<p>I know there are quite a few people out there who would like to know a little more about McGill. Here is my experience after finishing my first semester. Hopefully it will help shed a little more light on life at McGill: </p>
<p>--The campus was more attractive and small than I was expecting. Keep in mind it is no Harvard or Yale, but it is enjoyable. I cannot complain.</p>
<p>--If you don't enjoy drinking, are a vegetarian or a more somber student, sign up for Radical Frosh in September (Frosh is a "3-day Welcome Fest"). Rad Frosh will be an alternative option to the other McGill Frosh groups that put an emphasis on binge drinking. In Rad Frosh, 1 out of 4 students will be vegetarian. For an extra fee ($40?) you can go white water rafting or you can visit the Mohawk reservation for free.</p>
<p>--The classes are very large (sometimes 400) and therefore it is very very hard to meet people. It seems as if I made most of my friends on the first day of class while trying to find the class location. This is different if you live in the dorms, however. </p>
<p>-- I've heard that so much partying goes on in the first-year dorms that it is hard to sleep.</p>
<p>--I knew the weather would be exceptionally harsh during winter. Purchase removable "cleats" for the bottom of your shoes so that you can walk to school without slipping on the ice. The ice is treacherous.</p>
<p>--If you are someone who prefers warm and sunny weather, SERIOUSLY consider a more southern university. In the winter, night falls around 4PM. It can be quite dark and dreary and even depressing. Some students then find it hard to study.</p>
<p>--Girls: As for fashion, I notice that many McGill students wear wool trench coats and Burberry scarves during winter (this includes some of the males). Bring all of your summer dresses, cutest sandals and accessories for spring, summer and autumn. I was surprised at the fashion. There are many professors and employees who walk around with cane umbrellas and I've seen middle-aged women wearing large brimmed hats trimmed in silk flowers right off campus. Of course, there are many students who dress more simply. But fashion is alive.</p>
<p>--This is a great university for vegetarians. The Midnight Kitchen (a student-run organization) makes free vegan lunches every day at noon at the center of campus.</p>
<p>--I think one of the best parts about the university is the hundreds of student-run organizations. Clubs range from rock climbing, organic vegetable gardening, animal rights, choir, salsa dancing, volunteering for a 24/7 phone hotline for students who have ANY questions (ranging from being lost and needing directions to a certain restaurant... to students who need support after a breakup).</p>
<p>--I would say some of the restaurants around campus are at least 4 or 5-star where quality is concerned. Many serve vegetarian-only menus, but the food is some of the best I've ever tasted. Some of these restaurants include (start jotting this down): Lola Rosa, Carlos & Pepe, Yuan. </p>
<p>--Be prepared for a TON of homework. Within the first month, almost everyone was overwhelmed by the amount of work they must do. I heard many students thought they would not be able to keep up throughout the first semester. On the other hand, you will meet MANY students who do not open a book until 2 days before the exams and who still earn an A+ in each of their classes.</p>
<p>--If you cannot return home for Christmas, keep in mind that there are surprisingly no Christmas trees (real or fake) sold anywhere near campus in December.</p>
<p>--I asked my friends what they would tell other students who might be coming to McGill. They said, "1) Go to all the class tutorials once school starts and 2) hire a tutor early in the semester." </p>
<p>--
40,000 animals are abandoned each year here in Montreal, the worst rate of abandonment in North America, so if you come to McGill and find yourself inevitably strolling down Rue St. Catherine, be sure to sign the anti-puppy mill petition. Puppy mill cruelties are out of control here and students just like you and I are trying to put an end to it.</p>