I chose langara since I couldn't seek direct admittance to SFU CS program. I hadn't even heard of an associate degree when i applied right after 12th. I was told that i didn't have the marks to get into SFU and was shown this as an alternative path. I'll be able to complete my first two years for cheaper as compared to SFU. Along with saving a ton of money, I'll get into SFU with repeating courses at an average of 3.00 GPA which is very manageable. I would call it a huge surprise since I never thought I would be attending a college instead of a university but I wouldn't change anything about it since I saved a ton of money along with securing a great overall GPA. I was also able to save money to buy a car of own in about a year. So my hunger for good performance is satisfied.
Course Curriculum :
My course work is based on SFU's which is not pretty when it comes to certain courses like Data structures, OOPs and Algorithms but they are necessary since I will be short on credits otherwise. Everything else is either basic math based on discrete structures along with basic calculus or hardware courses and electives so the course is moderately difficult but sticks to the current needs of the industry.
Exams :
According to the college, A minimum of 6.5 bands was required to qualify for admission at Langara with no module less than 6. I scored 7.0 overall and all my modules were well over 6.
Placement :
Most associate degree holders are usually seeking transfer to bigger and better universities which was my case since programs like CS have decent dropout rates so transfers are usually possible. Employment opportunities on an associate degree will seem something like a three-legged horse since I personally feel like 2 years won't be enough to find a great software job.
Events :
Consider WiFi, sports facilities and libraries to be a staple of the Canadian Education system and all three will be found on campus too. Indian Heritage is considered prized processions. Expect to see great bhangra on Indian festivities along with food arrangements. Langara is filled with punjabi-origin Indian students and it's apparent on all Indian festivals. I wasn't the one for clubs since I could never make time but if you want to explore say a particular instrument or any skill, they are available.
Scholarship :
no
Faculty :
Since the program isn't as stressful as compared to SFU's, I found the faculty to be sufficient but nothing too special since a couple of professors focused on theory whereas I personally felt a practical approach was the way to go. Langara hosts relatively smaller classes so approaching a professor isn't a challenge.
Hostel :
No, I live off-campus in Surrey along with my cousin in a shared apartment costing 1200 CAD a month. It's a spacious apartment with private bedrooms for the both of us. The con of the apartment being having a single bathroom which makes it harder to have multiple people over at times.
