First year can be overwhelming at the best of times, and beginning your degree in this strange, halfway back-to-normal state probably wasn’t what you envisioned, or what you wanted. Whether you’re learning online or in person, your first few weeks at U of T will likely be chaotic. We give you this care package, filled with The Varsity’s best survival tips and tricks, in hopes that you won’t need to learn them the hard way.
During the next few years, you may feel like you’re in The Bad Place. Maybe it’s winter and you got a free coffee, but it’s not hot enough. Maybe you’ve just finished the best essay of your life, but it’s four in the morning and you missed the deadline. Maybe you arrived half an hour early for your final exam — after spending two weeks studying for it — only to find out that the forkin’ exam was the previous day.
If that happens, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Remind yourself that a few years down the line, you’ll be holding your diploma and tossing a graduation cap in the air. So even if you weren’t in The Good Place all along, you would proudly say that you’ve found your way there.
As you work toward that goal, we hope you explore every good thing U of T offers — on campus, in the classroom, and beyond.
Take it sleazy,
Jadine Ngan, Handbook Editor & Aditi Putcha, Creative Director
When it comes to making friends, chat with the people sitting next to you on the first few days! Classroom dynamics get solidified fast.
— Stephanie
A lot of program-specific student groups have Discord servers — seek them out! They can be useful places to find other students in your courses.
— Sarah
“Attend student events that interest you since they help you meet new people! Those emails you get in your student inbox are helpful in that regard.
— Maya
Finding community at U of T is crucial. Join a bunch of student groups and go to at least the first few meetings. If you hate it, drop it, but see what sticks!
— Lauren
Everyone doubts themselves, everyone is still figuring things out, and everyone has a question they really want answered.
— Tahmeed
Office hours are your best friend when you’re confused. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
— Angad
Explore all the libraries on campus until you find the one that feels like home. This is how you unlock heaven.
— Nawa
If you’re a UTSC student who has paid their incidental fees, your student ID lets you work out at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre for free.
— Alexa
When it comes to making friends, chat with the people sitting next to you on the first few days! Classroom dynamics get solidified fast.
— Stephanie
A lot of program-specific student groups have Discord servers — seek them out! They can be useful places to find other students in your courses.
— Sarah
Attend student events that interest you since they help you meet new people! Those emails you get in your student inbox are helpful in that regard.
— Maya
Explore all the libraries on campus until you find the one that feels like home. This is how you unlock heaven.
— Nawa
Finding community at U of T is crucial. Join a bunch of student groups and go to at least the first few meetings. If you hate it, drop it, but see what sticks!
— Lauren
Everyone doubts themselves, everyone is still figuring things out, and everyone has a question they really want answered.
— Tahmeed
Office hours are your best friend when you’re confused. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
— Angad
If you’re a UTSC student who has paid their incidental fees, your student ID lets you work out at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre for free.
— Alexa
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