20 Must Know Tips For Your First Year At UofT
There are generally a lot of things you should know before going into freshman year at any school, but U of T is a particular case. Sometimes, it's hard to fit in at such a big, bustling school. If you know how to manoeuvre around school, chances are you'll have more fun than you expected. That being said, U of T is in the middle of the city. Embrace it and you'll be at the top of your class and social life. But you can only pick one.
1. Join Clubs
U of T is the largest school in Canada. Without getting involved, there is no way you can get to know each and every person at school. Or at least some.
2. Get to know the city of Toronto
You're a city mouse now! The campus is scattered throughout the city so it's probably a good idea to know where each corner and street leads to
3. Take advantage of deals
Lots of restaurants around the U of T campus let students eat on a discount. Toronto is full of places to eat, so check out Fresh on Bloor and Fika Cafe!
4. Don't let Rosi get you down
Don't choose courses, let courses choose YOU
5. Use your utoronto email for everything
You may as well say goodbye to all your other email accounts
6. It's okay to be rivals with York
If you can hold a fork, you can go to York.
7. Take pride in eating street meat
People downtown are obsessed with food trucks and hot dog carts. Now, you should be too.
8. Live, eat and breathe El Furniture Warehouse
All meals are $4.95!
9. Get a bike
Because you're not actually going to drive, right? Or you can...
10. Use the subway to your advantage
The closest stations at U of T are Queen's Park and St George. Unless you want to...
11. WALK EVERYWHERE
It's good exercise with all that food you'll be eating. Everything around campus is pretty much walking distance if you don't want to spend money on the subway
12. Be a nerd and use the library
U of T's library system ranks 3rd in North America after Harvard and Yale. That's got to count for something, right? Not only will Robarts be your best friend, but it will be your only friend
13. Pay a visit to the writing centre
Your mark will rise by 100%. Minus one zero
14. Always check Blackboard
It's the new Facebook
15. Take your tcard everywhere
You never know when you'll use it. Bring it to exams, and Toronto attractions where you're eligible for a student discount
16. Go to Exam Jam!
Right before exams, U of T hosts Exam Jam, where you can de-stress with cute puppies and food
17. Study at Voodoo Child
Forget Starbucks. Toronto is filled with cute little places to get coffee and to cry over exams relax with your new found friends!
18. The shuttle buses are quicker than transit
There's a shuttle bus from UTM to UTSG, that goes back and forth between the two schools. If you're into reliving second grade on a school bus, be sure to check it out
19. Join U of T Confessions on Facebook
It's like "Spotted" but better! Check it out here
20. Don't fit the stereotype
A lot of people think U of T students are snobby elitists who want to rage war with any nearby school that isn't as high ranking as they are. Stay clear of the ones who spit out statistics at you.