u/Alternative-Belt3668

Hey everyone, I’m starting first-year engineering at the University of Calgary this fall and wanted some honest advice from people who are currently in engineering or already finished first year.

Right now I’m debating whether getting a motorcycle for summer riding is a good idea before university starts. My plan would only be to ride during the summer and stop once classes begin in September.

A few things I’m wondering:

• Would having a motorcycle before first year realistically affect studies later on, even if riding stops during school?
• Did any of you have hobbies like motorcycles, cars, gym, sports, gaming, etc. while in engineering? Did it help with stress or become a distraction?
• Looking back, would you spend the summer before engineering relaxing and enjoying hobbies, or fully preparing academically?
• What is actually worth preparing for before first year? (calculus, coding, physics, time management, etc.)
• What do most students underestimate about first-year engineering?
• Is the workload/stress exaggerated online or is it genuinely that intense?

I’m trying to find the right balance between enjoying my summer and setting myself up properly for success in engineering.

Would really appreciate honest advice from people who’ve actually gone through it.