Tag Archives: friends

Hello! Hola! Bonjour!

Posted on by
Reply

Hello! Hola! Bonjour!

Hello everyone, I am Aziza, your new Student Life Communications Intern at U of T, and I’ll be blogging here for the summer.

I know many of our readers are either undergrads or about to become undergrads, so brace yourself: I am a Graduate Student.

But wait, we are not so different!!

Don’t think of us as the Dursleys…

We get scared, uneasy about school, and hesitant about meeting others also. I was so nervous prior to starting at OISE (U of T’s Faculty of Education) because I had not been in school for – *gulp* - six years.

So, like some of you, this is my first year at U of T, and I’ve had to do a lot of investigative work to find my niche on campus as well. In between juggling mounds of paper writing, late nights and early mornings, coursework, meeting new people, and learning so many (so many!) new things, this year has been a ride.

In my previous, non-student life, I taught English in Spain for two years, learned how to Salsa dance, finally got around to cooking decent meals, and lived out my undergraduate days in Montreal.

While my studies are pretty much limited to OISE, this year has opened up my world in many different ways. I have learned that participation in class is always welcome – even if I make a mistake now and then. And that yes, I do need to eat while writing a 20-pager. And that if I want to produce my best work, well, I have to take care of me first! And finally, on the darkest of days, when I question why I am here and what all this is for, that a smile can go a long way.

I look forward to working with the Student Life Community Crew this summer, and to hearing all of your valiant voices as you conquer your visions for your future (or simply conquer you next exam) – He-Man and She-Ra style.

Best of luck to you all as you wrap up your respective school years. Check back with us, share your stories and let us keep you up-to-date as you move into summer!

Till soon,

Aziza

Take advantage of FREE rentals!

Posted on by
Reply

I’ve been pretty good this year with trying out new things and exploring more of the athletic facilities on campus, especially the AC. I thought I had seen it all – I’ve explored every corner of the field house, mustered up the courage to check out the SCC,
and have even been in the dance studio. But, I’ve realized that there are still places that I have yet to discover in that big sporty building.

I think this realization hit when I heard Sarah raving about how much fun she had distressing with squash. She and Chris hit up the courts at the AC a few weeks ago to give squash a go. Aside from the tennis lessons I have been taking since the start of the semester (which have been really fun… my serve is getting there!), I have had zero experience with racquet sports. So I was like, “squash?! What is this all about? And more importantly, um, where exactly are these squash courts??

I still gotta try out squash in the AC!

I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, but Sarah’s gonna give me a lesson in squash 101 before the end of the semester. In the meantime, I’ve done some investigating of my own on the AC website. And what I’ve found is that there are also lots of other cool sport facilities available for student use, FREE of charge. I think the only reason I haven’t really checked it out before is that you usually have to book the space ahead of time, which takes some planning; and well, you kind of need to coordinate with someone so that you have a buddy to play with!

But no more excuses – I’ve sorted through all the details to make things super easy for ya:

Badminton, squash, table tennis, and tennis courts
Using your T-card, you can book the space one day in advance in person at the main office, or by calling 416.978.3436. If the only thing stopping you is that your friends all bailed, no worries! You can actually add your name to a list in the main office if you’d like to be contacted by other badminton or table tennis players looking for a partner. And as for squash, you can join the U of T group on SquashOrbit to get
connected and get your game on!

Field house, dance studio, and Varsity Centre dome
Did you know that you can get access to FREE time slots in the AC if you are a U of T student? Well you can, if you are involved with a recognized student club! No matter what kind of club it is, a good workout together can be a great way to burn off end-of-term stress. There are just a few things you’ve gotta do: fill out the rental application form at least ten days in advance, and have at least ten club/group members on board. Each club can claim one free rental per term each for the AC and the varsity dome, so make it count!

One last thing – if the AC timing/availability doesn’t work out for you, don’t forget that Hart House also let’s students reserve certain facilities for free!! There’s lots to choose from – the Activities Room, the Exercise Room, and even the Lower Gym, which can be used for indoor soccer, basket-ball, volley-ball, dodgeball… hmm, I think I might just have to round up some friends and get a game going myself!

-Lesia

 

Little Joys at U of T

Posted on by
Reply

There’s always Joy at U of T, and like the Book of Awesome, I’ve compiled a list of the small joys; the little victories and successes that help us get through the day(s):

On Friends

When they get into ________ school, program, internship and you want to keep pressing “like”.

Having some friends who let you rant/de-stress/deconstruct the difficult situations (or people) that you may encounter.

