Forensic Science at Trent University
Aliyah (Year 3)
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 chose this university solely based on location because residency is too expensive. Being able to stay home and save money is a gift. I find the campus size regular as I can access a lot of buildings without getting easily tired. It is a friendly community in my option which is really good for making friends and getting to know professors or TAs. I find that sometimes because of how easy or simple certain courses can be, I tend to underestimate the amount of studying I have to do in order to be prepared for exams or mid-terms.
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 really knew more about time management as I had a job and I had to cut back because I couldn't manage my usual hours and university. I chose the program based on my love for crime movies and I've always wanted to be able to be able to talk about the causes of death. The advantages of my program is that a hands on program where I'm able to see and do things rather than being in lengthy lectures which would be the disadvantage as some lectures are really long and can sometimes be boring.
What was your favourite university experience?
Some of my favourite university experiences include: meeting friends in the library or at clubs who share the same interest as me; learning new materials and getting hands on experience in classes; varsity sports is really great because my team-mates became my family.
What was your least favourite university experience?
Some of my least favourite university experiences include: staying up late to complete assignments or to study; waking up early to go to class; crying in the night because I have midterms in a couple hours and I still didn't understand the topic.
What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?
The hardest part about my program was the exam because some lecturers really over complicate a topic which does not need the extra complication. I read ahead of the classes so I'll be able to keep with what was being taught. I've learnt that running through the slides really helps and also prepares me to ask questions that I don't really understand.
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?
My favourite course would be physics because the professor was awesome. Choose courses that you actually like and know that you can manage because having an interest will definitely help.