I was in business there, i had roommates in the mech and chem engineering program as well as mechatronics. Mech engineering is extremely competitive in the first year. Students actually need to keep decent grades not just for the sake of making it to the next year but to clinch the good co-op jobs. Once you clinch a good first year firm the 2nd, 3rd and 4th will be alot less stressful.
This goes for all programs at waterloo generally because co-op programs in general are competitive.
40 hours a week of classes and tutorials in engineering and if you live on residence expect to live in an all guy residence. PM me and i’ll let you in on a trick into getting into sick residences.