…and then offer the best kinds of advice (the best is when it’s what you want to hear, nothing is more joyous than gratification).

When they read your mind at wanting to order Pizza Hut at 2am, and if anything, praise your approach to a healthy lifestyle.

Making a friend in class or just having class with a friend.

Friends who tell that person to shush at Robarts (while you were working up the nerve to say something about those potato chips and conversation for five minutes).

On Campus

Appreciating the busyness of Sid Smith amongst questionable newspaper publications and an endless amount of goodies and cupcakes.

When ROSI is good to you…(this one speaks for itself).

Having that prof, you know that prof, the one you secretly adore/idolize/kind of fangirl over; even three years later (after POL 101) when he walks past you.

Majoring in something you couldn’t be more excited about, without a care in the world about how obscure it is.

Finding extra-curriculars that click.

Free things; all of the free things!

College pride, finding it and never letting it go.

In Class

Contributing to a class discussion and immediately noticing the impressed look your Professor gives you.

Having the AHA (Ah-HAH? Ahh-haa?) moment in class.

Coming to terms with a new idea during your lecture and realizing your mind has indeed, been blown.

Connecting with a stranger in class, who later on becomes one of your closest friends.

When someone remembers something you said in class and later comes to you to let you know how insightful they found it.

Making it to your Con Hall class on time while managing not to drown in the muddy wrath in front of it from Winter-Spring.

…Getting WiFi at Con Hall!!!

On Essays/Readings/Work

Double spacing before your final print job.

Having all of the books you need (still) available at Robarts (or better: the closest/preferable library to you).

Concluding with a sentence that could inspire a screenplay, revolution (or just a grin from your esteemed professor that you pretty much idolize).

Realizing the last five pages of your reading are all endnotes/references.

Getting a last minute writing centre appointment shortly after getting on the wait list.

Finding a study spot that is surprisingly tranquil during exam season.

What are your joys at U of T?
-Vahini

Adventures in a winter wonderland

Posted on by
Reply

I think I’ve found my new favourite thing about U of T: its reach extends even beyond the City of Toronto limits. That’s right – about an hour’s drive away from sky-high Robarts and huge lecture halls, you’ll find U of T’s very own sweet escape… aka, the Hart House Farm.

Last weekend I had the chance to go out there for the annual Winter Carnival event, and it was SO NICE to get away from the city for a bit. That was my second time out there since the start of this academic year, and it was even more fun than the last trip. I pretty much love all things nature, so the combination of the great outdoors + good company + yummy Caribbean food really boosted my spirits. Talk about #joyatUofT!

So, what exactly is there to do on a farm in the winter? Well, we actually spent quite a bit of the day outside exploring the grounds. The farm is a really great place to get some fresh air, some exercise, and some great scenic photos all at once. I still remember how beautiful the multi-coloured leaves looked during the fall. Right now though, the ground is white and the trees are lined with snow so that it feels like you are trekking through a winter wonderland.

No true nature walk is complete without the sight of some wildlife, and sure enough we had quite the entertaining encounter with a very bold pheasant… Like we’re talking pecking-our-boots kinda bold. And at one point she was even chasing me!! It was actually hilarious – check out the video footage.

And once we survived that, we made our way to even more awesomeness: the wooden sauna and frozen pond that served as a rink!! It was too bad that no one had mentioned the pond to me ahead of time, or I totally would have brought my skates out. But a few people came prepared and spent the afternoon out on the ice. And some people even braved the cold and did a “polar bear dip” into a small hole in the pond!!

Ice skating on the frozen pond!

I’m so glad that I discovered Hart House Farm this year. I mean, I had read/heard about it before, but I was kind of just like “oh cool” and forgot about it. Now though, I’m looking forward to getting more involved with the Farm Committee and spending as much time out there as I can over my next two years at U of T. I think that a visit to the farm should definitely be on every student’s grad bucket list!

The Farm Committee hosts four events every year, one during each season. It’s a great group of people and they always welcome volunteers to help out. But if you’ve got your own transportation, then you can also book the farm and head out there anytime – just get in touch with the HUB at Hart House or send an e-mail for more info.

So if you are looking for a getaway, there’s one more event coming up before the end of the semester: Sugaring Off. Yes, that means maple syrup!! Stay tuned to the Facebook page for more details to come in the next month or so!

Can't wait for maple syrup mmm!

