Student Life

How to U of T

by Louisa You
JULIE SHI / THE INNIS HERALD

Are you stressed? Nervous? Anxious? Me too.

But are you also a tiny bit excited to be starting this new chapter of your life? Are you looking forward to where life might take you? Good – now remember that thread and grasp onto it. Someone once told me that your undergraduate degree is more about character development than anything else, so take that spark and run with it. We’re here to help you figure out everything else.

How to handle a tough course

If you got into U of T, you most likely did pretty well in high school. Congratulations! Now set that aside because university is a whole different beast.

Inevitably, you will meet a course that sucks the soul from your body, and the first step to managing that is to know that IT’S OKAY. School is hard. Now take a breath and really think about what part you’re struggling with. Are there too many readings? Are you struggling to go to class? Is it that you’re not understanding what the assignments are asking of you? This first step is always a useful way for me to step down from general panicking and begin to formulate a plan.

Once you get an idea of why you’re struggling, here are a few options:

  • Ask your TA: Useful for clarification of class concepts.
  • Talk to your professor: Go to office hours! If you can’t or don’t feel comfortable going, send a respectful email asking to book an appointment. Professors can help you not only by explaining concepts, but by working out how you can improve your assignments or your performance in the class overall.
  • Book an appointment with the writing centre: The advisors can help you edit your written assignments and having to explain your ideas to someone else can really help you learn. You can book an appointment online here: http://innis.utoronto.ca/current-students/academic/innis/writing-centre/appointment/
  • Book an appointment with the registrar: The registrar is immensely helpful with any type of problem you might be struggling with, whether academic, personal or financial. Don’t be shy! They’re super kind and helpful. Contact them to book an appointment with the academic advisor or learning strategist. Check out their website out for more information: http://innis.utoronto.ca/current-students/academic/innis/registrar/
  • Join a study group: These are groups recognized by U of T, and you can even start your own! More information here: studygroups.artsci.utoronto.ca
  • If you’re looking for a really quiet study space, you can book a group study room at a U of T library here: https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/group-study-rooms
  • And of course, if you just need someone to chat with – maybe over a cup of tea and snacks – the Innis Residence Dons are upper-year students who would love to help. They hold office hours on the ground floor of the residence usually at night, after 9 pm.

How to register with accessibility services

The accessibility services website has very helpful packages that can help you register for accommodations, or help you figure out if you do have a disability they can help you with. You can also drop by their office (455 Spadina Avenue) to pick up registration forms. You can register for a wide variety of reasons, such as a head injury, mental illness, or even a broken arm. Note that you need to get the forms validated by a health practitioner, such as your general physician or psychiatrist etc. before submitting.

Accessibility services can also help you during exams by deferring them, or getting accommodations (such as taking an anxiety break). They can also give you access to the volunteer note-taker pool for your class notes.

How to get a job on campus

The Career Learning Network has a long list of possible jobs you can apply to, including on-campus, off-campus, and work study positions. Work study jobs are great because you can work for a U of T professor or college for a limited amount of hours every week. They understand that you’re a student, and know you might not have a lot of free time!

If you need any professional help at all, you can check CLN calendar for workshops you can attend – this includes resume and cover letter building, transferable skills, and how to build a LinkedIN profile. Look for the St. George Career Exploration and Education tab under the Events and Workshop Calendar once you’ve logged in as a student.

If you’re more into one-on-one meetings, the Innis Career Educator Mary Stefanidis is here for you. Not only can she look over and edit your resume, she can also help you with advice on finding work and applying to professional schools. You can book an appointment by talking to Sarah Burley Hollows (Assistant Dean of Student Life) in the Office of Student Life, or through the Registrar’s Office.

OTHER HELPFUL INNIS PEOPLE:

How to ask for help

Personally, I find that the hardest part of asking for help is acknowledging that I need help. Although I’m constantly aware of how much of a mess I am, it is extremely difficult to recognize that my problems might be too big for me to handle alone.

If you ever feel like this, know that it gives me immense pleasure to be able to offer you some advice/point you in the right direction. You’re welcome to approach any upper year or Innis staff member – we would be happy to help you.

Bonus Tip: Be vigilant and look out for posts on the Innis Residence and Innis College Facebook pages to get to the many, many free food events throughout the year.