One of my bad habits is neglecting my mental health while trying to ace assignments and stay involved on campus. Judging by the legions of overwhelmed students I've met this yet, I'm not the only one. That said, the University of Toronto has many resources for students to help guide us through our undergraduate and graduate journeys.
Here are some of the lesser-known resources that the University of Toronto offers:
1. Workshops For Mental Health, Social Connection and More
The University of Toronto offers many mental health resources including: psychiatric care, group therapy, wellness workshops and counselling. I'm not afraid to admit that these resources have been an amazing lifeline for me throughout the years. Since I do sometimes struggle with low mood, I'll be checking out wellness workshops like the Building Positive Mental Health, Community Support Group and the Connections Coaching Workshops Series.
2. Recognized Study Groups
This past year, I decided to double major in Spanish Language and Literature along with English Literature. After sitting through my first advanced-level Spanish class, I knew I'd need support from my peers to be able to survive the semester. I jumped at the chance to form an RSG with a couple of the ladies I met early on in the semester and it has been life-changing. Not only have I made some great friendships, but I feel like I have more support to help me navigate through the difficult and heavy course loads. As a foreign language learner, it can be easy to miss something the professor says. Thankfully, most of the time, we help fill each other in on any material that one of us has misunderstood or misheard.
3. Peer Tutoring Groups
Peer Tutoring Groups is an academic club run by undergraduate students where students can get free one-on-one tutoring with qualified student volunteer tutors. As a third year student, I'd love to lend my expertise to younger students, so, next semester I plan to get involved as a volunteer tutor. This will not only help build more community on campus (despite COVID), but it'll also look amazing on a resume!
4. Writing Centres at Each College
As an English and Spanish major, knowing how to write an essay is a must! However, these days, I often find myself getting stuck and feeling helpless about my options. Thankfully, the University of Toronto has writing centers at the colleges on the St. George campus, as well as on the Mississauga and Scarborough campuses. I've found that these centres can help give you guidance while writing your essay and make suggestions that will help organize your thoughts and ideas on the subject matter.
5. Clubs, Clubs, Clubs!
This year, I've joined a sorority and some clubs. At first, I didn't quite see the results of getting so involved on campus. However, I've come to understand the ways that having friends in your campus community can become an invaluable mental health resource. Not only do you have people to study with, but my peers often encourage me after a bad grade or give me the motivation to study harder for upcoming assignments and exams.
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