Gradlife

Jump to Comments

Today’s post is going to be a “dump post”, because I have bunch of stuff to dump on you. This is all stuff you might want to know, so I hope you’re ready.

But let’s say you’re not ready. You’re reading this on your tablet somewhere and you need a place to just sit and read. Maybe do some work while you’re at it. Well, there’s a place for that, and it’s called the Grad Room.

While Grad Room might sound like some off-the-path bar hidden in Kensington Market, it’s actually a cute little space located in Grad House. Inside, you will find a Second Cup, study space, deep comfy chairs, a bookable multipurpose room and the friendly Grad Room staff, ever ready to help you out.

Maybe you’re the kind of reader that likes a little background music. I’ve got you covered. The Global Lounge made this playlist that I highly recommend.

Coffee bought? Headphones on? Seat sat? Let’s go!

1. Maybe Monday?

Since you’re already there, lets start off with some programs offered by Grad Room. When I first heard of this program, I thought it was kind of cute. It’s almost… hopeful. That maybe, this Monday, we will finally finish the draft of that paper? You know, the one that’s been bothering us forever? I think that’s what the folks at Grad Room had in mind, anyway. Every Monday, the multipurpose space at Grad Room turns into a quiet study space just for grad students. There will be tea and cookies, and if you need a push in the right direction, the writing advisor will be right there.

2. Graduate Professional Skills (GPS)

Another program offered through Grad Room (because it’s ah-mazing) is GPS. You can even think of it as a navigation tool, if it floats your boat. The program focuses on building skill sets that you might not practice in your discipline. For example, GPS can help you improve on your communication skills, or help you work on teaching competence. If you complete the program, it will be noted in your transcript. It’s important to hone in on your research and discipline, but developing soft skills is just as important. This program will help you do it.

3. English Language & Writing Support (ELWS)

We all know that having strong writing skills is extremely important. Those dissertations aren’t going to be written because u da man. (Okay, maybe you are.) ELWS is here to give you “advanced training in academic writing and speaking”. If there’s anything I’ve learned as a writer and presenter, it’s that you can always improve. Chances are, you’ll be asked to give presentations and constantly refine your work. Taking advantage of ELWS can give you that edge.

4. Money Matters

This is where I do most of the dumping. When it comes to financial stuff, it’s better to know as much as you can, as early as you can so you can plan as far as you can. In order for me to help you do that, I have collected a lot of sources and will put them together in this list within a list:

• Financing your degree – Hopefully, most of you have gotten that figured out already. If not, check out the link or talk to the wonderful people at the Graduate Awards Office.
• Financial Aid and Counselling – The wonderful people at the Graduate Awards Office are also there if you ever need financial guidance. Sometimes, managing money gets hard. When the going gets tough, to the GAO you should be going.
• Knowing your fees – If you’re curious how much your fees for the year are, check out the fee schedule for graduate programs. Alternatively, log on to ROSI to see your financial invoice, which shows you your tuition. To break down the fees, look for the detailed report.
• Scholarships & Awards – There are a variety of awards for grad students. You just have to know where to look. Luckily for us, the SGS website has a page full of them. It’s probably not everything (ask your department for some), but it’s definitely a good starting point. Don’t miss your deadlines! I think the ones for NSERC and SSHRC are coming up really soon. Like, October 15th soon.
• What to do with your award – Say you already have an award. Congratulations! Here is what you do with it.
• Ask your graduate unit – Seriously. Just ask my graduate assistant (don’t) just how early in the summer I asked about bursaries and scholarships for my program. It probably felt like emailing a rubber wall for her, the number of times I replied asking if there was a bursary now? Pretty please? The people there are there to help you. Make use of that resource!

How was that? Hopefully not too much to digest. That’s it for now. Is there anything I’m missing? Let me know in the comments before. See you next week! In the mean time, don’t forget to follow UofT GradLife on Twitter,  Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.