Not too many people know this about me, but I actually adore falafels.
When they're done right, they're quite literally the most delicious morsels of happiness you can possibly consume, on their own, in a pita, smothered in tahini - however you want.
Naturally, I've had a good amount of falafels in my life. I've had some that were amazing, and some that were a little subpar.
But none of the falafels I've ever had could come close to the ones I tried at one Montreal-West restaurant.
Honestly, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that their entire menu is above and beyond delicious... mainly because all of the ingredients are super, super fresh, and legit high quality.Â
They specialize in Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like shiitake mushroom kebabs (which are the literal definition of amazing), Â grilled vegetables, (huge!) sandwiches, and salads. Although everything is fantastic, the real star of the show? Their falafels.
Pochiche uses a unique recipe to achieve a traditional-yet-different falafel flavour.
Grilled in a pita with fresh vegetables and hummus, or on their own in a platter, their falafel is crispy, fluffy, and flavourful; a super delicious standout in a menu full of fantastic things.
Best part? This spot is located about five minutes away from Concordia's Loyola campus, so if you're looking for your new favourite lunch spot - stop looking. You've just found it.
Sounds like your next favourite spot? You know it does. Check out Pochiche's website and Facebook page for more information.
Guys, Concordia University is awesome. As a former student, I can tell you that pretty much all of the teachers, students, and staff members are a really great group of people in general.
I've also dated my fair share of Concordians, so I know a little bit about what's up when you're navigating the Concordia dating scene. Of course, keep in mind that these are just more-or-less generalizations/things I've noticed, that can be applied to both guys and girls in my personal experience. Everyone is different, and everyone is awesome in their own, special way.
1. Dating a Concordia guy means going on library dates, and loving them.
"Hey, want to go to the library and finish this assignment together?" is a legit pickup line at Concordia. And although that seems like code for something else, it's not. You and bae are getting to that library, finishing that assignment, and maybe grabbing a pint at Reggie's afterwards. Like champs.
2. Dating a Concordia guy means knowing someone who can navigate the city like a pro.
Yes, the bookstore is super organized and great at handling student traffic. But sometimes, way too many students crowd in there during the first few weeks of school.
So if your Concordia guy or gal is at all dedicated to their classes, then be prepared to hold their hand while you guys wait in line for a few hours.
7. Dating a Concordia guy means also dating a caffeine fiend.
I mean, sure, all university students live off coffee.
But Concordia's sandwiched between 3 Starbucks', 2 Tims, cafe Myriade, Hestia Tea, Shaughnessy Cafe, and a whole lot more places to get your caffeine fix. So, you know. Concordia students tend to be caffeinated Af.
8. Dating a Concordia guy means your date is probably broke.
The sad reality is that books, tuition, art supplies, and food is all expensive AF. (But no worries - thankfully, Concordia students know it doesn't take a lot of money to have an awesome date.)
9. Dating a Concordia guy means putting up with one seriously stressed out S/O.
Uni life is a series of ups and downs and accomplishments and tears. You don't get anywhere without a little stress. Instead of getting anxious about it, just embrace it.
10. Dating a Concordia guy means cheering for the Stingers, no matter what.
Not saying awesome people only exist at Concordia, and definitely not saying that all Concordia students are awesome, but in general, Concordia tends to teach its students how to care about the world around them.
So, if you're seeing someone from Concordia, you'd better believe they'll be into trying to make the world a better place. And really, is there any better type of human?
My first semester in university was a bit of a bumpy ride (like all things in life, TBH), and to say I didn't know what I was doing at first is the understatement of the century. Eventually, I got the hang of it, and became a self-certified Concordia pro (I was even a campus tour guide for a while!)... but even today, I wish my first semester had gone a bit smoother.
If you're hoping for the same for your first semester, then no worries. Although I truly believe that everyone should go out on their own and experience/learn for themselves, well, there are a few thing that might be cool to keep in mind.
