Gradlife

Jump to Comments

 On August 29^th, Gradlife will be hosting an orientation day for all incoming graduate students to U of T. Entering the graduate life can be a sometimes disorienting experience, and made especially more so if you’re new to Toronto, or new to U of T. At Gradlife, we think that while a few sound words of advice from people who work on campus is definitely an asset, the best way to know how to navigate your graduate experience is to hear directly from those who’ve been there themselves, or who are still there. With this in mind, we’ve invited a panel of graduate students to orientation to answer your questions, give you some insight into what being a graduate at U of T is all about, and basically to assuage your worries about “not being able to cut it”.

In the meantime, we thought it’d be great if you got to know your panelists a little bit more! So, without further ado, here is an insight into some of the people who’ll be guiding your grad experience.

Panelist: Alifa F. Karim

Atifa has been a Master of Education student for one year, and is pursuing Higher Education and Educational Policy at OISE. In addition to this, Atifa also volunteers with the Student Affairs Society at OISE.

What does a regular day look like for you?

This very much fluctuates based on what time of year it is, but on average I work in the morning and then have classes in the evening. I usually have pretty long days (9am – 8pm), but then have about two days (during the work week) where I’m off campus and can dedicate that time to personal interests and getting readings, papers, etc. done.

Are you local to Toronto, or did you move here for school?

I’ve lived in Toronto since I was about 15. I lived in a few different places before moving here: Guyana (which is where I was born), Miami, and Jamaica.

Do you have a favourite study spot at U of T?

Nexus Lounge at OISE (12^th floor, with a great view of the Toronto skyline!)

 What is the biggest stress you have in relation to being a graduate student?

Maintaining a healthy work/life balance. It’s easy for me to become completely immersed in my programs of study, at the expense of other personal interests. Refining how to balance these commitments can sometimes be challenging, but it’s also valuable to work through.

What is your least favourite part about being a graduate student at U of T?

It’s sometimes difficult to find community. The challenge is to actively seek it out and find something that is the right fit for you.

Do you have a favourite “have-to-see/go-to” spot off-campus, in Toronto?

The ROM. There’s so much to see, explore, and still relatively close to campus.

 Do you have any advice for incoming graduate students?

Be intentional. Follow your passions, but be mindful of your ability to tell your story. Understand your experience, and work on articulating the skills you have. This is valuable exercise to engage in before and during graduate studies, as it helps you to refine what areas of development you’re still seeking to explore.

Stay tuned next week for more info on, and advice from, your orientation to gradlife panelists! As you’ll see, graduate students at U of T come from places all over the world, have a wealth of experience and talent to offer U of T and their peers, and are people who acknowledge that being a grad student is sometimes tough, but know the secrets to making a day successful, and the entire journey totally worthwhile.