-Lesia

Outgoing Advice

Posted on by
1

It’s 2:47 AM, Sun Airway’s “Put The Days Away” is blasting into my eardrums and I’m attempting to write a deep and meaningful post for you all to read, start this semester off with a bang, you know?

Truth is, I don’t really know what to write about this first week back of the new semester (and my final semester here at the University of Toronto…as an undergraduate, anyway). It’s bittersweet in a lot of ways; graduating I mean. While first semester was very fruitful in terms of my academic pursuits, other things have began to fall to the wayside as I have become steeped in attempting to get the most out of my classes. As someone who is facing the prospect of graduation for the second time in two years, I have some advice to offer my fellow graduating students. While it is always good to remain studious and engaged in your courses — especially this late in the game — you are beginning the final four months of your undergraduate life and there are some other, perhaps equally important, things you’ll want to be mindful of:

Friends

While Robarts can be enticing with her long hours, many floors, and plethora of research materials, she will never be able to replace those people who you have grown closest with over your time as an undergraduate student. Time with Robarts will be necessary in the coming months, to be sure, but be equally sure to spend some quality time with your friends and close peers. These very well may be your final weeks to do so.

Your Post-June Life

Before you know it, if not already, you will be caught up in the busyness associated with any semester — let alone your final one. While it is ideal to stay on top of your readings and course assignments, be mindful of the fact that come July you’ll be a free bird; out in the wild and expected to fly on your own. The question for you is, however, will you have any place to fly to? I’m not asking you to decide your entire life at this very moment, but it is good to have some future plans post-graduation; be it a summer job, further study, or starting your career. By this time you should seriously begin to start thinking about what your life will be like with the social safety net of “being a student” no longer applicable come May 1st.

Enjoy It!

More than anything else, try to simply enjoy your final semester here at U of T. Despite the fact that your course work will be demanding, the weather will undoubtedly almost always either be cold, grey, dreary, or rainy, and you’ll eventually have to face that gnawing anxiety at the back of your consciousness that you are growing up and it really sucks; — these are ultimately your final few weeks at this wonderful, prestigious, and world-renown university, make them count!

- Matteo

Goals That I Probably Will/Might/Probably-Won’t-But-Like-To-Tell-Myself-I-Will Accomplish This Year

Posted on by
Reply

Hello bloggies!

I hope you enjoyed your holidays!

I feel like I haven’t posted since last year. (Ha, see what I did there?)  I’ve spent the past few days trying to actively pull myself out of Holiday Mode (somewhat unsuccessfully I may add).  I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions because I forget what I resolved to do come January the 2nd.  But in an attempt to remind myself that I can’t lie in bed forever, I wrote up a list of goals that I probably will/might/probably-won’t-but-like-to-tell-myself-I-will accomplish this year:

1) Express my appreciation to family and friends: We live in a fast-paced world and it seems that saying “thank you” has become underrated. And so, despite having a “Go! Go! Go!” mentality, I want to spend 2013 slowing down and smelling the roses.

2) Try new things: I’m not sure about the rest of you, but I don’t like change.  I prefer predictability.  I’m used to ordering the same thing at a restaurant, shopping at the same stores, and watching the same shows.  Needless to say, my world can get somewhat repetitive and uninteresting. In 2013, I am determined to try the strangest dish on the menu the next time I go out.  Or shop at the small vintage clothing store between the bank and the bakery.  Or watch the slightly questionable T.V. show that all my friends are crazy about. I’ll mention the new things I try in a follow-up post! Stay tuned!

3) Get my G2…finally: I realize that most 20-year olds have a driver’s license by now.  But I have an excuse, I promise!  When I was 16, the “I can finally drive now” realization didn’t hit me as hard as it hit some of my friends.  And when I entered university, the subway was more practical than a car, so it became very easy to put off my driving test. But it’s probably time to get on that.

4) Watch a football game: A friend of mine is football-obsessed. Truly. He actually schedules his classes according to game timings. (I know!)   He’s been begging me to watch a game since I’ve met him.  And because I’m athletically-challenged, I’ve been avoiding it as long as I possibly can.  But sitting through a game would be the perfect way to achieve Goals 1 and 2 (see above).  So I hereby decree that I will force myself to watch 22 sweaty men chasing an inanimate object football at least once this year ;-) .  If I’m honest, though, this is one of the goals that I probably-won’t-but-like-to-tell-myself-I-will accomplish in 2013.

5) Complete all readings for my courses in the week that they are assigned: Seems like the easiest way to avoid procrastination, right?

