Biomedical Sciences at Ryerson University
Esther (Year 3)
esther.tang4828@gmail.com
What did you wish you knew before going to your university? What made you choose this institution over all others? What are advantages and disadvantages of your institution or campus? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your university.
I wish I knew about commuting funds that Ryerson gives to students (ie. GO transit discount, etc) and extracurricular activities.
What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program? What are the advantages and disadvantages of your program? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your program of study.
I wish I knew more about specialized branches of studies in my program and minoring options.
What was your favourite university experience?
My best experience at University was attending classes in a new environment and making new friends. I also enjoyed the lab working environment and interacting with my colleagues in a meaningful way. Studying together with people in my program made learning information easier.
What was your least favourite university experience?
There isn't anything terrible I recall from my current experiences, but exam season is quite stressful so it isn't one of the better experiences of my university career. Especially when you have exams at the beginning of exam week right after lectures have just finished. Back-to-back exams are also difficult so learning to manage time wisely for each subject is very important in times like these.
What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?
The hardest parts of the Biomedical Science program are exams and lab assignments. Studying for exams is difficult by nature, and since most exam dates are close to each other, time management is an important skill to have in order to prioritize the exam you are taking first but not under study for your next exam. Lab assignments are not difficult in an academic sense but they are quite time consuming, especially formal lab reports, so balancing time studying lecture based contents while doing assignments and also not falling behind is important.
If you were able to take electives, what was your favourite elective? If you were not able to take electives, what was your favourite course and why?
Microbiology (BLG151) and Cell Biology (BLG311 and BLG411)
Additional Comments
Ryerson has lots of services and facilities dedicated to new coming students so it is a good idea to look for them and don't be afraid to ask questions, as most Ryerson staff are happy to answer them. Also, it is a good idea to start looking for opportunities for more experience in work in your field, such as volunteering or co-op.