Student review [#41788] for Commerce
at McMaster University

Personally, my experience at McMaster University has been excellent! Although I am someone who went into McMaster with normal expectations, the university has managed to exceed them. Please note my review is quite long, so you can scroll to the end to see the main points I highlight. 🙂

Before I review the University, I would like to tell you a bit about myself. I am currently in my third year, studying Commerce (there is an option for an internship, but I did not make the program) and hoping to minor in Sociology. On our 12 point grade scale, I’m averaging a 7-8 (roughly 70-76), and am enrolled as a full-time university student. I attend at the main site, and my program is not in combination with any colleges.

To begin my review, I’ll list a few of the positives about McMaster. I enjoy the campus a lot, and like how it is spacious, but nothing is more than a 10 minute walk away. There are many options for food and places to study on campus, and the school has done a good job of designating quiet places for students. I enjoy the interactive elements the Faculty of Business in particular incorporates into their classes, and I like that students are encouraged to participate in classes and help out when they can. There is also a lot of alumni presence incorporated into your classes and clubs, which make networking a lot easier and less intimidating in my honest opinion. There is also great opportunities for financial aid in terms of tuition help and regular part-time jobs, so please be on the lookout on the job board!

The main thing I want to highlight at McMaster is the supportive environment you have at the school. I’ve struggled a lot in my personal life, however the professors I’ve had, the students I’ve met, and the supports available at McMaster are all excellent and available at multiple times. The community at McMaster is genuinely diverse and filled with many people, and students are typically friendly and willing to help when needed. I find that while there is competitive and the drive to succeed at McMaster, there isn’t a hostile environment where you’re going to constantly worry about being better than the other person. The environment at McMaster is very much focus on yourself, help others when they need, and don’t be afraid to seek support.

Another highlight I want to mention about McMaster is the amount of opportunities that are present. Specifically as I am in Commerce, there are many, many different networking events, fun events like movie nights, and different panels and education events relating to your career. The Faculty of Business and the clubs at McMaster do an amazing job of running both a good amount of events, and high quality events that are worth participating in as a student! There are plenty of leadership and team member opportunities in clubs, so if you are struggling to find an internship or a job, the positions you are able to get in a McMaster club can really help you out when it comes to seeking future work opportunities.

As for flaws with the school, I don’t have any that would differ from any other regular university. Most cons include the area not being as big and diverse (not much to explore), the wait time for some supports, some safety concerns with the area at night particularly, and the cost of attending the school for both local, out of province, and international students. One particular gripe I have with the school is the amount of three hour lectures you are forced to take once you’re in third year. That, however, is more dependent on professors and their time rather than an issue with the university itself, and many of these lectures fall in the afternoon, so they aren’t too rough on your sleep schedule. Academic Advisors and Counsellors I’ve heard can also be hit or miss regarding the quality of advice given and wait times to see one, but again there are many support systems available at McMaster and outside the school, so please don’t be discouraged if you’re going through a hard time.

Overall, I personally rate my experience a 10/10 at McMaster: the community and the opportunities are really what make the school an amazing place to study, and I really do recommend going here if you’re looking for the type of environment I described. I don’t think the cons outweigh the pros (however please do consider them and ask your peers who attend other schools) as you’ll see them at any school, however the presence of them may depend on your faculty, your program, and your campus. Again, I highly recommend McMaster University, and I hope you do look into coming here for your degree.