Need advice on a life decision.

[parry]

Many of you have no idea who I am. However I am faced with a decision now and would be appreciative of any input offered. I just finished 2 years at Mount Royal College and am now transferring to university. The problem is that I’ve been accepted into the finance program at both my choices: University of Calgary, and University of Victoria. It would usually be an easy decision as I would chose the location closest to my family but my parents are moving over seas (Dad works in the oil field) and my brother and his fiancé moved to Nanaimo on the island. So I took a weeks vacation to Vancouver Island to check it out and it was really nice, even paid $30 for a day license to get some fishing done, but I was stuck on a tiny creek with 7 other people. Needless to say if it came down to fly fishing I would chose Calgary in a second. I’m just wondering if anyone has gone to, or had to choose between these universities and which would be a smarter decision. From what I know Calgary has the better business school, but Vic offers a Co-Op program that is very appealing. Thanks for the input guys



Dustin Parry

[bigbadbrent]

I'd have to say go with Vic, coop is HUGE for getting a job after

[nick0danger]

U of VIC, my man, nicer climate. There Social life and intermerals programs are suppose to be amazing. And its one of the better ranked schools in Canada. It gets you into another part of our country to appreciate. I would so go.

[wesg]

I cant really comment on the schooling side of it, but the fishing side, Victoria for sure.

[thefisherking]

Just to let you know there is some spectacular fly fishing to be done on the island. Salmon, steel head, sea running cutties, browns, bass, they have it all. I picked up a book when I was there last time called the Island Fly Fisherman, its a really good read. So don't let the fishing here hold you back.

[trex]

Parry,
You are young and I am old but here is my take on it.
I moved out here( from Van Isle) with my folks when I was a kid.
Now my wife and I are scheming on how to return there.
Van Isle has arguably the best climate in Canada.
Calgary is a big city with better nightlife.
Van Isle is better for outdoor activities.
Having said that I would recommend you go to whichever Uni you think will most effectively provide you with the education you require.
If you have family on Van Isle possibly it would be slightly cheaper for you there.

[Christofficer]

There's some good points in here, but if I were you man, I'd go to the island. I'm always there and I can honestly say I like it alot better out there in terms of the other part of my life discluding fishing. The fishing is still great up there though, and I'd say the quality of life is generally better. Less people, less stress. Atleast on my part and the typpe of work I do. And nothing beats going to see the ocean just a short drive away. It's the little things that make it a better place to live. I'm not sure about the schools, but I had a friend who lived out in cranston and had to move out there to go to the same university that you got accepted in, and he always tells me how much more he likes it out there. I don't know though, all I hear is good things about that university. What have you got to lose, it's not like you have to stay out there forever. You're still young and you got a couple of years to go new places, so why not?! I'd go! but that's just me though. Good luck in your decision.

[bloom]

Go to Victoria. I just finished two summers out there and loved it. Live on campus as things are expensive, and the atmosphere is awesome...weather, small campus, etc. Maude's is a great place for a beer and wings.

Fishing is great too. The cowichan is just north of the city, elk lake is close by, and then there's the salmon runs in the fall...awesome

[henhackle]

An education is what you make of it. If you read your books, work hard, take courses from the best professors, and get to know those profs, you're going to do well at either place. I would argue that it is not until grad school that you have to worry so much about the university you attend.

An argument could be made that by staying in Calgary you would make contacts that could help you more when you're looking for a well-paying job. But contacts can be made in Victoria, too.

You won't go wrong either place. It's not like trying to choose between the University of Central Nebraska and Harvard! Make this decision with your heart rather than your head; you will have to make plenty of other decisions with your head when you're older.

Good luck and let us know where you decide to go.

[nick0danger]

Umm Henhackle its damn close to comparing University of Central Nebraska, to Harvard. The U of Vic, is one of thy best schools in Canada.

[Din]

Having just transferred from mrc to u of c(just finished my 1st year at u of c, B. Comm major in accting) heres my input.

U of C is a research school. More often than not my profs this year were more concerned with their research than the teaching aspect, which made life hell. sure there are more opportunities to make contacts in the oil industry here in calgary, but that shouldn't stop you. My motto is that no matter where you go, as long as you enjoy what you do, you will make money, and be happy (not necessarily in that order). You probably only have two years left in your degree, so need be go to u of vic for a year, and you don't like it transfer back to calgary for the last year.

wish I had the choice like you...sure as hell wish i could have stayed at mrc...

[castuserraticus]

The co-op program alone is likely worth going for. Many profs live an academic la-la land. They are too removed from the requirements of working in the real world. Whenever I think about going back for a masters I sit and ponder what life was really like at university (forget the distractions of girls and partying).

[highwoodfisher]

mitch said:

My motto is that no matter where you go, as long as you enjoy what you do, you will make money, and be happy

completely agree

[lundvike]

I am with pretty much everyone here, I would choose UVic. For a couple of reasons first the coop program is a great way to ensure a career after school is done, second I think everyone should spend some time away from what they are accustomed to so they will appreciate other people and situations or at least appreciate what you have here even more.

[SanJuanWorm_DavDev]

I'd go Uvic for the weather alone.