Life as a U of T student is an exciting journey filled with endless opportunities to explore diverse study, work, and rest spaces across the campus. In the third and last of a three-part series, Maribeth chats with iHub member, Amellia Di Meo, about her favourite UTSG campus locations as an alumni, and her recommendations for commuter students.
Written by Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera, Blog Writer and Content Writer, Master of Education in Social Justice Education
From serene libraries to vibrant student hubs, U of T offers a variety of spots that cater to different needs and preferences, making it easy for students to find their niche and build a sense of community. The U of T campuses are massive spaces, where you can feel quite alone. So where do people find community and places to focus on work?
To answer this, I interviewed Amelia Di Meo, a U of T alumni who holds a Master of Heath Science Degree in Translational Research and Honours Bachelor of Science with a double major in Neuroscience and Physiology. Amelia is currently working as the Research Coordinator at the Innovation Hub.
Amelia’s Reflections: Life After Graduating from U of T
Maribeth: Thanks for agreeing to do this interview for the blog article. Can you tell me about the Innovation Hub’s Commuter Spaces Project? What was your role, and what were some key takeaways from that experience?
Amelia: Thank you for having me. I was the Team Lead for the Commuter Student Spaces Project during 2023-2024, which ran for one year. We collaborated with another campus office called Spaces and Experiences, which oversees non-academic spaces on campus like dining halls, residences, and buildings like Knox College, Grad House, and Spadina Sussex House.
Key takeaways for the project included:
- There is a significant lack of intentional commuter student spaces at U of T.
- Other institutions have organized and formalized commuter student spaces, which U of T lacks despite having a large commuter population.
- Many existing spaces for commuters felt like afterthoughts, with students creating informal areas to rest and study.
Maribeth: You’ve been at U of T for quite a while, first as a student and now working full-time. Do you have any favourite study spots or workspaces that were conducive to your learning and productivity?
Amelia: During my undergrad, I often studied at the Gerstein Library. It’s a peaceful and quiet space, especially on the lower levels. I also enjoyed the café there— it was a great place for breaks and socializing with friends. Another spot I liked was the Faculty of Music’s Edward Johnson Building, particularly the music library and the Philosopher’s Walk behind it. These spaces were great for both studying and mindfulness.
Maribeth: Have these spaces contributed to your sense of community at U of T?
Amelia: Absolutely. Places like Gerstein Library fostered a sense of community through shared experiences and mutual support among students. Even if you didn’t know someone well, there was an understanding and trust that allowed for connections, like asking someone to watch your belongings. The Faculty of Music and its surrounding areas also provided a sense of belonging and mindfulness.
Maribeth: Are there any other places on campus where you’ve built community connections or participated in activities?
Amelia: The iHub has been a great place for building community. It’s interdisciplinary, bringing together students from different programs and backgrounds who share common values of improving student life and social justice. This diversity yet commonality creates a strong sense of community.
Maribeth: How do you balance focused work, social interaction, and mindfulness? Are there specific places you go to for these different needs?
Amelia: I’m a creature of habit, so my spots haven’t changed much. I still spend a lot of time at the Faculty of Music and occasionally at Knox College, which has beautiful arches and green spaces. Knox College, like University College, offers a serene environment. Hart House is another favourite for its vibrant atmosphere, art exhibitions, and live music. It’s a place where you can be productive, social, and mindful.
Maribeth: Do you have any advice for new students at U of T on finding community and comfortable spaces?
Amelia: I would definitely recommend Hart House. It’s a hub of activities with something for everyone, creating a welcoming and energetic environment. The iHub is also great for those interested in student life improvement and social justice. Both places offer opportunities to connect with others who share your interests and values.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a new or current student, staff, or alumni, we encourage you to dive into the rich campus life at U of T. Get involved with on-campus activities, discover hidden gems, and connect with fellow students to make the most of your university experience. Your perfect study, work, or rest spot is just waiting to be found!
Read Part 1 and Part 2 here.
Resources
Innovation Hub’s Commuter Student Spaces Project
U of T’s Hart House
Hart House offers a wide range of services to both students and community members through a social enterprise model that generates revenue to support its student-focused programming on all three of the University of Toronto’s campuses.
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