1. I wish I knew that Loyola is, like, really far.
The shuttle bus that runs from SGW to Loyola takes about 20 minutes of travel time, so that's not too bad. But if you need to get there on your own and you live far, maybe avoid taking an 8 A.M. Loyola class.
If you're used to the layout of the downtown (SGW) campus, then Loyola might seem like a jumbled mess of buildings. But no worries; you get the hang of it quick.
3. I wish I knew that once you do get used to it, it's actually the best campus.
In CEGEP, you can probably skip a couple of classes, do none of the readings, and still manage to pass. Try that shit at university, friend - it does not work.
5. I wish I knew that it's way too easy to spend all your money downtown.
Between the Bookstore (where my fellow office supply addicts at?), the malls, and the restaurants, your money might be gone before you know it. Suggestion: pack a lunch from home and check out the specials available for Concordia students.
6. I wish I knew that it's totally normal to stay at the library until 2 AM.
Concordia's libraries are open 24/7 during the fall and winter semesters, so it's totally normal to stay at the library working on a paper until the wee hours of the morning. Don't feel weird about it... and try your best to secure a spot not too far away from the bathrooms.
7. I wish I knew that finding your favourite cafe to study at is a major key.
There are literal tons of cafes near Concordia's campuses. Find one you love and go there whenever the libraries are full (which will happen around midterms and finals), or when you're feeling restless from staying in the library too long. Switching up your study space is super helpful for retaining more information, in my experience.
8. I wish I knew that if the struggle for lunch is too real, the People's Potato has got you covered.
Because articles take forever to print, and also because there are hundreds of other students, just like you, who need to print 32 page scholarly articles.
10. I wish I knew that you can use the underground tunnels at SGW to get to most of your classes, which is super helpful - especially if it's snowing.
You can get from H to LB to MB to EV, to Le Gym, and to many more places, all by using the underground tunnels and avoiding any above-ground interaction. Gracias, Concordia.
11. I wish I knew that it's probably a lot prettier to just walk outside.
The tunnels are great, but you don't totally need to use them to get around. Most SGW buildings are concentrated within a few blocks, so taking the scenic route won't hurt.
12. I wish I knew that the Greenhouse is gorgeous, quiet, and the perfect place to study/chill.
You can access it by taking the elevator to the top floor of H, and then walking up a flight of stairs. Trust, if you want peace and quiet and you're down to study in a unique setting, you need to get yourself here.
13. I wish I knew that it's okay to hand in a late assignment, and it's even okay to fail a class... but don't make a habit of it.
Honestly, life happens. Sometimes you can't get your paper in on time. Sometimes you mess up and fail a whole class, but don't let that stress you out a ton. Accept your mistakes, learn how to correct them, and move TF on to your beautiful future.
14. I wish I knew that speaking up in class is one of the best things you can do.
Literally the most basic thing to keep in mind, but also the hardest thing to do sometimes. It can be super intimidating to speak up in class and ask questions, but at the end of the day, you'll be helping yourself out in a big way if you do this. Plus, it just might just help you stand out to your prof - and in a class with at least 60 other people, that's what you need to do.
15. I wish I knew that attending a Stingers game is honestly some of the most fun you can have.
Depending on your program, a lot of Concordians choose to use the pen-and-paper method for note-taking. If your laptop is too heavy to carry around, then don't stress about buying a lighter one - you might just be fine using a notebook and a pen.
18. I wish I knew that Concordia is actually full of resources for students.
If you're looking for an on-campus job, looking to get involved in a student group, looking for legal advice, looking for mediation services - well, Concordia's got you covered. All you need to do is find out where you have to go for help, because the chances are very high that help for you is available.
19. I wish I knew that going to all the parties is a good and bad thing.
My first semester, I was overwhelmed with frosh activities and pub crawls and orientation week activities. It was fun, until I started falling behind readings and lectures; so, IMO, it's probably better to only go to 1 or 2 awesome events and spend the rest of your time making sure you're prepped AF for the semester.