6) Fit in fitness: Have you ever noticed that laziness gives rise to more laziness?  I always seem to get more accomplished when I am swamped.  I recently found a mobile app called MyFitnessPal that calculates your caloric intake based on food choices and activity level (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/).  I’m planning on using it to track my diet and exercise.  It’s not about losing weight.  I’m just hoping that keeping a “Fitness Journal” of sorts will reduce the amount of junk food I eat!  Maybe adding regular exercise/fitness to my schedule will increase my productivity ten-fold!  Wouldn’t that be lovely?

Looking at my list, I’m proud to say that many of my goals seem doable and realistic.  I might actually achieve them!  If I do, I’ll let you know. And if I don’t, please remind me!

Good luck with your goals this semester! I hope 2013 is your best year yet!

Till next week,

Ishita

Minding Our Minds

Posted on by
Reply

My first year at UofT was rough. It was my first time away from home. I was truly independent and on my own. I remember thinking the freedom would be liberating.  But it wasn’t.  Not for me, anyways.  Adjusting to university life took me longer than I had expected. The large class sizes, the intimidating professors, the competitive environment.  I was mentally and emotionally exhausted when the year came to a close.  The pressure completely consumed me and I remember feeling broken.

I did a bit of soul-searching during the summer between my first and second year.  I remember asking myself some tough questions.  Was UofT for me?  Was any university for me?  Was I smart enough?  Would I make it?  I was scared, terrified actually, to reach out to someone.  Wouldn’t that make me weak?  Everyone else seemed to be coping just fine.  Why was I the only one who was struggling?

It took me a while, but I did finally ask for guidance.  I approached friends, family, and my college registrar to address the academic and personal issues that I was fighting against.  The sense of relief was overwhelming and it helped me get my life back on the right track. Looking back, I’ve realized that I would have been happier in first year had I admitted to myself and others that I was mentally drained.

Why do we find it difficult or embarrassing to address mental pressures? Society promotes physical health.  Yet, topics of mental health and emotional stability seem to have an aura of prejudice and intolerance around them.  I suppose we are all afraid of being “crazy.”  Interestingly enough, however, we are more likely to experience mental illness than physical illness during our lifetimes.

On Friday, I attended a conference at Victoria College titled “Minding Our Minds: Mental Health in University.”  The conference began with two panel discussions, titled “The Crisis of Mental Illness on Campus – Why Diagnoses are on the Rise” and “University Programmes and Best Practice in Preventative and Responsive Models.”  The talks addressed numerous mental illnesses, including depression, a disorder common amongst university and college students.

A closing address was delivered by Dr. David Goldbloom, a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and the Chair of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Dr. Goldman spoke on the stigma and discrimination surrounding the topic of mental health, suggesting that it is an unnecessary obstacle for patients suffering from mental diseases and disorders.

The talks made me think about the way we view and project mental struggles or illness.  I’ve come to realize that mental distress can be just as torturous as physical pain, if not more so.  And contrary to what some believe, “get over it” is not very helpful advice. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help.  Your friends, family, college registrar, and Counselling and Psychological Services (http://www.caps.utoronto.ca/main.htm) at UofT will be able to pull you out of a dreadful situation and give you new perspective. And we can all use that from time to time.

Asking for help won’t make you “crazy” or “weak.”  It’ll probably make you saner and stronger than you’ve ever been.

Till next time,

Ishita

10 Types of Friends You’ll Most Likely Make at U of T

Posted on by
Reply

During your time at U of T, I bet you this year’s tuition that you are going to meet some of the most randomest, most beautiful, most unique or even the most interesting personalities you will ever meet in your life.  Our campus is home to people from all different walks of life. They can be from a different country or even subscribe to a crazy cool sub-culture. The opportunity to pick the brains of these inimitable souls is one of the reasons I wake up in the morning. The way my Dad speaks about the people he met in university and the lessons he learned from them, tells me that who you meet now will be ever present in who you are tomorrow in our mannerisms, lifestyles or decisions.

I’ve realized that the friends I have in my life currently can be categorized into 10 archetypes that I’m sure all university students encounter in their life. These 10 archetypes also provide insight into how you can make friends in university and where to find your future BFFs.

Different Types of University Friends

1)      The ones you meet through pre/post class small talk

I made my first ever friends at U of T, Anna and Shannon, before an ENG110Y1 tutorial started. Nervously excited Anna and I bonded over hating clubs, having awkward frosh experiences and reading books. Our conversation, followed by buying books at Bob Miller Book Room and lunch at Queens Park, turned into a beautiful friendship still going strong in fourth year. She is by far one of the funniest and most sweetest people I have EVER met.

