some exceptions. I enjoyed my program, the compact size of the main campus is really convenient and the smaller class sizes made it really nice. I wasn't that involved with the school, but there were lots of clubs and student associations that other people really enjoyed. In any case, whether you're into partying (there's plenty of that, so don't worry) or not, I'm assuming it could be less daunting to make friends because of the smaller class sizes and the structure of Orientation Week.

Administration can be frustrating, but after complaining to friends who went to other universities, UOIT isn't the only one who suffers from this issue. Things like the Centre for Disabilities and academic advising can be a real headache to deal with, and they definitely could use some improvement. Just because other schools have these issues doesn't mean they don't need fixing!

Rez can be a positive or negative experience depending on your luck and personality. I'm a fairly reserved person, so I didn't do much socializing when I was in rez. Sometimes, the noise levels got really frustrating, and the RAs weren't particularly helpful. Other people didn't mind it so much, and even had a great time, though most people leave rez to rent the nearby student apartments and houses after first year. Gives a little more leg room, so to speak. There are plenty of rez events, and I remember there being movie and game nights, and stuff like that.

To be honest, it's a hard question to answer because everyone experiences things differently. It's cliched, but time and time again, I'll say that university is what you make of it. Sure, particular things about a school can definitely affect your experience, but aside from stuff like the curriculum and profs and stuff, the rest is pretty much up to you. 

[uoitproblems-blog]

the 900 does take about an hour and a half to get from UTSC to UOIT and that’s in the non-busy hours, during peak hours where it stops at every stop it can be a nightmare lasting over 2 and a half

[uoitproblems-blog]

Hello. This is my first year on OSAP. I submitted all my forms near the end of July and yet UOIT has yet to confirm my enrolment. Does it usually take this long or should I call them and ask why its taking so long? I don't want to bother them because they're probably super busy at this time of year.

It's still better to ask financial aid, even though the line might be quite long. OSAP sometimes changes their procedure over the year so I wouldn't be able to match my experience(s) to yours, anyhow. If you're sure you submitted all the required forms, then I suspect that UOIT must have effed up in some part (it happens) when it comes to communication with OSAP.

In some years they had an OSAP table somewhere in the school for students to pick up some documentation or other to be processed, and I think last year they started just posting that form on the OSAP website after you log in...I would double check the site first, and then ask financial aid. 

[uoitproblems-blog]

hey what are some easy electives to take at uoit.

Depends on what you find easy. Science and nursing students like taking social science courses. Those are like, the only two faculties with people I was friends with, so I have no idea what other faculties might find "easy". I'd imagine some social science people might like taking Astronomy, or English courses.

Trent at UOIT offers language courses that UOIT students can take. Some of those might be in the spring or summer semesters only. Since these are beginner courses (not meant for native speakers), I'd imagine they're fairly easy if you don't have difficulty with languages.

Ask the upperclassmen in your faculty or program, see what they took. What's easy for some people, or even what was easy one year, might not be for you (thank you to the classmate who convinced half our class to take conversation bio...easy my ass!).

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Hello! I will be commuting to UOIT everyday. I've heard about the UPASS that could be used by students to travel at a much lower cost.. I live in Toronto and I've been told that we could use the DRT buses. Do you know how long the bus ride takes from UTSC to UOIT on or off peak hours?

Hello!

The 900 DRT Pulse bus would be the one that does between UOIT and UTSC.

The difference is that you won’t have to pay extra for the DRT bus—that’s what your UPass is for. There used to be a discount for Go buses with the UPass but I think that’s been taken out since they added the 900 Pulse bus. 

Unfortunately I’ve never taken this route before, but the Go bus from UOIT to the STC takes about 40 minutes—but this is an express bus, so I imagine the DRT bus could take around 2 hours.

Can anyone who regularly takes the 900 help anon out?

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Hi, Im starting 1st year this sept. Is it better to get textbooks before classes start or after? And do you know if there is a student run txtbook exchange that occurs during the start of the school year? I know some other uni's have that

Welcome to the school (even though I've graduated now, haha)! 

To be completely honest, it's best if you get your textbooks after you've had your first class, after the prof has gone through the course syllabus. That way, you can determine whether or not you will need to buy that textbook. Some courses, the book is just supplementary, and depending on your learning style, lectures are enough; in other courses, there are extra readings that won't be covered in class but you will need to know. 

And there isn't much of an exchange as in, you trade books for other books, but if you look up UOIT Textbook Exchange on facebook, a lot of students are selling their books (which reminds me, I need to post my old books, too. Hey, what textbooks do you need? :P) for pretty cheap. Of course, some of the used textbooks are older editions but that usually doesn't matter. I've had a book that was several editions older than what was in the syllabus but the material was the same. 

If not, you can always look online, and I think the bookstore is still doing price match. So, if you show them the webpage on your laptop or phone, they will sell you the same textbook for the cheaper price that's online. Of course, there are conditions, like the price is for the same edition and for a new book, etc. 

If that still makes it too expensive, then buying older editions online is still an option, but it could take time to ship to you (Amazon is usually pretty fast though, like I got my books in about a week from purchase). Again, it's totally fine to have an older edition because all they changed was maybe the order of some paragraphs or pages, or like, switched out a word.

