A few questions from an incoming Computer Engineering Freshman

<p>I'm really excited to be attending Northwestern this fall, and I'd really appreciate it if you guys could answer a few questions for me. If you are/were a computer engineering major, I would love to hear about your experience at Northwestern. Of course anyone can answer these questions, but some may be engineering specific.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>How difficult is the course load? At my high school, even though I am in post-AP and AP classes, I don't have to put in THAT much work. I typically study for an hour or less per day, and then maximum 3-4 hours on the weekend. Of course I have to work a bit more before finals and APs, but not by much. I'm fully prepared to start working hard at Northwestern, but will I still be able to have a social life on the weekends and get some sleep?</p></li>
<li><p>Are there any professors that I should avoid or look for when I am signing up for classes?</p></li>
<li><p>Which dorms should I try to get in when I apply for housing? For reference, I am probably what you would consider a typical engineering student.</p></li>
<li><p>Is it difficult to find a study group? I don't mean a group of people who solve every problem together, but rather, a group of people that can help each other out when needed and keep each other motivated.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I’m not at Northwestern, but I think that I can answer a few of these questions.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Northwestern is difficult. It’s one of the best colleges in the entire United States. That being said, most people still get out and have fun. NU is known to have a good balance of work and play, and students don’t just study all day.</p></li>
<li><p>CTECs (Course and Teacher Evaluation Council) is an evaluation of the courses and teachers that students can read on CAESAR (I believe that’s where it is, but I’m not totally sure). It basically gives you an idea of what people think of the teachers. It might not be completely accurate, but it gives you a general idea.</p></li>
<li><p>[The</a> 2012 Freshman Housing Guide | North by Northwestern](<a href=“http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/story/the-2012-freshman-housing-guide/]The”>http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/story/the-2012-freshman-housing-guide/)</p></li>
<li><p>This I have no idea on.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Hit the nail on the head.</p>

<p>It’s easy to find a study group. Just talk to the people in your class, don’t be a terrible person, and suggest that you study together. It’d be even better if you’ve had other classes with them… very easy to start talking.</p>

<p>The profs are starting to make facebook groups to facilitate that sort of thing online, with the whole class asking questions and responding as necessary.</p>