Anna

Shannon and I bonded over boy-talk, fashion and fangirling over this one cutie in our tutorial. She is now my right-hand woman in both the Underwear Club and Because I am A Girl-UT. She’s the ultimate ride-or-die friend. Thank you U of T for the introduction! Pre-lecture or tutorial small talk is my favourite way to make friends. Chances are being in the same class is adequate footing for a friendship. An obstacle to these friendships is time. After first year, these friends go into their own programs and somehow not having the same class in common and suddenly you have long-distance friendships. However, I got lucky with Anna and Shannon! We can go weeks without contact and still be as cool as ever when we hang out. They are like long-lost sisters of mine.

Shannon

 2)      The ones you meet through extracurriculars

I met Rida through FLC first and after realizing we shared a similar vision for the human condition, we quickly merged our paths through extracurricular activities. We now meet up occasionally to have long talks about all that is wrong with the world and what we can do about it right now. What I love about her is that she gets me. Not only do we share similar visions, but we share the same values! For the first time in my life, I have a friend who gets exactly why I don’t drink, party or date a lot! Its so nice to talk to someone who gets it after 20 years of being misunderstood.

3)      The ones you meet through a mentorship program

You should all know how much I adore Jessica by now!

 4)      The ones you meet in the most random way

These ones are the rarest friendships because they are dependent on the actualization of the will. If you see a person at the same place at the same time constantly, and decide to befriend them, that is how these friendships are formed. They arise from the conscious effort to dissolve the otherness in your world. Most of these friendships are short lived because their beauty is encapsulated in the now; serendipitous and to be enjoyed in the present tense.

5)      The ones you meet online

These friends are found on Facebook groups, on Twitter or even via mass emails through Portal. Some of them you will never meet, most of them you will make awkward eye contact with and a few of them may just become a vital part in accomplishing your dreams. I consider all of my Twitter followers to be in my closest circle of friends. They get me, and I get them. I care about them just like I care about my friends. Some I have met, others I would like to meet and most I would like to inspire and guide! These friendships are the easiest to maintain and usually the most prominent during exam season!

6)      The ones you know from high school

I’ve known Shbina since high school and although we haven’t kept  in touch as much in university, I know that homegurl will always be my well-wisher. Its really beautiful to have people from your past with you in the present. They know where you’ve been and can truly appreciate the breadth of your growth.

Shbina

7)      The ones you cling to because they are older

These friends are upper years, or for me, law school students or grad students. Through courses, extracurriculars and tutorials, Ive befriended quite a few older friends who’ve become my mentors. Doesn’t it feel cool to tell your friends “oh my friend in fourth year” or “my friend in law school…” They are great sources for support, and guidance.

8)      The ones you only party with

I know these kind of friends exist. I just don’t party, like at all, to know of them. Goal for fourth year? Who wants to be the JWoWW to my Snooki?

9)      The ones you commute with

The 4:50 on Thursdays. Compatible commuting schedules = a year of long talks on the train about life, boys and school. These encounters are a great way to end or start your commute.

 10)   The ones you meet through mutual friends

I met Shaquelle through a mutual friend in POL200 and we’ve been attached at the hip ever since. I hit the friendship jackpot with Shaquelle—almost like a match made in heaven. Same dreams, same values and same train of thoughts brought together by the power of a mutual friendship. I can’t imagine life at U of T without her now. Never-ending talks about the effects of colonialism on our perceptions of beauty at Sid Smith’s Cafe, pulling off events for The Underwear Club, preventing each other from sleeping in lectures, Shaquelle and I are like two peas in a pod.

Shaquelle

These types are most prominent in my life at the moment. Whatever brings you together, know that it takes initiative to form lasting friendships. It makes me sad to think of all the people that have disappeared in my life, because of my failure to keep in touch with them after our first encounter!

Happy friend hunting!

-Sarah

PS. Did I miss any types of friends that need to be on this list? Comment below or tweet me!

Meet Jessica, My Soul-Sister

Posted on by
Reply

That’s what friendship means to me. Camaraderie. Ride or die. Through thick and thin. I would not have survived the last two years without the friends I have made at UofT. I used to think that true friendship was impossible in a highly competitive university environment. If I had a nickel for every time somebody has used me to get to my notes, I wouldn’t have to work all summer for tuition. Or for every time somebody refused to respond to my smile in fear of me befriending them for selfish purposes. Why do we perceive university as a zero-sum game where our classmates can only be our competitors? I tried that mindset for a whole two weeks in first year but I quickly realized that I’m just not built for the Hunger Games. I’d rather spend my energies getting to know the diverse multitude of personalities inhabiting our campus.

