Hey, that (classmates and environment) along with a little change in direction is making me transfer I think. Also, BC is home for me so that definitely has an influence. Of course, OCAD has made me realize this and I do not regret coming here. I have realized that I want to focus more on liberal studies courses and social sciences and then relate that to design or architecture in the future. I feel like OCAD ID is a lot of people who want to make and live in the shops whereas I want to do more research, thinking, reading, and writing. It is almost the perfect path for my post secondary studies. Two years of design thinking and lots of making at an arts school where I made a great portfolio I can use for the future and then 2 or 3 years at a traditional university at home where I can focus on social sciences, research, and writing. I think I have a more critical view than others in my program and I am a lot more frustrated than others. I have talked to other motivated classmates and they understand and try to just focus on their work and making a great portfolio. I demand a more rigorous academic environment and a school with more resources and options.
*Here is second year. First semester is pretty much the same as first year. Same style of art history (History of Modern Design) just more focussed on ID and ED. Same structure of lectures, essays, and exams (except no midterm). Drawing is the same, core class is focussed on culture and identity. For example my final project had to communicate a Canadian identity and express IKEA's philosophies. I had core class with Sarah Tranum (I do not recommend, not very open minded and the class was no collaborative enough. Lots of sitting around doing one on ones with her rather than class discussions). Material explorations is the same, more techniques like welding, bending plastic (plastic is the best!), wood joinery, 3D printing again. And an elective. I took economics, it was pretty good. Very simple and easy. First semester was really when I was looking at other schools. I assume your demands and desires in school are different than mine, but at this point I was realizing I wanted a different kind of education focussed less on making.
Second semester is going well. Lots of group work. Think Tank (Howard Gerry - *HIGHLY RECOMMEND) is extremely eye opening and teaches you awareness and sustainability in all areas of design. Material explorations is the same. Drawing is the same. Core class (Miles Keller - I recommend. Very laid back and lots of discussion) is emerging technologies, so the internet of things and new tech which is cool. Lecture class (Contemporary Design Theories and Practices) is the best class I have ever taken at OCAD. **Eric Nay, the best prof I have had at OCAD. He has actually helped me with transferring and given me his valuable insights on schools. He taught at Cornell and is currently getting his PHD at U of T. He was offered positions at the schools I applied to so his insights and opinions are extremely valuable. Very smart guy. I highly recommend you try and get in touch with him and discuss anything that is on your mind (exchanges, class content, anything) as he is a very qualified and nice individual. The class is all about craft vs modernism vs post modernism and the theories behind where value lies in design and what governs good design. We are now looking into how these theories are applied to design.
Anyways, I hope this all helps with your experience at OCAD. I find that the teachers change a lot here so research the names I put up there. OCAD has helped me and guided me so far and I do not regret my two years. Although I cannot imagine myself continuing here with what I, personally, am looking for in post secondary education and future.