Like most others, I returned to Laurier feeling excitement and nervousness.
This will (hopefully) be my last year as a full-time Laurier student and being in my fifth year, I figured I knew what to expect.
Unfortunately, some aspects of my first week of school have been rather lackluster, partly due to myself and partly to forces outside my control.
Many ideas have been put forth on the greatest enemy in the history of mankind: Plagues, the elements and people themselves ( to name a few.)
However, all of these challengers pale compared to the true enemy of man: Wi-Fi.
Trying to install eduroam on my devices was more frustrating than teaching a gorilla to lay an egg.
I couldn’t get the internet working on my laptop until I went to the IT desk.
Upon arriving, I embarrassed myself as I learned that I had inputted the wrong password into my account.
Admittedly, that was my fault, and so was neglecting to ask the kind people at IT to help my phone connect to the Wi-Fi.
I was forced to use my data until it randomly allowed me to connect a week later.
Regarding passwords, having to use Microsoft Authenticator again has made me reconsider all of my life choices.
Hyperbole aside, I always find authenticator not accepting my passwords, asking for codes I can’t find and requesting confirmation too frequently.
I understand that the need for good cyber security is more important than ever.
Despite this, you will rarely see me more upset than when Authenticator stops me from accessing my account for the thirteenth time in a row.
Technology hasn’t been the only thing that’s been frustrating so far.
In prior years, textbooks ordered online would be distributed in front of the Laurier bookstore.
For whatever reason, the location has now been moved to the turret.
This is an issue for numerous reasons.
Firstly, the bookstore resides in the middle of campus, a recognizable, frequently trafficked area.
In contrast, the turret is off in the corner and up several flights of stairs.
Despite my experience at Laurier, I had never been up to the turret and struggled to find it.
For added confusion, there are signs at the bookstore pointing to where to pick up online orders that lead nowhere.
One can imagine how confused first years must be.
After eventually finding it, I had to wait in line while two overworked staff had to find each student’s books one at a time.
This became a problem when they couldn’t find the course materials for a student in front of me.
As a result, the entire line halted for over five minutes, and some people were forced to wait on the stairwell.
Despite my criticisms, it’s only fair to mention how smoothly other aspects of my Laurier experience have been.
I’ve had no issues with my classes, o-week felt very fleshed out and the campus looks quite pretty.
Not everything at Laurier is perfect.
However, if one spends too much time dwelling on those finer details, then it can take way from otherwise enjoying the rest of the unique Laurier experience.