They say U of T sucks souls - but want to meet living-proof of a beautiful soul at UofT who has changed my life through the power of friendship? Meet Jessica, my soul sister and one of my closest friends. She was my mentee and I was her Assistant Peer Mentor in 2nd year, and then in 3rd she became my Assistant Peer Mentor for FLC Philosophy. We bonded over our anxious hand tremors, our care for the human condition and our infatuation with mysticism. Also, over the fact that we are the ultimate photo-bombers. Through the good and the bad, she has always been there for me. I learn from her and she learns from me. We’ve grown so much together like sisters.

I believe that the essence of a human being can be found through storytelling showcasing their use of deeds and speech. Random text messages letting me know she’s always here for me. A super sentimental present with a card filled with thoughts I will keep forever. The most genuine and sincere compliments paired with extremely insightful wisdom. Always there to vent to.  She’s just beautiful.

And I wouldn’t have met her without U of T. I feel like university is this magical place where  over time you are drawn to souls which complement yours.  It’s the perfect environment for the union of kindred spirits. You come to be found. Somehow the more you learn about yourself, the more these souls reveal themselves to you.

How do you place yourself in a position to be found? Know thyself. Do some good ol’ soul-searching. Attend random clubs events, respond to calls that excite your spirit and dissolve the otherness in your world.

I hope that in your time at U of T, in finding yourself, you find a Jessica of your own somewhere along the way.

- Sarah

freaks and geeks – the first year of a life science student

Posted on by
43

Hey, I’m Abdullah! Starting today, I’ll be blogging for Life @ U of T. I’m a Cell and Molecular Bio student minoring in Psychology and American Studies. I’m also from UC.  I like long walks down University Ave. to Union Station. When I’m not studying like a boss in Gerstein, I’m listening to One Direction and Tupac,  talking about social justice and searching the campus for legendary Pokemon. Pleased to meet you, I am.

I’m guessing that if you’re reading this blog post, you are likely a life science student starting at U of T in September and not a grown man who likes My Little Pony.  The following is my epic tale of being a humble life science student.  Enjoy.

THIS IS: 

LifeSci Guide

 

When I walked on campus that fateful morning, it was with a swagger that rivals this guy’s. Life was good, I had got into UofT and was going to spend the next four years of my life studying microbiological organisms and discussing George Washington’s dreams via Freudian psychoanalysis with my intellectual peers.  Yeah, life was grand, and then I entered the lecture hall and I saw 1,000 faces staring out at me. Yikes. I knew nobody and everybody looked just as nervous as I did . Not wanting to break the trend and seem like a hipster, I stayed silent. The next class, I decided to take a risk and make small talk with the dude behind me (“Hi! What’s your major? Are you in [insert college here]?” – great conversation starters.)  It turned out to be worth the risk, as that dude became a pretty good friend of mine.  I used the small talk tactic in my other lectures and tutorials and it worked (le gasp!). I had friends! :D

So, go ahead, talk to strangers (in lecture halls)!

That is my rendition of the famous Abbey Rd. picture. 

University life feels pretty good, until you hit the first set of midterms. Your brain sees the low mark posted on Blackboard and your instinctive reaction is to laugh like a mad man. Luckily for me, I heard about Victoria College’s chemistry tutors and I went to see them frequently. My mark in Chemistry wasn’t dashing, but the tutors did help me grasp the content better. I am eternally grateful. Likewise, after being disappointed in my essay mark, I made an appointment with my TA to go over his comments. In my next essay, my mark improved significantly. You’re paying for an education – might as make use of all the resources freely accessible to you.

As the semester progresses and the labs and the essays and exams pile on, you will go slightly crazy. You may dislike U of T sometimes (those periods are short). To combat this, you have to balance your work with fun. I blew off steam on campus by having tea and cookies (free at the UC Union, Mon-Thurs from 2:30-3:30) like an aristocrat, by writing articles for The Varsity and watching the UTSU elections, by taking time  to pray at Bahen and by getting involved with a campus group. You don’t go crazy and you meet people. It’s a win-win situation.  Work hard and play hard.

That’s all for now, stay awesome U of T. may the force be with you.

- Abdullah

P.S: My heart beats with joy every time I see a comment. Any questions, concerns, statements? Feel free to leave a comment.