20. I wish I knew that dropping classes is not the worst thing you can do.
Personally, I was scared AF that dropping classes would reflect badly on me. But if you realistically feel like you can't handle a course load, get out of it. A dropped class is better than a failed class.
21. I wish I knew that uni is difficult AF... But so, so worth it.
Not going to lie, university life is difficult. It takes a lot of dedication, and it's easy to slip up. But you can get through it if that's what you truly want to do; and at the end of your university career, you'll look back with nothing but pride.
Okay, Concordia students. Are you ready for a depressing dose of reality? The Fall 2015 semester is less than a month away. I know. It's heartbreaking. If you need a minute to mourn the end of Summer 2015, go ahead and take it. Dry your tears. It'll be fine.
But for some of us, this upcoming semester is going to be bittersweet AF - because it'll be our last Fall semester at Concordia. Forever, possibly. Graduating university is always super overwhelming. Leaving behind a place you love, facing real life (which is always slightly horrifying)... yeah, not a good time. But if you're struggling with what to do to make your last year/semester a memorable one, then struggle no more.
Here's a list of18 Things To Do During Your Last Year At Concordia University:
1. Grab one last pint at Reggie's
Which should be finally reopening its doors in September. Yassss.
2. Eat at People's Potato
If you've never tasted Concordia's free vegan lunch, drop everything and go. right. now. Or just go in the near future. Whatever. As long as you don't graduate without ever having tried one of those morsels of happiness.
3. Get your ducks in a row
Real talk, graduating university is awesome and is something you should be super proud of. And prepared for. Graduation tends to creep up on you, so make sure you've got everything together for life after university (AKA, start prepping for internships/jobs/grad school, etc...).
4. Network
Some people are hella shy, and have spent most of their time at university that way. Well, shy friends, I hear you. If you've been putting off meeting people in university - now's your time to shine. Meet new people, make new friends, add some of them on Facebook, it's all good. Just don't let the opportunity to mingle pass you by.
5. Study at the Loyola chapel
Or, you know, crash a wedding. (Kidding. Don't actually do that.)
6. Ride the shuttle bus before you can't anymore
Enjoy those free student SGW-Loyola rides while you still can.
7. Use up all the extra printing money on your ID
Nobody likes wasted money. Print all the things! (Until your money runs out).
8. Check out the Greenhouse
Which you definitely need to experience at least once during your stay at Concordia.
9. Volunteer on-campus
Which is a pretty legit way to make some awesome memories with some awesome people. Plus, you know, look awesome to potential employers.
10. Get involved in events/activities
Concordia is literally full of student associations, clubs and groups. So if you're down to get involved with the Concordia student body before you leave, it's not a bad idea to join one of them. Or at least go check them out. Especially if they're hosting pub crawls.
11. Go to the top floor of the EV building for dat view
The EV building is, like, 87% windows. Which means that the view from one of the top floors is gorgeous. Seriously. Stop reading this and just go check it out for yourself.
12. Take that super cool class you've been meaning to
Even if your electives are used up. Which sounds counterproductive, but if your schedule is looking kind of empty and you've been dying to take a really fun class... yeah, maybe go for it before it's too late.
13. Join a fun class at Le Gym
Looking at you, Dancing with Attitude. But seriously. Join a fitness class at Le Gym now, while you can still take advantage of that sweet sweet student discount. Morning yoga, anyone?
14. Have a pizza at the Tim Horton's in LB for old time's sake
Once you graduate, the chances are slim that you'll be going back to Concordia just to have lunch. So this might be the last chance you have to scarf down one of those small, cheap pizzas in the LB building. If it tastes like tears, it's because you're crying from all the nostalgia. Stop that. You're in public.
15. Grab a coffee at Cafe Myriade
Because it's delicious and you'll miss it once you grow apart from the downtown Concordia/SGW sector.
16. Pull one last all-nighter at the library
The all-nighter is basically synonymous with 'university student life'. And lucky for us, Concordia's libraries are open long enough to accommodate our sleep(less) schedules. If you're up to the challenge (and/or have no other choice but to pull a library all-nighter, #TeamProcrastination), then pull one last one as an ode to your soon-to-be normal sleep schedule. Unless you're going on to grad school. In which case, maybe think of it as practise.
