<p>D is a rising freshman in Purdue's first year engineering program. She has always planned to co-op. For those of you engineering graduates who co-oped how did it affect your ability to make and keep friends while you were in college?</p>
<p>Well certainly, since engineering programs tend to be more intimate and since you get to know your classmates more readily than, say, being a part of the general population – going on an internship or co-op will expand the number of people you know. </p>
<p>Also, having more money can be very helpful as well. </p>
<p>Really, its not like high school where, perhaps, failing a grade may very well be a social kiss of death. I wouldn’t worry about it. The first couple years of engineering school, lots of people drop out anyways, so there’s a decent chance that a significant number of friends made won’t be in the program when graduation rolls around. Or at least that was my personal experience.</p>
<p>People were dropping out of one lab class at such a rate in my first year that, I had a new partner every session. Engineering’s really not the place to be if you intend to be some sort of socialite.</p>
<p>Hey, Im a rising junior at Purdue and I just finished a 6 month coop term. I fell like cooping allowed me to make a lot of freinds. By the time i graduate i think ill have more friends than others that didnt coop. Coopinh does not affect social life.</p>