Zoë – Page 4 – Life @ U of T

The City as My Classroom – One Programs

Our last class outside the classroom was our "Psychogeographic Walk" in which the goal was to get lost (literally). We created a set of directions such as two lefts then right and stuck to it religiously. We had spent the whole year discovering the city and once you've circled UC two-to-three times, you notice things you often overlook!

Lunch with 30 Strangers – Alumni Events

I met people from across all three UofT campuses in varying disciplines who had come to UofT from Ethiopia, America, India and Cameroon, to name a few. Half of us stayed to help the host, Paul on kitchen-duty while the other half explored the trails and ponds of the 150 acre property. I learnt that Paul was a New College student like me! Everyone kept asking him which year he graduated but he never gave a straight answer.

Look Before You Leap – Advanced Courses

A perk was the Course Community (CC) component in which we met with an upper-year student bi-weekly. There was one rule: We were not to discuss any course materials. The purpose of CC was for us to meet industry speakers, current grad students and tour the laboratory facilities and be able to ask questions about the research being done in the department.

picnic tables under a tree with homework on them

Sun’s Out, Books Out – Finding Outdoor Study Space

Even though it's near impossible to find plug points outdoors, I personally enjoy disconnecting every once in awhile. All the places above are near libraries and indoor designated work-spaces that I can retreat to if it gets too hot, starts to rain or if there are too many bugs. Despite this, a huge plus about studying outside is that I can snack at anytime without feeling guilty every bite that I sneak in the libraries - shh!

Bahen Centre main hallway decked in balloons and filled with students

Branching out with STEM – Volunteering in Your Field

I'm not sure if I should be concerned about how easily motivated I am by food and free t-shirts.. But I think it's a good starting point to getting more involved with the community of my chosen field of study.

Author: Zoë (page 4)