17. Get to know the Loyola/SGW campus
Explore the campus you know the least. This way, you can confidently say that you've lived the full and complete Concordia experience. Even in 20 years from now, when you don't even remember where the CJ building is.
18. Enjoy yourself
Which is some pretty solid advice, actually. The end of the semester/year will come before you know it, so have fun, study hard, get involved if you're down to - whatever, just make the most of your time at Concordia before you move on to bigger things.
Take it from someone who's been through the higher education grind - university is tough. The good news? It's totally worth it, no matter where you go. And if you've picked Concordia, then you pretty much know that we have a very unique experience to offer. Like two different campuses, central locations, and awesome events - just to name a few. Excited? Well, you will be soon enough. Concordia has tons of things for you to look forward to.
1. It's Easy To Get To
Which might not seem too exciting, but trust me, when you have an 8:45 am class, you'll be more than thrilled to know that both of Concordia's campuses are centrally located and easy to get to by car or public transport. If travelling's not your thing, apartments are often available within walking distance of both campuses. Amazing, I know. Try to conceal those tears of joy.
2. The Downtown Grind
We all know you're going to be studying very, very hard during your stay at Concordia. But it's important to remember to take a break every once in a while, relax, and #treatyoself. Concordia's SGW campus is about two minutes away from Crescent Street, but if that's not your thing, it's also surrounded by restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Take a break from studying and grab a burger at La Belle et Le Boeuf or celebrate the end of finals with some friends at Moose Bawr. By all means, reward yourself with a (window) shopping trip to Ogilvy.
Real talk, the SGW campus is awesome. But the downtown grind can get a little tiresome; plus, if you're expecting the kind of campus that looks like it just came out of a movie, then you might be a little disappointed. Enter Concordia's Loyola campus. Not only does it look picturesque as fvck, it's also home to the Stinger Dome (AKA the football field) and close to restaurants, shops, and housing options. Plus, some people even think it's better than the downtown campus. But that's up to you to decide.
4. Infinite Study Spaces
Trust me, when midterms and finals roll around, you'll be thanking your lucky stars for this one. Concordia is surrounded by coffee shops, tea houses, and other great places to study. And if being in a busy public place is too distracting, then both SGW and Loyola have tons of study spaces on-campus. The best part? Both libraries are open 24/7 during the fall and winter semesters.
5. Small Class Sizes
Though this is often program-specific (since some classes can go from almost full auditoriums, to small classrooms), the majority of classes allow you increased access to your professor - which comes in handy, especially around those pesky finals. Bonus points? Making friends with your classmates is also a whole lot easier. And, hey, maybe you'll end the semester with a couple more Facebook friends.
6. Reggie's
Reggie's is the campus bar at Concordia. Coming to Concordia for the Fall 2015 semester? Then I've got some good news for you. Although our beloved bar has been closed for about a couple of years, it's slated to reopen in Fall 2015. Even better? The new Reggie's is coming equipped with food and a stage (hear that? That's me screaming of excitement).
7. Tons Of Chances To Get Involved
Getting involved on-campus is probably one of the smartest university moves you can make. And with tons of volunteer opportunities, student jobs, clubs, and associations - like Sustainable Concordia and the Concordia Ski + Snowboard Club - there's really no way you won't find something that appeals to you at Concordia. Make friends? Gaining experience? Having fun? Welcome to Concordia.
Or any politics, really. It's no secret that Concordia students are among the most passionate, which makes for a lively, interesting, and diverse student body. The great thing about this? You learn something new every day, and get to challenge or reaffirm your political opinions almost as much.
With so many different associations, Concordia doesn't just thrive in the ways of student governments. More groups mean more events, too. Events like the Latin American Cultural Night hosted by ASFA, CASAJMSB's 'Malice in Wonderland' Halloween party, Cinema Politica, and featured speakers (S/O to when Boots Riley visited Concordia). Sound like fun? That's because it is. There's never a dull moment at Concordia, and once you find what you like, there'll never be a dull moment for you either.
