<p>Hi, so I have interviews for Co-op coming up and I'm just curious about what my life will be like during each terms.
So what are lives during Co-op like?
Can you describe "A day in a life of a Co-op student"?
I understand that it's different for all companies and majors, but what are your thoughts?
Things that you expected and things you didn't?
And what were the interviews like?
Thanks</p>
<p>I am co-oping right now. It is like having a real 9-5 (or in my case, 7-4) job. Of course, everyone will know that you don't know much, so it is more of an experience just to get you exposed to everything. Most of the engineers in my department are less than 5 years out of school, and almost all of them were previous co-ops. They say that co-op is the time to learn as much as you can, because everyone will be willing to help you, (more so than with a new-hire engineer.)</p>
<p>Anyways, you should have actual work to do, but nobody should ever flip out on you or anything. It is great experience to have, good opportunity to make some money, and it will look great on a resume.</p>
<p>how do you make living arrangements</p>
<p>You find an apartment and rent it month-to-month, like a grown-up. Then you deal with utilities, insurance, etc. If you don't want to move your furniture, you can rent a corporate apartment.</p>
<p>Sometimes companies will have HR reps that will recommend apartments, some co-ops work together and rent an apartment on a 12 month contract (rotating who lives there every semester), but in general, it's up to you.</p>
<p>My company owns a bunch of houses in town...I'm sure this is out of the norm though. $250/month gets me a room in a nice furnished 2 BR, 2 bath place with utilities included.</p>
<p>Housing is definitely something to consider when you are looking at co-ops. If you are going to spend all of your earnings on rent, utilities, etc. you might want to reconsider things.</p>