Hope this helped!

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Hi, I am slightly under the minimum average of 70, do you think I have a chance of being accepted? My overall average is 68.67%

Do you mean your top 6 average, or for all of your classes? Remember, universities look at your top 6 classes, rather than all of your grade 12 classes.

I think some of the programs have raised their minimum acceptance average to 75%, so it might be a bit tough for you if your top 6 is below 70%. UOIT is a new school so they're trying to get more people to come, but it's still pretty small and has limited space, so--no offence--I don't think you'll have a high chance of being accepted if that's your top 6 average.

I hate to sound harsh in any way, but I guess you have to look at why you get the marks that you do, because people's marks usually drop once they hit university. It's one of the reasons there is a cut-off minimum; people who didn't do well in high school might have a really tough time in university. If you got your marks that you got because there were some classes that really brought you down, you might be able to make it in university if you don't have courses like those...but if you're not a self-learner and/or won't readily approach a prof or TA for extra help, it'll be really, really tough.

Either way, I do with you the best of luck! UOIT is a pretty decent school for most programs, even though people like to whine and make fun of it since it's new (and let's be honest, some school's students take the "prestige" of their school too seriously), so if you are accepted and choose this school, hopefully you'll enjoy it too :)

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Hi, I'm staying in central hall in this year and could you somewhat describe the room because frankly, there are no pictures of this residence and it kinda worries me. Also, is uoit like a party school? And are there lots of stoners? Thank you :)

I can try finding pictures to upload (keep in mind it's been two years since I lived in rez so I can't even remember if the photos are backed up properly....), so stay tuned for that haha.

Going to try to give you a walkthrough of it so you can get the best idea in case I can't find any photos.

When you walk in, there's a kitchenette to one side, which has a decent sized sink, a small counter area, cabinets above the counter (and under the sink), and a microwave, as well as a small dining table and two chairs. To your other side would be the bathroom, which has a pedestal sink (which really kind of sucks, especially if you're someone who has an elaborate get-ready ritual....), a toilet with a medicine cabinet over it and a shower across.

The "bedroom" area is like a motel room with two queen beds, except there's a half-wall that separates the beds so you're not staring at your roommate when you're sleeping, or vice versa. Next to each bed is a closet rack and shelf. Across from the beds are a desk for each person, plus a TV between the desks, which sits on top of your drawers. Lucky you guys, you're coming in after the renovation so the furniture is relatively new and the TV is a nice, Samsung flat screen (so you can hook up game consoles and DVD players). When I was there, we still had the giant box TV. You get a floor lamp, the kitchenette and bathroom have ceiling lights, and each desk has a desk lamp. The lighting thus sort of sucks. It's actually very roomy since it's "open concept", but there aren't too many storage spaces, so make sure you get some under-bed storage and stuff like that.

I don't think UOIT parties more than any other university, and because we're smaller, it might seem a little quieter? Rez can get noisy on Fridays and Saturdays, of course, the townhouses/student houses nearby tend to hold parties on the weekends, and the pub by the ice centre, Shag's (or, technically, Shagwell's) has really busy pub nights every Thursday. If you're a partier, there's plenty to go to, but if you're not (like me), then it's not awful or unbearable, either. Usually when I got annoyed at my neighbours in rez, it wasn't because of partying (our upstairs neighbours had serious issue and liked to stomp on the floor to piss us off....) so don't worry if you're worried it'll be too loud.

As for stoners....I don't know if there's a lot, but keep in mind that you're going to university in Oshawa, so there's definitely going to be at least some. It's not like you'll see groups of hippies smoking out on the commons or anything, and if anything it happens mostly in private, or at parties and stuff?

Hope that helped :)

[uoitproblems-blog]

Hi, i'm going to uoit in september for Criminology which is in the downtown campus and was wondering if the buses are frequent since I'm staying in the central hall residence. thanks

The bus that'll take you downtown runs every 7 minutes during the majority of the day. I think past 6:30 PM it runs every half hour, and also every half hour early in the morning :) 

[uoitproblems-blog]

NURSING, Y/N? PLZ RESPOND ASAP

Well we can't give you a good answer if your question is so...general.....Also, neither of the mods are/were in nursing.

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Are there any Koreans on campus?

There's a Korean Student Association (they had a food fair at some point), so I should think so! UOIT is pretty diverse :)

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Hello there! I have been accepted into the MLS program this year. I was wondering if I need to take physics as one of my open electives. I am one of those who aspires to apply for med school after this undergraduate. I have heard that some med schools need pre-req in physics. I only did Physics 11 in high school, so I have no background for Phys 12. And honestly, I don't like physics! :D If I do take it, do you suggest I take it in the Winter Term (1st year, second sem)?

Hi. Well physics is not required for this program and I have no idea if it's required for med school (it probably is). I never took physics because 1) I hate and 2) I didn't have to; so I don't know what the course load at our school is like. Both semesters in first year are about the same workload which is pretty manageable (so either semester would work). I know that they offer some kind of baby physics (introductory) so I think that's more like grade 11 physics. And then there is Physics I (and II). It honestly would depend on the requirements for med school because if you need both Physics I and II then you will have to take Physics I in the fall semester and then Physics II in the winter semester.