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Not Another University Thread.....

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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216
So, being from the midwest, I have come across an unfortunate dilemma.

The program I want to take in university is only offered in eastern Canada (specifically at Ryerson, in Toronto, and Carleton, in Ottawa). This is unfortunate because I was originally planning to go to UBC and ski at Whistler all season. So now I am left with a really crappy choice, and I need your help to make my decision.

I need/would like to know:

How long does the ski season last out there?

What hills are close to Toronto and Ottawa, what are they like, and how far away are they?

What do you know about Ryerson/Carleton as schools?

What is the aerospace engineering program at Ryerson/Carleton like?

And finally, what is Toronto like? I have NEVER been to Toronto in my life, so I have next to no clue what the city is like aside from the fact that MTV is stationed there.

Any help is appreciated. Feel free to throw in any extra random info you think would be useful.


Jan 5 2010 1:08PM
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two_plankers_one_wanker
Posts: 232 - Karma: 154
Well I can't speak for Ottawa, but I can certainly tell you a little bit about Toronto. I'd like to preface this comment by saying that if you are into big mountain skiing (or enjoy powder) DON'T COME HERE. The Ontario season runs from Mid December to the end of March. The highest hill, Blue "Mountain" (you'll laugh when you see what we consider mountains) is 800 ft tall. It is located roughly 2 hours north of Toronto. There are some other hills (Brimacomb, dagmar, lakeridge, etc) that are within 1 hour of the city but these hills do not exceed 300 ft. Ontario snow is also lacking. The majority of our base consists of "ontario powder" which is predominantly ground up ice. While we may get 10 or 15 cm at a time, the majority of the season would be characterized as hard pack. So far you are probably thinking... "FUCK THIS I'M GOING TO UBC" ..... however our hills do have some redeeming factors. If you are into park skiing, you've come to the right place. Blue Mountain, Mt. St. Louis, and Horseshoe have some of the best parks in the east. Very well maintained, with a ton of features. Also, most Universities have some sort of ski club which organize trips to various mountains in Canada, so it's not like you won't get to ride at all. Also Ryerson students can join the University of Toronto Ski Club. For $300 you get a season pass to blue, and transportation to the mountain 8 times over the season.

As for the city, it's really not so bad. People bash Toronto because it's large and impersonal, however I don't buy into the stereotype. First off, Toronto is convenient. You've got the subway right there, so it's easy to get around without a car, and there is no shortage of interesting things to do. As well, it's less about the Toronto scene, and more about the Ryerson scene. Just like any other University, you are dropped into an environment with thousands of other students, some of whom will share your common interests. I wouldn't worry about living in Toronto. Honestly if you can't find like minded people and interesting stuff to do... you aren't looking hard enough.

While I've been to Ryerson a few times, and I can't speak to the caliber of the program. I know nothing about it. I suggest flying down and checking it out before you commit to anything.

Hope this helps.
Jan 5 2010 3:12PM
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fouldsys
Posts: 7404 - Karma: 39
basically, if your not into park, you do not want to be in ontario. ive discovered it isnt my thing and i got the hell out of there and now im at ubc and ride whis. if you have any questions about ubc engineering pm me. i might be of some assistance
Jan 5 2010 5:56PM
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mauii
Posts: 6166 - Karma: 32
I wouldn't recommend limiting yourself to those two schools simply because you want to study aerospace engineering.

"Aerospace Engineering" programs are just Mechanical Engineering programs, but rather than having a choice with your electives, you are prescribed mandatory electives in fluid dynamics, controls, acoustics, etc (which you can take in any mech program, in addition to all of your other options). Also, lots of students go into engineering thinking they want to do one thing in one branch, and by the end of their first year realize that its not at all what they enjoy (or have an aptitude in). You might have your mind set on something now, but after experiencing some real courses in it, your opinion might change significantly (or be reinforced. it goes both ways!)

There is no company that, without exceptions, requires someone to have an aerospace eng degree. A typical job requirement from a company like Bombardier reads:

"As the ideal candidate, you have a Bachelor's or a Master's in Mechanical Engineering or in Aerospace Engineering with experience in Aircraft Performance."

http://www.bombardier.com/en/aerospace/careers/


Anyway, long story short - Leave your options open, if you want to go west, go west.

Study mech and take the right electives, its the same thing.

PS: Carleton and Ryerson are not generally well recognized engineering schools.
Jan 10 2010 4:09PM
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Remora
Posts: 196 - Karma: 11
U of T has an amazing engineering program AND a kickass ski & snowboard club.

Here's the website, so you can see what we do:
http://ssc.sa.utoronto.ca/Home.html

That said, yeah, Blue Mountain is not a mountain. If you're going to have (or have access to) a car, Glen eden, dagmar and horseshoe are all pretty close.
Jan 12 2010 2:20PM
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yuck
Posts: 8384 - Karma: 2,090
agreed. mslm is kinda close-ish to toronto, it has a killer park. but if you arent a complete park rat, you arent gonna enjoy ontario skiing as much as what you're coming from (i know the midwest isnt amazing or anything but still...)

as for ottawa area, im not too sure whats around there but it's probably better than southern ontario
Jan 12 2010 10:44PM
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Mr.Bell
Posts: 272 - Karma: 28
A couple of my friends from Ottawa said they would go in Quebec and ride Tremblant, Mount St. Anne etc
Jan 21 2010 8:28PM
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