10. Frosh
Which is basically the ultimate party. If you're heading off to university, chances are you know what Frosh is. Concordia's Frosh involves barbecues on the quad at the Loyola campus, exploring downtown Montreal, bonding experiences, and awesome themes - like CASAJMSB's recent "Frosh to the Future". And really, is there anything more you could ask for?
Concordia University, as you might know, has two very different campuses. The Sir George Williams Campus is located in the heart of downtown Montreal, close to everything and anything the city has to offer. On the other hand, Loyola Campus is nestled in NDG, in a more residential area. The two campuses are extremely different in their aesthetic, as well as their overall vibe. They are literally like two different worlds, one being urban and loud, the other being secluded and peaceful. However my personal belief is that Loyola campus is better than SGW, and here is why:
Since Loyola campus is located in NDG, there are a not a lot of things to do in the area. Although this may seem rather boring, it is ideal when you need to focus and study. Technically, that's what we're supposed to be doing when we're at school, right?
Trying to find parking in downtown Montreal is almost impossible. If that's not enough, paying for parking in the city is extremely expensive. Since Concordia's SGW campus is located in downtown Montreal, you become a victim of these daily parking struggles. However, this is not an issue if you study at the Loyola Campus. There are tons of side-streets with free parking, and a parking lot in back of the school that costs $5 a day. You are bound to find a spot, without having to drive around aimlessly. You will be saving yourself valuable time and money!
3. More Green Space
Unlike the SGW campus that has barely any green space (since it is in the city), the Loyola campus has a lot of open space with tons of flowers, trees and grass for students to enjoy! It's the perfect place to relax, eat your lunch or study, instead of being locked up inside or trapped in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.
The SGW campus is a zoo. Not only are you surrounded by other students, but also bombarded with people who work in the city. Loyola campus, on the other hand, has a lot less people since it is located in a more residential area. Also, there are a lot less students who have classes at Loyola campus, making it less crowded with annoyed, tired and cranky students.
Overall, the aesthetic of the Loyola campus is completely different (and more pleasant) than the downtown campus. Loyola feels more like a community, with everything being in one place, while SGW is more urban and spread out in the city. Loyola has an architectural charm, with old, classic and beautiful buildings, making you feel like Harry Potter and the crew studying at Hogwarts!
6. Better For Your Bank Account
Being at the SGW campus is expensive. With retail stores, shopping malls and bars at every corner, you are sure to blow money on the daily. Money that you probably don't have. But this is not really an issue if you study at Loyola campus since you are pretty much surrounded by houses.
Not only will you save money but studying at the Loyola campus is also better for your diet. You are not overwhelmed with the endless options of restaurants like the downtown campus. You can save a couple trips to the gym and not worry about counting every calorie after that double big mac trio (yes, I'm talking to you).
Studying at the SGW library has become more of a hangout spot than an actual quiet study space with people talking, screaming and laughing with their friends. It is almost impossible to find a seat, or a quiet space to study. Although the Loyola library is also busy, it is a lot more quiet and calm, and you can usually find a desk to sit and focus.
The Loyola bookstore is literally 1/4 the size of the SGW bookstore, and it's perfect. The downtown bookstore is huge and unorganized. I get it, there are more faculties and programs who have books at the downtown library, but getting help is impossible, and looking through mountains of books is exhausting. Meanwhile, at the Loyola bookstore, everything is shelved and in order. It's easy to find your books, and you don't sweat while doing it!
Since the Loyola campus is smaller, it's harder to get lost. The first day of classes at the downtown campus are a literal mess, causing you to run in circles trying to find not just your classroom but the actual building (some are old houses, while others are in the basement of malls #unclear). Yes, it might be tricky to find your way around the Loyola campus at first, but at least all the buildings are in the same area, and not spread out along the streets of downtown Montreal.
