#UofTBackToSchool: 10 things new students should know

A study circle in the University College quad (photo by Jason Krygier-Baum)

Published: September 1, 2017

Starting at a new school can be overwhelming. From finding classrooms to buying textbooks, there’s a lot to think about. As you’re heading back to school, here are 10 things you should know about supports and services offered by the University of Toronto:

1) Safety

The safety of students, faculty and staff is a top priority at U of T. The university has offices, programs and campaigns that address violence and harassment, safety on campus, environmental health and safety, fire prevention and emergency housing.

Visit the U of T Safety website for information to help you stay safe on campus. And be sure to register for emergency alerts from the university via telephone, email and text.

2) Sexual and gender diversity

The Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SGDO) provides education, programming, resources and advocacy on diversity for students, staff, faculty and the LGBTQ community. This includes the university’s Positive Space campaign, a program that seeks to create and identify safer and more inclusive spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersexed, queer, questioning and Two-Spirited students, staff, faculty, alumni and allies at U of T.

3) Multi-faith spaces

If you're wondering where to pray or meditate, U of T offers rooms for people of all faith communities to practise their religion, their traditions and rituals.

Multi-Faith Spaces (St. George)
Multi-Faith Spaces (University of Toronto Mississauga)
Multi-Faith Prayer Room (University of Toronto Scarborough )

4) Indigenous Students

For those wanting to explore their Indigenous roots, U of T provides programming, services and resources for Indigenous students, providing them with a variety of supports to help them succeed. The university community is also invited to come and participate at events across the three campuses to learn more about Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Aboriginal Student Services/First Nations House (St. George)
Indigenous Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
Indigenous Outreach Program (University of Toronto Scarborough )

5) Health and wellness

U of T offers a wide range of health and wellness services. These include general health services (e.g., health checkups, prescriptions, nutritional care) and mental health services (e.g., psychotherapy, group therapy, assault counselling).

Health & Wellness Centre (St. George)
Health & Counselling Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
Health & Wellness Centre (University of Toronto Scarborough )

6) International students

Whether you’re an international student studying at U of T or a domestic student considering a study abroad program or research opportunity, the university provides support and resources.

Centre for International Experience (St. George)
International Education Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
International Student Centre (University of Toronto Scarborough )

7) Accessibility

Working to create a safe and comfortable community for students to navigate their disability and related barriers, the university provides students with a network of resources, both inside and outside the classroom.

Accessibility Services (St. George)
AccessAbility Resource Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
AccessAbility Services (University of Toronto Scarborough )

Photo by Jason Krygier-Baum

8) Academic success

Whether you want to improve your study habits, better manage your time, work on essay-writing skills or learn how to research, U of T offers workshops, programs and tools to help you with your academic success. The university also offers writing centres where students can get individual consultations with trained writing instructors.

Academic Success (St. George)
Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (University of Toronto Mississauga )
Academic Advising and Career Centre (University of Toronto Scarborough )

9) Financial support

There are many sources of financial aid available to help you cover the costs of your U of T education. Find out more information about financial assistance programs and view the video below.