how can i get through ubc first year engineering easily?
 

I heard UBC engineering is a killer.

any tips on which courses i should pay special attention to, and what i should be careful of?

It's time consuming, but I wouldn't say it's difficult, especially if you have the aptitude for it. First year isn't bad, pretty much like high school, don't get too stressed out about it. One tip i can think of off the top of my head is to take your electives early. There are some electives that are normally taken in 3rd or 4th year, but you can easily take them in 1st year, or in summer courses. Much better to do it now and free up your schedule in the future.

As someone who has failed out of 1st year (I'm in 2nd year electrical now), I can give you a few tips:

1. Are you fond of programming? Well if not then watch out for APSC 160.
2. Any idea what linear algebra is like? If not watch out for MATH 152 (this IMO is the hardest first year course).
3. Calculus is alright. Do practice, don't fall behind.
4. Physics 153 is a year round course. Don't mess up the second term.
5. Knew a few people who failed CHEM 154. I don't think its that bad, just be prepared. You don't have to take CHEM again after first year anyways unless you're going into Chemical or something.
6. If you got 90%+ in high school, you're guaranteed placement into any program in 2nd year. Otherwise, if you want MECH or CIVIL, be prepared to get 70+ average.

As far as studying goes, as long as you're half committed and your engineering friends aren't complete slackers, you'll get by fine. I hung out with a bunch of people that decided to be lazy and eventually it got to me and I skipped a lot of classes. Just don't fall behind.

thanks for the advice,

do we have to take an art course the first year?

i only signed up for eng112. i was wondering if i should do econ, but my schedule might not be up for it.

better confirm with engineering services or some outline.
you actually do not need all your first year courses done to go on to second year. only a large majority of them. eg. Im in 2nd year electrical and I havent done apsc 150, my friend in 4th year computer is retaking chem 154 this term, etc.

The courses you really don't want to fail are Phys 153 (6 creds oh shiet), Phys 170, and Math 152